Teys Australia led the pack at a glittering awards evening at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, 5 November, taking out the top prize in the 2015 Premier’s Sustainability Awards.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Teys Australia, the country’s second largest red meat processor, was working to dramatically reduce its carbon footprint with two new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment systems at its facilities in Beenleigh and Rockhampton.
“Teys Australia won the Business Eco-efficiency category and then was also presented with the Premier’s Award to recognise the company’s outstanding contribution to promoting and advancing sustainability in Queensland,” the Premier said.
The new waste reduction systems, at its Rockhampton and Beenleigh facilities, have helped slash CO2 emissions by 72 thousand tonnes, the equivalent of removing 23 thousand cars a year off our roads.
Through the use of on-site recycled biogas, natural gas consumption is down more than 30 per cent at Beenleigh while in Rockhampton, the use of Biogas has seen coal reductions fall by more than 20 per cent.
Water consumption at both sites have also been dramatically slashed as the plants adopt more efficient waste water systems.
“Our aim is to use less energy and water in our operations, create a more efficient business and continually strive to do more with less,” said Tom Maguire, Teys general manager corporate affairs.
“This is an ongoing and tremendous commitment by Teys to work alongside government and other industry stakeholders to improve our business and reduce markedly our environmental footprint.”
Mr Maguire also says it is a major part of consolidating the future at the Rockhampton and Beenleigh facilities, which provide more than 1800 jobs to the Queensland community when flow on effects are considered.
Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said 117 excellent nominations were received for this year’s awards.
“The quality of the entries is a strong sign that Queenslanders are embracing sustainability as an essential aspect of our everyday lives, in our cities and on the land, at work and at play,’’ Dr Miles said.
Dr Miles said other winners included Nambour Rugby Union Football Club for turning an old landfill site into an organically-certified sporting oval; Robert McVicker whose luxury home exports more electricity and rainwater than it consumes; and Mount Pleasant Station which has dramatically improved the landscape through sustainable grazing practices.
Each category winner received a handsome trophy designed and created by Queensland artist Mick Zalesky using recycled materials to symbolise new beginnings for sustainable growth.
Winners also received $2500 to support ongoing sustainability projects.
A full list of winners is below:
Premier’s Award – Teys Australia – Major multi-site renewable energy development and wastewater upgrade
Minister’s Award for Leadership in Sustainability – Alby Wooler – Capricorn Coast Junior Landcare Passport Program
Community Award – Nambour Rugby Union Football Club – giving our old landfill a second chance
Built Environment Award – Robert McVicker – The Vicker Ridge
Innovation in Sustainable Technologies Award – Southern Oil Refining – Northern Oil Refinery
Rural Award – Mt Pleasant Station – Purpose Driven Not Profit Driven
Business Eco-efficiency Award – Teys Australia – Major multi-site renewable energy development and wastewater upgrade
Sustainability in Education Award – Hilder Road State School – The Fish Creek Project
Young Achiever’s Award – Bindi Irwin – Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors
Sustainable Heritage Award – Hanworth House – Extensive restoration of Hanworth House
Small Business Award – Twisted Gum Wines – Sustainable Dry Land Vineyard
