2015-16 Annual Report 2015-16 Annual Report | Page 107

Free Mulch Educating our community Council actively supports community education and is committed to promoting responsible use of our natural resources. This includes keeping the community well informed on waterwise practices, water conservation, waste management and recycling. Through educational visits and tours and the provision of educational resources, we promote awareness, sustainability and responsibility. Our Water and Waste Educators visit schools, childcare facilities, educational organisations and community groups. They adapt their presentations to suit any age group from pre-prep onwards and support the Australian Curriculum requirements for schools. Educators also deliver presentations to community groups, tailored to suit various information needs. Topics include: • Being waterwise Water Schools Classes Total Participants 70 1,754 In comparison to 2014-15, 2015-16 stats are: 21% 9% Community Groups Groups Total Participants 2 70 In comparison to 2014-15, 2015-16 stats are: _ 129% Tours Classes Total Participants 17 438 In comparison to 2014-15, 2015-16 stats are: • Water supply and treatment • Water cycle Waste • Waste recycling • Worm farming and composting • Waste management • Sustainability. Encouraging residents to use waterwise gardening systems The completion of the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility this year saw residents able to access the popular free mulch service at the facility on the first Sunday of each month. The customers utilising the service include residents from Highfields, Hodgson Vale, Oakey, Pittsworth, Toowoomba and Westbrook. Free mulch was also available at Council’s other waste facilities and promotes the importance of recycling our green assets and ensuring the ‘Garden Region’ has access to waterwise gardening practices. Schools Classes Total Participants 126 3,192 In comparison to 2014-15, 2015-16 stats are: 21% 21% Community Groups Groups Total Participants 42 797 In comparison to 2014-15, 2015-16 stats are: 382% TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Annual Report 2015 - 2016 247% Our goals CHAPTER 4 107