Premier’s Sustainability Award finalists announced
Southern Rural Water has partnered with a group of government and community stakeholders to be announced as a finalist in the 2014 Premier’s Sustainability Awards for their Protecting the Health of the Gippsland Lakes – Macalister Nutrient Reduction Program.
Sustainability Victoria CEO, Stan Krpan, congratulates the team for their innovative work and said they are an excellent example of leadership in sustainability.
“The project members – Southern Rural Water, the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Environment & Primary Industries – have been recognised by the judges in the Environmental Protection category for their outstanding contribution to sustainability,” he said.
“This year, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards has announced 27 finalists – the highest number in the Awards’ history. We are delighted to celebrate and share their remarkable stories of sustainability,” he said.
With rivers and waterways forming part of the Gippsland Lakes catchment, the Macalister Irrigation District has been identified as a source of too many nutrients, contributing to seasonal algal blooms within the internationally renowned Gippsland Lakes.
The Macalister Nutrient Reduction Program is a series of joint initiatives undertaken by farmers, local agencies and government which has achieved great outcomes for the environment, including water savings of 29,000 million litres per annum and nutrient reductions of over 100 tonnes per annum.
The program comprises the Macalister Land and Water Management Plan which provides an overall framework for environmental improvements, along with substantial on-farm improvement activities and a major investment in the modernisation of the irrigation district – now protected together with the health of the iconic Gippsland Lakes.
Now in their 12th year, the Premier’s Sustainability Awards celebrate efficient use of water, resources and energy, better waste management and recycling practices, the enhancement of the environment and effective, practical community action.
Finalists have been selected in nine categories: Cleaner Yarra and Bay (a new category),Community, Education, Environmental Protection, Infrastructure and Buildings, Innovative Products or Services,Large Business, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and Tourism. A winner will be selected from each category finalist group.
In addition to the nine category awards, the Hon Denis Napthine MP, Premier of Victoria will personally select two overall winners: the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award and the Premier’s Recognition Award.
Winners will be announced at the gala awards night on Thursday 2 October,at Peninsula, Docklands. Tickets are now available for purchase at www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au until Wednesday 24 September.
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