Celebrating Excellence in Risk Management: Meet the Finalists

Local councils are the quiet problem solvers of our communities, tackling risks that most of us never even consider. The CivicRisk Mutual Excellence in Risk Management Award highlights councils that step up, think ahead and transform challenges into smarter, safer solutions.

This year’s finalists have tackled big challenges head-on, turning obstacles into opportunities through strategic planning and practical solutions. Let’s take a closer look at their standout initiatives — in no particular order — and the impacts they’ve made.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council: Rawdon Island Bridge Emergency Response

In 2021, devastating floods pushed the Rawdon Island Bridge to the brink. Underwater inspections revealed alarming damage — some pile foundations had eroded by up to 90%. The bridge was one bad storm away from disaster.

The challenge wasn’t just physical but also logistical. A broken bridge meant families cut off from services, businesses disrupted and emergency response times extended. Port Macquarie Hastings Council didn’t waste time. They closed the bridge, launched an emergency response and put a real-time monitoring system in place. Integrated with river flood data, this system allowed for early intervention and a phased reopening, first for pedestrians and later for light vehicles.

Despite COVID-19 restrictions, the council informed the community with virtual consultations and frequent updates. Their swift, data-driven approach restored access for over 200 residents, proving that even in a crisis, thoughtful planning makes all the difference.

Bayside Council: Barton Park’s Reinvention

What do you do with an old landfill site? If you’re Bayside Council, you turn it into a thriving community space. The Barton Park Recreational Precinct Upgrade transformed 19 hectares of underutilised land into a public space designed for the future.

Managing environmental risks was key. The council applied Safety by Design principles, tackled contaminated soil responsibly and capped the site with eco-friendly materials. The new precinct now features solar-powered lighting, accessible pathways and spaces designed with community input.

What was once a forgotten, unusable area is now a space for families, athletes and nature lovers to enjoy. The new Barton Park encourages active lifestyles while setting a benchmark for sustainable land rehabilitation. Bayside Council turned a potential liability into a long-term community asset.

Blacktown City Council: The Risk of Not Planting Trees

Urban heat islands. Flooding. Unshaded public spaces. The risks of not planting trees are real, and Blacktown City Council decided to tackle them head-on.

They mapped out the most effective locations for tree planting using AI-powered data analysis and predictive modelling. While the outcomes enhance neighbourhood aesthetics and provide communities with much-needed shade, the project was also about reducing heat, preventing erosion and making public spaces safer and more enjoyable.

Their approach is already influencing other councils looking to balance urban development with environmental sustainability. Blacktown City Council has shown that the key to long-term urban sustainability is designing healthier, safer spaces that benefit future generations.

Mid-Western Regional Council: A Smarter Approach to Risk Management

The most critical concept in risk management is not how you respond in hindsight. It’s anticipating problems before they happen. Mid-Western Regional Council’s Risk Management Framework 2.1 systematically removed guesswork from the equation.

Their updated framework introduced structured assessments covering financial, regulatory and public safety risks. A transparent monitoring system ensures the council can review risks regularly, reducing exposure and strengthening resilience.

And success reaches far beyond the Mid-Western Regional Council walls. By creating a replicable framework, the council protects its community and sets a precedent for more competent governance nationwide. The model is now being shared with other councils, raising industry standards and showing how risk management can be proactive rather than reactive.

The Future of Risk Management

These finalists prove that risk management focuses on creating more substantial, adaptable communities. Their work highlights the power of planning, collaboration and forward-thinking leadership.

As we celebrate their achievements, we recognise local councils’ critical role in making our communities safer and more resilient. Their work reminds us that true leadership anticipates risks and turns them into opportunities. Congratulations to all the finalists for their innovative approaches and lasting contributions to risk management.