STUDENTS ACT TO PROTECT FUTURE OF RIVERS AND WATER SUPPLIES

Queensland students who have contributed their vision and talents to river protection and water conservation projects, were officially recognised in a ceremony in Brisbane today.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford today launched the 2006 Bunya to the Bay Journey book, as part of Riverfestival, and encouraged students to get involved in the 2008 Bunya to the Bay program.

“The inaugural Bunya to the Bay event last year took 26 secondary students from 13 south-east Queensland schools and their mentors on an eco-journey of the Brisbane River,” Mr Welford said.

“For 16 days, they navigated, camped, hiked, cycled and canoed more than 500km along the Brisbane River, from its source in the Bunya Mountains to the river mouth at Moreton Bay.

“The experiences of these young River Ambassadors are re-lived in the 2006 Bunya to the Bay Journey book.

Mr Welford also announced today the winners of the H₂O Challenge, which encouraged state school students in Level 5 water restriction areas to propose water-saving strategies for their schools.

“All entries in the H₂O Challenge included well-researched strategies that complement Education Queensland’s initiatives to cut down water use in Queensland schools,” he said.

“All students who entered the competition displayed a keen understanding of water conservation issues.

“The H₂O Challenge winners – five Year 8 students from Nanango State High School and five Year 5 students from Tullawong State School – came up with creative water-saving campaigns for their schools.

“Each won $5,000 for their individual schools to introduce their water-saving ideas and a $500 voucher each to buy a water saving device for their home.”

“Our River Ambassadors and H₂O Challenge winners represent the future custodians of this most precious natural resource. I am extremely proud of their efforts.”

Bunya to the Bay is a partnership project between Riverfestival and Education Queensland’s Outdoor and Environmental Education Centres. Education Queensland contributes $50,000 annually as part of its sponsorship of the project.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000