A Deer Park primary school is paving the way for more efficient and green schools in Brimbank, thanks to a $200,000 water project.
The not-for-profit, membership-based Victorian Association of Environmental Education (VAEE) was given the funding to establish a whole-of-water-cycle project for Deer Park North Primary School.
The project will reduce stormwater run-off, ease pressure on local drainage and increase the campus’s green space.
Deer Park North Primary School principal Liz Balharrie said it was “incredibly exciting” for the 380-pupil school.
“It will mean complete regeneration and improvement of an area of our school that was under-utilised,” Ms Balharrie said.
“[It] will be transformed into an interactive learning space, which will link beautifully with our science sustainability program.”
Wetlands will also be constructed and unused water tanks will be properly integrated.
“We’ve got quite a few tanks just sitting there, so it’s fantastic we’ll be able to make the most of them,” she said.
“We’ll also grow our own fruit and vegetables, plant gardens and create spaces where pupils can gather under the shade of trees.”
The produce grown on campus will be used to create healthy canteen lunches.
VAEE executive officer Sarah Houseman said it was about optimising what was at the school.
“We’re utilising something so ripe and ready … our part in this is to develop the school’s water use, energy use and waste, but also to engage the community,” Ms Houseman said.
The project is expected to be finished this time next year. It is one of 60 across Victoria that received funding under round two of the Living Victoria Fund.
