Published Tuesday, 06 March, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
BEATTIE GOVERNMENT SET TO REWARD CREATIVE GREEN THUMBS
Creative green thumbs in South East Queensland are set to be rewarded under an innovative new State Government sponsored garden competition, Premier Peter Beattie, announced today.
Mr Beattie said the competition would target drought proof gardens that feature Australian natives and other water saving features.
He said the competition would be run in conjunction with the Courier Mail and the Queensland Water Commission.
“Gardening is one of our most popular pursuits,” Mr Beattie said.
“Unfortunately, the worst drought on record has severely limited our ability to water and enjoy our gardens.
“However, many Queenslanders are rising to the challenge and coming up with creative ways to diversify and maintain their gardens.
“Simple things such as using composting materials and planting Australian natives can save litres of water but still maintain a great looking garden.
“Australian natives are hardier and not as thirsty as many of the plants introduced from England and Europe.
“They are unique, look great and can fight off the drought.”
The Member for Natural Resources and Water, Mr Craig Wallace, said application forms for the competition would appear in the Courier Mail soon and he encouraged all keen gardeners to enter.
“Gardeners will have until April 30 to get their entries in and their will be a number of categories including small space gardens and group gardens for people who look after a garden in a common area such as a unit block,” Mr Wallace said.
“Every entrant will receive a participation certificate and prizes of $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000 will be awarded to the best entries.
“There will also be a special Premier’s prize for creativity, a prize for retirees and one for young people.”
Mr Beattie said the competition would be free to enter and judging would be based on effort and creativity rather than the size or cost of the garden.
He said the State Government was tackling the drought by investing more money in new water infrastructure than any other Government in the history of Australia.
“We are playing our part and the residents of South East Queensland are playing their part as well,” he said.
“They have accepted and adhered to tough water restrictions. Different ways to be waterwise and tackle climate change are now a hot topic of conversation in most families.
“This garden competition is one way simple way we can help recognise their efforts and encourage Smart State thinking to help maintain our lifestyle and help battle the worst drought on record.”
March 6, 2007
Media contacts: Premier’s office – 3225 4500
Mr Beattie said the competition would target drought proof gardens that feature Australian natives and other water saving features.
He said the competition would be run in conjunction with the Courier Mail and the Queensland Water Commission.
“Gardening is one of our most popular pursuits,” Mr Beattie said.
“Unfortunately, the worst drought on record has severely limited our ability to water and enjoy our gardens.
“However, many Queenslanders are rising to the challenge and coming up with creative ways to diversify and maintain their gardens.
“Simple things such as using composting materials and planting Australian natives can save litres of water but still maintain a great looking garden.
“Australian natives are hardier and not as thirsty as many of the plants introduced from England and Europe.
“They are unique, look great and can fight off the drought.”
The Member for Natural Resources and Water, Mr Craig Wallace, said application forms for the competition would appear in the Courier Mail soon and he encouraged all keen gardeners to enter.
“Gardeners will have until April 30 to get their entries in and their will be a number of categories including small space gardens and group gardens for people who look after a garden in a common area such as a unit block,” Mr Wallace said.
“Every entrant will receive a participation certificate and prizes of $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000 will be awarded to the best entries.
“There will also be a special Premier’s prize for creativity, a prize for retirees and one for young people.”
Mr Beattie said the competition would be free to enter and judging would be based on effort and creativity rather than the size or cost of the garden.
He said the State Government was tackling the drought by investing more money in new water infrastructure than any other Government in the history of Australia.
“We are playing our part and the residents of South East Queensland are playing their part as well,” he said.
“They have accepted and adhered to tough water restrictions. Different ways to be waterwise and tackle climate change are now a hot topic of conversation in most families.
“This garden competition is one way simple way we can help recognise their efforts and encourage Smart State thinking to help maintain our lifestyle and help battle the worst drought on record.”
March 6, 2007
Media contacts: Premier’s office – 3225 4500