CATEGORY 8 - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES This award recognises best practice economic development initiatives delivering positive environmental and social outcomes . EDA invited submissions where circular economy and sustainability principles underpin economic development strategies and / or projects .
The zero maintenance recreation bridges tender was the first in Australia to use a procurement for innovation process , which aims to encourage the development and viability of clean technology – economically viable products that harness renewable materials and energy sources while reducing emissions and waste – using the substantial buying power of public sector procurement .
vessel , ready to collect valuable data .
They joined dive boats , research vessels , island ferries , fishing charters and cruise catamarans in the Great Reef Census , which includes 100 priority reefs from Lady Elliot Island in the south to the northernmost reaches of Australia . Citizen scientists from around the world will then help analyse images online .
Finalist - City of Greater Geelong Age-defying bridges - transforming our economy one cleantech product at a time Cleantech Innovations Geelong ’ s vision is to position Geelong as a Centre of Excellence for clean technologies in Australia by attracting investment , creating jobs and building skills around low carbon economic growth .
Since its establishment , 25 projects have been delivered , which have created and maintained over 650 jobs ( directly and indirectly ), developed skills amongst over 2000 people , and increased sales in businesses by over $ 18 million .
https :// www . geelongaustralia . com . au / news / item / 8d5eb3702bbb658 . aspx
Finalist - Super Yacht Group - Great Barrier Reef The Great Reef Census The Great Reef Census aimed to establish the most comprehensive snapshot ever captured of the Great Barrier Reef . The event took place over a 12-week period , beginning in September 2020 . The Super Yacht Group gained special permission from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to access normally non-accessible areas of the reef for this purpose .
https :// greatreefcensus . org /
WINNER - RDA Barossa , Gawler , Light , Adelaide Plains Barossa Recycling Initiative The Barossa Recycling Initiative improves recycling and circular economy opportunities for Barossa wine-based businesses .
Members of the Wine Industry Sustainable Packaging Alliance ( WISPA ) worked with RDA Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains ( RDA BGLAP ) to secure a grant through Green Industries SA to improve waste streams within the wine industry .
The project revealed that the wine industry already has a high rate of responsibility regarding waste , at 94 %, yet the Barossa wineries were committed to do even better . Their aim is to divert 200 tonnes a year from landfill into a recycling facility .
The program is a partnership funded through the Victorian State Government , the Geelong Manufacturing Council and the City of Greater Geelong .
Luxury super yachts were recruited into the world ’ s biggest research fleet for the massive survey . Superyachts are in a unique position to access these more remote reefs and to help gather vital data on their status . Every superyacht visiting the Reef was able to serve as a research
The project uncovered an opportunity for SMEs without the ability to aggregate on site to collectively purchase equipment to aggregate and process recyclable plastics currently going to landfill . The recycling equipment will be stationed at and operated by an existing social enterprise , Father ’ s Farm in Nuriootpa , where young people are supported by mentors to engage , have meaningful work and learn practical skills .
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