The annual Golden Gecko Awards for Environmental Excellence, now in its 14th year, is organised by the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR).
DoIR Director General Jim Limerick said a Golden Gecko Award symbolised a company or individual had made commitments that were far beyond basic compliance with environmental regulation and provided public and industry recognition for their efforts.
He said receiving a Golden Gecko Award helped build an organisation's reputation as a good corporate citizen with a responsible attitude to environmental heritage. The awards also increased employee understanding and ownership of environmental programs and helped ensure environmental strategies were adequately resourced.
“By recognising advances and innovations in environmental practice by the minerals and petroleum industries, the Department seeks to encourage continuous improvement throughout the industry,” Dr Limerick said.
“In addition, the Golden Geckos aim to develop and maintain community confidence in the compatibility of mining and environmental management.
“The awards provide an opportunity to pass knowledge on to others, helping improve environmental management across the industry,” he said.
Limerick said between April and June, a technical panel would assess each nomination by undertaking an inspection of the nominated site or operation and provide a detailed report on each of the nominations to the selection committee.
The selection committee includes Limerick; Susan Hunt, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Perth Zoo; Marion Blackwell, Landscape Architect; and Bernard Bowen, former Chairman of the Environmental Protection Authority.
The selection committee will assess each nomination and review the technical panel’s comments during July and August.
Limerick said submissions should include sufficient details for the technical panel and selection committee to assess the nomination on its own merits. It should contain a brief description of the operation or project, an explanation of the environmental issues involved, how these issues were addressed and results of the actions taken to achieve environmental excellence.
“Other material such as third party testimonials supporting a nomination may also be provided. Innovation and community involvement are seen as important criteria and should be emphasised where appropriate in any submission,” Limerick said.
“A submission should also highlight how it stands apart from other operations or projects. Where possible, it should be supported with pictures, plans, diagrams and other details which demonstrate actions and results.”
He said the technical panel would also look at the whole operation or project to measure overall levels of environmental performance against current industry standards.
Further information can be found on the Department’s website www.doir.wa.gov.au/goldengecko or by contacting Danielle Risbey on telephone (08) 9021 9406 or email danielle.risbey@doir.wa.gov.au.
