Environment Award Win

Published on 04 December 2025

Council is proud to announce it has won the Local Government NSW Environment Award in Division B (population 30,000–100,000) for its Wildlife Protection Area (WPA) Policy.

This award marks the second major recognition for the WPA initiative in 2025, following its success at the Keeping Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards earlier this year.

The WPA policy is a first for Lane Cove, declaring all 90 hectares of bushland as Wildlife Protection Areas to safeguard native fauna from domestic and feral cats. All bushland reserves in Lane Cove have been designated as Wildlife Protection Areas under the NSW Companion Animals Act, 1988.

Under this declaration:

• Cats are prohibited from entering into a Wildlife Protection Area at all times.
• Dogs are still permitted to enter, but must be on a leash and remain on established tracks at all times.

The initiative combines strategic planning, community education, and collaboration with local stakeholders to create a safer environment for native wildlife.

• Find out more about our Wildlife Protection Areas
• Find out more about the winners of the LGNSW Environment Awards 2025.