8 March 2010

Two Collinsville schools are the latest in Queensland to commit their school to take action to protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Collinsville State High School and St John Bosco Catholic School are also the first in Collinsville to sign up for the environmental education program Reef Guardian Schools.

They will join 57 schools in the Burdekin region that take part in the program run by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority with support from NQ Dry Tropics.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Education Officer Carolyn Luder said it was fantastic to see these two schools getting onboard with protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

"We're delighted these two Collinsville schools are now Reef Guardians and hope they will inspire other schools in the area to follow their lead," she said.

"Through the Reef Guardian Schools Program, they will have an opportunity to get involved in environmental projects that improve their local environment and the outlook for the Great Barrier Reef.

"As the future custodians of the Great Barrier Reef, these students have an important role to play in the future of this great Australian icon.

"We hope the students and teachers will engage their community in environmental issues and promote environmentally friendly practices at home, work and school."

The schools will officially be welcomed into the Reef Guardian Schools Program at special school ceremonies on 8 March.

The Reef Guardian Schools program is an initiative of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and, in the Burdekin region, it is run in partnership with the natural resource management group NQ Dry Tropics.

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