OREANDA-NEWS. On 03 July 2008 was announced, that Reef Guardian Schools in the local region will be able to make a real difference to the environment, thanks to funding through the Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) Reef Guardian Fund.

Providing \\$10,000 of support annually to local Reef Guardian schools, the fund was established by QAL in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to encourage the development of significant environmental projects that benefit both schools and the greater community.

QAL Health, Safety, Environment and Communities Manager, Ross Greenhalgh said the fund received a number of applications with quite innovative projects, which made the decision making process very difficult.

“The application process was very competitive with some exciting short term and ambitious long term projects proposed,” Mr Greenhalgh said.

“It is pleasing to see that schools have embraced innovation and partnership with the support of the fund and the supported projects will go towards making a real difference to the environmental awareness and education of our future leaders.”

The GBRMPA’s Director of Communication and Education Karen Vohland said that the QAL Reef Guardian Fund was a fantastic partnership between government, schools and industry.

"We are all working together to improve the local environment and achieve positive outcomes for communities and ultimately for the Great Barrier Reef,” Ms Vohland said.

"It's terrific that even the youngest members of our community are doing their bit to help the environment in the face of climate change."

Projects supported include Toolooa State High School conducting a school wide energy audit and participation in harbour water monitoring, Clinton State School for a weather station, Gladstone Central School for worm farms and composting kits and Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre for ‘Energywise’ education kits which will explore alternative sources of energy.

Work will commence on funded projects in terms two and three, with most completed by the end of the year.