ENVIRONMENT AWARDS A PRIORITY FOR DEFENCE

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, applauded the Department of Defence’s commitment to the environment with its 2008 annual awards for protecting Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.

Six new awards have been made this year for excellence in environmental and heritage management 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 awards were first awarded in 2005 by the then CDF and Secretary.

“I congratulate the winners for having made meaningful contributions to environmental stewardship on behalf of Defence,” Dr Kelly said.

“More than that, I applaud this positive initiative to reward excellence in environmental stewardship.  The awards send a powerful signal to the world that Defence is absolutely serious about its commitment to caring for the environment of Australia.

“Defence manages some three million hectares of land and 120 listed Commonwealth heritage sites.  This imposes a significant responsibility on the organisation to protect and enhance its estate,” Dr Kelly said.

Winners of this year’s awards 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.

Further details about each of the winners and requests for interviews can be made by ringing the Public Affairs Operations Centre on 02 6265 3343.

Media contacts:

Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):          02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220

Defence Media Liaison:                     02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664