Outstanding land managers and extensions officers have the opportunity to be recognised in the 2017 Reef Alliance Reef Awards.
The Reef Alliance is seeking nominations from those working to reduce their off-farm impact on the iconic Great Barrier Reef, with entries open until 2 October.
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, graziers and, for the first time, extension officers who work to change practices for the better.
The purpose of the awards is to recognise them for their efforts and inspire others to follow suit.
The awards are also a celebration of how the Australian Government Reef Programs have been so successful in supporting, funding 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
This year, the Reef Alliance welcomes a partnership with the Prince’s Trust Australia in Prince of Wales Environmental Leadership – Reef Sustainability Award. This award will recognize 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.
We are very aware of the human impact on the environment and, in particular, the Reef. Farmers and graziers are changing their farming practices, improving on-farm infrastructure and implementing best management environmental practices. In turn, they are making huge improvements to quality of the water leaving the farm, and significant contributions to the health of the Reef.
The Awards are sponsored by Reef Trust: Reef Alliance – Growing a Great Barrier Reef project funded by the Australian Government Reef Trust.
Details and nominations at www.qff.org.au/projects/reef-alliance/