'Ribbons of Blue' program wins national award

Western Australia's 'Ribbons of Blue' program has won a national environment award.

The Perth-based program was awarded the prestigious Banksia Environmental Award for Community Landcare at a ceremony in Melbourne on Friday - World Environment Day.

The Banksia awards acknowledge those individuals or organisations that have made a positive contribution to Australia's environmental protection.

The award for community landcare acknowledges that 'Ribbons of Blue' has enhanced, beautified and protected the environment within the field of land management and sustainable productivity.

Today, Environment Minister Bob Pearce accepted the award from a representative of the Commonwealth Bank - the award sponsor - while launching this year's 'Ribbons of Blue' program at La Salle College, Midland.

"Students, teachers and local government representatives who have supported and encouraged the 'Ribbons of Blue' program in WA must all share in the glory of the award," Mr Pearce said.

"The Banksia Environmental Foundation does not base its awards on talk, it bases them on action.

"The Foundation recognises individuals or organisations that are working on practical solutions to environmental problems, not merely talking about them."

Mr Pearce said the concept of monitoring water to determine catchment health had gained rapid acceptance and support in WA, and empowered students to co-operate with others in finding solutions to environmental problems.

"Today, 'Ribbons of Blue' moves into its third year in the Swan-Avon catchment," he said.

"During the next two weeks, 60 schools will be monitoring water in a large area of the catchment, including Dalwallinu, Southern Cross, Lake Grace and Beverley.

"Here at La Salle College, in co-operation with the Waterways Commission, the students will focus on Ellen Brook, which is a major source of phosphorous entering the Swan River."

At the launch, the Shire of Swan presented a special test kit to the college as part of the program.

'Ribbons of Blue' is entering its second year on the Blackwood catchment, with major sponsorship from Bunnings Treefarms, and will commence at Albany and Geraldton.