FMG, Burswood win water awards

FORTESCUE Metals Group and Burswood Entertainment Complex were among the private sector winners at the 2010 WA Water Awards, announced last month.

FMG won the ‘infrastructure innovation’ award for its managed aquifier recharge scheme at the Cloudbreak iron ore mine in the central Pilbara.

The scheme balances the water needs of the mine with the stress on the local environment of dewatering, or removing water from the ground.

Burswood Entertainment Complex won the award for ‘waterwise business’, which recognises a commitment to improved water management.

After introducing several water saving initiatives, such as pool covers and regular consumption measurements, and creating a dedicated environmental committee, Burswood has reduced its water consumption by 55,753 kilolitres per year, or 19 per cent.

The award for ‘waterwise specialist’ went to Great Gardens, which runs free community education programs for householders looking to cut garden water use, sponsored by both government and corporate donations.

Since its inception in 2003, almost 50,000 people have attended Great Gardens’ workshops, and the team was recognised for its commitment to community education.

East Victoria Park-based water treatment developer WAT Australia won the ‘water innovation’ award for its modular mobile water treatment plant.

The mobile plant is equipped with a range of water treatment equipment and is designed to provide water “fit for purpose” at each industrial site.

Meanwhile, Friendlies Chemist has topped the field at the inaugural SUBIZ Awards, run by the Subiaco Business Association.

Friendlies was awarded the Westpac ‘business of the year’ award on a night that celebrated the achievements of a diverse range of businesses in Subiaco.

SBA president Geoff Parnell said he was impressed with the quality of submissions, particularly as this was the first time the awards had been held.

The ‘best franchise’ award went to the Bank of Queensland, while the ‘excellence in customer service’ award was given to private wealth advisers Capital Partners.

Lyne Thomas from the Lions Eye Institute was awarded the prize for ‘volunteer of the year’ by the City of Subiaco.