Young Ipswich change makers tackle sustainability issues

Young Ipswich change makers tackle sustainability issues

12 September 2024

More than 150 students from nine Ipswich primary schools made their voices heard for a brighter future at Ipswich City Council's annual Youth Sustainability Summit.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said this year students were able to bring their ideas for change directly to elected representatives on the floor of council's chambers at 1 Nicholas Street.

"The theme this year was 'change makers' and councillors were very impressed to hear directly from Ipswich's young people their vision for a sustainable Ipswich," Mayor Harding said.

"Our goal is for Ipswich to be clean, green, and a circular economy city, and these students are putting that into practice.

"Council is proud to provide support to their goals through the Youth Sustainability Summit and we heard from students what else we could do to further their good work.

"This can be anything from raising awareness of living sustainably, promoting low-waste school lunches, how to get residents out of cars and walking and cycling more through to creating wildlife hotels."

"Another way we directly support school sustainability initiatives is through partnering with Tangalooma Eco Marines to help Ipswich primary and high school students make their ideas a reality.

Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said students at the 2024 Youth Sustainability Summit were already change makers in their school communities.

"These students are not only passionate about sustainability, but they put it into practice at their schools with initiatives including container recycling, water bug education, vegetable gardens and more," Cr Madden said.

"The Summit is a way for these students to meet like-minded peers and share ideas and inspiration for how their schools can build on their work and make even more of a difference.

"It is amazing how these students, as young as nine years old, are fostering a culture of sustainability and environmental stewardship, and setting an example not only for other students but our whole community."

A display of presentations and ideas from the 2024 Youth Sustainability Summit will be viewable at the Queens Park Environmental Education Centre during Sustainable Ipswich in October.

The full day summit is held annually by council, for Ipswich students in grades 4, 5 and 6. The event focuses on sparking sustainability projects at school and home.

The theme for this year's summit is 'Change Makers', focusing on the different ways we can lead change, from representative leadership, through to narrative and storytelling.

For more information visit council's website.

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