NEW CURRICULUM TAKES WETLANDS INTO THE CLASSROOM

ACT Students will be better understand wetlands in Canberra's suburbs following the launch of a new in-school urban wetlands curriculum today by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water, Simon Corbell.

"Wetlands are becoming a prominent part of our suburbs and it is exciting to be able to launch an education program for young Canberrans to learn about the benefits they provide not only to the community, but to the local environment," Mr Corbell said.

"This curriculum provides important detail on how different plants and animals interact in the wetland habitats, and how the water can be used for important irrigation and reduce reliance on potable water supplies."

The curriculum was launched at the O'Connor Cooperative School, together with the students and school community who have been closely involved with the planting of the Banksia Street Wetland at O'Connor.

"In our highly urbanised local environment we need to make better use of the resources we have to ensure a safe, clean and plentiful water supply for the future,' Mr Corbell added.

The Urban Wetlands Curriculum has been developed by the Urban Waterways Unit of the Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water and the Department of Education and Training.

The curriculum will be delivered through the Australian Sustainable Schools Initiative (AUSSI), and will be aligned with the National Curriculum when it is finalised.

"These wetlands have become an important part of community life in Canberra, and are a focal point of urban biodiversity in our city," Mr Corbell said.

The ACT Government has made a significant investment in the last two years towards new wetland ponds, allocating almost $13.9 to design and construct the Dickson and Lyneham Ponds and $6.5 million to the Valley Ponds in Gungahlin.

"Understanding the importance of both constructed and natural wetlands will help our children value our urban environments and reinforces their role as caretakers of the biodiversity we are fortunate to have on our doorstep," he said.

Media Contact:

Patrick Cronan 6205 0401 0432 758 224 patrick.cronan@act.gov.au