Sustainable Councils 2011 was attended by over 100 sustainability leaders, including delegates, trade visitors and exhibitors.

The event received fantastic feedback from delegates, including congratulations for the diversity and quality of the program, and for the calibre of the speakers involved.

A highlight of Sustainable Councils 2011 was the inspiring keynote speaker program. Martin Brennan, Chief Executive Officer and Regional Director, ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability, told delegates in his presentation that: “Increasingly, the local government is seen as the bedrock for answering burning issues [relating to a sustainable future].”

Senator Christine Milne, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens Party, called for unity, highlighting that all council representatives in the sustainability field want the same things, and that, in order to have a federal impact, local government sustainability officers need to have a strong and unified message.

Sustainable Councils 2011 also featured fantastic presentations from a series of local government sustainability officers.

Jeff Green, Executive Manager, Strategy and Sustainability, Coffs Harbour City Council, and Debbie Archer, Sustainability Coordinator, Dubbo City Council, both spoke about climate change initiatives taking place in their councils.

Sally Hamilton, Sustainability Director, Willoughby City Council, provided insight into her Council’s ClimateClever Apartments program.

Another highlight of Sustainable Councils 2011 was the speed networking sessions.

The first networking session took place between exhibitors and delegates in the Exhibition Hall. During this session, exhibitors were able to answer delegates questions about the sustainable products and services they supply.

The second networking session took place between delegates and allowed for discussion of current sustainability initiatives, barriers to implementing sustainability programs, and successful partnerships that have been formulated to achieve sustainability goals..

The countdown to Sustainable Councils 2012 is already on, with next year already shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.