Entries and nominations are now open for the 2017 Healthy Land & Water Awards – South East Queensland’s leading environmental awards.

The 2017 Awards. 

The 2017 Awards

The awards are held each year to recognise the work of individuals, groups, schools and community organisation’s to protect South East Queensland’s landscapes and waterways, with winners sharing in $19,000 prize money.

Previous winners include Junior Waterway Champion Will Mathews, who at just 11 years of age became an online hit with his YouTube Channel ‘Will’s Wildlife Kingdom’; and the 2016 People’s Choice winner Kelly Fletcher, a diving enthusiast who has removed on average between 50 and 60 kilograms of rubbish each week from underwater habitats.

“The Awards are a great way for entrants to increase awareness and support for their work, and to inspire others to take action for the benefit of South East Queensland’s unique natural environment,” Healthy Land & Water CEO Julie McLellan said.

“If you know someone who deserves recognition, whether it be a catchment group volunteer, a student taking a special interest in the protection of our natural assets, or an organisation striving for environmental excellence, nominate them for an award on our website before entries close on June 12.”

Not-for-profit organisation Healthy Land & Water established the annual awards in 2000 to recognise and celebrate the dedication and passion of people working to keep SEQ’s landscapes and waterways healthy for future generations.

There are 11 award categories open to individuals, schools, community groups and organisations:

• Lifetime Achievement
• Volunteer of the Year
• Science Innovation
• Water Warrior– presented by Brisbane City Council
• Sustainable Water Management – presented by Unitywater
• Junior Environment Champion – presented by Seqwater
• Environmental Stewardship – presented by Queensland Urban Utilities
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Erosion Sediment Control Leadership
• Sustainable Education
• Government Stewardship – presented by BMT WBM
• The most innovative category winner will be awarded the Minister’s Grand Prize, supported by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, and $10,000 prize money.

Entries close on Monday June 12 and award winners will be announced on Friday September 1 at the 2017 Healthy Land and Water Awards Gala Dinner.