6 February 2009

St Francis Xavier’s School at Manunda have won an environmental award and a $500 grant to go with from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

The ‘Ripples of Change Award’ recognises outstanding environmental initiative from St Francis Xavier’s and will allow them to undertake a new project – measuring their eco-footprint.

Ms Megan Sperring from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) Reef Guardian Schools Program said St Francis Xavier’s School were taking a giant leap forward with this project.

“An eco-footprint can be thought of as any environmental impact created by a person, organisation or in this case, a school.

“Francis Xavier’s School have committed to measuring their eco-footprint through auditing their water usage, energy consumption, resource consumption and waste production.

“By knowing exactly what impacts the school has on the environment, the school can then effectively implement initiatives to minimise this impact.”

Kathleen Montagna, St Francis Xavier’s Reef Guardian School Coordinator, is thrilled the school is receiving the Award.

“We are committed at St Francis Xavier’s School to minimising the impacts we have on the natural environment and the Great Barrier Reef.

“This auditing process will give us great opportunity to improve our sustainability by telling us what we need to work on.”

Phil Laycock, Regional Liaison Officer for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority will present the award to St Francis Xavier’s 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.

The presentation will take place on Friday 13 February at 9:30am at 5 Atkinson St, Manunda.