Boroondara Sustainability Network Meeting 4 May 2010

Minutes of a meeting of the Boroondara Sustainability Network held 4 May 2010 

• Date & time: 7pm Tuesday 4 May 2010
• Venue: Council Offices,  8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell (Melway 59 J1)

STATUS: Draft

1. PRESENT: Peter Campbell (Chair), Charles Rendig, Ken Coghill, Liz Burton (Acting Secretary), David Coote, Michaela Skett, (Team Leader, Environmental Planning), City of Boroondara, Marcia Hall (Rowville)

2. APOLOGIES: Adam Hall, Heinz Kreutz, Sean Knott, Fiona Armstrong, Richard Webb, Stu Farrant, Carolyn Ingvarson, Julia Thornton.

3. Previous meeting minutes.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 March 2010 were noted.

4.	BUSINESS	ACTION
4.1	City of Boroondara Low Carbon Strategy
	Michaela Skett tabled copies of Council’s Low Carbon Strategy, dated July 2009 and provided an update on the strategy, including the following:
	(a) the carbon reduction aim for Council had been increased to the range 30-40% below 2007-08 levels by 2020 (previously set at 25-40%);
	(b) development of a priority action plan identifying strategic targets. This has identified a savings gap between the initial three year action plan the subsequent target range of 30-40%;	Development of proposals to reduce the energy savings gap.
	(c) the principles applied include direct reduction of emissions and carbon offsets as outlined in the corporate action plan;
	(d) carbon reduction principles are being applied to a range of new building projects.
	(e) over the last 7-8 years, energy efficiency audits of buildings and retrofits have been undertaken.
	(f) the aim was to achieve a 5 star energy efficiency for Council buildings and as such, there was an opportunity for the design of major projects such as the Hawthorn Aquatic and Leisure Centre and Camberwell Library to reach higher standards than the minimum prescribed by the building code;
	(g) Eco Living Centre: the site of the temporary Camberwell library has been selected for makeover as the eco living centre. Council’s application for funds from the State Government was unsuccessful.
	During discussion with Ms Skett, a number of matters were raised and noted including: (a) audits of energy consumption were being undertaken by Council and action plans developed; (b) that the energy “savings gap” identified in Figure 5 on p10 of the publication “Our Low Carbon Future – City of Boroondara Strategy” (July 2009) was considered to be difficult to close; (c) that Council was preparing a sustainable buildings policy, scheduled to be available later in 2010; (d) that a program of sustainability workshops was being held by Council throughout the year; (e) that sustainability awards have been launched by Council  to recognise sustainable design in homes and gardens across Boroondara with a closing date for nominations of 31 December 2010 (copies of the entry form and guidelines were tabled).	Promotion of sustainability awards
4.2	Member updates on their group projects, activities and upcoming events
	Reporting on various groups (Peter Campbell) These items are included elsewhere in the minutes.
	Eastern suburbs permaculture (David Coote) Agri-forestry, Leongatha – 500 fruit trees.
4.3	Community gardens
	It was noted that a proposal for a community orchard of around 60 fruit trees has been made at the Morang Rd Hawthorn reserve.
4.4	Cycing
	East-west cycling corridor – problems with lack of security for bike riders Gardeners Creek bike path – The City of Boroondara is commended for the work being done on path construction and redevelopment Issues with bike riders using Glenferrie Road, in particular, accidents and recent death of bike rider. Letter sent to Transport Minister Darebin Creek bike path link over Yarra river has encountered difficulties with Parks Vic. Chandler Hwy path on bridge may be upgraded and obviate need for the crossing over the Yarra.
4.5	Council budget and priorities for 2010-2011
	It was noted that Council’s draft budget and plan for 2010 would be available soon for public consultation.
	Secretarial note: the closing date for public submissions is 9 June 2010.
4.6	Hays paddock pavilion redevelopment
	It was noted that public consultation had been invited on the proposed retrofit of the pavilion.
4.7	Discussion on purpose and function of Boroondara Sustainability Network (BSN)
	At present the purpose and function of the network was to: (a) provide an information and exchange forum for environmental groups in Boroondara on issues affecting them; (b) collaborate with Boroondara Council on environmental planning and policy; and (c) monitor and disseminate relevant proposals and/or initiatives from the three tiers of government.
4.8	BSN website	BNS member groups to note.
	Members were invited to provide to the web master, Peter Campbell, copy on their projects for inclusion on the website.
4.9	Meeting dates for 2010
	Tuesday 8 June, Tuesday 10 August, Tuesday 12 October, Tuesday 7 December.
5	ANY OTHER BUSINESS
5.1	Climate communities
	It was noted that a program of grants was available through Sustainability Victoria entitled “Climate Communities Grants Program” with grants of up to $50,000 available for practical action on climate change within communities. It was considered that submissions needed to be flagship in nature. The following proposals were received from David Coote.
	Reducing emissions retrofitting a community hall to reduce energy use and use as a demonstration to promote energy efficiency; establishing a shared transport scheme, such as a bike repair and hire cooperative.
	Building community resilience to adapt to climate change providing community gardening workshops to promote drought-tolerant and edible gardening; providing a community leader or volunteer with training to support a group or groups to operate more sustainably and to transfer knowledge between members.
	Trialling and/or promoting new ideas to help tackle climate change piloting a project to reduce waste at your local sports club and sharing results with other sports clubs; introducing an energy cooperative that trials a new clean technology.
	Secretarial note: Further details may be obtained from the climate communities website:http://www.climatecommunities.vic.gov.au/grants/about-grants-program
6	NEXT MEETING
	Next meeting to be held Tuesday 8 June 2010.
	The meeting closed at 9.05pm

