Council helping schools go 'green'
A Port Macquarie-Hastings specific, interactive study program will be available to all local secondary schools in 2007 as a part of Council's strategy to raise awareness about water conservation and natural resources management.
In a partnership with the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has received $10,000 in Federal and State Government funding, to develop an education resource package.
The partnership will further enhance a comprehensive teacher resource program being produced by Council as part of its WaterWise education campaign.
The WaterWise Enviro Schools Resource Folders will be completed and distributed to local secondary schools in 2007.
Manager of Natural Resources Matt Rogers said the package focuses specifically on Port Macquarie-Hastings infrastructure and technology, water and natural resources strategies and conservation programs.
"The program is a fantastic, locally-based resource for secondary teachers to use within the curriculum to further enhance students' understanding and knowledge of water conservation and natural resources management," Mr Rogers said.
Understanding the importance of the local water cycle, the workings of state-of-the-art water supply technology, local wetlands ecology and the effects of acid sulfate soils are among some of the issues explained within the program.
The resource is designed to fit within science and geography-based core curriculum study.
"Because the resource is specific to the Hastings, it provides students the opportunity for a more interactive learning experience," Mr Rogers said.
Field trips incorporating infrastructure such as dams, water treatment plants and site visits to local wetlands for example, are included to enhance the study component of the program.
"A fundamental part of improving the awareness of the community in relation to water conservation and the management of our natural resources is through the education of future generations.
"The education package will be a dynamic resource that can be easily updated and modified."
