A Year 10 student from The Lakes College has been recognised as one of Moreton Bay’s brightest young innovators after taking out first place in this year’s Telstra Innovation Awards.
North Lakes student Isla Baines impressed judges with her “Basically Bovine Irrigation” concept, which combines a mobile app and water sensor technology to help monitor soil conditions and target watering more precisely across gardens, farms and sporting grounds.
In a competition built around solving real-world problems, it was Isla’s practical approach to water management that stood out.
Turning a Common Problem Into an Innovative Solution
The biennial awards challenge secondary school students from across Moreton Bay to develop either a new technology or a creative new use for an existing one.
This year attracted dozens of entries covering everything from food waste and artificial intelligence to renewable energy, but Isla’s idea rose to the top of the field.
Her concept uses sensor technology to collect information about ground conditions and relay it through an app, helping users determine when and where water is needed most.
The project was among a strong group of entries that demonstrated how local students are thinking about some of today’s biggest challenges.
Speaking after the awards, City of Moreton Bay described the students as a new generation of inventors whose ideas tackled issues on a local, national and even international scale.
Strong Competition From Across Moreton Bay
The Lakes College student’s winning entry was followed by Southern Cross Catholic College team Produce Paladins, whose DigiFridge app was designed to help households reduce food waste.
The app tracks expiry dates, suggests recipes based on available ingredients and compares supermarket prices.
Third place went to St Columban’s College student Carys Leota for SolarSeat, a solar-powered public seat capable of charging electronic devices while people wait for public transport.
Meanwhile, Bray Park State High School students Hannah Lowe and Pia Flynn received the Emerging Entrepreneur Award for Query, an AI-powered learning assistant designed to encourage critical thinking while incorporating accessibility features and interactive learning tools.
More Than Just a Competition
Telstra Regional Manager for South East Queensland Matthew Thornton said one of the most valuable aspects of the awards was the opportunity for students to work alongside industry mentors.
“The Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Awards is a fantastic program, particularly the chance for the winning teams to collaborate with industry mentors to grow and expand their creative concept or idea,” he said.
Mr Thornton said the quality of this year’s entries had been particularly impressive.
“It’s so impressive to see the calibre of ideas come to life on stage, and all of the finalist teams should feel incredibly proud of themselves.”
The winning students will share in more than $12,000 worth of prizes and development opportunities.
As the overall winner, Isla will receive a tour of Telstra’s 5G Centre and take part in a BOP Industries innovation workshop aimed at helping young entrepreneurs build on their ideas.
North Lakes Talent In The Spotlight
For The Lakes College and the wider North Lakes community, Isla’s success is another reminder of the talent emerging from local classrooms.
Among entries tackling everything from food waste to renewable energy and artificial intelligence, it was a practical idea focused on smarter water use that ultimately claimed the top prize.
And if the judging panel is right, it may also offer a glimpse of the kind of problem-solving that will shape the next generation of innovators.
Published 19-June-2026
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