Our EcoPorts grants program helps local students grow their knowledge of and passion for the environment through funding for grassroots sustainability projects.
We provide $1,000 grants up to schools in our port communities of Hay Point, Mackay, (Abbot Point) Bowen and Weipa.
We're proud of our international environmental story and the work we do in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, so, in 2021, we're sharing this in the classroom with the introduction of EcoTalks.
Winning schools will receive the EcoTalk experience, sharing their project with members of the NQBP environment and sustainability team.
EcoPorts: Funding grassroots projects
Who can apply
EcoPorts grants are open to primary and secondary schools in Hay Point, Mackay, Bowen and Weipa.
What's supported
The program supports a range of environmental and sustainability initiatives and it is aimed at increasing student involvement in sustainability projects that deliver long-term benefits for our community.
There’s no one type of initiative, the grants are designed to support a range of grassroots projects that engage young people and work to create awareness, understanding and appreciation for the environment.
Past EcoPorts grant recipient projects have included:
- permaculture projects
- recycling projects
- the implementation of eco-friendly cutlery
- construction of chicken coops
- the plantation of sustainable kitchen gardens
- environmental monitoring
How to apply
Applications are now closed.
Applications are assessed by NQBP’s Community Relations and Environment teams.
Contact
For more information email communications@nqbp.com.au or phone (07) 4969 0772.
What is the program about?
NQBP’s EcoPorts program is a grassroots grants program aimed at increasing student involvement in sustainability projects that deliver long-term benefits for our community.
How much is provided to schools under the program?
A total of $10,000 is provided in grants, with 10 schools receiving $1,000 for their respective projects.
Who can participate?
The grants are open to primary and secondary schools in our port communities of Hay Point, Mackay, Bowen and Weipa.
How can we apply?
Applications are now closed.
How are applications judged?
Applications are assessed by NQBP’s Community Relations and Environment teams.
What type of initiatives does the EcoPorts program support?
From permaculture through to recycling, implementing eco-friendly cutlery in school canteens, building chicken coops, planting sustainable kitchen gardens and environmental monitoring initiatives - the grants have supported all types of inventive projects to date.
Will grant recipients need to do anything after they receive the grant?
Aside from working on their environmental project, each grant recipient/participating school will need to provide a progress report on their respective project in July and October via an online reporting form. The form will also allow for schools to upload photos and videos of their project.
2021 EcoPorts projects
Recycling, gardening and invasive fish monitoring are among the 11 school environmental projects being supported under NQBP’s 2021 EcoPorts program. Find out more about these exciting projects below.
Mackay EcoPorts projects
St Joseph’s Catholic School - Mackay
A Chicken Coop and Vegetable Garden. This project will encourage children to engage with nature and animals and will help them understand the importance of sustainability, and responsible and positive environmental practices.
See how this project is taking shape:
August 2021
Alexis and Estelle water the plants.
Constructing the garden beds.
Students help build the garden beds.
Students plant seeds for the garden.
October 2021
Watch this space for the next project update, due in October!
Walkerston State School - Mackay
A kitchen garden, composting and worm farm extension. This will teach students about sustainable gardening and shows them that growing food or creating a new garden is good for the environment and easy to do.
See how this project is taking shape:
August 2021
Students at their new composting area.
Walkerston State School students at their EcoPorts project site.
Building up the garden beds.
Students with one of their first harvests.
October 2021
Watch this space for the next project update, due in October!
Mackay Christian College
A School Garden/Interactive Play Space – i.e. converting a long, tyre-based retaining wall into class gardens and play spaces. This project will promote the importance of recycling materials (tyres) in creating practical and sustainable solutions.
See how this project is taking shape:
August 2021
The area before the EcoPorts project began.
Working bee to build garden beds.
Pre planting
The first plantings
Prep Students from Mackay Christian College.
October 2021
Watch this space for the next project update, due in October!
Pioneer State High School - Mackay
An aquatic drone program. The program teaches students the technical elements of piloting a tethered drone and is linked to environmental management and resource use. The grant has allowed the expansion of the program to involve Slade Point State School and to subsidise the cost of excursions to the Mackay Marina.
See how this project is taking shape:
August 2021
Pioneer State School's Fred Houweling and students.
Pioneer State School's Scott Varley and Fred Houweling with students at the Mackay Marina.
Underwater drone
October 2021
Watch this space for the next project update, due in October!
Glenella State School - Mackay
An invasive fish monitoring program. The project aims to conserve local freshwater fish species and educate students about the impact of invasive fish.
See how this project is taking shape:
August 2021
Checking waterways for fish species.
Exploring local waterways
Students monitoring waterway life
October 2021
Watch this space for the next project update, due in October!
Mackay District Special School
A "Cash for Cans" recycle program for students with disabilities. This project will also lead to future post-school options for students on Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement pathways, either in volunteer or paid work.
Project delayed due to unforeseen circumstances
Holy Spirit College - Mackay (secondary school)
Recycling stations. Implementation of several recycling stations around the school to promote the importance/benefits of recycling.
See how this project is taking shape:
November 2021
Holy Spirit College with their newly installed recycling bins
Mackay North State High School
A compost and recycling program. The project aims to promote composting and recycling throughout the school, saving unnecessary items going into landfill.
See how this project is taking shape:
November 2021
Students with their recycling and organic bins
Using recycling bins throughout the school to reduce landfill
Bowen EcoPorts projects
Bowen State School - Bowen
A Kitchen Garden. The Kitchen Garden will teach students how to grow fruit and vegetables and promote healthier food messages to the school community.
See how this project is taking shape:
August 2021
Georgia, Mia and Hannah weeding the gardens.
Isaiah busy weeding the garden beds.
Molly, Georgia, Phoebe, Elliana, Hannah and Mia are proud of the success of the Zucchini plants.
Prep Student Evelyn with year 4 student Sefton planting the beans that the Prep students were learning about.
Principal Christien Payne with Garden Club Leaders Bridie and Emma working hard before the soil is put into the garden beds.
October 2021
Watch this space for the next project update, due in October!
Queens Beach State school - Bowen
A Kitchen Garden. Students will learn how to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs that will be used in classroom recipes to encourage children to eat healthier.
See how this project is taking shape:
August 2021
Raven, Stayter, Lewis and Flynn standing with the Year 2 and 3 corn, potato and lettuce tyre gardens.
October 2021
Watch this space for the next project update, due in October!
Weipa EcoPorts projects
St Joseph’s Weipa
A Shade Cover for existing school garden (a previous EcoPorts project). A shade cover will provide shade for plants that are not hardy and sun tolerant and will offer sun protection for students looking after the garden.
Project delayed due to unforeseen circumstances