Sustainable Cities Clean Beaches& Awards 2 0 12
Yarra City
Frankston Foreshore
sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria would like to thank
The sponsor of the Resource Recovery & Waste Management category of the Sustainable Cities Awards:
Door prize supporters: Arid Zone - www.aridzone.com.au Kraft Foods - www.kraft.com.au Larkman Nurseries - www.larkmannurseries.com.au Mount Zero Olives - www.mountzeroolives.com Puffing Billy Railway - www.puffingbilly.com.au Scotchmans Hill - www.scotchmanshill.com.au Yarra Valley Dairy - www.yvd.com.au Yellingbo Gold Australia - www.yellingbo.com Independent judges: David Moncrieff Horrie Poussard Robbie Rae Ron Williamson Terry O’Brien Tony Wissenden Event suppliers: Corporate Staging Services Epicure Moss Industries Ruby Strings Foliage native to Victorian coastal and urban areas has been sourced for the table centrepieces and stage flowers. Images within this publication are from the 2011 Victorian Sustainable City of the Year winner - City of Yarra and the 2011 Clean Beach of the Year winner - Frankston Foreshore. This is a Climate Friendly Event.
Printed by Impact Digital, a leading digital printer reducing their carbon footprint. Impact Digital is committed to reducing energy by utilising 120 solar panels, solar hot water, rain water tanks and energy efficient lighting in their business operations. Impact Digital has partnered with Carbon Conscious to offset their carbon emissions. For more information on this initiative visit www.impactdigital.com.au. Booklet printed on 100% recycled paper. Ministers Foreword
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2012 Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards. These awards recognise organisations and communities who are prepared to take action in their local area for the improvement of the environment and the community as a whole. In public spaces across the state, including foreshores, streets, parks, gardens, heritage sites and more, these organisations and individuals have demonstrated their pride and collective ownership, of which all us enjoy the benefit. The breadth of entries show that while the projects vary in scope and geography – from the Bass Coast to McCrae, Indented Head to Lake Boga – they all require a commitment to a shared vision and sustained effort from dedicated people. In most cases, if not all, these projects would not have been completed had it not been for the support of volunteers. It is this spirit of civic pride, a desire to improve the environment and the sense of fun and friendship that we celebrate and recognise through these awards. On behalf of the Victorian Government I would like to congratulate all community members, councils, schools and individuals who entered this year’s awards, as well as the finalists in each category, for your outstanding efforts. The Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards showcase the breadth of activity being taken every day to ensure Victoria is a beautiful, liveable and sustainable state. They also highlight that it is local people who are the best ambassadors for their local environment – and I thank each of you for your dedicated participation.
The Hon Ryan Smith MP Minister for Environment and Climate Change
Host
Well-known radio and television personality, Myf Warhurst grew up in regional Victoria before moving to the city to study Music and Fine Arts. Her career in journalism started at the Age, then as Editor of Inpress magazine before she moved to radio as a show business reporter on Triple J’s Drive show. After a year, Myf moved on to a number of hosting roles ranging from the Saturday night request show to the popular Triple J Breakfast Show with Jay and The Doctor. On television, Myf rose to prominence as a team captain on Spicks and Specks, one of the ABC’s most successful shows that ran for 277 episodes over seven years. Fortunately, she still continues to grace our screens and her first solo venture has been the popular retro TV Series “Myf Warhurt’s NICE”. This was a six part series on the ABC, hosted by Myf, over June and July this year. Myf also reports regularly for The Project on Network Ten and guest hosts on ABC local radio.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 3 Order of Proceedings
Pre dinner drinks Meet with award finalists, sponsors and stakeholders
Welcome by host Myf Warhurst Address by Edward O’Donohue MLC, Member for Eastern Victoria Address by Stan Krpan, Chief Executive Officer, Sustainability Victoria
Presentations after entree 2012 Sustainable Cities – Community Action Award 2012 Clean Beaches – Community Action Award 2012 Sustainable Cities – Cultural Heritage Award 2012 Sustainable Cities – Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability Award 2012 Clean Beaches – Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability Award 2012 Sustainable Cities – Resource Recovery & Waste Management Award 2012 Sustainable Cities – Protection of the Environment Award 2012 Clean Beaches – Protection of the Environment Award 2012 Sustainable Cities – Community Government Partnerships Award 2012 Clean Beaches – Community Government Partnerships Award
