Young innovators present green ideas to Council

Cairns’ next generation of environmental leaders took centre stage this week as students participating in the Gifted Global Green (GGG) program presented their sustainability projects to Councillors at the Cairns Regional Council Chambers.

The annual Deputation gives Year 5 students from across the region the opportunity to share their research, findings and ideas directly with elected members.

Their ideas ranged from tackling waste and reducing heat to protecting marine life and improving biodiversity.

This year’s program features four local schools leading innovative sustainability projects:  

• Trinity Beach State School – Garden Glow Up: revitalising gardens with Cairns Birdwing vines to attract pollinators and promoting composting to reduce landfill.
• White Rock State School – Wonderful Waste Warriors: creating a composting system to improve soil health and reduce litter around the school.
• Whitfield State School – Thermal Thoughts: mapping heat zones across the school grounds and developing cooling solutions such as tree planting, in collaboration with Council and JCU researchers.
• Port Douglas State School – The Turtle Trio: raising awareness about turtle health and reef protection through marine education and data collection.

Delivered by the Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre (HBEEC), the GGG program engages gifted and talented students in real-world sustainability challenges and encourages local action for global impact.

Cairns Regional Council has proudly supported the program since its inception in 2014, providing both financial and in-kind assistance.

Through a current three-year Resource and Performance Agreement, Council contributes $10,000 annually to help deliver the program.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the partnership reflects Council’s commitment to building environmental stewardship and community resilience from a young age.

“Programs like Gifted Global Green show what’s possible when education, science, industry and local government work together,” Cr Eden said.

“These students are developing practical solutions to real issues in our community, from composting and climate resilience to marine protection, and that’s something worth celebrating.”  

Each year, the GGG program empowers students from across our region to engage with environmental and sustainability issues that matter to them, their schools, and their communities.

Cr Eden said the initiative continues to deliver far-reaching value beyond the classroom.

“By supporting Gifted Global Green, Council is investing in our city’s future thinkers and problem solvers,” she said.

“These students are showing that local action can have a global impact, and that’s exactly the kind of leadership Cairns needs as we work toward a more sustainable future.”

Students will showcase their completed projects to teachers, Councillors, industry mentors, and families in a special end of year celebration.