WEED ARTWORK WINS QUEENSLAND ARBOR DAY PRIZE

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and this has been proved by a Sunshine Coast state school that has turned a nasty weed into an impressive piece of art.

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace today presented Palmwoods State School with the Minister’s Choice Golden Spade and Shade Award as part of Queensland’s Arbor Day celebrations.

The winner dealt with an historic camphor laurel tree – a declared weed and environmental menace – in the middle of the school grounds by cutting it down and creating an iconic sculpture and shady shared space.

Minister Wallace said the 120-year-old tree, three metres tall and 18 metres around, was cut down and its stump was turned into the sculptural centrepiece of a landscaped, environmentally sensitive outdoor learning area for students and the school community.

"This is an innovative and artistic way to deal with what could be a nasty problem," Mr Wallace said.

"I congratulate the staff and students at Palmwoods State School for their creative approach to this environmental hazard. This is an excellent example of a school looking outside the square and finding an innovative way to deal with a problem facing our environment."

Minister Wallace said that through Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland the Bligh Government had set targets to protect Queensland’s lifestyle and natural environment from the pressures of a growing population and climate change.

"The Bligh Government is committed to protecting more areas as national park and other protected areas to secure Queensland’s unique biodiversity," Mr Wallace said.

"It’s fair to say that the Bligh Government is more than happy to be involved as a major sponsor of this event – Natural Resources and Water is a major stakeholder in all that Arbor Day represents.

"The Bligh Government, through the Vegetation Management Act, is ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for land in Queensland."

Arbor Day, dedicated to trees and their planting and care, originated in Nebraska in the United States in the 1800s.

The 2008 awards mark Queensland 11^{th celebration, with prizes handed out across five categories and one of these chosen as the overall Golden Spade and Shade winner.}