Peter Kenny Medal to recognise biosecurity achievements

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Regional Economies Tim Mulherin has paid tribute to Mr Peter Kenny, who passed away last month, by establishing the Peter Kenny Medal in recognition of his work in the agricultural sector and his dedication to improving biosecurity.

"Mr Kenny had a passion for biosecurity management, he understood that biosecurity is critical to the future of our environment and agricultural industries," Mr Mulherin said.

"In recent years this commitment was reflected through his appointment as the inaugural Chair of the Biosecurity Queensland Ministerial Advisory Council.

"With the support of Mr Kenny's family we have established an award that will reward individuals or organisations that share his passion and demonstrate excellence in Biosecurity management," he said.

Mr Mulherin said Mr Peter Kenny was a passionate and well-respected advocate for Queensland agriculture.

"Arguably best known for his time as AgForce president, Mr Kenny was a leader whose approach focused on communication and collaboration," Mr Mulherin said.

"Under his presidency, AgForce signed the ground-breaking Blueprint for the Bush agreement with the Queensland Government, and launched the highly successful Every Family Needs a Farmer campaign."

Mr Mulherin said as an acknowledgement of a great rural identity, the medal will recognise Mr Peter Kenny's strong commitment to Queensland's primary industries, particularly in improving biosecurity management.

"The medal will be awarded to an individual or organisation that excels in the field of Biosecurity.

"Emphasis will be placed on not only protecting the profitability of our primary industries but also our unique biodiversity and our way of life.

"As well as the medal , $5000 will be awarded to the winner to help further advance their commitment to improving biosecurity awareness and/or practices within Queensland."

Nominations are now open for individuals or organisations that have made an outstanding contribution to the state's biosecurity efforts in the areas of: