Flowerdale Lagoon in Wagga Wagga receives stormwater from nearby suburbs, meaning litter dropped in the streets of these suburbs can wash into the Lagoon, threatening its biodiversity and water quality. Most people aren’t aware that their actions upstream are harming sensitive downstream habitats.
Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare Group engaged Ashmont Primary School students to learn about the issue through drain spotting, lagoon visits and creating artwork. A professional signwriter used their designs to create a stencil that was then painted on 175 drains with slogans like “Keep it clean, platypus downstream,” raising awareness in a fun, visible way.
By involving students and celebrating their work publicly, the project not only informed but empowered the next generation of environmental stewards.
