Dieback Management In Quarries
Environmental Innovation Award
In August 2017 Hanson WA was presented with the Environmental Innovation Award for their work on dieback management in quarries. Sponsored by the Cement Concrete Aggregates Australia (CCAA), the Environmental Innovation Award recognises outstanding achievement in developing and implementing an initiative or solution in environmental management at a concrete, extractive, or cement operation.
The following criteria were used to decide the winner:
• Innovation/Originality
• Effectiveness at solving the issue
• Impact on Operations
• Transferability
• Cost Effectiveness
Dieback Management
Hanson WA’s submission focused on preventing Phytophthora Dieback, a disease that poses a serious threat to both remnant bushland and the banksia woodland rehabilitation efforts of the past 20 years. Phytophthora Dieback is an introduced plant disease that causes root rot and can completely prevent the uptake of water and nutrients, resulting in plant death. Over 40% of native WA plant species are at risk. Many of these plants are only found in the Southwest Australia Eco-region, and include Jarrah, Banksias, grass trees, and zamia palms. The Banksia Woodland ecosystem, listed as a threatened ecological community in 2016, faces the greatest risk of all.
Human activity like road construction, earth moving, and driving infested vehicles on unsealed roads can increase the spread of Phytophthora Dieback. To prevent this, Hanson WA redeveloped their hard rock and sand quarry operations to reduce the spread of the disease and to protect the native flora rehabilitation sites. The redevelopment included mapping, site specific management plans, and greencard training for employees.
Hanson WA was pleased with the enthusiasm and ease of compliance from the quarry site managers and site personnel during the rollout of the Dieback Management Plans. Hanson would like to congratulate the whole team for their hard work, and in particular Lisa-Jane Hults, Zoe Keller, Vern Newton and Damon Case for their efforts.
The Environmental Innovation award was presented to Lisa-Jane Hults, Environmental Planning and Compliance Manager, by the Honourable Peter Tinley, Minister for Housing at the CCAA WA Construction Materials Industry Dinner, held at the Crown Plaza on
Friday, 4 August 2017.
Hanson WA was also a finalist in the Gold Environment Award for their work in Dieback Management.