World Environment Day provided the perfect backdrop for the launch of the 2016 Ipswich Enviroplan Photographic Competition.
The annual competition was launched at Ivory’s Rock Conventions & Events Centre during a day of environmental workshops, children’s activities and live music.
This year’s competition features seven categories for photographers of all ages, with more than $4,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs.
Councillor David Morrison said the competition showcased the region’s natural beauty.
“This is the perfect opportunity for people to get out and about and discover the flora and fauna on offer at Ipswich’s 500 parks and recreation reserves,” he said.
“Winning images will feature in the 2017 Ipswich Enviroplan Calendar and will also be displayed at an exhibition at venues across the city.”
Cr Morrison said the competition would include free half-day photography workshops with professional wildlife and nature photographers in July.
“Photography has changed incredibly in recent years with the popularity of smartphones and social media making it an accessible, enjoyable and inexpensive hobby for people the world over,” he said.
“This was reflected in last year’s competition, which received 1,200 entries from 154 entrants using everything from traditional film cameras to digital SLRs and smartphones.”
Entries in the 2016 Ipswich Enviroplan Photographic Competition close on Monday, 22 August and winners will be announced at an awards night on Tuesday, 13 September.
For competition guidelines and workshop booking information visit enviroplanphotocomp.com.au