Ramada Resort Hervey Bay and whale conservation luminary Mimi Macpherson are searching for top young environmentalists, with a fantastic holiday on offer for the region's winner and their family.

6 regional winners receive a 6 night and 7 day holiday in a dual-key apartment at the brand new Ramada Hervey Bay. Out of the 6 winners, the grand winner will also receive $1000 cash.

What we're looking for is a young person with the environmental concept with the best attitude, creativity and enthusiasm. It could be a drawing, essay, photograph or video.

Hervey Bay as a destination is synonymous with environmental icons such as the Humpback whales and Fraser Island. Seeing Humpback whales frolicking in the warm, sub-tropical waters off Hervey Bay, sheltered by beautiful Fraser Island is something people take for granted. And yet, there is the very real potential that this key tourism driver for the region could become a thing of the past if we are not all very vigilant.

These icons are increasingly threatened by outside influences. Next year, sees the International Whaling Commission meet with the return of commercial whaling on the agenda for the first time since 1986. Now more than ever, it was important for those in the tourism industry to ensure that young environmental talent was encouraged. Young people with a passion for the environment will ultimately be responsible for the survival of the tourism industry and its natural icons into the future. Also especially relevant given COP15, United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen in December.

Ramada Hervey Bay wants to engage with young people and their communities throughout Australia in order to find out what their views on the environment in their own backyard were. There are many young people out there with fantastic ideas on how to protect the environment, our most precious of resources and we would like to hear what these are.

What environmental issue are you passionate about and tell us what you have done or what you would like to see done to address the problems?

To enter either email entries to info@ramadaherveybay.com.au or post them to Ramada Hervey Bay, Young Environmentalist Competition, 627 Esplanade, Urangan, Hervey Bay, Qld 4655.

The competition closes on the 30th of November, the winner will be drawn on the 15th of December.

Competition Criteria:

• The ideas presented need to focus on conservation or sustainability (or both)

• Entrants must be of school age

• Entries can be submitted in a format of the entrant's choosing

• The focus should be on an environmental issue you are passionate about

• The entry should outline the actions you would like to see taken to address the issue

• If the entry is visual, please include an explanation in 50 words or less

• If the entry is in essay format - please ensure it is no longer than 500 words

Competition Ideas:

www.acfonline.org.au/earthkids

Register your interest

Register your interest today, then get cracking on your idea to save our planet.