Boroondara Low Carbon Future Strategy 2010

 The City of Boroondara has published their Low Carbon Future Strategy.

This strategy allows a flexible approach to account for the rapidly changing political and social context surrounding climate change and greenhouse gas abatement, and the emergence of new technologies and practice.

The City of Boroondara proposes two clear and ambitious targets in the strategy:

• Corporate target - To reduce Council’s corporate greenhouse gas emissions by 30 - 40% below 2007/08 levels by 2020.
• Council’s community measures target - To support programs and projects with the community that achieve emission reductions of 12,400 tonnes CO2-e in the first year (2009 / 10) and an abatement total of at least 50,000 tonnes CO2-e by 2020.

The strategy also includes an action plan for the initial three-year period that clearly prioritises improving energy efficiency within Council operations and amongst our community and businesses.

You can download a copy of the strategy from the Council here.

Boroondara Sustainability Network Meeting minutes 16 March 2010

Status: Issued

Date & time: 7pm Tuesday 16 March 2010

Venue: Council Offices,  8 Inglesby Road, Camberwell (Melway 59 J1)

Present             

Ken Coghill, Shaun Knott, Paul Fritze, David Coote, Heinz Kreutz, Bob Stensholt, Liz Burton, Fiona Armstrong, Peter Campbell (minutes)

Apologies

Michael Staindl, Carolyn Ingvarson, Razia Ross, Michael Nolan, Rosalyn Kelleher, Julia Thornton

1.              Member updates on their group projects, activities and upcoming events

Bob Stensholt

• Ceramic fuel cells that use gas and are 85% efficient are an option for reducing reliance on coal fired power stations (2kW ~ $10,000) but still have carbon emissions
• Keen to complete Gardiners Creek bike path missing link at Warrigal Road by mid 2011
• Possibility of getting funding from Climate Communities (Victorian State Government) for establishing a Community Garden Network with community outreach in Boroondara

Eastern Suburbs Permaculture (David Coote)

• Conducting some home assessments
• Interested in status of Boroondara Low Carbon strategy

Lighter Footprints (Fiona Armstrong, Ken Coghill)

• Held Rewrite the Future – Climate Conversations Forum recently; report on outcomes and feedback will be issued
• Beyond Zero Emissions presented on the Zero Carbon Emissions from Stationary Energy by 2020 plan
• Held a group strategy day recently and are establishing 3 activity streams (Local, State/Federal & Internal)
• Working on development of Victorian Safe Climate Bill (FA)

Boroondara Residents Action Group (Liz Burton)

• Campaigning on regionalisation of development
• Concerned about lack of public transport infrastructure
• Camberwell Station development now approved and proceeding

Transition Town Boroondara (Peter Campbell, Razia Ross via email)

• More community gardens need to be planned for Boroondara as more people want to grow their own vegetables – linkage with possible Community Gardening Network project
• Communication with council about establishing urban orchards in Boroondara
• Communication with council on improving bike paths and providing more bike paths
• Request a progress report from Council about the proposed Eco Centre
• Request for discussion about BSN being more reliably interactive with other local groups.

Action: PC to write to Council requesting update and/or presentation on status of Eco Centre, Low Carbon Strategy, and urban orchards

2. Community gardens (HK)

Community gardens are already in use at:

• Hawthorn (near Glenferrie Oval)
• Camberwell (near skate park)
• Balwyn
• Markham Reserve Ashburton
• Canterbury – old bowling club site

Other potential sites are available across Boroondara but as yet no strategy or plans are in place to utilise them

3. Cycling

• East West cycle route – community committee being formed to cover full length of route from Mitcham to Yarra (Peter Campbell)

• Completing the Gardiners Creek Bike Trail missing link  - work is in progress – expected to be complete by mid 2011
• A bike /pedestrian underpass south side of Eastern Freeway at Bulleen Road has been requested by local residents (via Michael Nolan)
• Darebin Bike Path Link – Yarra Bridge construction has not yet commenced, Parks Victoria have flagged possible changes to specifications of bridge (Heinz Kreutz).

