The 10th Western Australian Environment Awards are now open for nominations.

 

The WA Environment Awards reward projects and initiatives that set new benchmarks in environmental care and biodiversity conservation.

 

They acknowledge businesses, government agencies, community groups and individuals who make a valuable contribution to protecting and conserving the WA’s natural environment.

 

The awards recognise the many projects undertaken throughout the State to conserve and protect the natural environment whether it is large corporations undertaking waste reduction initiatives, to small community groups rehabilitating wetlands and caring for native fauna.

 

Last year, entries were received from as far north as Kununurra, inland Kalgoorlie to Esperance on the State’s south-coast.

 

For winners, success in these awards has provided recognition of their outstanding achievements, but has also benefited their initiatives through greater community awareness. In turn, it promotes and fosters greater community involvement in environmental care.

 

If you believe the community group you volunteer with or the business you are employed by deserve recognition for environmental excellence then please apply. Entry is free.

 

This year there are 11 categories:

 

1.    Corporate Business Leading by Example

2.    Government Leading by Example

3.    Small Business Leading by Example

4.    Biodiversity Conservation

5.    Bush, Land and Waterways

6.    Rivers, Estuaries and Wetlands

7.    Resource and Waste Management

8.    Environmental Education and  Communication

9.    Environmental Sustainability

10.  Community Achievement – Regional

11.  Community Achievement –  Metropolitan

 

An overall environment award winner is chosen from the category winners.

 

The WA Environment Awards program is generously sponsored by the Packaging Stewardship Forum, the Waste Authority, Publishers National Environment Bureau, Royalties for Regions, Western Power, Whiteman Park, Swan River Trust and Rheem.

 

The Environment Awards are open to all Western Australians and entry is free. The 2011 Awards nomination period closes on Friday 29 July 2011.

 

Entry forms and further information can be found at DEC’s website www.dec.wa.gov.au/awards