A cane grower reducing nitrogen use, a grazier undertaking erosion repair work, a cross-industry practice change project, and trailblazing reef extension officers are among the finalists in the 2019 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 high calibre of the work being done by farmers and the agriculture community to safeguard the future of the Reef.
“The Reef Champion Awards recognise these important and innovative actions and the improvements the farming community is making to the quality of the water leaving the farm and contributing to the health of the 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 2019 Reef Champion Awards are:
Prince of Wales Environmental Leadership – Reef Sustainability Award
Joseph Marano
Lenny Parisi
Reef Nutrient Champion Award
V Rossi and Sons
Graham Volck
Reef Sediment Champion Award
Russell and Catriona Murdoch
Kate and Peter Waddell
Reef Conservation Champion Award
Neil Farmer
Reef Extension Officer Champion Award
Ellie Carter
Jayson Dowie
Reef Community Champion Award
Jolly Rogers Fishing Club
Wet Tropics Sugar Industry Partnership
Reef Youth Champion Award
William Darveniza
To learn more about the finalists and read their stories, visit: www.qff.org.au/projects/reef-alliance/2019-reef-champion-awards/.
The 2019 Reef Champion Award winners will be announced at an Awards Dinner as part of the 2019 Reef Synthesis Workshop in Mackay on Tuesday 26 November 2019.
The Reef Champion Awards are funded by the Australian Government, and the Queensland Government’s Reef Water Quality Program.