Top award for green Bill at Girraween
Published Wednesday, 20 June, 2007 at 11:00 AM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Girraween National Park volunteer and resident Bill Goebel has been recognised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more than 40 years of dedication and devotion to the national park.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said Mr Goebel had been awarded the EPA’s Excellence Award for Volunteering at the annual awards ceremony in Brisbane.
“Mr Goebel has a lifetime connection with Girraween,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“His family acquired land in the Bald Rock Creek area in 1931 which later became a part of Girraween National Park. As part of the acquisition agreement, he continues to live on land within the park.
“Mr Goebel worked in the park as a management ranger for 20 years from 1966 to 1986, and on retirement continued to work as a volunteer.
“His knowledge of the park and his love of this environment has always been strong and continues today as he often assists QPWS staff.
“He has a wealth of knowledge about Girraween and is always happy to share it with management, staff, researchers and visitors.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said Mr Goebel studied Girraween’s flora and fauna and had recently found a new species of orchid.
“Mr Goebel also helped scientists to map the distribution of the common wombat and the lyre bird, and his work in the plant nursery has helped to revegetate a number of areas in the Wyberba valley area.
“He is a keen photographer and has donated more than 1000 slide and digital images to the park for use in their promotional material.
“Last year, he donated $750 to purchase a digital image overhead projector.
“He regularly assists in building park facilities, bulldozing and tractor works as well as cleaning toilets and campgrounds, and is now helping to record Girraween’s history,” she said.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the EPA Excellence Awards recognised employees and volunteers for their dedication, commitment and hard work in protecting the environment for a sustainable future.
The award ceremony was last night 19 June 2007 at Customs House in Brisbane.
Media contact: Lisa Gilby 3336 8004
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said Mr Goebel had been awarded the EPA’s Excellence Award for Volunteering at the annual awards ceremony in Brisbane.
“Mr Goebel has a lifetime connection with Girraween,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“His family acquired land in the Bald Rock Creek area in 1931 which later became a part of Girraween National Park. As part of the acquisition agreement, he continues to live on land within the park.
“Mr Goebel worked in the park as a management ranger for 20 years from 1966 to 1986, and on retirement continued to work as a volunteer.
“His knowledge of the park and his love of this environment has always been strong and continues today as he often assists QPWS staff.
“He has a wealth of knowledge about Girraween and is always happy to share it with management, staff, researchers and visitors.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said Mr Goebel studied Girraween’s flora and fauna and had recently found a new species of orchid.
“Mr Goebel also helped scientists to map the distribution of the common wombat and the lyre bird, and his work in the plant nursery has helped to revegetate a number of areas in the Wyberba valley area.
“He is a keen photographer and has donated more than 1000 slide and digital images to the park for use in their promotional material.
“Last year, he donated $750 to purchase a digital image overhead projector.
“He regularly assists in building park facilities, bulldozing and tractor works as well as cleaning toilets and campgrounds, and is now helping to record Girraween’s history,” she said.
Ms Nelson-Carr said the EPA Excellence Awards recognised employees and volunteers for their dedication, commitment and hard work in protecting the environment for a sustainable future.
The award ceremony was last night 19 June 2007 at Customs House in Brisbane.
Media contact: Lisa Gilby 3336 8004