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Residents, community groups and schools in the Parramatta City
Council area, as well as the Blacktown, Holroyd and Baulkham Hills
local government areas, may be rewarded for local environmental
projects in the 2005 Regional Environment Awards.
The Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust and the four local councils
in the catchment jointly sponsor the Awards. Applicants can win
up to $6,000 for a future environmental project.
The Greystanes Creek Management Committee from Toongabbie won the
overall Diamond Award last year, following the success of Old Toongabbie
resident, Frank Samuels, who won the same award in 2003.
Greystanes Creek Management Committee member, Susan Johnson, was
thrilled with the group's win. "The Award recognised all the
hard work that has been done by our volunteers since the early 1990s,"
she remarked. "Since the group's inception we have turned the
Creek from a weed infested waterway to a very attractive green corridor."
The Committee's efforts are part of an overall flood mitigation
strategy sponsored by the Trust, State and Federal Governments,
as well as Holroyd and Blacktown Councils. The reconstruction of
the Creek saved 75 properties from flooding and building a cycle
path along the creek has increased community ownership of the Creek.
Stephen Lees, the Executive Officer of the Upper Parramatta River
Catchment Trust, remarked:
"Our community is working hard to help improve the local environment,
often with very little recognition. The Trust and the Councils want
to recognise those efforts and encourage everyone to keep up the
good work. If you know of anyone who should be recognised, please
nominate them."
The awards are open to anyone or any organisation in the Baulkham
Hills, Blacktown, Holroyd and Parramatta local government areas
whose activities or projects have helped the local environment.
Winners in the categories of individual, community group and school
in each local government area will each receive $250 for a future
environmental project. These winners will then be independently
judged for a $1,000 prize in each category. The best overall nominee
will collect the Diamond Award valued at $5,000.
To nominate yourself, or suggest a worthy person or organization,
please call Felicity Dangerfield at the Trust on 9891 4633 or visit
the web site at www.uprct.nsw.gov.au for an entry form. Applications
close on Friday 6 May 2005.
Greystanes Creek Management Committee member's son enjoying
the work done by the Committee
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