Queensland schools can now apply to join the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport’s Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program, part of the State’s Economic Recovery Plan.
Minister for Tourism, Stirling Hinchliffe said successful schools would receive the reef experience school excursion subsidy.
“This three-year program will turn the Great Barrier Reef into Queensland’s biggest classroom and create new tour opportunities for reef operators from Bundaberg to Cooktown,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“More than 40 registered marine tour operators have already jumped on board to share their reef knowledge.”
He said to ensure schools across the State could be part of the program, the Government would pay up to $150 for each student joining an overnight reef education excursion and $40 for an eligible day excursion.
Mr Hinchliffe said the program would deliver a unique outdoor learning opportunity for more than 6,000 students.
“Not only will the Reef Education Experience Program boost the next generation’s understanding of Queensland’s greatest living asset, it also supports local jobs and the tourism industry’s economic recovery,” he said.
“The Great Barrier Reef program joins the popular Outback Queensland Education Experience Program in offering Queensland students the chance to immerse themselves in our State’s amazing natural history.”
Queensland-based The Busy Group administers the Education Experience Programs.
More information on the Department’s Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program can be accessed at this PS News link and the Outback Queensland Education Experience Program at this link.
