10/02/2005 - Two members
of the Northern Territory Waterwatch network
have earned national awards in recognition
of their efforts in protecting local waterways
and enlisting the support of local communities.
Minister for the Environment and Heritage,
Senator Ian Campbell today congratulated Denise
Spencer for her work in the Arnhem Land region
and Liza Schenkel for her work in and around
Darwin, as well as the 12 other recipients
of the National Waterwatch Awards, who were
announced at a special ceremony in Melbourne
last night.
“Denise and Liza are very deserving winners,
having worked hard to ensure that the local
Waterwatch network plays a key role in their
communities,” Senator Campbell said.
“During her six years with the Gapuwu Mel'ngu
Mala - the North East Arnhem Land Waterwatch
group, Denise helped expand monitoring and
community awareness activities around Nhulunbuy
and Yirrkala. She also helped to bring together
a diverse range of groups, including the Indigenous
community, Landcare groups, schools, businesses
and the nearby bauxite mine and treatment
plant. The group worked with the mine to achieve
improvements in water quality and raise community
awareness of water quality issues. She was
also instrumental in developing an improved
approach to management of wetland weeds following
an outbreak of Salvinia in one of the town's
lagoons.
“Liza became synonymous with Waterwatch around
the Darwin region during her time as Regional
Waterwatch Coordinator from 1994 to 2001,
delivering the program to landholders, government
agencies, industry, Indigenous communities,
local councils, schools and community groups.
During that time she prepared numerous water
quality assessments, annual catchment reports
and helped develop the NT Waterwatch Education
Kit. She has helped increase understanding
and commitment of the local community to protect
waterways across the Top End.” he said.
Waterwatch is a national community water
quality monitoring network that encourages
all Australians to become involved in the
protection and management of their waterways
and catchments. The Australian Government
started Waterwatch in 1993 in recognition
of growing community concern for water quality.
“Since Waterwatch began, the number of monitoring
groups has grown from 200 operating in 16
catchments, to nearly 3000 groups in 200 catchments.
Around 500 sites are monitored regularly,”
Senator Campbell said.
“The Waterwatch network is made up of people
like Denise and Liza, community groups and
school groups who undertake biological and
habitat assessments and physical and chemical
tests to build a picture of the health of
their waterways and catchments.
“I congratulate Denise and Liza for their
outstanding efforts in protecting their local
environments and hope their achievements motivate
other Australians to become involved.”
Denise and Liza were both nominated by Paul
Lloyd, NT Water for Life Facilitator.
