5 June
2006 - Four finalists for the Prime Minister's
Award for Environmentalist of the Year, Australia's
most prestigious environmentalist award, have
been announced today by the Australian Minister
for the Environment and Heritage Senator Ian Campbell.
Senator Campbell said he was
extremely pleased to see such strong entries for
the Award from individuals and groups all around
Australia.
The finalists are:
Kevin Kenneally, the Scientific
Coordinator of LANDSCOPE Expeditions, has been
nominated for his important contribution to environmental
conservation. LANDSCOPE is an initiative involving
more than 900 volunteers that has resulted in
70 research expeditions to identify areas of outstanding
heritage value, as well as rare and threatened
species and communities throughout Western Australia.
Kuka Kanyini at Watarru – Caring for Country is
a successful land management project at Watarru
in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands
in the far north west of South Australia. The
project is setting new standards in its marrying
of traditional and contemporary land management
knowledge and scientific expertise.
Australian Wildlife Conservancy,
an independent, non-profit organisation has established
a network of 14 wildlife sanctuaries around Australia,
covering 917,000 hectares. Sanctuaries protect
a diversity of habitats including rainforest,
tropical savanna, desert woodlands and mangrove-lined
lagoons and provide a refuge for some of Australia's
most endangered species including Bilbies, Gouldian
Finches, Northern Bettongs, Cassowaries, the Princess
Parrot and the Bridled Nailtail Wallaby.
Dancing and the Devil Fire –
Uncovering the Hidden History of the Alps is an
audio-visual production recording Indigenous cultural
values of Victoria's Alps that were revealed after
the alpine fires. The project is helping Indigenous
communities reconnect with the country and be
involved in uncovering its hidden history.
Senator Campbell said the Australian Government
was proud to sponsor the Banksia Awards.
“We will continue to support
the community and industry in finding solutions
to the challenges that face our natural and built
environments and heritage places,” Senator Campbell
said.
“I congratulate all the finalists
for the Prime Minister's Award, and wish them
all the best for their future work, regardless
of who is selected as winner.”
The Banksia Environmental Foundation
was created in 1989 to support and recognise members
of the community for their positive contribution
to the environment. The Prime Minister's Environmentalist
of the Year award has been sponsored by the Department
for the Environment and Heritage since 2001.
The winner will be announced
22 July 2006.
