If you know anything about Lowood, you’ll know of native plant enthusiast Peter Bevan.

Peter is synonymous with Lowood, a small town situated 30 kilometres north of Ipswich. A resident of the rural town for over 30 years, Peter is the one-man green army responsible for transforming Lowood’s dilapidated old rail line into a picturesque walking trail lined with native trees, plants and shrubs.

Peter Bevan is the one-man green army responsible for transforming Lowood's old rail line into a picturesque walking trail lined with native trees, plants and shrubs. 

Recently, Peter’s dedication and hard work were recognised when he was named a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Healthy Land & Water Awards.

Now in their 18th year, the annual Healthy Land & Water Awards recognise and celebrate the people and groups working to improve and protect South East Queensland’s environment.

The acknowledgement is the latest in a string of awards Peter has accrued, recognising a remarkable journey since he first buried some plant roots into the ground 20 years ago to provide a visual buffer between his daughter’s property and the old rail line.

These days, the Lowood rail trail is an idyllic nature walk bursting with the colours of hundreds of rare and unique native species Peter has collected and cultivated over the years.

In 2017, Peter’s legacy was further cemented when a nine-member partnership between government, business, landcare groups and volunteers agreed to fund and establish the Lowood Beautification Project, an effort to continue and expand on Peter’s work.

Peter said he was shocked and humbled to be named a 2018 Awards finalist but said the true satisfaction is witnessing people enjoy a greener and leafier Lowood.

“I never set out to do it for the recognition, but it’s nice to be acknowledged and I hope it encourages more volunteers to jump aboard and help out,” he said.

Peter is one of three people to be nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside Gold Coast entrepreneur Jordyn de Boer who created the Boomerang Bags concept, and Sunshine Coast park ranger Les Donald, who has served the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for over 25 years.

Healthy Land & Water CEO Julie McLellan congratulated Peter and the other 2018 Lifetime Achievement Awards finalists and said they are inspirational environmental leaders at a time when South East Queensland needed it most.

“It is heart-warming to witness the passion in the community for our environment and the selfless dedication so many people have for protecting our remarkable part of the world,” she said.

“Given there is so much focus on the issues facing our environment, it is important we celebrate the people helping to make South East Queensland a greener, cleaner and healthier place to live so they can inspire more people to take action.”

The winners will be announced at the prestigious 2018 Healthy Land & Water Awards Gala Dinner at Brisbane City Hall on Friday 27 July.

In addition, one category winner will be awarded the $10,000 Minister’s Grand Prize, supported by the Department of Environment and Science, and for the first time, one person will be inducted into the Awards’ Hall of Fame for their long service to South East Queensland’s environment.

Gala Dinner attendees will enjoy drinks and canapes under the stars in King George Square and then a three-course meal beneath the backdrop of the iconic Brisbane City Hall auditorium.

Ticket Sales for the Gala are now closed.