Presentations after main course 2012 Clean Beaches – Friendly Beach Award 2012 Sustainable Cities – Water Efficiency Award 2012 Sustainable Cities – Efficient Energy Award 2012 Sustainable Cities – Active Schools Award 2012 Sustainable Cities – Young Leaders Award 2012 Sustainable Cities – Community Leadership 2012 Clean Beaches – Community Leadership Address by Mia Vissenjoux, Chair, Keep Australia Beautiful LITTLE Committee Door prizes
Presentations after dessert 2012 Clean Beaches Dame Phyllis Frost Award 2012 Sustainable Cities Dame Phyllis Frost Award 2012 Clean Beach of the Year Award 2012 Sustainable City of the Year Award
4 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Locations of the 2012 Finalists
9 8 1 3 10 4 11 13 15 12 2 5 14
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2 4 9 3 5 7 1 8
Sustainable Cities 1. Brimbank City Council 9. Mill Park Secondary College 2. Carrum Primary School 10. Moreland Energy Foundation 3. Church of God World Mission Society Inc 11. Mount Evelyn Primary School 4. City of Boroondara 12. POP-UP-PARK 5. City of Casey 13. “Stationary Faces”, Patterson Station, Bentleigh 6. City of Greater Geelong 14. Strathaird Primary School 7. Frankston City Council 15. Wyndham City Council 8. Melton Shire Council
Clean Beaches 1. Bass Coast Community Safety Rangers 5. Friends of Chinamans Creek Inc 2. City of Port Phillip 6. Lake Boga 3. Bellarine Bayside Foreshore 7. McCrae Homestead Coastal Group Inc Committee of Management 8. Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club 4. Frankston Foreshore 9. Victory Park, Chelsea
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 5
Murray River 7
4 Murray Valley Menu
Victoria
3 King Valley 14 Gapsted/Myrtleford 9 Goulburn Valley 13
5 Laharum Lilydale 11 Yarra Valley 2 1 Bacchus Marsh 6 10 8 12 Melbourne Drysdale 15
Entree
1&2 Yellingbo olive oil rubbed Lilydale Farm chicken breast with dried cherry tomato, Yarra Valley Persian Fetta and reduced aged balsamic vinegar Main Course 3 Char grilled King Valley beef with butter roasted chateau potatoes, baby leeks and jus 4&5 Slow roasted Murray Valley lamb loin with basil mousse, whipped polenta, Mount Zero olive jus Bread and salad 6 Winter salad of green apple and mixed leaves, celery, toasted pecans, blue cheese dressing 7 Freshly baked sourdough rolls with cultured Australian butter and Murray river salt Dessert 8 Chai latte chocolate fondant with Yarra Valley crème Chantilly, verjuice jelly and burnt orange caramel syrup 9 Goulburn Valley pear & buttermilk cake served warm with Riesling poached pear, cinnamon ice cream and milk chocolate mousse Coffee and tea 10 Genovese organic fair trade coffee, Tea Drop tea selection 11 Chocolates by Kennedy & Wilson of the Yarra Valley Beverages 12 Carlton Draught Cascade Premium Light 13 Goulburn Valley juices 14 Waterstone Bridge Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 15 Scotchmans “The Hill” Merlot Wild River NV Sparkling Brut 6 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is committed to supporting Victorian producers. Our seasonal dinner has been specifically created to highlight the Menu wide variety and outstanding quality of produce from Victoria’s diverse regions.
1. Yellingbo Gold Australia (olive oil) 8. Yarra Valley (Persian Fetta and crème Chantilly) The green rolling hills of Yellingbo lie among the The Yarra Valley Dairy started on a family dairy farm in one of Yarra Valley. It is the closest olive oil producer to Melbourne the most picturesque parts of the Yarra Valley. The cows are and is an award-winning family business. Yellingbo’s careful milked twice daily. The milk goes directly to the onsite factory grove management is consistent with organic farming where their products are made without animal rennet. practices and uses only traditional methods such as cold pressing olives within three hours of being hand-picked. 9 & 13. Goulburn Valley (pear and juices) The Goulburn Valley is part of the Murray-Darling Basin. 2. Lilydale Farm (free-range chicken) With its warm, dry, sunny climate and abundant water in Lilydale farms are all accredited by Free Range Egg and the river valleys, it is a prime growing area. It is home Poultry Australia Ltd and are regularly audited. to top quality pears, peaches, plums, apples and apricots. They provide comfortable living conditions for the chickens to ensure both a premium and ethically sound product. 