Pindi Pindi dives into aquaponics farming

The students’ love of fishing inspired an entrepreneurial leap with the kids now pleading to buy sharks

Pindi Pindi State School students are excited to install the first part of their aquaponics system. From front are year one students Oliver Jackson and Cameron Ryan. Back row includes year three student Bryce Kinnear, year two student Jai Halliwell, year four student Billy Bradley, year three student Flynn Ryan, year six student Mali Bradley and year four student Cadence Gell. Absent are year one student Ethan Gell, year six student Larissa Hall and year three student Courtney Hall. Picture: Teaching principal Anna Bradley

A LOVE of fishing among students at Pindi Pindi State School inspired an entrepreneurial leap into aquaponics farming.

Teaching principal Anna Bradley said the 11 students at the school helped research the aquaponics system that is now underway thanks to a grant from the ASIC MoneySmart program and the Australian Primary Principal’s Association.

“The proposal was put forward for the students at the school to learn about sustainable ways to grow produce and the idea is that we sell those items to the community,” Ms Bradley said.

“This will teach the students about money, planning, budgeting, investing and sustainability in a strong farming community.”

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Ms Bradley said the plant beds were nearly finished with the students most excited about buying the fish and plants.

“Probably the funniest thing, is what they’d like to put in the fish tank such as a couple of sea snakes,” Ms Bradley laughed.

“A couple are very fascinated with sharks.

“They said, ‘They don’t have to be big’”.

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She said students asked every three to four minutes when it was time to put in the fish.

Thankfully, she said they would consult the local hatcheries to decide what fish were most appropriate.

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