11 August 2009

Wulguru State School and Hermit Park State School have been awarded a Litter Leaders Award, proudly sponsored by NQ Dry Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). 

The award recognises the schools' work in keeping their grounds free of litter and comes with $500 funding to implement a sustainability project in the school.

GBRMPA Reef Guardian Schools Project Officer Leonie Maddigan said the schools showed a strong commitment to protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

"These two Reef Guardian Schools are doing some fantastic work to protect the catchment and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park," she said

"By keeping their school grounds clean, the school are helping minimise the amount of rubbish entering the Great Barrier Reef.

"They are setting a wonderful example for the rest of the community and it is hoped that others follow their lead on sustainability projects."

Dr Rachel Allan, Coastal and Marine Program Coordinator for NQ Dry Tropics, said she was delighted to present the awards to these two schools.

“Litter management in our communities is important to our coastal and marine environments. Wulguru and Hermit Park State School are tackling this issue head on.”

Wulguru State School will use the $500 grant to start composting and worm farming their organic waste. 

Hermit Park State School will use their $500 to build litter collecting devices based on models the Year Seven students designed themselves.

Both schools will receive their award this week, with special guest and litter mascot Duey the Dugong making an appearance at the school parades.