Archive for May, 2008
Event Reminder - Public lecture & workshop with Judy Wicks - RSVP now for 21 & 22 May
Posted in Events, Models, Visions by Ferne Edwards on May 5th, 2008
Village Well in collaboration with the Ethos Foundation, Donkey Wheel Trust, Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies (CERES), Victorian Eco Innovation Lab (VEIL) and RMIT invite you to….
Going Local and Making Great Places: A Free Public Lecture with Judy Wicks
Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab. Wednesday 21 May 2008
7.00pm - 9.00pm Storey Hall, RMIT, 342 Swanston Street Melbourne (MEL 579 K7)
RSVP: info @villagewell.org or 03 9650 0080 by Friday 2 May 2008
And
Workshop with Judy Wicks - Going Local: Creating Sustainable & Resilient Business Networks and Communities
8.30am-4.00pm, Thursday 22 May 2008
100 Mile Cafe, Level 3, Melbourne Central 211 La Trobe Street MELBOURNE
Judy Wicks
Inspiring founder and CEO of the White Dog Café in Philadelphia, cofounder and a director of the US-wide Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) and of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, Judy is the recipient of more than 40 local, national and international awards. In 2004, Inc. magazine named her one of America’s 25 most fascinating entrepreneurs, “because she’s put in place more progressive business practices per square foot than any other entrepreneur.” Find out how local businesses are meeting the challenge of globalisation, Climate Change and Peak Oil to create sustainable communities that sustain life, economic viability and the natural environment, and are deeply rooted in their natural and cultural place. Business people, entrepreneurs & everyone involved in the design, creation & management of our cities needs to come to this.
‘Business is about relationships. Money is simply a tool. Business is about relationships with everyone we buy from & sell to, and work with, and about our relationship with Earth itself.’ Judy Wicks
For more information about these events and to book for the workshop print out the pdf below.
going-local-lecture-workshop-1.pdf
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Event - Renovate Sustainably - How to Create a Healthy Home - this Thursday 8 May
Posted in Events, Models by Ferne Edwards on May 5th, 2008
Whether building, buying or renovating a sustainably designed home that is sensitive to your surrounds will always be more economical to run and healthier to live in. The “Renovate Sustainably” seminar will outline simple ideas and design principles that will help you create a healthy home lifestyle.
Presenters:
Bill Pemberton from SCARAB Solutions will speak on saving energy in the home when building covering: orientation, insulation, glazing, appliances, touching on embodied energy of building materials.
Jo Biddwell building biologist will speak about healthy building products, and finishes to reduce the toxicity of your home.
Time & Date: 6.45—9.00pm, Thursday 8 May, 2008.
Bookings: 9840 9129 / eepadmin @manningham.vic.gov.au
Where: Manningham City Council Chambers, 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster.
Home Harvest Food Exchange - Join our Sustainable Living Challenge Home Harvest Food Exchange! Bring along your extra home grown food and exchange it with someone else. The Home Harvest Exchange runs before each seminar (6.30—6.45pm).
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Events - CERES workshops - May and June
Posted in Events by Ferne Edwards on May 5th, 2008
Please find a list of the courses held at CERES Community Environment Park in the months of May and June below.
Introduction to Community Food Systems With Chris ennis
Sunday 4th May 2008 10am—4pm
$88/$77 CERES members /conc
What is a community food system? Explore the range of different localised food systems and the environmental, economic and social benefits. Gain a greater understanding of food security and its issues, particularly in an urban context.
Chook Care with Meredith Freeman
Sunday 4th May 2008 10am—3pm
$88/$77 CERES members /conc
Whether you already have chooks or are looking to start a new backyard flock, this course covers all your basic chook needs. Chooks are great for the garden; they deal with weeds, eat bugs, are great fertilizers and provide the best tasting eggs you’ll ever eat.
Grow your own School or community garden With Justin Calverley
Sunday 10th May 2008 10am—4pm
$88/$77 CERES members /conc
This workshop follows an Intro to Community Food Systems, and provides an insight into kitchen/community gardens; where to start, challenges, rewards, educational benefits and financial sustainability. This workshop would be of benefit to schools and other organisations looking to create edible kitchen gardens.
Food based Social enterprises With Marissa Wood & Peta Christensen
Sunday 11th May 2008 10am—4pm
$88/$77 CERES members /conc
This workshop follows an Intro to Community Food Systems, and provides an insight into food based enterprises; where to start, challenges, rewards and financial sustainability. This workshop would be of benefit to schools and other organisations looking to create sustainable food projects.