10. Genovese Organic Fair Trade (coffee) Lilydale’s unique barns allow for almost an entire section Fair Trade certification promotes better conditions for people of the side to be opened, giving chickens the best access working in all aspects of farming and production of coffee possible to paddocks during daylight hours to encourage beans. A large proportion of the world’s coffee is produced them to venture outside. in developing countries and buying direct from the growers at a fair price ensures growers are guaranteed of covering 3. King Valley (beef) their costs of production. The King Valley is located in north east Victoria. Two geographical features shape the King Valley; firstly 11. Kennedy & Wilson (chocolate) the altitude of the region which extends from the hot plains Based in the Yarra Valley, Kennedy & Wilson produce hand (in summer) at Milawa in the north up to 800 metres altitude made chocolates to be served with tonight’s coffee and tea. at Whitlands in the south. Secondly, the vigorous soils, which 12. Carlton Draught (beer) have created lush green pastures for both beef and prime Carlton United Brewery (CUB) aim to avoid the creation lamb production. The emphasis is on British breeds, of waste and reduce or re-use waste generated from in particular Angus cattle. operations where possible. For waste not suited to re-use, 4. Murray Valley (lamb) CUB recycle through established systems and responsibly Renowned for its magnificent climate and some of the most dispose of the remainder. Sixteen streams of waste have picturesque sections of the Murray River, the Murray Valley been identified for re-use or recycling. These include general is part of ‘the Great Victorian Food Bowl’. Lamb from this solid and organic wastes such as glass, cardboard and region is a popular choice for Australian chefs. plastic packaging, spent yeast and grain from brewing. 5. Mount Zero Olive Grove (olives) 14. The Victorian Alpines Winery (sparkling wine) Mount Zero Olive Grove is one of the oldest olive groves Located on the picturesque Great Alpine Road, the cool in Australia with around 6,000 trees. Located near the climate wine of the Victorian Alpines winery is grown high Grampians National Park their success is due to an above sea level. The owners make and grow all the wine and uncompromising commitment to sustainable organic and have total control over the process. biodynamic agriculture. 15. Scotchmans Hill (red wine) 6. Fruit, salads and vegetables Scotchmans Hill is a family owned vineyard and winery based Many of the leafy greens, herbs and tomatoes used in on the Bellarine Peninsula. In 1998 they built the first Australian tonight’s menu have been supplied from the famous winery using the energy-efficient Thermomass Building system. Bacchus Marsh market gardens. The Bacchus Marsh The fertile volcanic soil, north facing slopes, 270 degree food bowl, on the river flats of the Lerderderg and Werribee views of Port Phillip Bay and the vines’ latitude and altitude Rivers, has highly fertile alluvial topsoil perfectly suited to have all greatly reduced the risk of disease and the use of commercial food production. The fields are protected by agrochemicals and synthetic additives. surrounding valley escarpments and the temperate climate offers perfect growing conditions. 7. Sourdough Rolls - Murray River Salt Salinity is one of Australia’s major environmental issues – Murray River Salt believes that every tonne removed must assist in some small way! The company were awarded the National Engineers 2005 award for demonstrated applications and systems for helping salinity.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 7 2012 Sustainable Cities Finalists
Category Finalists Bellarine Rail Trail Revegetation – City of Greater Geelong/Friends of the Bellarine Rail Trail Community "Greening our Future" Public Seminar – Frankston City Council Action Merlynston Village Green: A small suburb thinking big – Moreland Energy Foundation and Merlynston residents POP-UP-PARK Dandenong – Places Victoria in partnership with City of Greater Dandenong and Mission Australia “Stationary Faces" Community Mosaic Mural at Patterson Station, Bentleigh – Pamela Irving Studio + Gallery Western Port Treasures - Discover the magic beyond the mangroves – City of Casey Heritage Initiative Grant – City of Casey Cultural Heritage Kew Court House and Police Station refurbishment project – City of Boroondara Melton’s Historic Morton Homestead Lives Again – Melton Shire Council Green my Postcode - Caroline Springs – Melton Shire Council Living for our Future Program and the Sustainable Living Festival – City of Boroondara Merlynston Village Green: A small suburb thinking big – Moreland Energy Foundation Pam Keating and Merlynston residents Environmental Sustainability Selandra Community Place – City of Casey Sustainable Efficiency Initiatives - Sustainable Building Design and Sustainable Practices – Mount Evelyn Primary School Westvale Outdoor Community Garden Room – Brimbank City Council Resource Be a Brimbank Gem - Recycle Right campaign – Brimbank City Council Recovery & Waste Dumping is Damaging – Wyndham City Council Management Modern Cloth Nappy workshops & Mummy Mentors – Frankston City Council Recycling, Reducing and Reusing – Mount Evelyn Primary School Resource Recovery and Waste Management – City of Boroondara 2011 Wyndham Grassland Management Conference – Wyndham City Council and Department of Sustainability and Environment Conservation Reserves Program – City of Greater Geelong
