National Landcare Program Individual Landcarer Award 2003
Dr Fiona Douglas was announced as winner of the National Landcare Program Individual Landcarer Award at the 2003 Northern Territory Landcare Awards in Darwin on Friday 22 August, 2003.
The Individual Landcarer Award recognises an individual who, as a volunteer, carries out and/or promotes Landcare through on ground or awareness activities.
Dr Douglas is a founding member of the Darwin urban Ludmilla Creek Landcare Group. Since the group’s inception in 1995, she has acted as spokesperson for the group, liaison officer, development officer and public relations officer. Dr Douglas’s continued commitment to Landcare and her untiring efforts to encourage participation of her landcare group members in carrying out onground work have resulted in the group now being involved in coordinated management of the whole catchment.
In addition to co-ordinating the work of the landcare group, over the past eight years her achievements also include the commissioning of a management plan for the Ludmilla Creek catchment, securing sponsorship for the Ludmilla Creek Environmental Park, the introduction of the National Greenhouse Gas project Cool Communities to the community, as well as completing a Graduate Diploma in Tropical Environment Management at the Northern Territory University.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, said it was appropriate that individuals involved in landcare be publicly recognised. "The Australian Government is building on its investment in Landcare. It is encouraging a more regional approach and empowering regional communities to develop and implement regional plans," Mr Truss said. "Local community groups and associations, including landcare groups, are uniquely placed to make important contributions to these endeavours.
The Australian Government welcomes improved links and communication between regional natural resource management planning processes and landcare." he said.
"Priority issues should be the focus of attention. The important contribution made by individuals should also be highlighted. This is because a key to significant and systematic improvements in catchments, as a whole, is encouraging positive change at the individual property level. Governments alone cannot bring about good natural resource management outcomes.
Governments can plan, invest, encourage, educate and provide incentives, but at the end of the day it all comes down to the vision, commitment and energies of individuals.
And that is why the National Landcare Program sponsors the Individual Landcarer Award.
"Dr Fiona Douglas thoroughly deserves this award."
Dr Douglas automatically enters the National Landcare Awards to be held in August next year at Parliament House.
The Individual Landcarer Award is proudly sponsored by the National Landcare Program. This program supports sustainable primary production and the development of community groups to address environmental issues.
More information about the National Landcare Awards is available by calling the Landcare Australia hotline 1800 151 105 or visit the website at www.landcareaustralia.com.au
For more information contact:
Jim Forwood
Chairman
Landcare Council of the NT
Ph: 08 8981 1508
Email: forwood@octa4.net.au
Libby Benson
Executive Officer
Landcare Council of the NT
Ph: 08 8999 4464
Email: libby.benson@nt.gov.au
