A victory for Caloundra
| A victory for Caloundra |
CALOUNDRA claims victory in Keep Australia Beautiful Queensland Tidy Towns 2011Caloundra has been named Keep Australia Beautiful Queensland’s Tidiest Town for 2011. The announcement was made by Keep Australia Beautiful Queensland CEO, Mr Rick Burnett at a gala awards ceremony on the Gold Coast this evening. (Monday October 3rd). The award was presented by Her Excellency, The Governor of Queensland, Ms Penelope Wensley, AC, who is the Patron of Keep Australia Beautiful Queensland. Mr Burnett said “Caloundra has been outstanding in all categories, ticking all the right boxes in litter prevention, energy and waste reduction and environmental protection.” “The gateway to the Sunshine Coast is now the KAB champion of the Sunshine State,” Burnett said. “It will now be vying for Australia’s Tidiest Town award.” This year is a special milestone for Keep Australia Beautiful celebrating its 40th year in Queensland. “It is a remarkable achievement for the country’s original litter prevention organisation, which now extends its mission into awareness and education in all areas of recycling and sustainability,” Burnett said. As well as Queensland’s Tidiest Town, KABQ this year awarded a “highly commended” award to Warwick for its outstanding “recovery” in re-establishing all its environmental programs and its volunteer efforts in “presenting” its township “reopen for business and visitors” after the January floods. As part of the Tidy Towns annual awards, 10 categories for outstanding achievement were announced: 1. Environmental Protection Award: - Emerald for commitment to protecting and managing the environment 2. Young Legends Award: - Duaringa – the Duaringa State School students for litter control and planting programs in their local parks and street environment. 3. Individual Outstanding Achievement Award: Jane Williams of Jericho is the epitomy of a community volunteer. A nurse by profession, Jane (recently relocated to Barcaldine) was chair of the Jericho Community Action Group during the summer floods and coordinated evacuations and medical supplies to isolated properties. Jane received an Australia Day Award. She has also been nominated for a Queensland Disaster Hero Award. 4. Paradise Outdoor Advertising & Bishopp Outdoor Advertising Heritage Award: - Longreach 5. Australia Post Bush Spirit Award: - Lockyer Valley (special district award) for inspiration during the flood recovery. 6. RACQ Litter Prevention Award: - Longreach 7. SITA Australia Resource Recovery Award: - Bundaberg – for green waste and its “Impact – Make Your Mark” recycling centre. 8. Partnerships Award: - Gin Gin – for the work done by Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre. 9. Water Conservation Award: Warwick – for its Waste Water Treatment and recycling. 10. Ergon Energy’s Energy Conservation Champions Award: Mackay. The Friendliest Town Award went to Maryborough which has shown great initiatives in welcoming visitors and has developed a new phone application that uses GPS bearings to identify and describe the highlights, history and attractions of the historic township. Caloundra impressed the judges with its commitment to addressing all categories at a very high level. “Caloundra has shown a dedication to all issues of sustainability over many years now,” Burnett said. “It was the Queensland winner in 2008 and has built on that success to be the outstanding town for 2011.”ENDS Interviews | Rick Burnett CEO 0419 460 782 |
