Schools aim for an environmentally sustainable future

Queensland schools have a new roadmap to help them work towards an environmentally sustainable future.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said a statement on sustainability for all Queensland schools – Enough for all forever – would serve as a guide for schools to meet their environmental obligations.

“Our children and young people hold the future of our planet in their hands,” Mr Welford said.

“It is more important for them than it has been for any other generation before them that they gain an understanding of the significance of sustainability.

“This is an issue of critical importance for future generations.

“Environmental sustainability is more than curriculum, facilities, and saving energy and water, and it’s more than a vision. It requires strategies that are supported by the whole community.

“This statement supports our whole-of-government priority of protecting the environment for a sustainable future and the Climate Smart 2050 Strategy.

“It brings together a set of values, principles and approaches to support environmentally sustainable practices in schools.”

Enough for all forever was developed through consultation with the public, independent and Catholic school sectors.

The statement complements the National Environmental Statement for Australian Schools – Educating for a Sustainable Future and builds on the commitment made at the 2006 Brisbane Earth Dialogues to integrate the Earth Charter across school curricula.

“We are supporting schools to implement strategies and actions, in partnership with community and within the school, to reduce the school’s ecological footprint,” Mr Welford said.

“Schools will be encouraged to develop school environmental management plans, and this is already happening in schools involved in our Queensland Environmentally Sustainable Schools Initiative.

“The passion of today’s children and young people about the environment and sustainability is very evident in our schools. This statement on sustainability will cement our schools’ role in ensuring that we make environmentally responsible decision that leave a positive legacy for future generations.”

Enough for all forever is available at: http://education.qld.gov.au/publication/production/reports/

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000