Only rain down the drain: That’s the message from Katoomba Public School’s Squid Squad and it’s one that they’ve taken to the streets to reinforce.
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The group of concerned Year 3 to 6 students has been stencilling the message on footpaths next to drains around the school.
It’s all part of their efforts to keep beautiful waterways like Leura Cascades clear of the litter and rubbish that washes down from Katoomba through the drainage system.
Teachers Steve Gero and Sally Dare are the driving forces behind the work, helped by council’s environmental education engagement officers.
“They were interested in how the stormwater runs into drains and eventually goes into the creeks,” Mr Gero said.
To understand the impacts, the students did a rubbish audit at the Vale Street gross pollutant trap, or SQID (stormwater quality improvement device), spoke with aquatic scientists and engineers about how the systems work, and discussed which drains they should target.
They then workshopped the best words to use in their message and informed nearby businesses of their stencilling plans.
“It’s about having responsibility for the community,” Ms Dare said.
“This is a pilot project – we’re hoping we can roll it out down Katoomba Street so we’re sending a message not only to our kids but to all the people who visit.”
Artist Mandy Schoene-Salter created the stencil and helped the tyro greenies, donned in masks and goggles, carefully apply the spray paint.
The students are now working with council to secure a grant for more educational messages to be painted around Katoomba’s drains.
