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EcoMarines lead charge to preserve Moreton Bay

The next generation is stepping up to preserve beautiful Moreton Bay and the wondrous creatures that call it home, with schools in our region leading the charge.

A dugong grazing in Moreton Bay.
A dugong grazing in Moreton Bay.

THE next generation is stepping up to preserve beautiful Moreton Bay and the wondrous creatures that call it home, with schools in our region leading the charge.

Students from eight schools in the Moreton Bay Region have signed on to be part of the Tangalooma EcoMarines program this year, learning about the challenges facing the bay and what they can do to help.

Their power lies in their ability to teach other children, prompting change at their schools and at home.

Genesis Christian College students Celine Buckley and Eve Young regularly head out on Moreton Bay with their families and are among those who want to make a difference.

“I love how pretty it is. It’s such a nice place and I want to try to keep it that way,” Celine says. Both girls have seen fish, whales and dolphins. Celine says she enjoys snorkling and exploring and has even seen a dugong.

EcoMarines Secondary Schools Ambassador Training Day at Tangalooma. Celine Buckley and Eve Young. Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography
EcoMarines Secondary Schools Ambassador Training Day at Tangalooma. Celine Buckley and Eve Young. Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography

The pair jumped at the chance to become EcoMarines ambassadors this year. They have since attended training workshops at Tangalooma and are now planning presentations at assemblies and an environmental day later this year.

Both girls want to learn more, so they can do more to preserve the bay they love.

“I want to get to know about what’s happening to the ocean and try to make small changes in the college to try to make big changes out there,” Eve says.

In their view, single-use plastics pose a big risk to our waterways, but they say we can reduce the amount produced and discarded by using reusable containers and water bottles.

It’s a view supported by Tangalooma EcoMarines general manager Penny Limbach.

“The amount of plastic that’s ending up in Moreton Bay is frightening. It’s heartbreaking to know what plastic can do to a turtle — starving to death, what a terrible way to die,” Penny explains. “Thirty per cent of turtles have ingested some form of plastic in Moreton Bay.

“Making small changes in daily life can make a big difference to Moreton Bay.”

A turtle follows a plastic bag. Photo Christian Miller
A turtle follows a plastic bag. Photo Christian Miller

Penny is proud of the program, which has grown from six schools in 2014 to 43 primary schools, nine secondary schools and 250 early learning centres. That’s about 1500 children.

“I’m so proud of these kids. When we started, I thought it would take so long (to see change) but they’re already changing behaviour in their own households.”

The program, which encourages students to run projects at their schools, also involves them in Clean Up Australia Day, a Care 4 Country event and end-of-year celebration. Celine and Eve can’t wait to get stuck in, make a difference, and hopefully inspire other kids to do the same.

So, what message would they give to every school student in Australia, if they could?

“I’d say stand up and make a change in your life to make a change for the world,” Eve says.

“Something’s got to change, so I’d tell them how they can help and if they don’t change, it’s just going to get worse,” Celine says.

Ecomarines Secondary Schools Ambassador Training Day at Tangalooma. Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography
Ecomarines Secondary Schools Ambassador Training Day at Tangalooma. Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography

MORETON BAY ECOMARINES

Schools involved this year’s program: Genesis Christian College, Banksia Beach SS, Bounty Boulevard SS, Grace Lutheran Primary, Kallangur SS, Mango Hill SS, Southern Cross Catholic College and Wamuran SS

Achievements in 2018: Banksia Beach State School reduced waste and made a giant jellyfish from rubbish. Bounty Boulevard State School spring cleaned Suttons Beach and had wrapper-free Wednesdays. Grace Lutheran Primary School cleaned a local beach every week and did a waste audit at school. Kallangur State School reduced waste and increased recycling. Wamuran State School made a whale sculpture from plastic lids collected over two years, winning a competition

Ecomarines Secondary Schools Ambassador Training Day at Tangalooma. Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography
Ecomarines Secondary Schools Ambassador Training Day at Tangalooma. Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography

FUNDING BOOST

The Tangalooma EcoMarines program now has the backing of Moreton Bay Regional Council and Unitywater.

Both organisations will provide $20,000 each in sponsorship in July.

The program ties in well with council’s existing waste education program and supports future environmental leaders across the region.

Tangalooma EcoMarines will work with the council on joint initiatives and will target next year’s Clean Up Australia Day. They will also help with waste reduction initiatives and events in partnership with Unitywater.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/moretonlife/ecomarines-lead-charge-to-preserve-moreton-bay/news-story/7558e14c698d97102bfd293b528679f8