Intro to Ferro Cement
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May 2008, 10am—4pm
$180/$160 CERES members /conc
An introduction to the techniques and practices of sculpting in ferro-cement as utilised in the CERES Mosaic Gateway project. There will be a strong emphasis on the basic technical knowledge including the use of oxides in colouration of cement.
Preserves and jams With Seven Stars
Sunday 18th May 2008, 10am—4pm
$88/$77 CERES members /conc
This one day, hands-on class will concentrate on the principles of making jams and preserves. Experience the satisfaction of learning culinary skills that will assist you in becoming more self –sufficient and self reliant in relation in your kitchen.
Soil food Web systems With Chris Ennis
Sunday 25th May 2008 10am—4pm
$88/$77 CERES members /conc
Inspired by the work of Dr Elaine Ingham, learn about the soil food web and how to work with beneficial micro-organisms to create a healthy and productive farm or garden. This course uses the history of our local soils to help you understand the soil food web and demonstrates simple tools to create the right soil biology for the types of plants you want to grow.
Food for Families
Sunday 25th May 2008, 10am – 2pm
$88 or $77 conc/CERES Member
Having to prepare food constantly for our families, how do we stay inspired? In this hands on workshop we look at the endless possibilities of nurturing families with food, how to create food cultures and traditions in the home and how to connect with food as a way of building and inspiring families.
JUNE
Healthy Cooking with Seasonal Produce with Sandie Hernandez
Sunday 1st June 10-2pm
$88/$77 CERES members /conc
Learn how to prepare colourful, fragrant and nourishing dishes, delicious drinks and naturally sweetened treats using seasonal produce. Food for health and happiness that is bursting with goodness!
The art of mosaic With Gordan Mandich
Saturday 7th June and Sunday 8th June
10am—5pm
$180/$160 CERES members /conc
An intensive, hands-on introduction to the colourful world of mosaic. You will learn about a variety of techniques with a focus on the “indirect method” and create your own take home piece.
If you would like to make a booking please contact CERES reception on 9387 2609.
For more information about CERES Community Environment Park visit http://www.ceres.org.au/.
Cnr Robert and Stewart Streets, East Brunswick VIC 3057
Ph 9387 2609 Fax 9381 1844
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Model & Local Action - Farmer’s Market Newsletter - May
Posted in Events, Models by Ferne Edwards on May 4th, 2008
Below is the Farmers’ Market Newsletter May by Miranda Sharp, Melbourne Community Farmers’ Markets Freelance Food Writing, www.mfm.com.au.
NEWSLETTER MAY 2008
May already and snow on them there hills! It was only days ago and the temperature was well into the 20’s. Speaking of weather…remember the appallingly windy day at the beginning of April? Sure enough it created lasting havoc for many farmers around Victoria including a completely devastated hazelnut orchard in Gippsland, two lost apple crops in Central Victoria and traumatised chooks who went collectively “off the lay” in the West.
In Victorian Farmers’ Market Association news, we are thrilled to finally have some of the funding in the bank from the much anticipated State Government pledge of last years election to see the growth of community-based farmers’ markets. As a result we have been able to employ a part-time Executive Officer, Chloe Crawley, who will be enacting projects such as the major accreditation program for markets across Victoria plus a website, conference and ‘how to’ guides for interested community groups and prospective stallholders. VFMA can be contacted on 9416 2090 and vicfarmersmarket @bigpond.com.
We need your input and feedback from the consumers point of view as this is a really formative time for us. We also should remind you that part of the funding is for community groups who can apply for up to $20,000 to start farmers’ markets in regional Victoria. VFMA has run a series of workshops for successful applicants and several community-run markets have started recently as a result of this support. More info www.business.vic.gov.au and find the farmers’ market grants program.
In produce around the state this month you’ll find the last of the berries, corn & field tomatoes but the reassuring re-appearance of parsnips, pumpkins, leeks, all the brassicas and other veggies will coax us into Winter gently.
There’s oodles in fruit and nuts too; mandarins, lemons, apples, pears, kiwis, pomegranates, feijoa, medlar, walnuts, chestnuts and quinces. Come and meet Shaw River buffalo cheesemakers at Collingwood.
It’s time to get bottling if that’s your thing. There are still green tomatoes around the markets which are an easy pickle to make to put away for winter antipasto platters. Slice the tomatoes as thinly as possible, toss liberally with cooking salt and weight down overnight. Rinse off in fresh water the next day, douse in white vinegar for an hour or so, rinse again then pack with olive oil and herbs in sterilized jars. Delish! Don’t forget there are 5 Saturdays in May so the last market is at the Abbotsford Convent on the 24th May.