Protection of Ours is a grassland school in Caroline Springs – Lakeview Senior College Caroline Springs the Environment Protecting and enhancing urban biodiversity – City of Boroondara Protecting biodiversity within school grounds – Mount Evelyn Primary School Western Port Treasures - Discover the magic beyond the mangroves – City of Casey
8 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Category Finalists Brimbank Neighbourhood House strategic partnership – Brimbank City Council Green my Postcode - Caroline Springs – Melton Shire Council Community Kew Court House and Police Station refurbishment project – City of Boroondara Government Partnerships Lower Werribee River Restoration Partnership – Wyndham City Council, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Department of Sustainability and Environment Revitalising Central Dandenong - POP-UP-PARK – Places Victoria in partnership with City of Greater Dandenong and Mission Australia "Greening Frankston's Children's Centres" – Frankston City Council Promoting and implementing Water Sensitive Urban Design in the City of Boroondara – City of Boroondara Water Efficiency Saving and Re-Using Water - Water Efficiency A Whole School Approach – Mount Evelyn Primary School Selandra Community Place – City of Casey "Greening Frankston's Children's Centres" – Frankston City Council Merlynston Village Green: A small suburb thinking big – Moreland Energy Foundation Efficient Energy and Merlynston residents Selandra Community Place – City of Casey Warm Mix Asphalt Trial – Frankston City Council A Leader and Active School in Sustainability – Mount Evelyn Primary School Big Green Festival – Carrum Primary School Active Schools Endangered Ecosystem Garden – Strathaird Primary School Generation Justice in the Community – Generation Justice - Mill Park Secondary College Ours is a grassland school in Caroline Springs – Lakeview Senior College Caroline Springs Darcie Jordan - Generation Waking Up – Generation Justice - Mill Park Secondary College Environmental Leaders for the Future (The ELFS) 2006 - to present – Young Leaders Mount Evelyn Primary School POP-UP-PARK Dandenong - Youth Engagement Activities – Places Victoria in partnership with City of Greater Dandenong and Mission Australia Brimbank Environmental Leadership Program Church of God World Mission Society Inc Community Leadership City of Boroondara and Kew Historical Society Melton Shire Council, UrbanTrans and Delfin Lend Lease Moreland Energy Foundation and Merlynston residents Brimbank City Council City of Boroondara Sustainable City City of Casey of the Year Frankston City Council Wyndham City Council
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 9 Finalists Community Action
Bellarine Rail Trail “Greening our Future” Merlynston Village Green: Revegetation – City of Public Seminar – A small suburb thinking Greater Geelong/Friends Frankston City Council big – Moreland Energy of the Bellarine Rail Trail Foundation and Merlynston This public seminar engaged residents Over a number of years the the local community and City of Greater Geelong and decision-makers in an inspiring The Merlynston Village Green the Friends of the Bellarine and creative conversation program engaged residents, Rail Trail (the Friends) have about the opportunities and businesses, community leaders worked together to improve challenges facing Frankston and community groups to the Bellarine Rail Trail Reserve. City’s environment over the reduce energy and water use These efforts have transformed next 50 years. The seminar, and develop their version of a what was originally a bare attended by around 175 sustainable suburb. Community disused rail corridor into an people, included a panel involvement and ownership impressive environmental discussion of leading was encouraged from the and recreational asset. On an environmental experts outset of the project with annual basis the Friends, with and a futurist. Members of Moreland Energy Foundation support from the Council, plant the community submitted helping to deliver needs approximately 7,000 trees and questions for the panel prior to identified by residents. These contribute over 1,500 volunteer the seminar and were invited included a tree-planting picnic, hours to the improvement and to pose their questions to the attended by over 80 residents, ongoing maintenance of the panel. The format ensured and a spring fete attended trail. Through the efforts of the community was involved by 100 residents. According both organisations a number in setting the vision for the to resident feedback, the of community, corporate and local environment. Discussion project has increased the school groups have also been papers and a DVD of the sense of community in the engaged in the improvement seminar provide ongoing neighbourhood and residents of the trail and the number of environmental education continue to work towards visitors to the trail continues opportunities for staff and other shared projects. to grow. the community.
