Archive for the ‘Policies’ Category
Policies refers to action that addresses issues at a government level. This could be policy recommendations or comments on current policy about urban sustainability issues and could refer to local, state or federal government level. If you work in government or are contributing to creating sustainable policies, you are welcome to post your thoughts on Sustainable Melbourne. To do so visit the “How to use this site” page and follow the prompts.
Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards: Nominations open
Posted in Policies, Research, Seeking by cyclingpromotionfund on December 8th, 2011
Winners - Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards 2010
There is one month to go to nominate our local cycling individuals and communities to be acknowledged for their efforts in the 10th Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards. Maybe you know of a local advocate, bike shop, school, educational institution, or bicycle-friendly local business that promotes cycling and goes that extra mile. Or have you been to an inspirational cycling event that deserves recognition. The Awards will be presented at a ceremony in Canberra in early 2012 that will attended by federal politicians and representatives from national organisations and peak bodies in health, transport and the bicycle industry.
Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards Nominations
Awards nominations can be made online or via a form downloaded from: www.cyclingawards.com.au Please contact the Cycling Promotion Fund on (03) 9863 8646 or email office@cyclingpromotion.com.au if you have any additional questions about making a nomination.
Australian Bicycling Achievement Awards Categories
- Professional of the Year Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
- Cycling Organisation Achievement Award
- Local Government Achievement Award
- Educational Institution Achievement Award
- Cycling Friendly Business Award
- Contribution by a Politician Award
- Bicycle Retailer Achievement Award
- National Media Achievement Award
- Special Initiative or Event to Promote Cycling Award
Application forms and entry must be lodged by the closing date of 5pm, Friday 14th December 2011.
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Social Isolation and Older People: National Roundtable Forum
Posted in Events, Policies, Research by Kate Archdeacon on October 19th, 2011
| 14 November , 2011 | ||
| 9:00 am | to | 5:00 pm |
This National Roundtable Forum will seek to develop a common understanding of the problem and identify key areas for action. Social isolation amongst older people is known to lead to poor health outcomes and to increased demand for services ranging from home help to residential care. We are seeking to identify strategies to reduce or prevent social isolation. The forum will facilitate dialogue between decision makers and service providers while engaging older people in the policy development process. Successful approaches should be identified, supported and replicated. The forum will have a focus on evidence based best practice and developing ongoing collaborations between participants. Topics to be covered that impact on social isolation of older people will include:
- Mental Health
- Housing and Urban Development
- Technology
- Age-Friendly Cities
- Late life learning
- Social Participation, Intergenerational Opportunities and Community Services
- CALD community issues
Monday 14 Nov 2011 from 9:00am to 5:00pm
ZINC at Federation Square, Melbourne
Conference fee: $190 Concession: $140
To register, visit www.4clivingwell.com
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Q&A on the Carbon Tax: Port Phillip Community
Posted in Events, Policies by Kate Archdeacon on June 16th, 2011
| 18 June , 2011 | ||
| 2:00 pm | to | 5:00 pm |
WHAT: Port Phillip Community Q&A on The “Carbon Tax”
WHEN: 2-5pm Saturday 18 June 2011
WHO: John Thwaites, Peter Christoff, Sue Pennicuik, Rachel Powning, Frank O’Connor
WHERE: ST KILDA MEMO – 88 Acland St, St Kilda
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Urban Renewal, Urban Growth and Creative Opportunities: Melbourne Conversations
Posted in Events, Opinion, Policies by Kate Archdeacon on March 23rd, 2011
| 23 March , 2011 | ||
| 6:00 pm | to | 7:30 pm |
Photo of Fishermans Bend by novakreo via flickr CC
Parts of North and West Melbourne, Kensington, Fishermans Bend and Docklands have been identified for renewal, but will this relieve the strain on the metropolitan fringe? What forms could it take, and who might it provide for? Informed commentators will discuss the types of development, ‘up versus out’ and multi-centred cities, residential densities, appropriate business spaces, affordable spaces for artists and heritage in the city’s old industrial zones.
