Aila Keto Receives State's Top Honour

Premier

The HON. PETER BEATTIE MLA

3 June 2000

PREMIER CONGRATULATES TWO OUTSTANDING QUEENSLANDERS

Premier Peter Beattie paid tribute tonight to two inspirational Queenslanders whose outstanding contributions to the Smart State were recognised during a ceremony at Parliament House

Dr Aila Keto was named Queenslander of the Year, and James Moody Suncorp Metway Young Queenslander of the Year at the Premier's Queensland Day Reception.

"Dr Keto is a Queenslander to be admired and thanked for her significant contribution to ensuring the future of our environment for all Queenslanders," said Mr Beattie.

"This award recognises the determined role she played in hammering out the historic South East Queensland Forest Agreement signed by the Queensland Timber Board, three major conservation groups and the Queensland Government.

"This agreement has set a national precedent and established Queensland as the leader in the Regional Forest Agreement process.

"For more than 20 years Dr Keto has dedicated her life to conservation, having taken up a career as a research scientist. She has worked tirelessly to conserve Queensland's natural heritage and has been mainly responsible for the protection of more than 1.5 million hectares of forest in Queensland.

"Dr Keto played a major role in three successful World Heritage Listings - the Wet Tropics, Fraser Island and the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves of Australia.

"The Suncorp Metway Young Queenslander of the Year Award recognises contributions to the State by Queenslanders aged 25 years and under.

"Mr Moody has been recognised for his outstanding achievements in the fields of engineering, space research and the environment.

"At 23 Mr Moody was named the 2000 Australian Young Professional Engineer of the Year and is currently undertaking a PhD in a field critical to the development of high technology products and services in the Smart State.

"Mr Moody also founded the Australian Students' Space Association (ASSA) in 1998 and has taken a leading role in building a new Australian Satellite. In recognition of his expertise and skills, Mr Moody has also been appointed Chair of the new Youth Advisory Council to the United Nations on Space Affairs.

"As an environmentalist, Mr Moody has been selected as the first Australian ever to be appointed to the United Nations Environment Program. He has also been instrumental in coordinating Australian National Tree Planting Day."

The Governor presented Dr Keto with her Queenslander of the Year medal.

Mr Beattie presented Mr Moody with his Suncorp Metway Young Queenslander of the Year medal.

Suncorp Metway managing director Steve Jones presented Mr Moody with a $3000 cheque.

Celebrating Queensland continues until June 11 - 10 days of activities throughout the State to mark Queensland's 141st birthday.

Further information: Steve Bishop 07 3224 4500