THE West Moreton Landcare Group and Joyce and Arnold Rieck were recognised for their significant community contribution at the Ipswich City Council 2021 Ipswich Enviro Awards.

The West Moreton Landcare Group won the 2021 Enviro Organisation award for “undertaking an incredible volume of work” to improve large areas of region’s natural environment.

Their work has included removing invasive weeds, planting and maintaining habitat areas, and educating members, landholders and the community about environment and sustainability issues.

Arnold and Joyce Rieck were presented with the Environmental Hero award for 20 years of continual hard work on the Mason’s Gully project in Rosewood.

Many specimens of rare Rosewood Scrub species have been established in the gully and together they have made a significant impact on Rosewood inspiring many others in the community to improve the natural environment.

Mayor Teresa Harding acknowledged all nominees to the various award categories.

“It was fantastic to shine the spotlight on Ipswich’s dedicated environmental volunteers, there are so many different ways that they are taking action to protect our native habitats and keeping Ipswich liveable,” she said.

Trophies were awarded to the volunteers by Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, Cr Russell Milligan.

“The Ipswich Enviro Awards were the perfect culmination to celebrations for 25 years of Ipswich Enviroplan,” he said.

“Through the ratepayer-supported Ipswich Enviroplan, council and the community have taken positive action on a number of environmental fronts.

“We have 25 years of success to celebrate, but with community champions such as these Ipswich Enviro Awards winners and finalists, we can also count on a bright future.”