Warialda High School Principal Shelly Way, left, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall where the new school vegie gardens will be constructed shortly, thanks to support from the State Government.
Thursday, 20 May 2021
A NEW agriculture project blossoming at Warialda High School will help in the recovery of the native bee population ravaged by the drought, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a ‘sweet’ $14,977 State Government grant to increase the number of bee food plant species grown around the campus.
Mr Marshall said students are a hive of activity, preparing to install a new vegie garden and sustainable water infrastructure.
“Warialda means ‘place of wild honey’ in the Weraerai language, but sadly the number of hard-working bees which gave it that name has declined due to food sources drying up in the drought,” Mr Marshall said.
“The school’s agriculture plot was also a victim of the dry, heavily impacted by severe water restrictions and lack of bees to pollinate plants.
“This innovative project involves installing a rain water tank and related irrigation piping to secure a sustainable supply of water to the new vegetable garden.
“Specially selected Indigenous fruit trees will be planted throughout the grounds, along with native flower beds.
“Importantly, the bees which move in will have a very comfortable permanent home at the school, with two native bee hives to be installed, offering them protection in proximity to a near-bye regular food source.
“Additionally composting units will be added to recycle scrap food from the canteen and kitchen and support the gardens to flourish.
“September 2021 will see the return of Warialda Honey Festival and I hope, through the efforts of these students, this year might also see the resurrection of our ecologically important native bees.”
The Sustainable School Grants program empowers students and school communities to implement projects that will benefit the environment by helping to save energy or water, reduce waste, or improve biodiversity.