10 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards POP-UP-PARK Dandenong “Stationary Faces” Western Port Treasures - – Places Victoria in Community Mosaic Mural Discover the magic partnership with City of at Patterson Station, beyond the mangroves – Greater Dandenong and Bentleigh – Pamela Irving City of Casey Mission Australia Studio + Gallery The Western Port Treasures The Pop-Up-Park has provided Over 750 people from the local environmental education central Dandenong with a and international community initiative was held in conjunction much needed community helped to create this 150 with the Coastal Villages Family recreational facility on under- square metre mosaic mural Festival in Blind Bight on used land opposite Dandenong on the underpass of Patterson 4 March 2012. Around 3,000 Station. It has also delivered Railway Station in Bentleigh. visitors attended the festival. multiple employment, Initiated by local artist The Council had identified a low education and personal Pamela Irving, the project goal level of awareness of Western development opportunities was to create a community Port as an internationally for disadvantaged youth artwork that would reduce significant conservation area within Dandenong; including graffiti, recycle unwanted which was contributing to 24 traineeships offered with tiles and beautify the dull negative impacts such as Mission Australia to help underpass environment. Each damage by off-road vehicles, build the park. From soccer participant was encouraged vegetation removal and litter matches and outdoor activities to express their own creativity along the Casey coast. to family BBQs, the park offers within the theme of ‘portraits’ The Council designed something for everyone. As an and together these symbolise informational material on indicator of the community’s the diversity of the local topics including mangroves, shared ownership of the park, community. Local shops and salt marsh, sea grass, marine there has been no vandalism residents also contributed old treasures, local history and or theft on the site to date. china and tiles to incorporate coastal ecosystems. Children into the work. The mural and families were encouraged continues to inspire locals and to visit the Western Port tourists who view it. Treasures display by way of a quiz, with answers at each activity and a prize of animal stickers upon return of the completed quiz.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 11 Finalists Cultural Heritage
Heritage Initiative Grant – Kew Court House Melton’s Historic Morton City of Casey and Police Station Homestead Lives Again – refurbishment project – Melton Shire Council The Heritage Initiative Grant City of Boroondara program provides funds to Taylors Hill’s historic Morton individuals, community groups The Boroondara community Homestead is a rare example and organisations to support – through the Kew Historical of an early 20th century the maintenance of sites of Society – demonstrated farmstead. Located at significance to the cultural their commitment to the the heart of the emerging heritage of the City of Casey. preservation of the Kew Court community of Taylors Hill, Owners and occupiers of House and Police Station (circa Melton Shire Council saw the places listed in the Heritage 1888) by raising $500,000 opportunity to transform this Overlay of the Casey Planning towards its purchase and historically significant farmstead Schemes are eligible to apply. restoration. Bought by the into a community hub while Many community groups have Boroondara Council in 2007, preserving its historical benefited from the grants, it has since been restored features. The property is of with works completed at and refurbished into a historical significance as it is churches, schools, retirement dynamic community arts hub. one of few remaining Melton villages and post offices. The The restoration began with Shire houses built as a result of program has been successful replacement of the slate roof, the Closer Settlement Board’s since it first began in 2008 funded by Heritage Victoria. subdivision of the Overnewton with over $80,000 worth of Grants were also received from Estate of prominent pastoralist works claimed during this the Australian Government’s William Taylor. The works time. Additional funding is Regional and Local Community undertaken included the also available towards the Infrastructure Program and repair and adaptation of preparation of a Conservation the Victorian Government’s the farmhouse. The Council Management Plan for each Community Support Fund. conserved and integrated heritage site. It is now home for local arts aspects of all original features and cultural groups including into the landscape design the Kew Historical Society, and where possible. Community has a variety of spaces that activities are now taking place can be hired by the community in the building, bringing new life for performances, exhibitions, to the old homestead. rehearsals and meetings.
12 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 13 Finalists Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability
Green my Postcode - Living for our Future Merlynston Village Green: Caroline Springs – Program and the A small suburb thinking Melton Shire Council Sustainable Living Festival – big – Moreland Energy City of Boroondara Foundation and Merlynston By focusing on simple actions residents that can make a difference, Since 2006, the Living for our the Green My Postcode project Future community engagement The Merlynston Village Green helped 820 households make a program has helped over program encouraged residents, significant reduction in carbon 2,400 residents increase businesses, community leaders emissions (27.6 per cent) their awareness and use of and community groups to and increased their overall sustainable practices through reduce energy and water use awareness of, and concern workshops and other activities. and to develop their version of for, environmental issues. The 2005 pilot program showed a sustainable suburb. Members Managed by UrbanTrans in that a combination of workshops, of Moreland Energy Foundation partnership with the Shire of practical activities and best door-knocked 1,015 Merlynston Melton and Delfin Lend Lease, practice behaviour change houses, offering free products the project recruited households approaches led to residents’ and advice as part of their from Caroline Springs through ecological footprint dropping participation in the project. community outreach events, from 6.9 to 6.2 hectares. The An estimated 474 kilolitres of talks to groups and through the 2011/2012 program included water was saved through a local media. Actions undertaken Gardiner’s Creek Catchment retrofit conducted at the local by participating households Crawl (by bike) which explored high school and an estimated included switching to low stormwater issues, creek ecology 10.2 tonnes of greenhouse energy light bulbs, installing and safe sustainable transport, gas will be abated each low flow showerheads, turning practical workshops on energy year following the installation off lights when leaving a room efficiency, productive and habitat of energy saving products and washing in cold water. gardening, and a Teacher by residents. According Thirty five participants also Environment Network to help to resident feedback, the expressed an interest in embed sustainable practices project has increased the forming Caroline Springs’ in schools. In addition to the sense of community in the first ever environment group. program’s core workshops and neighbourhood and residents activities, the Council organises continue to work towards an annual (now biennial) other shared projects. Sustainable Living Festival. This year, it attracted more than 2,500 visitors.
