It is the first local government organisation in Western Australia and the second in Australia to reach the fifth level in the international freshwater management program.

Mandurah Mayor Paddi Creevey accepted the City’s Water Campaign award on behalf of the City

“By participating in the Water Campaign, the City of Mandurah is responding decisively to the vital issue of climate change and its increasing importance to water management,” Mayor Creevey said.

"Local governments continue to lead in environmental issues and the City’s actions are helping to reduce the impact on our water resources through the Water Campaign, which has resulted in many environmental, financial and social benefits.”

Mayor Creevey received the award at the Delivering on Sustainability recognition breakfast during WA Local Government Convention and Trade exhibition.

There are 38 councils in WA in the water program with Mandurah joining in 2002.

ICLEI Oceania chief executive Wayne Wescott said water conservation was one of the most pressing concerns facing local governments today.

“Communities are aware of the urgent need to act on climate change and local government has a significant role to play in the sustainable management of our precious and limited water resources,” Mr Wescott said.

“The Water Campaign demonstrates how local government can make a difference – their combined efforts are delivering real benefits in sustainable water management across Australia.

“Councils have discovered that addressing sustainable water management makes good economic, environmental and political sense.”