19 May 2010

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

Woodstock State School and Shalom Christian College (Secondary Campus and Crystal Creek Campus) have signed up for the environmental education program Reef Guardian Schools.

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

Education Officer for the program Carolyn Luder said it was fantastic to see these two Townsville schools pledge their support for the Reef.

"We're delighted Woodstock State School and Shalom Christian College Secondary and Crystal Creek Campus are now Reef Guardian Schools," 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."

Both schools will officially be welcomed into the Reef Guardian Schools Program with special school ceremonies this week.

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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