Rachel Clayton, Charlotte King and Andy Burns of ABC News have won the Regional and Rural Journalism Quill with “Suspected unlicensed dams multiplying across stressed Moorabool River”.

This award is sponsored by TAC.

Judges’ Citation

These ABC regional investigators clearly spent months developing a story that revealed the extent of water theft and its local and national implications. They were tenacious and meticulous. Their extensive research uncovered hundreds of new private dams operating in the Moorabool River catchment that were pulling water from the river and damaging its natural flow. Great use of footage, contacts and FOI requests added fresh aspects to the story. The journalists probed into all parties involved in the issue and ultimately prompted action from the relevant authority. The story was read by more than 100,000 people and also ran nationally across television and radio. An outstanding example of compelling local investigative journalism.

Highly Commended

Emma D'Agostino, Danielle Bonica and Josie Taylor, ABC Central Victoria, “A Fine Balance”

Tim Lee, Landline, “Satellite Stock Squad”

Shortlisted

Tamara McDonald, Geelong Advertiser, body of work