INNISFAIL banana growers Frank and Dianne Sciacca received top gong at the Reef Alliance Awards, taking out the inaugural Prince of Wales Environmental Leadership – Reef Sustainability Award.
The Sciacca’s were honored for co-founding the innovative Ecoganic farming system, which enables fungicide reduction of 60-100 per cent. Their ‘Wax Tip Bananas’ are available across Australia and are also exported.
About 120 people, including finalists, dignitaries and industry experts attended the event at the Mercure Inn in Townsville last week, where ABC Country Hour host Charlie McKillop was MC.
North Queensland based Senator Ian Macdonald said the importance eco-friendly farming practices in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment area should not be underestimated.
He said over 40,000 jobs were directly linked to the farming sector in North Queensland and farms in the Reef catchment area contributed $5 billion to the state economy annually.
“Australians have the view that they want to see a prosperous Far North farming community… that brings benefits to all of us in Australia,” Mr Macdonald said.
Reef Alliance Chair Joanne Grainger said the awards were an opportunity to highlight the role farmers play in land stewardship.
“The broad range of excellent projects nominated for these awards is testament to the widespread practice change and innovation taking place in reef catchment areas,” Ms Grainger said.
Chris Russo of Farnsfield took out the Reef Nutrient Management Award for modifying a high clearance tractor and nitrogen injection bar to apply liquid nitrogen subsurface.
Dan Bishop of Hill End Farms in Rockhampton won the Reef Sediment Management Award for efforts to address gully erosion.
Gary and Angela Spotswood of Inkerman took out the Reef Conservation Award for restoring the ecological function of Mt Alma’s 100 ha lagoon.
And in a new category, Debra Telford of Mourilyan won the Reef Extension Officer’s Award.
More photos, page 10.