Neugmna landholder Darryl Otto has been recognised with a Pest Management Leadership Award for his work in clearing lantana.
Mr Otto, who was congratulated at Wednesday’s South Burnett Regional Council meeting, received a certificate and a Fraser Island Adventure Package donated by Dow AgriSciences and Kingfisher Bay Resort.
He was nominated for the award by his neighbours.
“Mr Otto was nominated under the categories of proactivity, community involvement and pest management,” South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said.
“He took a leading role in securing funding from the Burnett Mary Regional Group and Council to control 14ha of lantana within roadsides and properties in the Neumgna area.”
The award is part of a program run by the Burnett Pest Management Group, which represents the South Burnett, North Burnett and Bundaberg regional councils.
It recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the region and achieved exceptional results in the field of pest management.
“Darryl is currently delivering a successful lantana control program on his own property with neighbouring landholders amazed at the level of control he has achieved,” Mayor Kratzmann said.
A Council panel – which included Cr Kathy Duff, National Resource Management manager Greg Griffiths and National Resource Management co-ordinator Denise Whyte – assessed nominations for the award.
Darryl is also involved in the local Landcare group and had encouraged his neighbours to get involved in the Powerlink Greenworks Project.
“The work Darryl is doing complements Council’s efforts to clear lantana. We have sprayed main roads within the region and will continue to clear lantana on council roads over the next few months,” Cr Duff said.
