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ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE AWARDS FOR 2008

Six new awards for excellence in environmental and heritage management were recently presented by the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston AC, AFC and the Secretary of the Department of Defence, Nick Warner PSM.

The annual awards recognise achievements by Defence individuals or groups who have done outstanding work to promote good environmental practice and to protect Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.

“Defence manages approximately three million hectares of land based-training areas and 120 Commonwealth heritage listed sites,” Air Marshal Houston said.

“All these sites are managed sustainably using best practice strategies.” 

Department Secretary Nick Warner said environmentally friendly Defence infrastructure projects made a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring that water and energy were used efficiently.

“Some of the work being done in Defence in terms of environmental and heritage management is inspiring.  Defence’s contribution to the environment will be in good hands if we can maintain or exceed the standards of our winners for 2008.”

This year’s winners are:

• The Russell Offices Energy Efficiency Pilot Project Management Group for excellent leadership and contributions to energy conservation.
• Dr Doug Cato, Maritime Operations Division in Defence Science and Technology Organisation, for exceptional leadership and research into the impacts of underwater sound on marine animals which has informed the development of best practice procedures for the Royal Australian Navy.
• Major Colin Bassett, Officer Commanding 176 Air Dispatch Squadron, for outstanding contributions to environmental management during conduct of Talisman Saber 07.
• Infrastructure Asset Development Branch for excellent contributions to sustainable development of the Defence estate.
• Mr Max Harker, Defence Support Southern Victoria, for excellent commitment and contributions to environmental stewardship at Simpson Barracks.
• Commander Steve Cole, Navy Headquarters, for excellent commitment and contributions to Defence environmental management.

Media Note:

Images are available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2008/Sep/20080912/index.htm 

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664