Good deal for Camden Haven High and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council

The council was approached by agriculture teachers with the idea of agisting some of the school's cattle on council land adjacent to the sewage treatment works north of Kew on the Pacific Highway.

"To be honest," said teacher Mark Hickson.

"I never really expected council to say yes, but they couldn't have been more supportive."

Teachers liaised with the the councils water and sewer process manager, Clayton Miechel, who not only approved the partnership, but organised funding to purchase fencing material to secure the block. Over six weeks staff and Primary Industries students constructed approximately 1500m of fencing and access gates and 15 head of cattle were moved onto the property.

"The school benefits in a number of ways," Mark said. "Iincluding vastly reduced agistment cost, reduced transport expenses, as well as having a very valuable teaching resource so close to the school. The upside for the council is the reduction of the potentially dangerous fuel loads, and the saving of thousands of dollars in slashing costs, due to the cattle's grazing."

Agriculture staff have also identified an environmentally sensitive area on the block which will be fenced off and regenerated by students with regionally significant native vegetation.

"All in all it is a win-win situation with otherwise non-productive land being used for educational purposes and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the council, particularly Mr Miechel for their outstanding support," said Mark.