Don’t quarry, be happy

By Tania Martin
A MONTROSE lobby group and Mt Evelyn’s progress association president have been nominated for the 2006 World Environment Day Local Hero conservation awards.
The Stop Montrose Quarry Expansion group has been nominated for the Community Group Conservation Award for its work informing the community of the effects of the quarry expansion on the township.
Stop Montrose Quarry Expansion treasurer David Dobson said although the nomination was a surprise, he hoped it would help stop the expansion.
Mr Dobson said that the nomination had proved that the group was doing a good job and that the issue was a major concern for the local community.
“It’s a major concern for all the local residents that this quarry could expand and we intend on making it a state election issue,” he said.
Stop Montrose Quarry Expansion is a non-profit community organisation that was formed by a group of concerned local residents in 2004.
Mr Dobson said the group’s primary purpose was to oppose the expansion of Boral’s Montrose quarry.
Clare Worsnop from the Mt Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association (MEEPPA) has also been nominated for her work on several environmental initiatives around town.
Ms Worsnop said she was shocked and overwhelmed by her nomination, but that it was also a great honour.
She said MEEPPA was involved in different aspects of caring for the environment and community, including saving walking trails and stopping inappropriate developments. The awards will be announced on World Environment Day, Monday, 5 June.
An overall winner in each state will receive $500.
Environment Victoria (EV) executive director Marcus Godinho said local heroes across the country were working to secure Australia’s future.