The Lithgow Tidy Towns Strategic Plan 'Greening Lithgow' involves a number of initiatives planned for development and implementation over the next 10 years.

These include revamping of visitor amenities, additional leash free dog enclosures, adventure playground, a skate park, an arboretum, additional tree planting, regeneration of riparian corridors at local creeks and a shared cycle path.

Volunteers have contributed an estimated 6770 hours over the past 13 months.

First place in the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Wildlife Corridors and Habitats Conservation Award was given to the Mt Kanimbla Corridors, Little Hartley project.

The project is an initiative of the Mt Kanimbla Land Care Group who has regenerated the sparse vegetation on their adjoining properties, planted around 55,000 trees and transformed the area into a wildlife corridor for native animals and 150 different species of bird life.

Rydal, a village of just 80 people, received Highly Commended in the Country Energy Bush Spirit Award for ‘Daffodils at Rydal’, a whole community event initiated by the Rydal Village Association as a way of linking the festival with the history of the area and drawing visitors the town.

“The awards weekend in Tamworth was a great success,” Peter McLean, Chief Executive Officer of Keep Australia Beautiful NSW said.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to recognise those who achieved positive results for their local environment and community.”

“Lockhart was the big winner of the weekend, being awarded the prestigious 2010 Overall State Tidy Towns Sustainable Communities Award.

“The Tidy Towns Assessor, Peter Davis was particularly impressed with the cohesive partnerships formed by the Council, committees and other local community groups ensuring community consultation leading to successful outcomes overall.

Lockhart will go up against the Overall State Winners in each State and Territory across Australia for the national judging of the Australian Tidy Town Award, to be announced in April next year.”