Students from Port Dalrymple School, Star of the Sea College, and South George Town Primary School are preparing for an exciting and educational experience at Rio Tinto Bell Bay Aluminium’s annual Tree Planting Day.
Together with Rio Tinto employees, they will revegetate land owned by Rio Tinto and learn about environmental conservation.
Bell Bay Aluminium General Manager Richard Curtis said the event, now in its 15th year, is significant for both the participating schools and Rio Tinto employees.
"Our annual Tree Planting Day offers students from six to 16 a unique opportunity to engage in an outdoor classroom, get their hands dirty, and understand the importance of environmental conservation," said Mr Curtis.
"We’ve planted thousands of trees through our revegetation program since its inception. It's inspiring to witness the students' enthusiasm and curiosity as they contribute to restoring natural habitats.
“These young individuals are the future custodians of our environment, and events like this foster a lifelong sense of responsibility and connection to nature."
More than 2000 native seedlings will be planted on land owned by the smelter to enhance the area's biodiversity. Students will plant a variety of native species, including:
- Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)
- Acacia melanoxylon (Australian Blackwood)
- Allocasuarina littoralis (Black Sheoak)
- Banksia marginata (Silver Banksia)
- Eucalyptus amygdalina (Black Peppermint)
- Eucalyptus viminalis (Manna Gum)
The day is supported by George Town Rotary Club, whose volunteers will provide a delicious barbecue for the students throughout the day.