Action: PC to write to Jim Hondrakis requesting expected completion date of Gardiners Creek bicycle path connection works

4. Council budget and priorities for 2010-11

Draft budget for Boroondara Council is still being prepared and could be circulated for community feedback by early to mid April 2010.  BSN members groups will be advised of release date and opportunity to provide their feedback and input direct to Council.

5. Hays paddock pavilion redevelopment

Local residents (via Michael Nolan) have requested that the pavilion be redeveloped with sustainable features fitted rather than demolished and re-built.

Action: PC to request update from Council on status of Hays Paddock Pavilion redevelopment and sustainability features.

6. Discussion on purpose and function of network

Articles of Association are not yet finalised.  Item carried over to next meeting.

7. Website

http://www.sustainableboroondara.org/

Recently updated with events from member groups and notice of Boroondara Sustainability Expo on Saturday 20/3/2010.

Member groups can author specific project pages on this website themselves if they wish.

Final drafts of meeting minutes will be published on the website.

8. Email Group

Group now set up for BSN groups, members and supporter:

• Email address sustainableboroondara@googlegroups.com
• Web address http://groups.google.com.au/group/sustainableboroondara?hl=en

Decision made to keep group as open for members to email to rather than for distribution only.

9 Meeting dates for 2010

• Tuesday 27 April 2010 - rescheduled to Tuesday 4 May 2010
• Tuesday 8 June 2010
• Tuesday 10 August 2010
• Tuesday 12 October 2010
• Tuesday 7 December 2010

Meeting closed 9:30pm

REWRITE THE FUTURE: Climate Conversations 18 Feb 2010

Hawthorn Town Hall, Burwood Road, Hawthorn

Has the political debate left you unsure about climate change or about your role in responding to it?  Do we have the solutions needed? How can we make the necessary changes?

Hear from respected climate scientist David Karoly and other experts, then join local residents and community groups for interactive discussion on climate change and our options and priorities for a sustainable future.

This event aims to inform people about the science of climate change and solutions for to address it effectively as well as facilitate participants’ contributions to a discussion about priorities for action.

It is intended for people who are concerned about climate change but are confused by the current debate; those who wish to know more about the solutions and options for effective mitigation of further climate change; and those who would like to move from interest to action on climate related issues.

This forum is being organised by local climate action group Lighter Footprints, with organic refreshments courtesy of the City of Boroondara's Living for our Future program.

Local community groups are welcomed to attend and space will be made available for those wishing to set up their own display.

Transition Town Boroondara film night 24 Nov 2009

Transition Town Boroondara is providing a a film night to be held at 7.30-9.30pm on Tue 24 November at the Hawthorn Bowling Club, 1 Wood Street, Hawthorn, Vic, 3122. Melway 2H, K6.

ESPG is an active and enthusiastic local group promoting sustainable living, with an emphasis on producing food locally, reducing energy use, and sharing.

ESPG meets once a month to discuss, share and learn about all aspects of sustainable living. Our meetings often feature a guest speaker or video on hot topics as diverse as organic food growing, food preservation, worm composting, bee-keeping in the suburbs, ethical investment, climate change, and more.

We tour members' gardens, which can include fruit trees, vegies, chooks, recycled materials, rain/greywater use, worm farms, or solar hot water systems; we share a meal, often of home-grown seasonal produce; and we share knowledge, ideas, books, garden equipment, seeds and seedlings.

Between meetings, members keep in touch via an on-line forum, group visits to plant nurseries and permaculture properties, and help each other in our gardens.

You can join the ESPG email group using the link below

• Eastern Suburbs Permaculture email group

Boroondara low carbon strategy open for consultation

Adam Hall, Michaela and Svenya provided a presentation on the proposed Boroondara Low Carbon Strategy. We provided some  feedback on this interesting and promising initiative. 

The policy is available via download from the Council's website at the link below.

• Have your say! Our Low Carbon Future Draft Strategy

You can also make a submission on the draft strategy; closing date is 

5pm on Friday 12 June, 2009

A public information session will be held from 7.15pm to 8.15pm on Tuesday 9 June 2009 in the Acacia Room at the Camberwell Municipal Offices.  You can book for the session from the above link.