Published Tuesday, 26 June, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
WATER-WISE FOCUS FOR DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING GARDEN AWARDS
Department of Housing tenants who use water-wise techniques to keep their gardens blooming are set to be recognised during the annual Garden Awards.
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten launched the 2007 Water-Wise Garden Awards today at a ceremony at the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.
He said that while not all parts of the state were suffering from drought, the water-wise theme of this year’s awards recognised that water was a precious resource for all Queenslanders.
“This year the department will focus on how the gardens reflect and promote water-wise principles including the use of compost and mulch, and the selection of plants that require little water and fertiliser,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Certainly in South East Queensland, where we are in the midst of the worst drought on record, it is important for Department of Housing tenants to look at ways of saving water in their gardens.
“Entrants in parts of Queensland that are not affected by the dry conditions and water restrictions will be judged on the appropriate and effective use of water for their local conditions.”
Mr Schwarten said the awards were open to tenants of community and local government-managed housing as well as Department of Housing tenants across the State.
“For the past 10 years, the garden awards have provided tenants with an opportunity to showcase their gardens, while providing recognition of the important role tenants play in improving their local community,” he said.
“The Awards also continue to demonstrate the successful partnership between the Department of Housing and Regional Tenant Groups.”
Despite the extended drought conditions affecting many regions throughout the State and the introduction of water restrictions, there were still more than 1,600 entries received last year.
“The Garden Awards provide the opportunity to publicly recognise and reward tenants who care for, and show pride in, the properties they live in through gardening,” Mr Schwarten said.
There are categories to cover all types of tenant gardens, including small space gardens, such as a collection of plants on a balcony, and group gardens, for groups of people who look after a garden in a common area such as a unit block.
Entry in the Awards is free and judging is based on effort and creativity rather than the size or cost of the garden.
“It doesn’t matter what size or type of garden you have, whether it’s a balcony, patio, flower or vegetable garden. It doesn’t have to be the biggest and most expensive to win an award,” Mr Schwarten said.
All entrants receive a certificate recognising their participation, a photo of their garden, a plant and/or voucher for gardening products and an invitation to their local Garden Awards presentation.
Prize-winners receive certificates and gifts specially selected by the Water- Wise Garden Awards organisers in each of the 17 regions.
“I encourage as many tenants as possible to enter and wish all entrants every success in the Awards,” Mr Schwarten said.
Tenants can visit the Department of Housing website, www.housing.qld.gov.au, or their local area office for more information.
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832
June 26, 2007
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten launched the 2007 Water-Wise Garden Awards today at a ceremony at the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.
He said that while not all parts of the state were suffering from drought, the water-wise theme of this year’s awards recognised that water was a precious resource for all Queenslanders.
“This year the department will focus on how the gardens reflect and promote water-wise principles including the use of compost and mulch, and the selection of plants that require little water and fertiliser,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Certainly in South East Queensland, where we are in the midst of the worst drought on record, it is important for Department of Housing tenants to look at ways of saving water in their gardens.
“Entrants in parts of Queensland that are not affected by the dry conditions and water restrictions will be judged on the appropriate and effective use of water for their local conditions.”
Mr Schwarten said the awards were open to tenants of community and local government-managed housing as well as Department of Housing tenants across the State.
“For the past 10 years, the garden awards have provided tenants with an opportunity to showcase their gardens, while providing recognition of the important role tenants play in improving their local community,” he said.
“The Awards also continue to demonstrate the successful partnership between the Department of Housing and Regional Tenant Groups.”
Despite the extended drought conditions affecting many regions throughout the State and the introduction of water restrictions, there were still more than 1,600 entries received last year.
“The Garden Awards provide the opportunity to publicly recognise and reward tenants who care for, and show pride in, the properties they live in through gardening,” Mr Schwarten said.
There are categories to cover all types of tenant gardens, including small space gardens, such as a collection of plants on a balcony, and group gardens, for groups of people who look after a garden in a common area such as a unit block.
Entry in the Awards is free and judging is based on effort and creativity rather than the size or cost of the garden.
“It doesn’t matter what size or type of garden you have, whether it’s a balcony, patio, flower or vegetable garden. It doesn’t have to be the biggest and most expensive to win an award,” Mr Schwarten said.
All entrants receive a certificate recognising their participation, a photo of their garden, a plant and/or voucher for gardening products and an invitation to their local Garden Awards presentation.
Prize-winners receive certificates and gifts specially selected by the Water- Wise Garden Awards organisers in each of the 17 regions.
“I encourage as many tenants as possible to enter and wish all entrants every success in the Awards,” Mr Schwarten said.
Tenants can visit the Department of Housing website, www.housing.qld.gov.au, or their local area office for more information.
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832
June 26, 2007