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The humble glass of water became a gateway for discovery for Millmerran students who explored the importance of water management for environmental stewardship at a workshop today.

The Year 7 students from Millmerran State School attended the Water: Yours, Ours and Mine workshop delivered by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) with the support of Millmerran Power.

During the workshop the students investigated water filtration and completed a challenge to design their own water treatment system.

Adam Prust, Environmental Specialist at Millmerran Power was also on hand to answer questions and showcase the different roles needed to ensure the water management process meets environmental standards.

“The Year 7 students were curious about all aspects of our operations,” said Mr Prust.

“It was great to have the opportunity to chat with them about why we have environmental regulations and the extensive process needed to ensure water quality.”

Ms Katrina-Lee Jones, Queensland Resources Council (QRC)- Director of Skills, Education and Diversity said the workshop was designed to complement Year 7 science and geography curriculum and build on the students’ investigation skills and critical thinking.

“The additional benefit of the workshop is the students get to hear more about the roles involved in ensuring water quality which might spark an interest in following more environmental studies and even a career in this area later on.”

Ït was our first workshop in partnership with Millmerran Power for 2024 and it was a great success for everyone involved.”

A spokesperson for Millmerran State School said the workshop gave the students valuable insight into the operations of Millmerran Power which employs many families at the school.

“The workshop gave the students a real-world context to how water is treated and managed in the resources sector,” they said.

“They really enjoyed getting hands-on with the investigations in the lab and bringing the science curriculum to life.”

The QMEA is the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council and is now in 100 Queensland schools thanks to the support of QRC members, industry sponsors like Millmerran Power and the Queensland Government under the Gateway to Industry Schools program.