Published Thursday, 07 August, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
WATER-WISE FOCUS FOR DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
Department of Housing tenants in the Sunshine Coast are urged to don their thinking caps as well as their gardening gloves in the lead up to the annual Garden Awards.
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten said tenants would need their thinking caps to come up with water-wise techniques for keeping their gardens blooming, which is a major focus of the competition in 2008.
“In recognition of the drought being experienced in some parts of Queensland, this year’s Garden Awards will again have a strong focus on how 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.
Mr Schwarten said Department of Housing tenants from across the Sunshine Coast had until September 15 to get their entries in.
Last year, in the Sunshine Coast area, there were 65 entries. A total of 1,141 entries were received state-wide.
The awards are 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,” 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 children’s gardens, for those primarily made by younger people under the age of 16.
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.
“The awards also continue to demonstrate the successful partnership between the Department of Housing and the Sunshine Coast Regional Tenant Group,” Mr Schwarten said.
“I encourage as many tenants as possible to enter and wish all entrants every success in the awards.”
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832
Housing Minister Robert Schwarten said tenants would need their thinking caps to come up with water-wise techniques for keeping their gardens blooming, which is a major focus of the competition in 2008.
“In recognition of the drought being experienced in some parts of Queensland, this year’s Garden Awards will again have a strong focus on how 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.
Mr Schwarten said Department of Housing tenants from across the Sunshine Coast had until September 15 to get their entries in.
Last year, in the Sunshine Coast area, there were 65 entries. A total of 1,141 entries were received state-wide.
The awards are 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,” 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 children’s gardens, for those primarily made by younger people under the age of 16.
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.
“The awards also continue to demonstrate the successful partnership between the Department of Housing and the Sunshine Coast Regional Tenant Group,” Mr Schwarten said.
“I encourage as many tenants as possible to enter and wish all entrants every success in the awards.”
Media contact: (07) 3237 1832