5 November, 2012
Posthumous honour for environmentalist John Hibberd
The late John Hibberd (1945-2012) has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the environment movement at the NSW Nature Conservation Council’s 2012 NSW Environment Awards.
Mr Hibberd’s name has been added to the Allen Strom Hall of Fame for long-standing service and commitment to the conservation movement, and for having had the courage to challenge government and non-government decision-makers.
NCC CEO Pepe Clarke paid tribute to Mr Hibberd, who was the organisation’s executive officer and manager of the NSW Environment Centre from 1976 to 1979.
“John made an enormous contribution the conservation movement and forest conservation in particular,” Mr Clarke said.
“The protection of koalas along the NSW south coast and bringing an end to logging in the area was very close to John’s heart and he worked alongside environment groups such as the South East Region Conservation Alliance to raise awareness of the importance of preserving forests for koala habitat.
“John joined the NCC executive in 2006 as the convenor of the SERCA. He was the NCC representative on the Biamanga National Park Board of management since the freehold was handed over in 2008 to local Aboriginal Land Councils, something which gave John great satisfaction.
“John was the founding secretary and treasurer for the Australian Committee of International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and worked for the National Parks and Wildlife Service from 1979 to 1989.”
Mr Hibberd spent much of his professional life as an environmental consultant both in Australia and overseas, largely on various aid projects. Most recently he was executive officer of the Conservation Council of the ACT. He died in January 2012 after a struggle with cancer.
“John is remembered for his passionate commitment and contribution to nature conservation across the landscape,” Mr Clarke said.
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