"His work on land ownership and use arrangements supports the Bligh Government's Q2 Green and Fair objectives by providing environmental protection and indigenous land ownership for some of the Top End's most significant areas, including Lilyvale, Running Creek, McIllwraith Range and Mt Croll," Mr Wettenhall said.

"Mr Boult's work has also helped establish Queensland's first national parks on Aboriginal land, namely the Lama Lama National Park comprising part of the former Lilyvale Pastoral Holding and the Kulla (McIllwraith Range) National Park comprising parts of the former Lovel (Mt Croll) and Silver Plains Pastoral Holdings.

"The task force was established to assess the most appropriate use and tenure for parcels of State-owned land on Cape York Peninsula and establish ownership arrangements to protect the high cultural and environmental values of the area while maintaining public interests."

Minister Wallace presented Mr Boult and 10 other NRW staff with Australia Day medallions, at a special ceremony at Parliament House in Brisbane today.

Mr Wallace praised Mr Boult's dedication and commitment and said his career was characterised by his modesty, courtesy, confidentiality and respect for others.

"Phil is a deserving recipient and I congratulate him on being honoured with this Australia Day medallion," Mr Wallace said.

"He joined the Lands Department as an administration officer in 1966 - in the days of hand-written reports, transcribed on manual typewriters with carbon paper to produce copies."

Mr Boult, a keen gardener, is also known for his camp oven cooking during team work trips throughout Cape York. Colleagues are known to hang back from preparing evening meals knowing Mr Boult will let hunger get the better of him and start cooking.

The NRW Australia Day 2009 Achievement Medallions are an initiative of the National Australia Day Council and part of the official Australia Day honours system.

Media contact: Minister Wallace's office, (07) 3896 3688.