24 June 2010
DAFF10/460B
The outstanding commitment and hard work of Landcarers and Landcare groups from around Australia was celebrated tonight at the 2010 National Landcare Awards in Canberra.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced the winners of four awards sponsored by the Gillard Government and commended the Landcare community for 20 years of achievements.
“It is with pleasure that I congratulate the winners of the 2010 National Landcare Awards and thank the individuals and groups involved for their selfless dedication to caring for the land,” Mr Burke said.
“Landcare volunteers including farmers work hard all year around to improve the environment and it is important to take the time to recognise their efforts achievements.
“The Government believes in Landcare and the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who are making such a difference changing the landscape of Australia.
“I want Landcare to continue to make the robust impact that it does on the land and continue to be the answer to a range of challenges such as drought, environmental degradation, sustainable food production and climate change.”
The Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award went to Kate McLaren from Attunga in New South Wales for her outstanding contribution to Landcare in the Tamworth region.
“Kate McLaren won this award for her extraordinary work as a conservationist, contributing to flora and fauna protection while engaging and educating the community,” Mr Burke said.
Mr Burke said Desert Channels Queensland was presented with the Australian Government Landcare Natural Resource Management (NRM) Region Award for excellence and innovation in creating strong partnerships with their community.
“Desert Channels works in extreme conditions in a remote area with a scattered population and delivers excellent projects, working strongly with community groups in the areas.
“I commend Desert Channels Queensland for their common sense of purpose, community and trust, and their willingness to work across neighbouring regions to share their skills and knowledge with others.”
The new Australian Government award for Local Landcare Facilitator/Coordinator was presented to John Nicholas of Dalrymple in Queensland for his work supporting and improving landholder awareness and adoption of improved land management practices.
“John has been the driving force behind Landcare in the district working closely with landholders in the Upper Burdekin Rangelands to improve sustainable farming practices and Landcare.”
BST Oyster Supplies in South Australia were presented with the new Australian Government award for Innovation in Sustainable Farm Practices for its innovative practices to improve natural resource management and productivity outcomes as an enterprise involved in primary production.
“BST Oyster Supplies is now recognised world-wide as an example of best practice oyster farming and has added positive growth to the South Australian town of Cowell and to the aquaculture industry,” Mr Burke said.
The Australian Government Coastcare Award was presented on behalf of the Minister for Environment Protection, Heritage and the Arts Peter Garrett by Department of Environment, Heritage and the Arts representative Gerard Early to the Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Group & the Point Danger Committee of Management.
“The National Landcare Awards are about celebrating and acknowledging the time, effort and passion shown by Landcarers in tackling serious environmental challenges we face in Australia,” Mr Burke said.
For more information on the 2010 National Landcare Awards including a complete list of winners visit www.landcareonline.com.au.