Bessie Rischbieth Conservation Award Recipient 2003

Andrew Thompson

Andrew Thompson has been involved with the Canning River Residents Environment Protection Association (CRREPA) since its formation in 1994.  At the time the availability of advice on bushland management was very limited and, as he was known to be someone with practical skills, Andrew was approached for help.  He did not hesitate and his enthusiasm, generous support and expertise have been vital to the development of CRREPA and the ongoing management of our wetlands and foreshores.

Andrew has an enormous passion for conserving and restoring our environment.  He is particularly passionate about weed management and fire control.  Andrew spends many hours working alone with his fire rake, clearing long grass from around trees and shrubs and working along firebreaks to reduce the weed growth that results from disturbed ground.

Andrew has worked tirelessly with the Urban Bushland Council and within the conservation network to raise awareness of the unpractical nature of cleared firebreaks and their role in spreading weeds and increasing the fire risk.  During 2001 and 2002 Andrew was President of the Urban Bushland Council and worked fearlessly in lobbying Ministers and local politicians on urban bushland clearing issues and conscientiously fulfilling the duties required of a President.

Andrew gives an enormous commitment of time and energy to conservation activism within this State, particularly with a focus on the south-west forests, weeds, urban clearing and population control.