Australian Riverprize finalists announced

The International RiverFoundation has announced the finalists for the 2012 Australian Riverprize. This year’s finalists represent a diverse group of river restoration and river protection projects from across Australia.

The three finalists are:

• Georges River - Georges River Combined Councils’ Committee (NSW)
• Condamine River - Condamine Alliance (Qld)
• Swan and Canning Rivers - Swan River Trust (WA)

The overall winner will be announced at the Riverprize gala dinner on 9 October 2012, as part of the International Riversymposium in Melbourne.

International RiverFoundation CEO Matthew Reddy said, “The Australian Riverprize really is the Olympics of the environment, with each organisation trying to go greener, safer and cleaner. These finalists are champions in their own right and will all receive a place on the podium but we’ll have to wait until October to see who can turn green into gold.”

The judging takes into account the long-term commitment and vision for the integrated management of the river, as well as actual achievements in improving river health.

The Australian Riverprize was established in 2001 and is awarded annually. All Australian-based groups engaged in the sustainable management of the country’s rivers and wetlands are eligible to apply. The prize is valued at $200,000 and consists of $150,000 in cash prizes and a $50,000 grant for the winner to establish a ‘twinning’ project within Australia - facilitating knowledge exchange with another river basin.

For more information about the finalists, click here.