Long-time Cooktown resident John Giese, was recognised for his contribution to the regions natural resource management plans by his former colleagues at Cape York NRM recently.
The board of directors presented Mr Giese with a commemorative plaque for more than five years service to the organisation, at a private function in Cooktown, the place he’s called home for 45 years.
Mr Giese played an integral part in getting a NRM group established in the region.
“We started talking about the idea of getting an NRM group in place up here in about 2007-08, so seeing that through to fruition was a great experience,” he said.
Mr Giese became a director on the inaugural Cape York NRM board in June 2010, retiring in November last year. During his time with the group he served as director of the community sector, chairperson and deputy chairperson.
He is also the Queensland Water And Land Carers (QWALC) board representative for the Cape York region; the chair of the Cape York Weed & Feral Animal Program and chair of the South Cape York Catchment Group.
Cape York NRM’ s current chairperson, Emma Jackson, said Mr Giese had an outstanding record of achievement for the Cape.
“John has been involved in natural resource management on Cape York for well over 20 years, and he has been instrumental in securing support for weeds and feral animal management.
“He is a passionate advocate for the grazing industry and has represented Cape York NRM nationally, raising key issues with ministers and industry representatives here on the Cape, and in Brisbane and Canberra” Mrs Jackson said.
Mr Giese said he was “pretty chuffed” to be honoured by his NRM colleagues when he was presented with the plaque, but said it’s the whole group who pull together and make it all work.
“Our projects have been only been successful because everyone works so bloody hard to ensure we get positive results.”
