PORTER’S RUBBER GLOVES TREATMENT

Today, Member for Ginninderra, Mary Porter MLA, put on her rubber gloves and joined 100 Kaleen Primary School students taking part in Clean Up Australia’s, Schools Clean Up Day.

Ms Porter said she was pleased to join the Year 2 and 3 students in improving the environment at their school and neighbouring public oval by removing rubbish.

“Kaleen Primary School is recognised as a leading ACT school when it comes to implementing environmentally sustainable initiatives and the school has been active in Clean Up Australia Day for more than 10 years,” Ms Porter said.

“The school is passionate about the environment and sustainability. There is an innovative Green Room where students can get involved in recycling, composting and growing their own vegetables which are then used in cooking lessons at the school.

“This gives students the chance to learn about sustainability in a hands-on and practical way. Participating in events such as Clean Up Australia Day, also further cements the importance of conservation.”

Ms Porter said the ACT Government strongly supported sustainability in schools.

“The ACT Government has committed to all schools becoming carbon neutral by 2017, and is providing $20 million over 10 years to assist schools in reaching this target,” Ms Porter said.

“All our new schools incorporate sustainability features such as water tanks, solar panels, natural ventilation and other initiatives and the ACT Government is also investing in the roll-out of rainwater tanks for all existing public schools. The tanks will be plumbed into toilet blocks and dramatically cut schools’ use of potable water.

“In addition, $2 million was allocated in the 2009-10 Budget for the installation of solar power generation systems on the roofs of public schools where conditions are suitable. Schools will be able to provide electricity back to the grid during times of reduced usage such as school holidays.

“It is great to see the ACT Government and schools working together to increase sustainability and I encourage all Canberrans to take Kaleen Primary School’s lead and get involved in Clean up Australia Day on 7 March,” Ms Porter concluded.

Statement Ends
Media Contact: Andrew Hunter 02 6205 0428 bh 0431 739 775
Andrew.hunter@parliament.act.gov.au
Mary Porter 0414 480 440