Tidy result for Moreton Bay region

The Moreton Bay region has cemented its spot as South East Queensland’s premier lifestyle location by sweeping eight of 12 regional categories in the 2010 Ergon Energy Tidy Towns Regional Awards.

The accolades included Redcliffe being declared South East Queensland’s Tidiest Town.

Mayor Allan Sutherland said this year’s Tidy Town result owed plenty to the drive and determination of groups and individuals across the region committed to making their neighbourhoods an even better place to live.

“The entire Moreton Bay region can be justifiably proud of these awards,” Mayor Sutherland said.

“Our success reflects the many strong community partnerships – and the great community outcomes – being derived right across the region.

“The Tidy Town awards celebrate community pride and sustainable communities and Moreton Bay region is demonstrating it possesses and values these quality in spades.”

Division 6 councillor Rae Frawley said the win was another feather in the cap for Redcliffe – which had a history of strong success at the Tidy Town awards.

“Seeing Redcliffe named South East Queensland’s Tidiest Town is a great achievement for our local community,” Cr Frawley said.

“This feat is only made possible by the many residents who volunteer their time to care for, and better our beautiful region.

“The judges made special note of facilities like Clontarf’s Visitor Information Centre; Margate Urban Village’s 60 mega-litre underground water tanks; and our 1060 pollutant filters which help keep rubbish out of Moreton Bay.”

Division 5 councillor James Houghton said Redcliffe also picked up Queensland’s Young Legends Award for the Redcliffe Area Youth Space.

“The Redcliffe Youth Space’s new Our Future program took out the award for youth-initiated activities,” Cr Houghton said.
 
“It engaged 15 unemployed young people who were at risk of drug abuse or offending.
 
“It’s given them an opportunity to start again – to contribute back to their community and become role models for other young people.”
 
Cr Houghton said 10 of the participants had gone onto gain employment with another achieving an educational outcome.
 
“Our Future has helped change the lives of these young people, I think it’s a worthy winner of this year’s award.”

The full list of Ergon Energy Tidy Town Regional Awards for the Moreton Bay Regional Council area are:

• South East Queensland’s Tidiest Town: Redcliffe
• Environmental Protection Award:  Eatons Hill
• Queensland’s Young Legends Award:  Redcliffe
• Paradise & Bishopp Outdoor Advertising Heritage Award:  Bribie Island 
• RACQ Litter Prevention Award:  Caboolture  
• Resource Recovery Award:  Bunya  
• Partnerships Award:  North Lakes 
• Grundfos Pumps Water Conservation Award:  Bunya