14 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Selandra Community Place Sustainable Efficiency Westvale Outdoor – City of Casey Initiatives - Sustainable Community Garden Room Building Design and – Brimbank City Council Selandra Community Place Sustainable Practices – is an Australian first. It is an Mount Evelyn Primary School Launched on 25 February 2012 eight-star, zero energy display at the Brimbank Sustainable home in the Melbourne suburb For many years sustainability Living Expo, the new Outdoor of Cranbourne East. Using the has been an important Community Garden Room latest technology and building focus and one of the stated extends the range of programs practices, the home supports key values at Mount Evelyn and activities offered at residents and potential Primary School. Westvale Community Centre. residents to think sustainably In 2007, a whole-school The new room supports the when building their own homes community conference concept ‘from ground to table’ and through their everyday established that it wanted and offers an ideal location actions. The home features to be a leader in innovative for workshops in areas such interactive displays, DVD child-centred education and as gardening, permaculture animations and ‘take-home’ have contemporary learning and sustainability. The facility information cards. The City of spaces that reflected the key includes a meeting room, Casey also offers community principles of sustainable design. kitchen, all-abilities toilet and sustainability programs Its new school building includes and baby change facilities. at the site, including a small energy efficient lighting, timer Environmental designs were business centre; workshops switches for lights and ceiling incorporated in the new building on sustainable gardening; fans, low impact passive including rainwater collection, interior design and DIY projects. cooling and ventilation systems, recycling and energy efficient The property is a partnership north facing classrooms and lighting. Provision has been between the City of Casey, maximum use of natural light. made in the design for the Stockland, Henley Properties Following the completion of installation of solar panels and Group and South East Councils the building in 2009/2010, the a system for reuse of grey Climate Change Alliance. school continued to implement a water. The facility was jointly number of sustainable programs funded by Brimbank City including increased participation Council and the Department in ResourceSmart AuSSI Vic of Planning and Community and the establishment of the Development. Environmental Leaders for the Future Student group.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 15 Finalists Resource Recovery & Waste Management
Be a Brimbank Gem - Dumping is Damaging – Modern Cloth Nappy Recycle Right campaign – Wyndham City Council workshops & Mummy Brimbank City Council Mentors – Frankston City The ‘Dumping is Damaging’ Council In 2011, Brimbank City campaign was developed to Council launched an education help tackle the problem of A 2010 audit revealed that campaign to encourage illegal dumping on roadsides in disposable nappies made up residents to recycle correctly Wyndham. Using the Victorian approximately 9.6 per cent of in their kerbside recycling bin. Litter Action Alliance’s Illegal the domestic waste stream in The program involved auditing Dumping Kit, the Council the City of Frankston. As part almost 2,500 randomly used a number of education, of the Council’s ongoing effort selected residential bins. infrastructure and enforcement to reduce waste to landfill, If the bins were found to have actions. They involved local six workshops were held no contamination they were traders, real estate agents, to promote the use of cloth rewarded with a ‘You are a skip bin operators, and nappies. Workshops were Brimbank Gem’ sticker on residents in the target area. planned to assist participants their bin, a certificate and Over the four-month period, by providing access to redeemable gift voucher the campaign saw a large products, information and a placed in their letter box increase in the number of nappy ‘Library’ which allowed (287 ‘Gems’ were rewarded). calls to the Council to report parents to “try before they If the bin had contamination illegally dumped waste and buy”. The workshops also a ‘please improve’ card raised awareness within the provided an opportunity to was placed in the resident’s community on how to report meet and build networks letterbox with supporting persons seen illegally dumping with like-minded parents in educational material (1,378 waste and what happens to an informal, interactive and ‘please improve’ cards were them. It also saw an increase supportive atmosphere. issued). The campaign also in litter offenders being taken The program included ‘Mummy included impromptu ‘flash to court and faster recovery of Mentors’ – parents from the mobs’ in local shopping dumped waste by the Council. community who volunteered centres and libraries to their time, knowledge and educate approximately experience to support parents 400 residents about correct on their cloth nappy journey. recycling practices. As an ongoing resource, the mentors set up a Facebook page.
