Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA), sponsor of the Environmental Protection award in the 2019 Premier's Sustainability Awards has congratulated its category winner, Greening the West, a massive partnership that has planted more than one million trees.
Greening the West aims for positive health, social and liveability outcomes in Melbourne's western suburbs through a project to plant one million trees.
Each of the 15 participating organisations committed to planting a portion of the trees within their geographic boundaries, on public and private land.
They determined planting locations, engaged community groups and worked collaboratively.
Between 2015 and 2018 the project involved more than 4,500 volunteers who planted 1,072,320 trees and shrubs across 320 parks, reserves, open spaces, roadsides and private land, covering 1,755 hectares.
The Environmental Protection category celebrates leadership and excellence by an organisation in protection and prevention of harm to the environment.
"Greening the West is a terrific exercise in community action to benefit the environment. It has given local people a chance to go hands-on and make a real difference. These are people we work with every day and we know the passion they have for their community. We congratulate everyone involved," said EPA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Cathy Wilkinson.
The Premier's Regional Recognition Award was won by the Finnigan family for their sustainability efforts across their wool farm, Kia Ora Merino. The Premier's Recognition Award was won by Enable Social Enterprises for their successful e-waste business, Enable IT Recycling, that trains and employs disadvantaged people.
For pics from the night and information on all winners, visit www.sustainabilityawards.vic.gov.au