Panellists:
- Jeff Gilmore – Executive Director Strategic Policy, Research and Forecasting, Department of Planning and Community Development, Melbourne
- David Moloney – Industrial Historian, National Trust of Victoria
- Dr Kate Shaw – ARC Research Fellow, Architecture Building and Planning, University of Melbourne
- David Waldren – General Manager, Grocon Carlton Brewery Development
Moderator: Peter Mares – Journalist and Presenter ABC Radio National.
Discussant: Dr Ruth Fincher – Professor of Geography, University of Melbourne
6.00pm to 7.30pm. Entry from 5.30pm, Wednesday 23 March 2011
BMW Edge, Federation Square, Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne
More details: http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/conversations
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Some Key Points On Carbon Pricing from MEFL
Posted in Movements, Opinion, Policies, Research by Kate Archdeacon on March 10th, 2011
Source: Moreland Energy Foundation
Moreland Energy Foundation have released a bulletin on the Carbon Pricing debate (and upcoming Get Up rally) with the hope of clarifying some of the facts involved. Thanks MEFL!
Image of 2006 fuel prices from phatman via flickr CC
Key points on carbon pricing
Both parties agree to 5%: Both parties have committed to reduce emissions by 5% by 2020.
It will cost to cut emissions: Any policy designed to reduce emissions will have a cost to the government (i.e. taxpayers) and/or the economy, at least in the short term. However, a carbon price also has potential to stimulate green industries and create new jobs.
What’s the best way to reduce emissions? If we cut through the media storm, the real question we and our Parliament should be asking is what is the best, most efficient, most effective way to reduce emissions.
Government’s position: The Government argues that its plan for a carbon price (an emissions trading scheme with a fixed price for 3-5 years, which will operate as a tax for this initial period) is the most efficient way to reduce emissions because it is a market mechanism. It says it will provide compensation out of the money it raises from the carbon price to assist householders and businesses. Note that even with compensation, there is an incentive for businesses to reduce emissions in order to avoid paying the tax.
Opposition’s position: The Opposition argues that its plan to directly fund businesses to reduce emissions will be cheaper.
It won’t kill the economy! Whatever you think about the merits of the parties’ arguments, it is clear that neither plan would destroy the economy:
- We’ve been through worse: The impacts of either plan will be less significant than many other impacts we have experienced in recent years, including the impacts of events like the global financial crisis, currency fluctuations, oil price rises, conflict in the Middle East, and over $40 billion of big new investments in electricity infrastructure (poles and wires) over the next five years
- Others have done it: What’s more, much stronger policies to cut emissions (via taxes, emissions trading and other mechanisms) than those proposed by either major party have been introduced around the world in economies that are still running smoothly and in many cases thriving (for example, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, an emissions trading scheme involving a number of American states)
- There are opportunities: Reducing emissions can create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth, and has done so in countries with strong clean energy policies such as Germany and China
- There are risks if we don’t act: Not changing to a low emissions economy is a significant risk, because high emissions activities are being phased out around the world and Australia could be left behind.
MEFL’s position
MEFL believes that the introduction of a carbon price is an important first step in reducing emissions. We accept that market mechanisms help deliver the most cost-effective solutions to complex problems such as greenhouse gas pollution. However, a carbon price will not in itself be sufficient to drive the required emissions reductions and the corresponding social and economic responses. We urge the Government to develop complementary policies and programs designed to support renewable energy and energy efficiency, and assist businesses and communities to respond to carbon pricing appropriately and with minimal disruption. In particular, we encourage the Government to promote energy efficiency as an effective and long-term way to counteract any price increases resulting from the introduction of a carbon price, both for businesses and households.
www.mefl.com.au
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National Urban Policy: Open for Public Comment
Posted in Policies, Seeking by Kate Archdeacon on December 17th, 2010
“Our Cities – building a productive, sustainable and liveable future” is open for comments and feedback. This discussion paper is accompanied by a Background and Research Paper “Our Cities – the challenge of change”. Our Cities sets out the Australian Government’s thinking on a national approach to urban development and the challenges we must address for our cities to become more productive, sustainable and liveable. The purpose of the discussion paper is to frame the Australian Government’s policy approach to cities as the basis for a National Urban Policy to be released in 2011. It will establish national directions and objectives for our cities as we prepare for the decades ahead. The discussion paper outlines the Australian Government’s aspirations under the themes of productivity, sustainability and liveability, and recognises the importance of good planning and governance. It aims to stimulate a national discussion on the outcomes we need for our cities.
