Opportunity for students to send healthy waterways message

Released 28/08/2018

Expressions of interest are now open for Canberra primary and high school students to participate in the innovative city DrainART project.

The DrainART project is part of the H2OK: Keeping our waterways healthy stormwater education and behaviour change program being rolled out across the ACT and region.

“Following the success of last year’s inaugural program in secondary schools which saw stormwater drains painted with colourful designs in Civic, Belconnen, Braddon, Gungahlin and Tuggeranong, we’re expanding the program this year to also include primary students,” Water Policy Project Officer, Lyndsey Day, said.

“We’re fortunate children take such an interest in improving their local environment and this competition will focus on the water pollution issues of organics, litter and detergents which all contribute to unhealthy waterways.

“As well as artwork which will be installed around the region, this year we’re also encouraging students to submit video presentations as well as works on paper or in digital formats. These will then also be able to be displayed in ACT public libraries and online to further disseminate messaging.”

Ms Day said the campaign is a unique way of spreading key messages about keeping our waterways healthy.

“Colourful and creative artwork near stormwater drains and in busy pedestrian areas is an interesting way to engage with the community about the importance of protecting our waterways,” Minister Gentleman said.

“In addition to the school-based competition run last year, 10 stormwater drains located along Lonsdale Street in Braddon and City Walk in Civic were painted to show how pollutants from the street – like rubbish, cigarette butts, leaves and chemicals and oil – wash down the stormwater drain and impact the health of our local waterways.

“I wish our local students well in the competition and I’m excited to see what great pieces of work they produce,” Ms Day said.

Applications are open until 26 October with the winners announced in November 2018.

The H2OK: Keeping our waterways healthystormwater education program, being rolled out across the ACT and region, is part of the ACT Healthy Waterways Project funded by both the Australian and ACT governments. For more information visit act.gov.au/h2ok

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