Water partnerships blossom for South East schools

Students at Nangwarry Primary School will be developing their environmental and sustainability knowledge through the development a new community garden, thanks to a partnership with SA Water, as part of the utility’s 2022-23 Community Partnership Program.

Funding will go towards the installation of a 25,000-litre rainwater tank at the school, as well as plumbing and irrigation, creating a sustainable watering system for the on-site garden.

The annual program provides a total of $75,000 in financial support towards initiatives or events focused on environmental sustainability, climate change and improving community health and wellbeing.

SA Water's General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation Nicola Murphy said the exciting project at Nangwarry is among eight new partnerships in metropolitan and regional South Australia this year.

“Sharing our vision for a greener environment, the rainwater tank will be an important tool for the students to learn about water-wise gardening techniques,” Nicola said.

“It will capture stormwater run-off from three buildings on site, and the design incorporates a swale system to help spread water evenly across the garden.”

St Martins Lutheran College in Mount Gambier is also partnering with SA Water for the 2022-23 program, with funding going towards construction of a seasonal wetland in a nearby nature reserve.

“Native vegetation will be planted to improve the quality of stormwater entering the local ecosystem from an existing large stormwater collection point within the reserve, that becomes inundated with water during winter and spring,” Nicola said.

“The wetland will also offer an opportunity to teach students and the wider community about the cultural and environmental roles wetlands play in the South East.

"We look forward to working with both St Martins Lutheran College and Nangwarry Primary School to provide environmentally sustainable sites for the students to enjoy and learn from."

SA Water's 2022-23 Community Partnerships Program is assisting initiatives of different shapes and sizes, ranging from a watering habitat in Monarto to a new sensory garden in Port Pirie.

"We're also partnering-up to deliver an incredible feature garden at this year's Royal Adelaide Show, where tens of thousands of visitors each day can learn about creating cool, green spaces in their community," Nicola said.

"We know grassroots groups and events have faced challenges throughout recent years due to COVID-19, and we can't wait to work together with all of this year's program recipients to achieve great outcomes.”

For more information on SA Water’s Community Partnerships Program, visit sawater.com.au.

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