16 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Finalists Resource Recovery & Waste Management
Recycling, Reducing and Resource Recovery and Reusing – Mount Evelyn Waste Management – Primary School City of Boroondara
With the whole school The City of Boroondara offers community committed to comprehensive recycling the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ services for its residents. philosophy, Mount Evelyn Recycling collections are Primary has reduced weekly rather than fortnightly its waste to landfill from and residents with higher 129 cubic meters in 2009, recycling needs can request to 75 cubic meters in 2011. additional bins at no extra Classrooms and outdoor cost. The Council provides a areas have systems in place range of waste services that to support waste reduction include recycling of paper and minimisation, including and cardboard, commingled scanners for interactive recyclables, e-waste, whiteboards, email newsletters polystyrene, light globes, gas for parents, and students cylinders, paints, car and dry saving their work digitally. cell batteries, motor oils and oil Students are also educated filters, cooking oils, mattresses, about waste reduction by green waste, building rubble, adopting a ‘rubbish-free’ policy, soils, metals, timber and carrying rubbish home and tyres. These services were bringing containers to school positively rated over 92 per rather than packaging. Suitable cent in a recent whole-of-city lunch boxes are promoted satisfaction survey. The Council by ‘Nude Food’ competitions also has an on-site education and composting and worm centre and uses biodiesel in farms have been in place its vehicles. since 2006. The school also purchases recycled paper and reuses paper and cardboard in collages and other activities.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 17 Finalists Protection of the Environment
2011 Wyndham Grassland Conservation Reserves Ours is a grassland school Management Conference – Program – City of Greater in Caroline Springs – Wyndham City Council and Geelong Lakeview Senior College Department of Sustainability Caroline Springs and Environment The Conservation Reserves Program was developed Caroline Springs College students With less than one per cent of to protect and restore the have designed and constructed a original grasslands left in Victoria, remaining two per cent native grassland garden, including Western Victorian Basalt Plains of indigenous vegetation researching and choosing the Grassland is one of the that covers the City of plants with the aim of raising State’s most endangered Greater Geelong. The work awareness about the diminishing vegetation communities. is performed with local number of grasslands in Victoria In November 2011, Wyndham community members and (now less than one per cent). City Council hosted the many environment groups and The garden has provided a focal Grassland Management partner agencies including the point for other school activities, Conference, bringing together Bellarine Catchment Network, including art work by Year 11 250 grassland project officers, Bellarine Landcare Group, students, hands-on monitoring consultants, academics, Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek, by Year 11 Environmental Science government representatives Geelong Environment Council, students as well as school and community group Breamlea Landcare Group fundraising and working bees. members from 65 different and Geelong Field Naturalist Other environmental initiatives organisations across Australia. Club. Conservation work include participation in the Topics included the strategic involves fencing, pest plant Green My Postcode, Earth Hour, planning of Victoria’s grasslands, and animal control, burning Melbourne Water 10,000 Rain grassland restoration, programs, the development of Gardens and National Water conserving threatened flora reserve management plans and Week programs. and fauna species, community revegetation. In many cases engagement, research, plus the works protect state and/ monitoring and compliance. or nationally significant species The conference received solid and vegetation communities. media coverage, including The program has also involved articles in the International Union important weed research for the Conservation of Nature including the Polygala research newsletter, which is distributed program and use of rust fungus to members worldwide. on bridal creeper.
18 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Protecting and enhancing Protecting biodiversity Western Port Treasures - urban biodiversity – within school grounds Discover the magic City of Boroondara – Mount Evelyn Primary beyond the mangroves – School City of Casey Since 2003, the City of Boroondara’s Biodiversity Revegetation programs have The Western Port Treasures Strategy has helped to deliver helped to make Mount Evelyn environmental education the planting of 288,000 Primary School’s grounds a initiative came about after a indigenous grasses, shrubs sanctuary for local flora and poll of 500 Casey residents and trees as well as protecting fauna. In 2006 a Greening indicated low levels of and enhancing remnant Australia project started the awareness of Western Port vegetation at key sites across restoration and revegetation as an internationally significant the municipality. Projects include of the former Silvan Aqueduct conservation area. This was the development of an inventory into an ‘indigenous Arboretum’. contributing to negative impacts of indigenous flora and fauna The area now provides food such as damage by off-road in Boroondara, identification and protection for a range vehicles, vegetation removal of 58 sites of biological of native animals, birds and and littering along the Casey significance, development and insects. In 2011, more school coast. The Council identified the implementation of a Biodiversity grounds were made available need for a targeted approach Corridors Plan, support of ten for biodiversity protection, along to inform the residents about active ‘Friends Groups’ and with trees and shrubs as part environmental values of Western involvement in a Council network of the Shire of Yarra Ranges’ Port. To help build awareness, to investigate climate change Ribbons of Green program. in March 2012, they staged the impacts on biodiversity. The Over 1,000 plants have also Western Port Treasures initiative Council also provides a free been planted as part of the new in conjunction with the Coastal Backyard Biodiversity booklet Stringybark Creek rain garden. Villages Family Festival in Blind to encourage habitat gardening. The school continues to audit Bight. As part of the initiative, To date this has encouraged areas of the school grounds material was produced on over 90 residents living around and undertake regular plantings. topics ranging from local history, biodiversity corridors to plant Through the Environmental marine treasures and coastal 2,000 indigenous plants in their Leaders of the Future program, ecosystems to information gardens and 2,500 indigenous students are also completing about their coastal biodiversity plants in association with a School Habitat Census. including mangroves, salt marsh Friends Groups. and sea grass.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 19 Finalists Community Government Partnerships
