Alexandria “AJ” Dixon, 3, checks out UnderWater World’s interactive display.

Warren Lynam

LIKE most three-year-olds, Alexandria “AJ” Dixon prefers the hands-on approach to learning.

A new $50,000 interactive display at UnderWater World will invite children just like AJ to “look and please touch” so parents no longer need fear the general withering glances that can be experienced at other museums or exhibits.

The Waterways Wall encourages children and adults to pick up after themselves to maintain healthy river systems, catchments and estuaries.

A big hit has been an interactive map that lights up with the number and location of strandings of turtles, whales, sea snakes and whales on the Sunshine Coast.

The exhibit is a joint partnership between the Mooloolaba tourist attraction and Sunshine Coast council.

Through colourful displays it reveals the problem, the cause and the solution to the Coast’s water pollution worries.

Little AJ was one of the first visitors to get her hands on the new display after its official launch yesterday, and she quickly insisted her younger sister take part.

“It’s nice for the kids to not only be able to touch things, but be invited to,” their mother, Tanya, said

UnderWater World general manager Julie Cullen said a school holiday trial was a success apart from some over-zealous fans.

“One lady said that for 10 years she’d been telling her son to pick up after himself, but one seal show and a trip here was all it took,” Ms Cullen said with a laugh.

The display, created by Atomiq Design Group, features secret lids that can be lifted and special buttons all the while educating children and adults on the health ratings for Sunshine Coast waterways, impacts on health and the length it takes to break down rubbish.

Council environment policy manager Dr Steve Skull said the focus of council was largely on healthy waterways.

“We can’t do that without the support of the community and UnderWater World has such a great contact with the community,” Dr Skull said.