Ian Higgins – VIC

Ian ‘Higgo’ Higgins’ knowledge of Australian flora and his passion for urban creek renewal have seen him work tirelessly with government agencies and neighbouring landholders to support sustainable practice in Victoria. His efforts coordinating multiple Landcare groups in the newly amalgamated Mount Alexander Shire resulted in the shire’s commissioners allocating funding for the area’s first Environmental Action Plan in 1996. In 2005, Ian assisted the development of a shire community plan to improve environmental outcomes, resulting in the establishment of a community-based Environmental Advisory Committee. The Committee’s 2010 State of the Environment report and 2011 Environment Strategy both emphasised the need to support Landcare groups, and Mount Alexander Shire council now has one of the highest densities of such groups in Australia.