4 February 2009

Gordonvale State School are the winners of an environmental award and a $500 grant to help rehabilitate O’Leary’s Creek.

The ‘Ripples of Change Award’, which recognises environmental excellence, will allow the school to complete the next stage in their O’Leary’s Creek Rehabilitation Project.

Ms Megan Sperring from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) Reef Guardian Schools Program is thrilled Gordonvale State School can continue the exceptional work happening at O’Leary’s Creek.

“This grant will allow for educational signage and native tree plantings at the creek site.

“It’s part of a much bigger rehabilitation project of the creek which includes water quality monitoring and habitat restoration.

“The exciting part about this part of the project is the community awareness that will be raised through education and participation.”

Ms Helen Underwood, Gordonvale’s Reef Guardian School Program Coordinator, is looking forward to engaging the community in the project.

“The aim of this project is to establish an education rehabilitation precinct within the Gordonvale community. 

“We want our whole community to follow the progress of the creek rehabilitation, which means people will take ownership of that ecosystem and work to keep it healthy.

“It is after all a beautiful part of our natural environment and should be a place of beauty that all can enjoy.”

Phil Laycock, Regional Liaison Officer for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority will present the award to Gordonvale State School and personally thank the school for their efforts on behalf of the GBRMPA for their efforts in helping to conserve the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.