Banksia Environmental Foundation

MEDIA RELEASE
3 September 2010

MELBOURNE, 3 September 2010 - The Banksia Awards, Australia's most prestigious environmental awards series, has announced a record number of finalists for its 2010 awards; with the biggest growth in submissions occurring in the big business award category.

The 22 year-old awards recognise Australia's leading environmental or sustainable initiatives across business, government and community organisations, and act as a barometer of change across the sustainability landscape. 

Graz van Egmond, Executive Director of the Banksia Environmental Foundation said, "I think the general public perception is that Australia has lost direction in tackling sustainability and environmental issues."

"After reviewing hundreds of award submissions this year we're actually very upbeat about the progress being made, ranging from grassroots community activities right through to big business and government organisations.

"Large corporates and councils doubled their submissions this year; it's clear significant resources are being dedicated to improving they way they operate and reducing their impact on precious resources and the environment.

"There are some fantastic case studies this year that demonstrate how smart sustainability practices can translate to smart business practice."

There are fifteen award categories in total, including Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year, the Origin Gold Banksia Award celebrating the top entry across all categories, the Mercedes-Benz Australian Environmental Research Award, the Banksia Community Grant supported by GPT Group, the Banksia Peoples Choice Award supported by Australia Post.

Voting is now open for the Peoples Choice Award through wwww.peopleschoice.com.au, where background information on finalists is available for review.

The Banksia Award winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held on October 15, 2010 at Sydney Town Hall.