23 February 2009

Taranganba State School are the proud recipients of an environmental award and a $500 grant from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to further their environmental aspirations.

The ‘Ripples of Change Award’ recognises outstanding environmental initiative and the grant money will allow the school to undertake a new project – a permaculture garden.

Ms Megan Sperring from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) Reef Guardian Schools Program said a sensory garden will be of great environmental value to the school.

“The addition of this garden to the school is a fantastic way of improving sustainability.

“It will allow a hands-on approach for learning land management and give the school an opportunity to literally reap what they sow.”

Linda Frankcombe, Reef Guardian School Programme Coordinator, said she is excited about the project.

“We already recycle our organic waste by keeping chickens and having worm farms.  The fertiliser from these activities can now be used on the garden.”

Di Walker, Regional Liaison Manager for the GBRMPA, will present the award to Taranganba 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.

The award presentation will take place on Monday 23 February at 9am at Taranganba Road, Yeppoon.