Swayneville State School is nestled at the very base of the Sarina Mountains - Connor's Range - which is part of the Great Dividing Range. The school itself is located on the Sarina-MarlboroughHighway.
Based on a rise, the 2.4 hectare school ground waters shed into the gully at the Shinfield Road turnoff, and into the catchment for Plane Creek. Erosion continues to be managed through landscaping and contouring. Near the gully, the school planted an array of rainforest trees, which together with the old gums, complements the rural setting.
Swayneville State School is uniquely placed, as it is close to a small town, and continues to be influenced by the rural industries of mining, sugar cane and cattle. Not all the nearby properties are large, as there are an increasing number of smaller property holdings.
Swayneville does not sit within a township, but is the focal point of the surrounding rurally based valley community. Therefore, Swayneville has a unique identity as our population is drawn largely from the landholders in the area. Our parents have diverse occupations, which are not necessarily rurally based as was the case in the past. Most of our parent body are engaged in paid employment across a range of socio-economic strata.
The school has taken several steps in order to reduce our environmental footprint.
1. Tank water is used throughout the school where suitable.
2. 2 large banks of solar panels have been installed.
3. There is regular maintenance of items such as pumps and fridge seals to ensure that wastage is not occurring.
4. Planting to reduce erosion.
5. Planting of a high percentage of native plants within our grounds.
6. The installation of water saving dripper system.
7. Initiatives that involve the children .... see next page.