Last chance to nominate for 2019 Biodiversity Awards

Lismore City Council is encouraging people to nominate for the biennial Lismore Biodiversity Awards by 28 June to celebrate and recognise excellence in environmental stewardship.

Environmental Strategies Officer Vanessa Tallon explained there are four award

categories in 2019 and it’s an easy process with a simple online form – so don’t be put off by the thought of paperwork.

“Robert Hunter was our Soilcare Inc. Primary Producer Award winner in 2017 and is a great example of a dedicated farmer improving biodiversity while maintaining agricultural production on his 40-hectare grazing property,” Vanessa said.

“Starting in 2011, Robert improved fish habitat and water quality by planting 4500 native trees and groundcovers along more than 2km of Coopers Creek. Trees planted back in the initial stages now act to protect the creek banks from erosion, control sediment and nutrient input into Coopers Creek, and provide important shade for the creek and his cattle as they grow.

“We know there are many more farmers and lifestyle landholders out there doing similar work, so nominate someone today.”

Each award winner will receive a cheque or goods and services to the value of $1000 thanks to this year’s generous sponsors: NSW Department of Primary Industry, North Coast Local Land Services, Richmond Landcare Inc. and Firewheel Rainforest Nursery.

The 2019 award categories are:

NSW Dept. Primary Industry – Primary Producer Award: For a primary producer demonstrating best practice in managing biodiversity alongside agricultural production.

North Coast Local Land Services – Individual Rural Landholder Award: For non-primary producer rural landholders demonstrating outstanding biodiversity work.

Community Group Award: For community groups doing excellent biodiversity restoration or species protection work.

Educator or School Award: For any school or community educator inspiring action for biodiversity protection and restoration.

The 2019 awards night will be held at Lismore City Hall on 12 September. To submit a nomination, complete the Online Nomination Form.

Image: Winner of the inaugural 2017 Soilcare Inc. Primary Producer Award Robert Hunter with Bonnie Walker from Soilcare Inc.

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