The Bundaberg Region is one of just 16 locations throughout Australia selected to deliver the Green Book project to connect youth with the environment.
The program is funded through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and ABC Heywire Youth Innovation grants.
It was launched locally last week with a workshop for a group of young people who have elected to act as youth leaders for upcoming activities which will take place over the next 12 months.
At the conclusion of the Green Book project a short documentary will be published to share the experiences with the community.
Bundaberg Regional Council community development portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said the documentary would feature local young people sharing how they are connected with nature.
“We are so excited to partner with FRRR to deliver our youth-led Green Book project which will create meaningful connections between our young people and the environment,” Cr McPhee said.
“Through this project young people will participate in a series of educational activities within the region’s natural areas.
“The presentation of these experiences in a digital format also ensures the benefit of these workshops won’t just be limited to those who can attend but any other interested students throughout the region.”
Sea Turtle Alliance president Gary Brandon delivered one of the presentations during the full-day Green Book workshop which saw local environment and sustainability experts share their experiences with young people.
He said it was critically important that young people were educated on the problems facing the environment over the next generation.
“These things include, obviously, global warming and climate change,” Gary said.
“But also more locally, we've got the problems of light pollution … as well as the big problem of plastic.
“The ever increasing use of single use plastic, which unfortunately by 2050 will mean that there is more weight of plastic in the world's oceans compared to marine life, which is a significant problem.”
He said Green Book was a great project to get young people involved in environmental issues.
Participant Libby Boas said she was keen to take part to help her local community.
“The environment is extremely important to everyone, to our futures, and to our present,” Libby said.
“We've learned a lot from guest speakers who've talked about their own native groups and everything, and about the different nature reserves in the area.
“We've also learned a bit about project management and the steps you need to take to have a successful project and how best to do that.”
She said following the Green Book workshop she would continue to be involved in the project to help lead the activities involving other youth in the area.
Upcoming Green Book activities will include tours of natural areas, bush tucker talks and tree planting days.
The first initiative of Project Green Book Celebrating Australian Wildlife Week was held on Friday 9 October in Alexandra Park, Quay street.
To get involved in the Green Book project contact Council’s Community Development Unit on 4130 4150 or email comdev@bundaberg.qld.gov.au.
- Other news: Elijah accepts no butts from litterers
