Kids save tree

By Tania Martin
EMERALD Primary school students have proven that a little voice can make a big difference.
The grade 4 students rallied to save an 80-year-old oak tree ear -marked for removal for building works.
The students wrote emails, made posters, wrote stories and put together a petition, collecting more than 73 signatures.
They also wrote to several Members of Parliament including Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato and even the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, in a bid to help save their beloved oak tree.
It faced the chop to make way for new buildings as part of the school’s $3.2 million stimulus package upgrade.
Students were already upset after a 100-year-old oak tree was cut down because of the new State Government fire refuge regulations.
Under the new regulations trees can’t be within 10 metres of a refuge.
Student Lily said they decided to take a stand because they had already lost one tree and didn’t want to lose another.
“It’s been here a long time and we didn’t want to see it go,” she said.
Despite not receiving any responses from politicians as yet, the tree has been saved following negotiations between the school and the building contractors, Coffey Projects last Tuesday (20 October).
Principal Mark Carver said the building would move three-and-a-half metres to the east.
He said it was great to see the children trying to make a difference.
“It’s good to see a small group of people making a big difference,” Mr Carver said.
Mr Carver said the building works were a part of the Federal Government’s stimulus building package, which included the construction of new grade six buildings.
He said the decision to save the tree was great for the kids and the parents who had been so passionate about saving it.
“It was a good chance for the kids to work with the community on something that is important to them,” Mr Carver said.
Teacher Leigh Johnston said the students had been studying the Eureka Stockade and had learnt how a small group of people could make a massive difference.
He said the kids had taken it a step further and set up their own internet pages.
The students said it was a great feeling to be able to make a difference. “If we didn’t do anything the tree would be gone,” student Amy said.
Parent Melinda Carey said it was great to see the kids making a difference.
“Sometimes it’s important to stand up for what you believe in and work with people to find a solution,” she said.
Ms Carey said she was glad the tree had been saved for her kids and other generations to come.
“It’s fantastic news,” she said.