Veg Out Farmers’ Market
3rd May & 1st Sat every month 8.30am-1pm.
Chaucer Street, St Kilda Melways 2P B9. Free Entry
Collingwood Children’s Farm Farmers’ Market
10 May & 2nd Sat every month 8am–1pm
St Heliers Street, Abbotsford Melways ref 44 G5
Entry $2 adults, stay all day.
Gasworks Farmers’ Market
17 May & 3rd Sat every month, 8.30am–1pm
Graham Street, Albert Park Melways 2J H7 Free Entry
Slow Food Melbourne Farmers’ Market
24th May & 4th Sat every month 8am–1pm.
Abbotsford Convent, St Heliers St, Abbotsford, Melways 44G5
$2 adults entry & carpark to Convent restoration & maintenance projects.
Please don’t forget all the markets are plastic bag free so get into the swing and BYO!
For more information www.mfm.com.au.
Farmers Market Newsletter May pdf
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Beyond Zero Emissions – Discussion Group - Monday, 5th May 2008 – 6.30-8.30pm
Posted in Events, Models by Mark Ogge on May 2nd, 2008
First Floor, 24-26 Hope Street, Brunswick
‘Transition to a Zero Carbon Future’, is our monthly discussion group focusing on the important task of developing real solutions to climate change in the Australian context.
The first discussion group, which focussed on the Victoria’s stationary energy sector, was a great success. This group is about moving beyond generalised calls for action on climate change, to examining real solutions, that are available now and the policy settings required to implement them. Our next discussion group will be focusing on the transport sector. We are very excited to announce that Dr Patrick Moriarty has agreed to address the group at our next meeting on Monday, 5th May.
Dr Patrick Moriarty is a leading academic and researcher in the field of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. He is currently Honorary Research Associate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Monash Universty. Over a thirty six year career he has researched and published widely in leading journals in Australia and overseas. His main research interests have included urban land use, transport and energy issues. An important part of his research has been the climate change implications of different fuels/energy sources for transport and electricity generation. He is also particularly interested in the limits of technological changes and efficiencies in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, as opposed to behavioral changes or social efficiency measures. He has been actively involved in urban environment movements particularly in relation to proposed rail closures and urban freeway building. He has made, and continues to make a major contribution to debate around our transport future.
To assist us to provide adequate seating etc, please RSVP by 30th April to Mark Ogge
Email: mark @beyondzeroemissions.org
Ph: 0421 272 884
http://www.beyondzeroemissions.org/discussiongroup/
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Event - Nomination deadline for UN World Environment Day Awards to 7 May
Posted in Events, Models, Visions by Ferne Edwards on May 2nd, 2008
United Nations Association of Australia
Did you know the nomination deadline for the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards has been extended? You now have until close of business Wednesday May 7 to submit your entry for these Awards!
These Awards recognise those businesses, local governments, community organisations, schools, individuals and the media whose work serves to protect, manage or restore the environment.
Categories this year are: Building Commission Award for Best Sustainable Residential Development; Business Sustainability Awards; Community Award; DSE Excellent in Marine and Coastal Management Award; Excellence in Sustainable Water Management Award; Individual Award; ITW Industrial Packaging Education/Schools Award; Lincolne Scott Triple Bottom Line Award; Local Government Awards; Media Award for Environmental Reporting; Sustainability Victoria Meeting the Greenhouse Challenge Award; Szencorp Green Building Award.
For further information and entry forms, visit the website www.unaavictoria.org.au.
Kind regards,
Laura Szekfy
Communications and Events Manager
United Nations Association of Australia (Victorian Division)
Ph: 03 9670 7878 || Fax: 03 9670 9993
Email: office @unaavictoria.org.au
www.unaavictoria.org.au
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Recent comments on Melbourne’s transport system
Posted in Models, Policies by Ferne Edwards on May 1st, 2008
The section below is republished with permission from the Going Solar Transport Newsletter #57, 29 April 2008, compiled by Stephen Ingrouille. Going Solar, www.goingsolar.com.au/transport. This newsletter provides an excellent commentary on local sustainable transport issues in Melbourne.
Eddington on the 3Ps
“Eddington pays lip service to greenhouse and peak oil of course. However it’s almost small print that his plan will do nothing for greenhouse. Imagine that: spending $20 billion on transport infrastructure in an era defined by climate change and admitting that your plan does nothing to address it. …And if, as is certain, that a new road tunnel would be largely paid or through a public private partnership arrangement then it will still cost. PPP’s in fact cost the community more than other means of financing such projects – they are not free money – they are the infrastructure equivalent of ‘buy now pay nothing for three years’… The community pays through the nose through tolls to use the infrastructure over the next 30 years, and the total capital cost is far more than it would be if we paid for it out of the state’s own coffers or loans. … The other thing about ‘free’ PPP’s is of course by using them you lock yourself into being driven by what is going to make money for the financiers – which as we know is as much traffic as possible thank you very much.”
