Sustainability plays a key role in ten school projects which have each received a $1000 EcoPorts grant from North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP).

The annual grants program received more than 20 applications from schools across NQBP’s port communities, in Hay Point, Mackay, Bowen and Weipa.

NQBP Chief Executive Officer Steve Lewis said the EcoPorts grants helps teach local children about sustainability and environmental principles.

“Applications this year ranged from in-depth marine studies, sensory gardens and recycling initiatives,” Mr Lewis said.

“The NQBP EcoPorts grants create awareness, understanding and appreciation for the environment, and NQBP is proud to support grassroots initiatives that engage young people in our port communities.

“I look forward to seeing how all the projects progress throughout the year and what benefits they provide to the school communities.

“For example, one successful grant application from St Joseph’s Parish School in Weipa will create a community kitchen garden, taking guidance from the local indigenous residents.

“At Bowen State High School, the marine studies class will use the grant to take a closer look at how environmental changes at the Port of Abbot Point can be managed to minimise impacts to the local redclaw and barramundi stocks” he said.

Mr Lewis congratulated all the successful recipients of the 2017 round of EcoPorts grants.

“NQBP takes pride in growing the knowledge and understanding of young people in our port communities through our EcoPorts grants program,” he said.

School projects which have been successful this year are:

• St Joseph’s Parish School Weipa – Kitchen garden with bush tucker, guidance from local indigenous groups
• Bowen State High School – Aquaculture venture to breed and monitor growth rates on redclaw and barramundi
• St Francis Xavier Primary School – Landscaping with native plant
• St Patrick’s College, Mackay – Reduce amount of one use plastics, using
  bamboo and paper
• Mackay State High School – Extension of garden beds to balance nutrients offset from aquaponics system
• Mackay Christian College – Research project on waste issues and waste minimisation “Does it Matter”
• Mackay North State High School – Recycling station for new agricultural construction centre for at-risk students
• St Joseph’s Catholic School, Noth Mackay – Naturescape learning, sensory garden using natural materials, compost and vegetables
• Beaconsfield State School – Sensory garden – learn about lifecycles, linked to science
• Glenella State School – Sustainable Perma-culture garden project – cultivation of fruit and vegies

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation contact: Kirsty Mugridge | Media and Community Engagement Advisor 07 4969 0772 | kmugridge@nqbp.com.au