Young environmentalists recognised

For the first time in 2008, Australia’s young environmentalists aged 15 to 25 can apply for the Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year Award, which will be presented by Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett MP, at the Banksia Awards Gala Dinner in July.

The Banksia Awards, offer 10 award categories including climate change, water preservation and eco-innovation, are now open to applicants.

Garrett said he is looking forward to meeting the nominees for the Young Environmentalist of the Year Award and presenting the award to a young Australian who has made a long-term commitment to the health of the environment.

Businesses, individuals and groups to have made outstanding contributions to the environment in the past two years are called upon to submit their entries.

Applications for the Banksia Environmental Awards close 5 May. Applications for The Young Environmentalist of the Year Award close 19 May.

Entry forms and guidelines are available from www.banksiafdn.com.