Townsville educators create a climate for change
06 October 2009
Change agents ... The team behind Townsville district's inaugural Sustainability Summit.
As heads of state were gathering in New York ahead of the recent UN Climate Summit, some of Townsville's leading educators were hosting their own sustainability event.
The Townsville education district hosted its inaugural Sustainability Summit at Hermit Park State School on September 11.
Organised by a group of Townsville principals and education officers, the event involved staff from 25 local state schools meeting with representatives from local industry and community organisations such as Townsville City Council, Ergon, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority and the Conservation Volunteers Australia.
North Queensland regional executive director Vicki Baylis opened the summit by sharing important environmental messages from local Indigenous elder Leah Saltner.
'Ms Saltner's reflection that sustainability is not a module at school, but a life choice is of particular relevance,' Ms Baylis said.
The Department of Education and Training's principal advisor for environmental sustainability, Cam Mackenzie, was guest speaker at the event.
He acknowledged the crucial role schools, including those in the Townsville area, play in ensuring that the 'enough for all forever' message continues to be pursued at both a local and global level.
'The Townsville district is well placed to lead the way on this journey towards a sustainable future and schools will play a very important role as hubs within their communities,' Mr Mackenzie said.
He also outlined the department's Queensland Environmentally Sustainable Schools Initiative, which is to expand over the next three years through the Earth Smart Science program for Queensland state primary schools - an election commitment worth $5.8million.
Hermit Park State School 
acknowledged as a local leader in environmental education for sustainability, showcased how environmental sustainability principles can be incorporated into the curriculum to engage and motivate young learners.
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