Award to commemorate Bob Hawke’s Landcare action

A new agricultural accolade will be named in honour of former Prime Minister and Landcare advocate Bob Hawke.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator Joe Ludwig said the Bob Hawke Landcare Award was a tribute to Hawke’s role in driving national support for Landcare, calling on all Australians to unite with government to tackle the crisis in natural resource conservation.

“Like its namesake, the award will recognise an outstanding individual effort in encouraging Australians to adopt sustainable and productive agricultural practices,” Minister Ludwig said.

“Former Prime Minister Bob Hawke acknowledged the environmental problems Australia faced in declaring the 90s the ‘Decade of Landcare’.

“This action played a key role in elevating Landcare from a grassroots community initiative to a movement of national significance with strong government support.”

Minister Ludwig said the award will be given biennially.

“The inaugural Bob Hawke Landcare Award will be a highlight of Landcare Week and will be presented at the National Landcare Awards on 4 September 2012,” Minister Ludwig said.

The winner will receive a prize of up to $50,000 to develop their knowledge and skills in sustainable land management and will have an honorary position on the Australian Landcare Council for a period of two years.

“The Australian Government continues to invest in Landcare, assisting farmers to implement sustainable farm practices through its Caring for our Country initiative,” Minister Ludwig said.

“Across this country volunteers are hard at work and I encourage people to nominate candidates for the Bob Hawke Landcare Award.”

The new award will supersede the McKell Medal.

For more information on the Bob Hawke Landcare Award or to nominate, visit www.bobhawkelandcareaward.com.au.