Reef Alliance statement:
Outstanding land managers and extension officers have the opportunity to be recognised through the 2017 Reef Alliance Reef Awards.
The Reef Alliance is seeking nominations from farmers and extension officers working to reduce their off-farm impact on the iconic Great Barrier Reef, with entries open until 2 October 2017.
Chair of the Reef Alliance Joanne Grainger said that farmers play an essential role as land managers and it is important to acknowledge and celebrate those who are excelling in their role as environmental stewards.
“The awards provide industry and the broader community the opportunity to celebrate farmers, for the first time, extension officers who work to change practices for the better,” said Ms Grainger.
“The Australian Government’s Reef Programs have been very successful in supporting and delivering mutually beneficial outcomes for farmers and the environment. The government should be commended for investing in the collaborative and productive partnerships forged between industry and Natural Resource Management (NRM) groups.
Nominations are being sought for the following awards:
- Reef Nutrient Management Award
- Reef Sediment Management Award
- Reef Pesticide Management Award
- Reef Conservation Award
- Reef Extension Officer’s Award
- Prince of Wales Environmental Leadership – Reef Sustainability Award
“The Reef Alliance is excited to be partnering with The Prince’s Trust Australia to offer the Prince of Wales Environmental Leadership – Reef Sustainability Award.
“This award will recognise an individual or group’s exemplary efforts to raise awareness, foster knowledge-sharing, and engage local communities in sustainable natural resource management to protect and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.”
“Farmers continue to change their farming practices, improve on-farm infrastructure and implement best management environmental practices. These positive actions are making huge improvements to the quality of the water leaving the farm, significantly contributing to the health of the Reef.”
The awards are sponsored by the ‘Reef Trust: Reef Alliance – Growing a Great Barrier Reef’ project, which is funded by the Australian Government Reef Trust.
Details and nominations at www.qff.org.au/projects/reef-alliance/awards/