In previous years the city has been recognised in the Tidy Towns awards and has received Clean Beaches

awards.

This year it has gone even further and has been announced as a national finalist in the Sustainable

Cities awards - the winner of which will be announced

next year.

Chairman of Keep Australia Beautiful Tasmania Ken Stewart came to present several awards to the Devonport City Council and other community and school groups and individuals within the community for their

contribution.

He said Devonport was probably one of the most beautiful cities he had been to.

''We try to recognise and celebrate community efforts

and especially that of volunteers,’’ he said.

While community was at the forefront of making

Devonport beautiful, he said Devonport City Council

sustainability officer Phil Murray epitomised the type

of person you need working for you.

Mr Murray was awarded a community action and partnerships award for his service to Devonport and

Keep Australia Beautiful Tasmania.

He even recommended people should nominate him for a citizen of the year award for his work.

Mr Murray works closely with schools and community

groups to regenerate the environment and to educate

people about how to care for the land.

Mayor Steve Martin said he was pleased Devonport

had featured so strongly in the awards.

''Hopefully we will have a shot at winning the National

Sustainable Cities award,’’ he said.