Wanted: Eco Innovators
Reward: 2008 Power and Water Melaleuca Awards

Entries are now open for the Power and Water Corporation 2008 Melaleuca Awards for environmental excellence.

Last year’s awards rounded up some outstanding innovations such as the water saving devices at Katherine Sportsground and Aquatic Centre, used by around 50,000 people each year, to cut water use by about 1,421,000 litres annually.  Meanwhile, the folks at Casuarina Square installed a cardboard baler to recycle 24 tonnes of cardboard a month and cut its energy consumption by nearly 20% in a year.

To encourage more students to showcase their environmental awareness and innovation a ‘Schools Category’ was introduced last year with Pularumpi School (Tiwi Islands) being awarded the Schools Melaleuca Award for their saving water through a new irrigation system project. The irrigation system for the school grounds saves about six million litres of water a year, resulting in students planting 100 more trees in the grounds which look great all year round.

The Awards which have been presented since 2003 recognise the environmental efforts of the community across Territory schools, businesses, community groups and individuals.  It’s expected that with a national focus on climate change, water conservation and recycling these areas of community concern will attract many interesting and innovative entries.

Projects such as stormwater recycling, rainwater harvesting, managing and recycling waste, effective energy management plans and energy saving initiatives are expected to be popular choices among entrants.  Commercial Territory businesses will also have an opportunity to demonstrate trade waste, energy management, environmental site plans and staff training programs as part of their entry.

Showcasing Environmental Excellence – Entries now open for the 2008 Power and Water Melaleuca Awards

Entrants can enter one or more award categories - community, commercial/industry, small business and schools.  Separate submissions can also be made to be considered for an environment grant.

Again this year, a Chairman’s Prize of $1,000 will be awarded to one entrant for donation to an environmental organisation of the winner’s choice.

Entries for this year’s Power and Water Melaleuca Awards close on May 16 and the winners will be announced at a presentation on June 18. Information and entry forms are available online at www.powerwater.com.au or from any Power and Water Customer Service Centre.

Contact:
Judie Brennan
Media Manager,
Corporate Communications
Power and Water Corporation
Phone: 08 8985 8481