Water quality issues as locally relevant school curriculum in Far North Queensland\ud

Many sustainability education experts call for education that is embedded in local issues. Locally relevant sustainability education is believed to promote improved literacy, critical and social skills (Ernst & Monroe, 2006; Larri, 2004; Volk & Cheak, 2003), mental health and wellbeing (Maller, 2005) and increased social capital (Dale & Carlisle, 2008). In Far North Queensland water quality changes in waterways leading to the Great Barrier Reef is a locally relevant environmental issue. Many Far North Queensland communities depend on the health and sustainability of the Great Barrier Reef for their economic, social and cultural wellbeing. Yet most primary schools in the region overlook sustainability education that connects students with local water quality issues.\ud \ud Our research investigates the barriers and benefits of Far North Queensland primary schools taking up sustainability education which connects to local water quality issues. This paper discusses the barriers and opportunities for water quality work in Far North Queensland schools. We present a case study of a school that has implemented water based sustainability work and discuss the benefits they have derived from it.\u