Your feedback will guide how we make our cities more productive, sustainable and liveable. Following consideration of your comments, the Australian Government will set out the policy and program actions that are needed to achieve what we want for our cities. The Australian Government has prepared a list of 28 questions in the discussion paper. You can respond in two ways:
1. Download and fill out the Discussion Paper Feedback Survey, fill in your contact details and press the ‘submit’ button at the bottom of the form, or
2. Register your details and upload a written submission. This option will be available from Tuesday 4 January 2011 until the consultation period ends.
Open for Public Comment until 1 March 2011
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Climate Communities grants – first list of funded projects
Posted in Models, Policies, Visions by Kate Archdeacon on November 16th, 2010
 Image by donkeykart via flickr: CC license | A list of the first projects to funded under the Climate Communities grants has been released on the Climate Communities website. There are 18 projects from Ballarat to the Mallee and the Surf Coast amongst others from all over the state.
Share, learn and connect at Briar Hill Gippsland innovates with carbon education
Warrnambool action a cultural change Sustainable practices, the Wonthaggi way |
The October 2010 edition of Smart Water Fund News is available
Posted in Policies, Research by Rob Eales on November 2nd, 2010
Via Smart Water Fund
| In the latest issue you will find stories on: * the launch of the Smart Water Fund’s new Strategic Plan The Smart Water Fund is always on the look out for other innovative water management solutions within the community and business to promote through the Knowledge Bank. If you know of an innovative project, send your story ideas to info@smartwater.com.au. Tap into the Smart Water Fund Knowledge Hub The Smart Water Fund has supported over 180 projects across Victoria. Each project will provide unique outcomes on innovative water conservation, recycling and biosolids management solutions. Newsletters, case studies and comprehensive project information on a wide range of innovative sustainable water use projects are available from the Smart Water FundKnowledge Bank at www.smartwater.com.au. |
Pedestrian Access Strategy
Posted in Policies by Kate Archdeacon on September 24th, 2010
Source: Victoria Walks
The Victorian Government’s recently released Pedestrian Access Strategy outlines 5 strategic directions for walking [sic] in Victoria:
* Encourage walking by changing attitudes and behaviour.
* Collaborate to improve provision for walking.
* Create pedestrian-friendly built environments, streets and public spaces.
* Increase the safety of walking.
* Continue integrating walking with public transport.
The Pedestrian Access Strategy sets out the Victorian Government’s vision for a more pedestrian-friendly transport system for Victorians. The aim of the strategy is to encourage more Victorians to walk, especially for short trips. The strategy establishes broad policy principles and the first steps to guide the Victorian Government’s investment in walking over the next 10 years – including infrastructure, planning and design, safety and behaviour change programs. More people walking has the potential to help ease congestion, reduce greenhouse emissions, improve the health of Victorians and promote social connections.
Read more about the strategy on the website.
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Hoddle Street Planning: Have Your Say
Posted in Policies, Seeking by Kate Archdeacon on July 14th, 2010
Source: Victoria Walks
Hoddle Street is often choked with traffic and is an unpleasant environment for walking. What ideas do you have about making this street more vibrant and people friendly?
VicRoads is currently undertaking a planning study to investigate options to improve the efficiency and reliability of all modes of transport along Hoddle Street, from the Eastern Freeway to just north of the M1 Freeway (Citylink). As with any transport planning investigation, it is important that we understand the interests, issues and concerns of all users – so we want to know what you think.
Project description
Hoddle Street is critical to north-south and east-west transport movements in inner Melbourne and to the flow of Eastern Freeway traffic to and from the CBD. As conditions change and demand continues to increase, the challenge will be to find ways to reduce congestion and improve transport flow whilst considering the needs and safety of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users. The study will examine key issues and investigate potential solutions, including grade separations and opportunities to enhance the efficiency of public transport.
Have your say
Your input is important in helping us better understand key issues relating to congestion, public transport, pedestrian and bicycle use, land use planning and urban design. Join in the discussion by clicking through on the questions on the website. You will be asked to register to participate, your privacy is protected and your name and email will never be disclosed.
Here’s your chance to join the discussion and help promote a more walking friendly environment!
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