Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) congratulates the Yarra Riverkeeper Association for winning the Environmental Protection category at the Premier's Sustainability Awards 2020.
The Yarra Riverkeeper Association partnered with Clearwater Group to negate the significant effects of litter and polystyrene pollution on the health of the Yarra River, by undertaking four large-scale Yarra Blitz community clean-up events in 2019, which removed 17,500 kg of vacuumed waste and 665 kg of community collected waste.
By identifying sources of polystyrene and litter pollution, mapping the hotspots and facilitating Yarra Blitz clean-up days, the initiative engaged and educated the public and developed recommendations to prevent future pollution.
EPA is the proud sponsor of this year's Environmental Protection category which celebrates leadership and excellence in protection and prevention of harm to the environment. EPA Acting CEO Tim Eaton commends the diversity and calibre of finalist initiatives, in both their accomplishments and ability to inspire positive environmental behaviour in others.
"We are so proud to be a part of the Awards and especially the Environmental Protection category, where the passion and determination by members of our community looking to enact positive environmental change is so greatly evident," Mr Eaton said.
"This year's winner and finalists reflect the multidisciplinary nature of the category; through positive collaboration, strategic forethought and consideration for lasting positive impact."
"We extend our congratulations to all entrants and winners in the Awards."
To watch the ceremony, or to view the profiles of all finalists and winners, visit sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au
About the Premier's Sustainability Awards:
The Premier's Sustainability Awards recognise and celebrate Victorians who are leading the way to a sustainable future. The Awards reflect the action that is happening across industry, business and community from regional to metropolitan Victoria. Sustainability Victoria, the Victorian Government and the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews are proud to have this opportunity to recognise and reward Victorians who are leading the way in sustainable innovation and practices across all sectors within Victoria. Judging is conducted independently of Government and Sustainability Victoria to ensure a fair and unbiased process and outcome. The judging panel comprises a broad range of environmental experts who are selected for their sustainability and industry expertise.
Past winners of the Environmental Protection category at the Premier's Sustainability Awards:
2019 Greening the West – 1 Million Trees Project
Greening the West is a collaboration that aims to deliver positive health, social and liveability outcomes in Melbourne's west by a planting one million trees.
2018 Zoos Victoria, Phillip Island Nature Parks – When Balloons Fly
The campaign known as When Balloons Fly encourages people to use bubbles instead of balloons at outdoor events, reducing plastic pollution and saving marine life.
2017 Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park – Orange-bellied Parrot Breeding for Recovery
A 20-aviary complex for up to 40 breeding birds and 100 offspring opens – results from the first season from 12 pairs was 25 offspring, helping to save this endangered species of birds from extinction.
2016 Geelong Cemeteries Trust – Moonah Memorial Walk at Queenscliff Cemetery
The Geelong Cemeteries Trust develops the Moonah Memorial Walk, a carefully planned nature reserve offering unique burial and cremation memorials within a protected coastal woodland.
2015 Robert Bosch Australia – Reclamation of Copper from Prescribed Industrial Wastewater
Robert Bosch Australia is part of a global group which researches, develops and markets a range of technology products and services. The reclamation of copper project is an in-house treatment process which enables Bosch in Victoria to reclaim dissolved copper from manufacturing wastewater – the copper is then recycled, and the treated wastewater used onsite. The project aims to eliminate 40 tonnes of manufacturing waste going to hazardous waste landfill and reclaim 1.2 tonnes of high grade solid copper per annum from the wastewater.
2014 Barwon Water, Plenary Environment and Water Infrastructure Group – The Barwon Water Biosolids Management Project
The Barwon Water Biosolids Management Project provides a sustainable, long-term management solution for the beneficial use of 100 per cent of the biosolids produced at Barwon Water's seven water reclamation plants.
2013 Restoring the balance
The Mallee Catchment Management Authority Hattah Lakes environmental watering program
