12 January 2023
Five proud winners in Australia met the high standards across diverse criteria - joining accredited parks and green spaces in 16 other countries around the world for this latest announcement.
The 2022-23 winners are:
Kings Beach Park and Community Precinct - Sunshine Coast Regional Council (cover photo)
Roma Street Parkland - City Parklands Services, Brisbane
South Bank Parklands - City Parklands Services, Brisbane
Lochiel Park - City of Campbelltown (SA)
Chinchilla Botanic Parkland - Western Downs Regional Council
NEWCOMERS IMPRESS WITH FIRST-TIME SUCCESS
First time winners Sunshine Coast Regional Council developed a new management guide for Kings Beach Park as part of their journey towards Green Flag Award accreditation – resulting in a pass on their very first attempt.
Sunshine Coast Council Divisional Councillor Terry Landsberg said:
“This international accreditation recognised Kings Beach Park and Community Precinct as a premier beachside destination for community recreation, tourism, and events. Receiving this esteemed award highlights the amazing work undertaken by our dedicated team across Council”
Image 1: Kings Beach Park and Community Precinct during Caloundra Music Festival
Sunshine Coast Manager for Parks and Gardens Nicholas Coluccio said:
“Maintaining open spaces our community loved to enjoy was one of Council's main priorities. Many of our staff work tirelessly in maintaining this particular park and I’m really proud that their work has been recognised”
BEAUTIFUL BRISBANE ON A ROLL
Brisbane enhanced it’s hard earned reputation as one of Australia’s most liveable cities with a 9th consecutive double win for the beautiful Roma Street Parkland and South Bank Parklands.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said:
“Brisbane is renowned for its enviable outdoor lifestyle and the award-winning Roma Street Parkland and South Bank Parklands were part of the reason why.”
“Both parks have participated in the Green Flag Award assessment process since 2014, receiving the award each subsequent year. It's no secret Brisbane is a city of fantastic parks, and it's great to see them recognised on the world stage.”
“I am extremely proud that they have once again received this internationally-recognised accreditation”
Image 2: City Parklands Team at River Quay, South Bank Parklands, Brisbane
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PARKS RECOGNITION
The Green Flag Award® is a non-profit international accreditation programme that recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces. Originating in England in 1996, today the Green Flag Award proudly flies above more than 2,400 places in 17 countries around the world.
The programme is managed internationally by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, alongside a network of National Operators in several countries. See the website Network page for more information.
Parks re-apply and are assessed on an annual basis by a network of national judges under a diverse range of criteria. It is not an award only for excellence (although many of the winners are!), it recognises good and well managed parks that are working towards making their parks the best they can be for the community.
Any park or green space that is free for the public to access can apply. The programme has been running in Australia since 2013 and is managed by UK Environmental Charity Keep Britain Tidy working in partnership with judges in Australia.
Most recently, in November 2022 - Mexico announced seven winners at the World Urban Parks Congress in Monterrey - including an impressive five first-time applicants.
And in California, The Presidio of San Francisco maintained its title as the first and only park in the United States to win the Award.
A map of all the winners around the world can be found here: https://www.greenflagaward.org/award-winners/
Carl McClean, International Development Manager for the Green Flag Award said:
“Well done to everyone involved in achieving the Green Flag Award standard in Australia this season. Parks and green spaces take a lot of hard work through professional skills, community partnerships and passionate dedication to be managed and maintained to a good standard.”
“I’d like to share my respect to the teams on the ground, wider Council services, the management and the local community that support these places. Your work directly improves people’s daily lives in Australia, and I’m proud that the Green Flag Award can help recognise this.”
Further information
To find out more in general, or apply for an Award, whichever country you are based in; explore the Green Flag Award website: https://www.greenflagaward.org or alternatively click here for a contact form.
