An exciting range of projects to foster young coastal advocates, protect and enhance significant coastal wetlands and cultivate important links between coast and catchment, are among the winners of the 11th Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence, 2010.
This year’s awards were hosted by the Victorian Coastal Council and attracted 16 finalists across six different categories.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said that Portland was well represented at this year’s prestigious awards.
“Congratulations to Lynn Murrell who received a Victorian Coastal Award for Excellence last night in the Outstanding Individual Achievement category, for forty years of service to the coast.”
“Lynn Murrell has made and continues to make substantial and outstanding contributions to the coast.”
“In 2007 Mr. Murrell received the Order of Australia Medal for service to conservation and the environment through organisations involved with natural resource management and protection and to Local Government,” Ms Tierney said.
In 2005 during his 10 years as a member and then Chair of the Western Coastal Board, Lynn very publicly drew attention to the coast by walking the entire length of the Victorian coastline.
Referred to as “Walk the Talk” this achievement attracted considerable media attention with Lynn highlighting the values of and threats to the coast during his journey.
“Lynn has been a coastal advocate for many years, seeking better outcomes for people and the environment through representation on a wide range of organisations including the Western Coastal Board, Victorian Coastal Council, Land Conservation Council, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment and Land Protection Board to name a few,” Ms Tierney said.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Gavin Jennings presented the awards last night and said the mix of entries confirmed a growing community interest in protecting Victoria’s coast.
“The annual Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence publicise the excellent work that’s underway in partnership between the government, its agencies and the Victorian community,” said Minister Jennings.
This year’s awards, held at Docklands in Melbourne, featured projects submitted by volunteer community groups, government agencies, individuals and other organisations.
Ms Tierney said the winners and runners-up include community groups, schools, Landcare groups, local councils and catchment authorities.
“Many of these projects are typically driven by community-based groups working on very modest means and committing many volunteer hours to conserve our precious coastal values.
Their successes will inspire others to get involved, so I congratulate all winners and runners-up for their very worthwhile efforts,” Ms Tierney said.