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Wandoan State School students will take a deep dive into the depths of water management today with Glencore Wandoan Coal Project professionals. 

Rick Matthews, Wandoan Coal Project’s Land and Property Coordinator, says the students will gain an understanding of how this precious commodity is managed on the mine site in the Water: Yours, Ours, Mine workshop run by the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA), the education arm of the Queensland Resources Council (QRC). 

“The students will learn how we manage the impacts of mining on the water resources in and around the mine site and take part in a hands-on exercise that mimics our real-life water treatment activities,” he said. 

“It’s also great for the students to meet our professionals and see how science is used every day in water management activities, while learning about the great careers available to them in this field right here in their home communities.” 

“Water is such a precious commodity in our local communities and the knowledge and experiences from this workshop could plant the seed for careers in hydrology and environmental management,” said Katrina-Lee Jones, Director Skills and Education with the QRC. 

“It’s important for students to understand the variety of careers available to them in our sector and today, they will hear from professionals themselves just what it’s like to work in these roles and how they can follow in their footsteps.” 

Jack Mathewson, Principal, Wandoan State School said the students would also develop vital skills such as collaboration, inquiry, and problem solving. 

“It’s very helpful for the students to put their classroom work into a real-world context and it’s great that the workshop is aligned with the Australian Science and Geography Curriculum for Year 7.” 

Students will analyse water use from a community perspective as well as a mining perspective and look at the water management strategies that are used within the resources sector.  

They will then undertake a hands-on water treatment experiment utilising data-logging equipment to collect and analyse real-time water quality data. 

As Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led education and skills training initiative, the QMEA seeks to broaden student and teacher knowledge of career opportunities in resources.   

 The academy encourages a talent pipeline of employees into VET and STEM-related careers, with a focus on female and Indigenous participation. The QMEA currently engages with 80 schools and is a partnership between the QRC and the Queensland Government under its Gateway to Industry Schools program.