JOY Burch has announced the completion of the installation of water refill stations in all Canberra public schools.

“A minimum of two water refill stations have been installed in all Canberra public schools promoting water as the drink of choice. Each student has been provided with a reusable water bottle to also reduce plastic waste,” Joy said.

“The ACT Government committed $496,000 to install water refill stations in all public primary schools and to supply reusable water bottles; I am pleased to announce that we have not only fulfilled this 2012 election promise; but exceeded it, with water refill stations in each and every public school in Canberra.

“I am also pleased to report that the installation has been completed ahead of the proposed completion date of 2017.

“This initiative will reduce the consumption of sugary drinks and increase water intake. This is a positive step towards improving the health of Canberra students.

“This initiative is linked to the ACT Government’s Towards Zero Growth: Healthy Weight Action Plan which incorporated the removal of vending machines from Canberra public schools by the end of Term 1 2014. It is intended that all sugary drinks will be phased out of all Canberra public schools by 2017.

“In addition to access to fresh drinking water, there are a range of health benefits for students linked to reducing their consumption of sugary drinks. These include better oral health, and reducing obesity and the likelihood of developing Type 2 diabetes,” Ms Burch concluded.