New Youth Environment Council to advise Ministers

A new 30-member Youth Environment Council (YEC) will provide the Queensland Government with a youth voice on key environment and sustainability issues, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr and Education Minister Rod Welford said today.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the council was an opportunity for young people to provide their perspective on important concerns for Queensland’s future.

“The young panel will be selected from across the state to meet twice a year to consider and provide advice on specific environmental and sustainability issues,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“YEC members aged between 16 - 25 years will be invited to serve three-year terms with specific roles and responsibilities issued to them at the inaugural meeting in May.

“I welcome nominations from young people who have a passion for the environment and sustainable development. It’s a chance for them to become ‘youth leaders’ and inspire other young people to take more of an interest in the environment.”

Mr Welford said members of the YEC would be drawn from nominations submitted by young people from Queensland high schools, universities and environmental organisations.

“We have written to key environmental and Indigenous organisations, high schools and universities inviting people to nominate.

“It’s vital that we gain a youth perspective on key environmental issues affecting Queensland such as climate change, water use, renewable energy and wildlife conservation. After all, young people are our leaders of the future.

“This YEC also gives young people a chance to build their knowledge of environmental issues and practice and develop other skills such as public speaking.”

Nominations for the YEC close 30 March 2007.

A selection panel from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Education, Training and the Arts will be formed to recommend an appropriate membership to Ms Nelson-Carr and Mr Welford.

Successful applicants will be notified by the end of April 2007.

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8002 (Minister Nelson-Carr’s office) or Greg Milne (Minister Welford’s office) 3235 4593