Blacktown City Council has been named a finalist in the 2026 Fleet News Group Fleet Sustainability Award after impressing the judges with a mature sustainability strategy that extends well beyond passenger vehicle electrification.
The Fleet Sustainability Award recognises organisations taking a strategic and measurable approach to reducing fleet emissions while continuing to meet operational and community service requirements.
During the finalist interviews, judges highlighted the breadth of Blacktown City Council’s approach to sustainability.
Rather than focusing exclusively on passenger EVs, City Fleet is applying its strategy across heavy vehicles, waste operations, parks and gardens equipment, vehicle utilisation, telematics, driver behaviour and fleet right-sizing.
Judges considered this one of the most mature and comprehensive approaches among the organisations interviewed.
Blacktown City Council has developed a long-term roadmap towards zero tailpipe emissions, with a target of 2034, and has reported fleet emissions reductions of more than 20 per cent.
Telematics and fleet data are being used to support utilisation reviews, reduce unnecessary idling and improve driver behaviour. The team has also used employee engagement and performance information to encourage staff to reduce idle time, with judges noting the strong staff response to the initiative.
Another feature that attracted the judges’ attention was Blacktown’s focus on the harder-to-decarbonise parts of the fleet.
The Council is progressing the procurement of electric side-loading waste collection vehicles and is working to address the technology and operational challenges involved in electrifying heavy vehicle applications.
Judges particularly recognised Blacktown’s willingness to share what it learns with other councils and industry stakeholders, demonstrating leadership beyond its own fleet.
Fleet News Group Managing Editor Marc Sibbald said the strength of entries had made reaching the industry voting stage particularly rewarding in the inaugural year of the Awards.
“We’re very excited to have reached the industry voting stage in the first year of the Fleet News Group Awards,” Sibbald said.
“I was genuinely humbled by the number of nominations we received from organisations and fleet professionals who wanted to be involved and have their achievements recognised by their peers.
“The quality of the shortlist was exceptional. When the judges conducted the interviews, they heard some fantastic stories about the work being done by fleet teams across Australia, and importantly, the strongest nominations were able to support those stories with evidence.
“I want to thank the judges for the time and commitment they have given to selecting finalists that genuinely deserve to have their achievements shared with the fleet industry.
“I also want to acknowledge our sponsors. Their willingness to support the Awards and recognise excellence in fleet management has been essential to establishing the program in its inaugural year.”
Industry voting is now open and will determine which finalist receives the 2026 Fleet Sustainability Award.
The vote gives people working across fleet, automotive and transport the opportunity to recognise the organisation they believe is demonstrating the strongest leadership in sustainable fleet management.
The winner will be announced at the Fleet News Group Awards on 14 October 2026 in Sydney.
Vote for Blacktown City Council in the 2026 Fleet Sustainability Award and recognise a fleet team tackling sustainability across passenger vehicles, heavy vehicles, equipment and day-to-day fleet operations.
