A Gold Coast company that makes Australia’s only toxic-free, environmentally-friendly paint has won the top gong at the State Government’s Sustainable Industries Awards tonight.
Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones presented the prestigious Premier’s Award for Leadership in Business Sustainability to Bob and Christine Cameron of Eumundi at a gala awards dinner in Brisbane.
Ms Jones said there was more to their company - Rockcote Enterprises - than manufacturing Australia’s only locally developed, environmentally friendly and user-safe textured coatings and paints.
“Their paints are not only free of harmful chemicals and solvents making them much safer for both painters and building occupants, but they want to become a totally carbon-neutral company over time,” Ms Jones said.
“It means their Rockcote factory at Nerang will be fully self-supporting by harvesting its own water, generating its own electricity, and re-using or recycling all materials on-site.
“Eventhe landscaped garden surrounding the factory is planted with foods including herbs, salad and vegetables that are picked daily for lunch.
“A large worm farm on site composts any organic waste to fertiliser, which is applied to the gardens.
“This a perfect example of a smart Queensland business with eyes on the future and a climate smart attitude.
“The Bligh Government is proud to recognise these entrepreneurs who, over the past 25 years, have built their business into a nationally acclaimed enterprise with a $20 million turnover, recognised for its innovative products and commitment to sustainability.”
Ms Jones said seven other award winners recognised for environmental innovation and leadership from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Bundaberg were announced. (List below)
Australia’s first self-sustaining eco-industrial estate, an innovative fresh food distributor, state-of-the-art university building, recycled goods business, chemical-free printer, cane compost business and a dust suppression product for mine areas all won an award.
The winners are:
- Bob and Chris Cameron, Rockcote Enterprises – Premier’s Award for Leadership in Business Sustainability
- Food Connect – Minister’s Award for ClimateSmart Leadership - West End
- Queensland Complete Printing Services (QPrint) – Corporate Sustainability Award - Nambour
- Mitchell Enviro Industrial Estate – Industrial Eco-efficiency Award - Staypleton
- Cooee Products – Innovation in Sustainable Technologies Award - Maroochydore
- Arup – Sustainability in the Built Environment - Robina
- Noosa Community Training Centre – Sustainability Partnerships Award - Noosa
- Camreay Holdings – Rural Sustainability Award - Bundaberg
“These innovative award winners have cleverly diverted tonnes of recyclable material from landfill, avoided tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions entering our atmosphere, reduced their dependence on mains-connected electricity, and cut potable water use significantly by using recycled and captured stormwater,” Ms Jones said.
“These are significant contributions toward a more sustainable lifestyle and part of meeting the Bligh Government’s Q2 target of reducing Queensland’s greenhouse gas emissions by a third by 2020.
“We’re proud to recognise these companies that are setting new benchmarks in environmental performance, and gaining from the enhanced profits and market advantages that accompany sustainability.
The Camerons have won a host of prestigious awards for their commitment to business sustainability. They were runners-up in the 2008 Prix D’Excellence Awards, Environment Category, at the International Real Estate Federation World Congress in Amsterdam and in 2006 the Rockcote Design Centre won the President’s Awards in the Urban Development Institute of Australia National Awards for Excellence.
Bob Cameron is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Christine Cameron is a former Telstra Businesswoman of the Year representing the small business sector.
More information about the awards can be obtained at www.epa.qld.gov.au or through the Communication and Events unit on 3225 1524.
12 June, 2009
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