Educating for Sustainability in Queensland

Discussion Paper

In mid-2019 after a consultation with some key stakeholders in Queensland, particularly the Australian Association of Environmental Education (AAEE: QLD Chapter), the SSN embarked upon a process to investigate how Education for Sustainability (EfS) was being delivered in the sunshine state.  A variety of methodologies were utilised to arrive at the 15 recommendations made in this paper regarding future EfS strategies and programs.  A survey was made available on the SSN website for contributors, known stakeholders were invited to answer general questions regarding success factors, barriers to progress and their recommendations, all stakeholders were asked to forward this to other known service providers, and a consultation event occurred in Townsville in October 2019.  Whilst the contributions were being received, the SSN conducted a review of the literature and of Queensland-based and other programs over the past decade.

The Educating for Sustainability in Queensland: Discussion Paper was approved by all contributors in late June 2020. After this time the paper was sent to both the Minister for Education and the Minister for the Environment and Science for consideration and comment. After a briefing meeting, we are yet to receive a reply from either office.   

We need to educate for a world for and with our young people.  As we reimagine life in this new era of social and environmental challenges, education has an important role to play in working towards sustainable models and mindsets that guarantee a meaningful, safe and healthy life for young people.  Please take the time to read this Discussion Paper that the SSN curated on behalf of some incredible and longstanding organisations in Queensland.  We are so grateful for their belief in us to deliver this paper and to advocate on their behalf.

Once you read the paper or the shortened Election Recommendations document, please take the time to take action. There are a number of ways that you can show your support for EfS in Queensland and we invite you to get involved.