30 October 2009

Cairns Reef Guardian Schools can put their environmental passion into action by raising awareness about how litter and chemicals from drains and gutters can affect the Great Barrier Reef.

The Cairns Local Marine Advisory Committee (LMAC) purchased material for Reef Guardian Schools to stencil reminders on drains and gutters about keeping these areas clean.

The move follows a request from Gordonvale State School to undertake drain stencilling work in their area. The LMAC plans to lend the stencils, which say "this leads to the Great Barrier Reef," to other Reef Guardian Schools.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Reef Guardian Schools Program Manager Megan Sperring said it was great to see schools and community groups working together on environmental issues.

"We're delighted that Reef Guardian Schools have teamed up with the Cairns Local Marine Advisory Committee to raise awareness of the link between land based activities and the Great Barrier Reef," she said.

"Sometimes people forget that what goes down drains and gutters can end up in the marine environment, and this can affect coastal ecosystems and the plants and animals in the Great Barrier Reef."

Cairns Local Marine Advisory Committee Chairman Paul Gregory said the committee was pleased to lend their support to local Reef Guardian Schools.

"We're delighted to assist Gordonvale State School with raising awareness about the importance of protecting the Great Barrier Reef," he said.

"Because the project is such a good idea, we thought it would be worthwhile to make the stencils available to other Reef Guardian Schools so they too have the opportunity to undertake similar work."