Redland City Council has committed to another year of supporting local schools with environmental initiatives through the Tangalooma EcoMarines program.
Mayor Karen Williams said the sponsorship of EcoMarines supported Council’s waste reduction objectives of decreasing waste to landfill by 15 per cent by 2030.
“Council is excited to continue to spread the word of caring for and protecting our naturally wonderful Redlands Coast through sponsorship of Tangalooma EcoMarines,” Cr Williams said.
“Council’s involvement started in 2022 with a pilot sponsorship and continued this year with the involvement of 13 schools across Redlands Coast.
“More than 55 initiatives were implemented this year, from litter pickups, feeding food waste to chickens and litter art projects to waste-free lunch boxes, compost campaigns and tree plantings.
“Council is proud of the incredible achievements of our youngest eco warriors and we look forward to seeing what they do in 2024.”
Cr Williams said the EcoMarines program aligned with the suite of environmental education programs Council offered to early childhood and school groups.
“Council’s partnership with EcoMarines allows us to include some of our key environmental messages into their primary school programs across Redlands Coast,” she said.
“This includes developing activities around positive litter behaviour, waste minimisation and behavioural change, and waterway health and connectivity.”
EcoMarines CEO Louise Yates said the organisation welcomed Redland City Council’s continued sponsorship of the program.
“Council’s support ensures our programs are sustainable and can be expanded to even more local schools,” Ms Yates said.
“Our programs aim to foster environmental leaders and positive behaviour change in the community through education and action to protect our local environment.
“We encourage students to identify and address environmental challenges impacting their local community in fun and creative ways and are amazed by the level of engagement from students to help improve the environment.”
Redlands Coast schools enrolled in the EcoMarines program in 2023 were: Alexandra Hills State School, Capalaba State College, Cleveland State School, Coolnwynpin State School, Dunwich State School, Hilliard State School, Macleay Island State School, Russell Island State School, Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, St Rita’s Catholic Primary School, Victoria Point State School, Vienna Woods State School and Wellington Point State School.
For more information on the EcoMarines program, visit ecomarines.org
