It's rarely a week that goes by where water is not in the headlines in one form or another. While being central to Australia's healthy economy and underpinning our most popular recreational pursuits, our precious water also relies on creative and sustainable management to maintain supply, quality and quantity.

Between 17 August and 27 October 2006 there are even more reasons for water in Australia to receive greater exposure and focus than usual. To celebrate 15 years as a leading investor in natural resource management research and knowledge, Land & Water Australia launches a national photography competition to recognise the role water plays in our landscapes, lifestyles and livelihoods.

The People, Puddles and Paddocks - Water in the Landscape photography competition offers up to $15,000 in prizes. It is a creative way of showcasing the achievements, pride and importance associated with contemporary water management in Australia.

Land & Water Australia Chair, Bobbie Brazil, said the competition focuses on three core themes: Landscapes, Lifestyles and Livelihoods.

"We want to encourage people to creatively share their successes and relationships with water using the camera lens," she said. "Land & Water Australia feel it is time to take a fresh look at the personal satisfaction that underpins the efforts individuals and organisations put into better managing, protecting and even transforming water resources to support more sustainable and productive landscapes.

"Images that capture the sense and spirit of Australian landscape and the important role that water plays to support the unique patchwork of plants, animals, people and production are the theme for the 'Landscapes' category - this category is about demonstrating how all the elements fit together.

"Similarly, our lifestyles are tied to the health of the landscape, and the use of resources within it. Images submitted for this category should capture the quality of life and enjoyment that comes from living in our unique Australian environment.

"Finally, images that convey an understanding of sustainable and profitable natural resource use and management are the focus of the 'Livelihoods' category. We hope people such as farmers and irrigators will enter images in this category that demonstrate the positive long-term contributions made by those who directly manage soil and water resources - especially in agriculture."

Ms Brazil said apart from the chance of sharing in the prize money, images entered in the competition could be used by Land & Water Australia in activities to raise awareness and understanding of the important role water plays in our day-to-day lives.

"Now that's exposure for your photographic talent!" she said.

For entry forms and full details of terms and conditions, visit our website www.lwa.gov.au  and follow the links to the competition page. Entries close Friday 27th October 2006.

ENDS

Media contact:  Media Officer, Land & Water Australia 02 6263 6000

Photography competition enquiries: Photo.Competition@lwa.gov.au