Posted on Wednesday, 29 October 2003 @ 9:02:15 AM
The Mackay Port Authority’s commitment to the environment and conservation has been recognized in the 2003 Queensland Arbor Day Awards.
The MPA won the regional award for Central Queensland and was joint runner-up behind Riverfestival Brisbane Pty Ltd in the State-wide Corporate Award category.
 Natural Resources Minister Stephen Robertson presents Mackay Port Authority director John Stuart with one of two awards during the Arbor Day celebrations.
The awards were presented by Natural Resources Minister Stephen Robertson at a special ceremony at Brisbane’s Forest Park (October 14).
MPA chairman John Taylor said the awards reflected the authority’s commitment to conservation and revegetation on port owned land.
“We have spent more than $600 000 on conservation initiatives and planted 4000 trees over the past three years,” he said.
“On top of this we recently opened the Kommo Toera Trail through part of the western wetlands and melaluca forest off Keeleys Road – an educational and conservation initiative that the whole community is enjoying.”
The words Kommo Toera - meaning “water walk” - were taken from the language of Mackay’s traditional owners, the Yuibera People.
Mr Taylor said the awards were a tribute to the hard working and dedicated team at the Mackay Port Authority.
A quarter of the MPA’s land already has been set aside for conservation.
“Our commitment to the environment speaks for itself and we have a host of other initiatives we intend to implement to protect sensitive conservation areas,” he said.
Meantime, Mr Robertson said the Mackay Port Authority should be proud of its efforts to care for the local environment.
“Its conservation and revegetation project is an inspiration to the Central Queensland community.”
Through a Conservation Management Plan, the Mackay Port Authority has:
• undertaken a number of enhancement projects within its 165 hectares of land set aside for conservation
• created pathways, boardwalks and bird hides as part of planned infrastructure, ecotourism and flora and fauna studies
• conducted extensive plantings and maintained all conservation areas including weed control, fencing and management of hydrology, weeds, fire, rehabilitation and access to public facilities
• involved a range of people, community groups and government agency staff, including the land's traditional owners, drawing on their experience and expertise to achieve its commitments to conservation, vegetation and education
• beautified the local environment as well as continued to preserve the natural diversity of ecosystems of the area
• plans to provide further opportunities for education as well as carry out additional plantings and maintain its conservation areas in the future.
“As part of its conservation and revegetation project, the Mackay Port Authority has been working tirelessly to improve the condition and cover of native vegetation,” said Ergon Energy Acting CEO Terry Effeney.
“Ergon Energy is very proud to be a major sponsor as it is vital to showcase the important work of these often quiet achievers.”
The winners received trophies made from salvaged Queensland timber as well as a 12-month subscription to the journal Ecological Management & Restoration.
Now in their eighth year, the Queensland Arbor Day Awards showcase outstanding efforts across six categories: individual, group, school, local government, corporate and the Flinders Commemorative Award.
In determining winners, judges assessed the commitment to managing, planting or protecting native vegetation and the way each group or individual had involved the local community in their project. They also looked for a planned approach to the project, a commitment to maintaining sites, indicators of success and ongoing commitment to their project.
The Queensland Arbor Day Awards are coordinated by The Spade and Shade Committee, a diverse group made up of representatives from Greening Australia, Ergon Energy, Men of the Trees, the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Cancer Fund and Queensland Health.
Major sponsors for 2003 are Ergon Energy, Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines. Details of all finalist projects are available at www.forests.qld.gov.au/arbor/.
For More information please contact MPA Communications Manager Colin Wilson 49 570258, or 0417 570258. |
