Australia Day Medallion Mike Rowe and Ken Raine.
Camera IconAustralia Day Medallion Mike Rowe and Ken Raine. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Hillarys pollution fighter, Padbury flood expert honoured with Australia Day achievement medallion

Lucy JarvisJoondalup Times

A POLLUTION response expert from Hillarys and a flood expert from Padbury have received Australia Day achievement medallions. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation awarded medallions to both men, recognising Hillarys resident Ken Raine for his achievements as a pollution response expert for the State Government.

“Mr Raine has made a significant contribution to protecting the environment and human health from pollution incidents and emergencies,” director general Mike Rowe said.

“He established the pollution response unit in the Department of Environment 15 years ago and has successfully led that unit across successive State Government agencies to be recognised as a leader in Australia in pollution response.

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“Through his leadership there have been significant achievements and improvements in environmental protection in WA, including the Pollution Watch Hotline and after-hours response teams to receive and manage calls from across the State.”

Padbury’s Simon Rodgers received a medallion for his achievements as a floodplain engineer, having worked on the science of rivers in flood for more than 20 years.

Mr Rowe said Mr Rodgers had been an integral member of the State emergency flood response network team working with floods on all the big rivers, including the Swan and Avon.

He said he had led development of the department’s expertise in floodplain management advice, influencing other agencies to be proactive to reduce risks of flood damage to homes, businesses and essential infrastructure.

“This includes more recently working with State and local governments on the flood risk to urban infrastructure from sea level rises as a result of climate change,” Mr Rowe said.

“As a result of (his) work, communities across the state are safer from flooding, emergency response agencies are able to better serve the public in times of flooding crisis and local governments can plan ahead to reduce the risk of flooding.”

The Australia Day achievement medallion is part of a national process run by the Australia Day Council, in which public sector organisations recognise their staff.