A canegrower reducing nitrogen use, a farm implementing regenerative grazing principles, a student education program, and a marine biologist campaigning to reduce ocean waste are among the finalists in the 2018 Reef Champion Awards.
The Awards, run by the Reef Alliance with support from the Australian and Queensland governments, recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and organisations working to improve the quality of water entering the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) CEO Travis Tobin said the finalists reflected the calibre of the work being done by farmers and others working with the agricultural sector to safeguard the future of the Reef.
“The Reef Champion Awards are the benchmark for agricultural innovation in the Reef catchments and this year’s record number of nominations shows farmers’ commitment to the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Tobin said.
“The Awards provide industry and the broader community with the opportunity to celebrate farmers, extension officers and community members who are working to improve land management practices and Reef water quality by reducing run-off and erosion.”
The finalists in the 2018 Reef Champion Awards are:
Prince of Wales Environmental Leadership – Reef Sustainability Award
- Gerrard Deguara
- Frank Mugica
- Barry and Leanne O’Sullivan
Reef Nutrient Champion Award
- David DeFranciscis
- Ray Zamora
Reef Sediment Champion Award
- James and Niki Collins
- Bob Harris
- Matthew Hinz
Reef Pesticide Champion Award
- Phillip Deguara
- Nathan Stevens
Reef Conservation Champion Award
- Frank Mugica
- Mt Pleasant Station management
Reef Extension Officer Champion Award
- Allan Blair
- John Day
Reef Community Champion Award
- Mulgrave Landcare and Catchment Group
- Reef Together
- Yeppoon Inlet Association Inc.
Reef Youth Champion Award
- Sid Crawshaw
- Nicole Nash
- Gavin Rodman
The 2018 Reef Champion Award winners will be announced at an Awards Dinner in Yeppoon on National Agriculture Day, Wednesday 21 November 2018.
To learn more about the finalists and read their stories, visit: www.qff.org.au/projects/reef-alliance/2018-reef-champion-awards/.
The Reef Champion Awards are supported by the ‘Reef Trust: Reef Alliance – Growing a Great Barrier Reef’ project, which is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust, and the Queensland Government’s Reef Water Quality Program.