Brisbane Leads Queensland in Caring For Land

Brisbane City Council’s Creek Catchment Ranger Program has scooped a major gong at the 2009 Queensland State Landcare Awards.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said Council beat all other contestants across the State for the ‘Local Government Landcare Partnership’ award, including the other finalist Whitsunday Regional Council.

Brisbane has now secured its place in the Australian National Landcare Awards and will be judged against other nationally significant environment projects in 2010.

“The environment is one of the most precious resources we have, that’s why this Council is doing everything we can to protect and enhance it – including forming strong and long-lasting partnerships with the local community,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Council’s Creek Catchment Ranger Program is one of Australia’s most successful examples of the community and Council securing the health of the waterways.

“We are very pleased to be recognised by the Queensland State Landcare Awards, which are known as the highest recognition for environmental initiatives in Queensland.”

The Creek Catchment Ranger Program is part of a $1.05 million Council commitment to build community awareness and action to protect Brisbane’s natural resources.

Under the program, Council dedicates a full time professional officer to work closely with residents and to coordinate collaboration and partnerships in each catchment.

Council’s 11 full-time creek catchment rangers support catchment groups in the Bayside, Bulimba, Enoggera, Inner West Brisbane, Kedron Brook, Moggill, Norman, Northern Brisbane, Pullen Pullen, Oxley and Wolston and Centenary catchments

“These catchments cover a massive 5,900 square kilometres and are populated by 1.85 million people enjoying the ecosystems they provide,” the Lord Mayor said.

“I want to thank the more than 2,200 volunteers in 2008 who dedicated their spare time to enhance and restore our urban creeks.”

Under the program in 2008, 600m3 of weeds were removed and over 32,000 plants planted.

Creek Rangers worked with 86 schools, over 4700 students and spent 740 hours with future landcarers. They organised over 175 events engaging over 15,000 residents in workshops and presentations.

To get involved visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone 3403 8888.
[Ends] September 3, 2009