Nominations are now open for the 2022 Reef Champions Awards, celebrating the outstanding individuals and organisations working to improve the quality of water entering the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
The Awards are run by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) with support from the Australian and Queensland governments. They celebrate the growing culture of best practice and innovation in how the community, business and industry help protect the reef.
QFF CEO, Ms Jo Sheppard, said farmers, with the support of extension officers and their communities, play an essential role as responsible land managers and it is important to acknowledge and celebrate those who are excelling as environmental stewards.
“The Awards provide agriculture and the broader community with the opportunity to celebrate the local heroes who are working to improve land management practices and Reef water quality by reducing farm run-off and erosion.”
“These important actions are continuing to improve the quality of the water leaving the farm and they highlight the long-standing commitment farmers and their communities have made to improving the health of the Reef.”
“Critical to the success of these voluntary programs is the strong partnership with the Australian and Queensland governments. It is only through working together that we can achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for farmers and the environment.”
This year, two new awards have been introduced that will recognise and celebrate the work of Traditional Owner Reef Champions, reinforcing the collective community efforts that are being made to protect this unique, world heritage listed national treasure.
The Awards are also open to young people, schools, councils and community groups who are helping preserve the wonder of the reef.
“Further adding to the prestige of the event, QFF has partnered with the Prince’s Trust Australia to offer the coveted Prince of Wales Environmental Leadership – Reef Sustainability Award. This recognises the exemplary efforts of an individual farmer or group of farmers, to raise awareness, foster knowledge-sharing, and engage local communities in sustainable natural resource management, particularly for reducing water pollution to protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef,” said Ms Sheppard.
The full list of Awards is:
- Prince of Wales Environmental Leadership – Reef Sustainability Award
- Reef Nutrient Champion Award
- Reef Sediment Champion Award
- Reef Pesticide Champion Award
- Reef Conservation Champion Award
- Reef Extension Officer Champion Award
- Reef Community Champion Award
- Reef Youth Champion Award
- Reef Traditional Owner Youth Champion Award
- Reef Traditional Owner Group Champion Award
Nominations close 12pm Tuesday 12 July 2022. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.qff.org.au/projects/reef-champion-awards/
ENDS