Students set on saving water in dry times

Mundubbera State School has received a grant for an innovative new project which saves water.

SAVING WATER: Students at Mundubbera State School will help implement a wastewater recycling program after receiving a Woolworth's Junior Landcare grant. Picture: Felicity Ripper

THE WAY Mundubbera State School staff and students manage their water, waste and electricity has won them the Chamber of Commerce ecoBiz award two years in a row.

And they could be in the running again as they take another step in building their eco-profile.

Alonsgide Biggenden State School, Mundubbera was selected from more than 1000 applicants for the grant which aims to inspire students through hand-on projects focusing on sustainable food production, improving waste management practices and enhancing native habitats.

Mundubbera State School was selected for its project to divert roof water from downpipes into small wicker bed gardens near classrooms.

There are also plans to divert waste water from drink taps into gardens supporting native flowers and shrubs.

"We're trying to find different and innovative ways to use waste water, roof water and storm water” principal Peter Townsend said.

"Because it gets so dry out here we're trying to use less of the town's water and catch what we can ourselves.

"The drink taps are a place where a large amount of water is wasted so if we can use it in a way to grow plants then that's great.”

Mr Townsend said the students will play an active role in implementing the project.

Five drink stations will be developed near the school's garden areas to grow native species of shrubs.

Each class will be responsible for maintenance and up keep of 'their' garden.

The school also has natural play equipment and bush tucker garden beds placed strategically to catch storm water runoff.