BLIGH GOVT GRANT MAKES BILOELA STATE PRIMARY SCHOOL WATERWISE

Natural Resources and Water Minister Craig Wallace congratulated Biloela State Primary School for saving up to 969,000 litres of town water each year.

The massive water savings have been achieved through the installation of a range of water-efficient devices, funded through a $21,476 grant from the Bligh Government.

"Biloela State Primary School has shown how saving water can be part of a school’s everyday activities," Mr Wallace said.

"It’s great to see this significant funding from the Queensland Government has enabled this school to save thousands of litres of water."

The school’s Parents and Friends Association, which successfully applied for the funding, was sent the last instalment of the grant money this week - a final cheque for $5368.85.

"The grant was used to install water-efficient devices such as auto shut off taps and dual flush toilets. This is a great way of saving town water," Mr Wallace said.

"By installing water-saving devices, the school is ensuring its students can play their part in water conservation for the future."

Mr Wallace said the Parents and Friends Association at Biloela State Primary School was one of almost 600 not-for-profit organisations which have received funding under the Queensland Government’s Lifestyle Waterwise grants program.

The $10 million Lifestyle Waterwise grants program has assisted sporting clubs, churches and parents and citizens groups to implement water-saving measures.

Successful projects include improving watering systems, replacing existing water amenities including toilet cisterns, providing alternative water sources such as rainwater tanks, and installing swimming pool covers and rollers.

Mr Wallace said: "The Queensland Government is committed to protecting our environment through responsible and sustainable use of our most precious resources.

"By working with local organisations like the Parents and Friends Association at Biloela State Primary School to conserve water, we are helping to secure a greener future for our state, as we move Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland.

"Our Lifestyle Waterwise program has enabled schools, community groups, sporting clubs and churches to play their part in helping to keep our parks and playgrounds alive during drought.

"We recognise the great services these groups provide their local communities and I’m pleased we have been able to support them in their efforts to implement responsible water use initiatives."

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