Council environmental program wins the 2013 Healthy Waterways Rural and Agriculture Award
A Council environmental program has won the 2013 Healthy Waterways Rural and Agriculture Award.
The Rural Environmental Support Program aims to improve the rural landscape and waterways through a synchronised package of initiatives.
Deputy Mayor Virginia West said the program was a collaborative effort between Council and the community.
“Council worked in close partnership with landowners, land care groups, schools and government agencies at all stages of this program.”
“This approach allowed for genuine grassroots action with a focus on proactively educating and empowering the community to contribute towards a positive outcome for our environment.”
The program comprised a number of coordinated green initiatives, including river recovery projects, conservation partnerships, rural tree and environmental grants programs and educational workshops.
Division 2 Councillor Nadia O’Carroll acknowledged all involved in the development and execution of the program.
“I would like to commend Council’s environmental officers, whose efforts have made this program an outstanding success.
“This really is a wonderful example of Council and the community working together to achieve remarkable on-ground results.
“Our region includes the headwaters of four major river systems that are a vital part of our lifestyle and economy and Council is working to protect these waterways through careful planning, coordinated efforts and collaboration with the community.”
The Scenic Rim was well-represented at the awards,with Tamborine Mountain Landcare taking out the Community Award for its Biodiversity Corridors Regeneration Project.
“Council is proud to have supported this fantastic project through its 2012/13 Environmental Grants Program. I congratulate Tamborine Mountain Landcare and other local applicants for their commendable work in supporting our environment,” Cr O’Carroll said.
Canungra State School rounded out the Scenic Rim’s showing at the awards as a finalist in the Sustainable Education Award category for the Canungra Creek Restoration Project.