QUEENSLAND SCHOOLS CHALLENGED TO REDUCE WATER AND WIN $5000

24 October 2008

Primary schools across the state are being offered the chance to win $5000 for demonstrating excellence in water saving techniques and behaviours as part of a new recognition program.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water, Craig Wallace, will launch the Waterwise Schools Recognition Program at The Willows State School at 9.00am on Friday 24 October.

Mr Wallace said the program aimed to encourage Queensland primary school students to take greater individual and community responsibility for the sustainable use of water.

"In May this year I launched Water: Learn it for life!, a program designed to help Queensland schools incorporate water education into their curriculum,” Mr Wallace said.

"The complementary Waterwise Schools Recognition Program provides incentives for schools to engage with the education program in a significant and meaningful way.

"The idea is that students take action to reduce their school's water footprint, and involve their families and communities in water conservation activities."

Mr Wallace said the program offered three levels of accreditation and prizes of $500 and $5000 for schools judged most successful in achieving Waterwise outcomes.

"Over the next 12 months there will be ten $500 awards and five $5000 awards available to Queensland primary schools," he said.

"Participating schools need to take part in a number of Waterwise activities including monitoring their school's water use, conducting school and home water audits, and demonstrating how they are implementing the Water: Learn it for life! program at their school.”

"I encourage Queensland teachers to embrace this program to ensure tomorrow's leaders understand the value of water and the importance of having secure water supplies."

The Willows State School principal, Carol Buchanan, said she was impressed with both the education program and the recognition program.

"The beauty of Water: Learn it for life! and the new recognition program is that they both acknowledge that young people can lead the way with new attitudes and behaviours, and can be the catalysts for change in the community," she said.

To register or learn more go to: www.nrw.qld.gov.au/waterwise/education

Media contact: Minister Wallace’s office, 3896 3688.