Ref: Janet Rice, Metropolitan Transport Forum, 13/4/08.
Orbital Railway Proposal
“The outcome of the Eddington Report has some unexpected recommendations, such as a railway that is more north-south than east-west. At least it’s a railway - how can a plan for the oil-free future include a freeway? There is no need for an east west connection to cross Carlton from the end of the Eastern Freeway; the traffic using the Freeway has been collected from all over the north-eastern suburbs, and would be headed for all parts of the western suburbs. Its alignment should be further north. A sustainable connection would start with the Tarneit rail line and head eastwards to Ringwood, then south to Mordialloc; an Orbital railway! It would have an interchange with each radial line, and connect all the existing outer suburban stations into a ready-made outer Melbourne rail system; it would increase the utilisation of trains on the outer sections of the existing radial lines. The wider spacing of stations on the Orbital would provide faster travel and compensate for the need to change trains. It could be built mainly within or above the routes of existing arterial roads, requiring little land purchase, so shall we say a mere $2billion cost?”
Ref: Rob Spragg, 18/4/08
Road Building vs Public Transport
“Folks as much as it hurts to say this, no new road or tunnel is going to solve Melbourne’s traffic woes. It’s only going to encourage people to drive more, only delaying the problem for another few years. If, for example, we spend $10 billion on a East-West tunnel, people are only going to continue to drive and within five or ten years, we’ll be back at this stage now pleading for more roads. We cannot reduce congestion by building more roads since immediately we get more traffic to fill them up to the same speed as before. This is only prolonging the problem. The only way to reduce congestion is to introduce better public transport facilities which reduce the number of people who travel by car on the roads. Ideally, public transport should provide the sort of ‘go anywhere anytime’ convenience that currently attracts people to cars. It requires a fully-integrated, ‘seamless’ network with short waiting times and easy transfers. Currently this is not happening - just ask anyone who has to connect a bus to a train. Waiting times should be no longer than 10 minutes, day or night. “As a solution, this government needs to: Build new lines to areas such as South Morang, Point Cook, Tullamarine Airport and Doncaster; Build express lines through the busier metropolitan routes (i.e. Pakenham, Frankston, Belgrave) to improve travel times to the city for those further out; Electrify existing lines to Melton and Sunbury; Build new stations such as Coolaroo (which was promised in 1970 state election campaign but has never been built) and Caroline Springs; More rolling stock and more drivers. I recognise that this will take time, but they can start on track work now and attempt to complete it before the rolling stock and drivers become available; Ideally, a loop around the city that allows people to bypass the city when travelling from suburb to suburb; Integrated bus, tram and train timetables that facilitate easy connections between services I recognise that this will take a decade to develop, and billions of dollars, but the benefits of doing so (and starting now) will far outweigh the benefit (which will only be short term) of any road built. Roads will only prolong the problem, and rail has the potential to solve it, by taking cars off the road.”
Ref: Ryan Herb, Herald Sun, 19/2/08
Congestion in Melbourne
“Melbourne traffic will grow by 21 per cent over the next 12 years, potentially bringing the city to a grinding halt. … The annual ‘social costs’ of this congestion will hit $6.1 billion, or more than $1400 per Melburnian. Social costs include increased petrol and car expenses, and medical bills from illnesses caused by traffic-generated pollution.”
Ref: Peter Jean, Herald Sun, 19/2/08
Bike Lane Flak
“Melbourne City Council’s plan for new separated bicycle lanes on a major East Melbourne road must be overturned, the Master Builders Association says. …The bike lanes, similar to lanes already installed in Swanston Street, Carlton, separate cyclists and car traffic with a parking lane. Under the council’s $500,000 plan for the East Melbourne bike lanes, Albert Street will be reduced from a twolane road all day to a single-lane road at all times, except during peak hours. Parking will till be available on the street, except during peak hours. … Master Builders Association executive director Brian Welch said … ‘it’s an unwarranted expense (on behalf of) cyclists who probably don’t pay rates at all in this area,’ he said.”
Ref: Clay Lucas, The Age, 19/2/08
Comment: The Master Builders Association may pay rates but that doesn’t mean that they ‘own’ the road space.
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