News Archive

A scholarship that commemorates the achievements of Paul Turner in the contaminated lands consultancy community has been awarded to two science students from The University of Western Australia.

It is the third year running that students from UWA have been successful in receiving a Paul Turner Scholarship.

Afira Zulkifli, of Riverton, and Madison Roberts, of Bunbury, share the 2015 Paul Turner Scholarship for their achievements in academia, community involvement and the relevance of their research projects in environmental science.

Paul Turner, who passed away in 2010, was a past president of the Australian Contaminated Land Consultants Association in WA. The scholarship is awarded for research projects likely to contribute to the contaminated sites industry in WA.

Ms Zulkifli and Ms Roberts completed their research into contamination of soil, sediment, and street dust at Robertson Park in Perth as part of their third-year unit in environmental assessment at UWA.

Robertson Park is an inner city recreational space created on land previously used for market gardening and various industries including glass manufacture and a foundry, which has led to some soil contamination.

Ms Zulkifli and Ms Roberts found that road traffic and stormwater continue to contribute contaminants. Part of the park area was rehabilitated in 2004 to create a wetland surrounded by native vegetation.

The students will complete their Bachelor of Science majoring in environmental science, and intend to pursue further study in environmental science.

Ms Zulkifli said the project played a big part in helping her decide that she wanted to pursue a career in land rehabilitation and remediation.

"I’m delighted to have received this scholarship, it has given me a huge insight into the contaminated lands industry and the opportunity to learn from industry experts,” she said.

UWA’s Dr Andrew Rate who coordinates the unit in environmental assessment congratulated the students on their achievements.

“The students’ research has provided key information to help manage the Robertson Park environment, and the City of Vincent is enthusiastic about future collaboration,” he said.

The projects were supported by the City of Vincent and the Claisebrook Catchment Group, who gave permission for site sampling and provided background information.

The Paul Turner Scholarship is funded by the Australian Contaminated Land Consultants Association WA Chapter (ACLCA-WA) and partner organisations and is presented to a person or people whose research project or assignment is likely to contribute to the contaminated sites industry in WA, demonstrating aptitude to practice in the industry. See www.aclca.org.au for more information.

Media references

Jess Reid (UWA Media and PR Officer) (+61 8) 6488 6876
Dr Andrew Rate (UWA School of Earth & Environment)  (+61 8) 6488 2500 / (+61 4) 20 501 419