Lymburner School (Hillarys) is WA's first waterwise school

24/10/95

Hillarys' Lymburner Primary School is Western Australia's first waterwise school.

Water Resources and Environment Minister Peter Foss today paid tribute to teachers and students at the school for their commitment to incorporating water issues into their school curriculum.

Mr Foss said all classes would study waterwise principles.

"Students and teachers have already undertaken a variety of waterwise projects, ranging from water use surveys both at school and home to visiting wastewater treatments plants and designing ideas for recycling wastewater," the Minister said.

"Students have also been involved in reafforestation programs."

Mr Foss said a major aim of the waterwise schools program was to educate students about waterwise principles.

The students were encouraged to pass these principles on to their parents.

The Minister today marked the occasion by presenting a certificate to the school during a special Water Week assembly.

He also presented the school with an IBM 386 computer, one of seven computers being presented to the first schools to qualify as waterwise schools.

The computers came from the Minister's office, having been superseded by more powerful models and would be used by the students to study waterwise activities.

Mr Foss said it was not a simple matter to be recognised as a waterwise school and required substantial commitment from the respective schools.

"Each school must conduct its own water usage survey to establish how much water is being used and implement plans to reduce that level," he said.

"As part of the Education Department's utilities management program, each school must be responsible for its own utilities such as power and water and controlling usage is an important part of the waterwise school project."

The school must also adopt a structured water education policy and curriculum activities must be implemented across the school in a variety of subjects.

Community involvement is also important and some assemblies and school newsletters are used to get the waterwise message across to families and friends. 

The Minister urged all students in WA to encourage their parents, friends and neighbours to use water wisely.

Mr Foss said another five schools throughout WA were soon expected to meet the strict Water Authority criteria set to become a waterwise school.

North Kalgoorlie Primary School would be presented with their waterwise school certificate later this week in recognition of various initiatives, including water use surveys, planting of waterwise gardens around the school and installation of dual flush toilets.

Many other schools located in metropolitan suburbs with high water use are also working towards recognition under the waterwise school's program.

These include schools in Dalkeith, City Beach, Bateman and Kingsley.

Media contact:  Peter Harris 321 222 or 222 9595