Brimbank Neighbourhood Green my Postcode - Kew Court House House strategic Caroline Springs – and Police Station partnership – Brimbank Melton Shire Council refurbishment project – City Council City of Boroondara This carbon reduction and In June 2009, a joint environmental awareness Kew Court House and Police agreement was formed program involved 820 Station was purchased between five Council- households in Caroline Springs. by Boroondara Council in managed Neighbourhood Households were recruited 2007 following an amazing Houses and four independent through community outreach fundraising effort by the Neighbourhood Houses events, talks to groups and community. Through Kew in western Melbourne. local media. Participating Historical Society, the The partnership aimed to households undertook a community raised $500,000 in develop ways to operate more range of small behavioural an effort to save the dilapidated efficiently, share costs, and build and infrastructure changes 1888 building. Its restoration and strengthen community to reduce their environmental has since involved the resilience and connectedness. impact. In addition to recorded support of additional partners A two-year Implementation carbon reductions, households including Heritage Victoria, Plan was created to guide were surveyed and found to the Federal Government’s collaboration over 2010-2012. have increased awareness of, Regional and Local Community Outcomes have so far included and concern for, environmental Infrastructure Program and joint professional development issues as a result of the the Victorian Government’s opportunities, improved program. The project was Community Support Fund. strategies for community managed by UrbanTrans in The restoration and governance, collaboration on partnership with the Shire of refurbishment was managed events and better practice of Melton and Delfin Lend Lease. by the City of Boroondara and sustainability and environmental completed in 2011. It ensured programs. The improvements the heritage features of the have delivered tangible benefits building were retained while for the community, with a creating a dynamic arts hub notable increase in participation for the community. in programs and volunteering opportunities. The partnership is a successful forum for pooling resources, skills and expertise, and a positive example of social sustainability.
20 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Lower Werribee River Revitalising Central Dandenong Restoration Partnership – - POP-UP-PARK – Places Wyndham City Council, Parks Victoria in partnership with Victoria, Melbourne Water, City of Greater Dandenong Werribee Open Range Zoo and and Mission Australia Department of Sustainability and Environment The Pop-Up-Park was created through a partnership between Formed in 2010 through Places Victoria, the City of Greater Department of Sustainability and Dandenong and Mission Australia Environment’s (DSE) Urban Fringe as well as funding from the Weed Management Initiative, Federal and State governments. the Lower Werribee River In 2009, Places Victoria, which Restoration Partnership created owned the land, was awarded a multi-organisational working funding towards the labour group to tackle weeds in the area. component of the park through The partnership’s strategic the Department of Education, operational plan is being Employment and Workplace implemented through coordinated Relations’ Jobs Fund. habitat restoration work along Funding for materials and 13 kilometres of the Werribee ongoing community development River between the township and associated with the park was the river mouth. In addition to the then provided to Mission Australia funds provided by DSE, the partner through the Victorian Department organisations contribute time and of Planning and Community funding towards additional weed Development’s Community control, revegetation, vertebrate pest Support Fund. Places Victoria control and community engagement will continue to work with the activities. The project demonstrates City of Greater Dandenong on the that five land managers can future development of the park. work effectively through ongoing consultation to achieve improved biodiversity outcomes.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 21 Finalists Water Efficiency
“Greening Frankston’s Promoting and Saving and Re-Using Children’s Centres” – implementing Water Water - Water Efficiency Frankston City Council Sensitive Urban Design in A Whole School Approach the City of Boroondara – – Mount Evelyn Primary This project engaged children, City of Boroondara School teachers and parents in a large-scale energy and The City of Boroondara is By pledging to reduce water water efficiency retrofit of committed to reducing the use and embedding water 48 pre-schools, maternal environmental impact of saving across the school, and child health centres and development and protecting Mount Evelyn Primary has community centres throughout the natural hydrological reduced its water use from Frankston. Assessments were regime through the use of 3.66 kL per student in 2009, conducted to benchmark Water Sensitive Urban Design to 1.72 kL last year. A range energy and water use. (WSUD) principles. of initiatives support this Water-efficient products, For example, the Glen Iris including participating in the such as tap Aqualocs and Wetland naturally filters Melbourne Stormwater Van rainwater tanks were also stormwater from the area north Excursion to understand how installed as part of the project. of Gardiners Creek, helping to a local catchment works and Children were involved in reduce the amount of nitrogen, recognise the impact of litter on learning about the retrofits phosphorous, suspended waterways, a new rain garden taking place and how they sediment and other pollutants on school grounds and timers could contribute to reducing entering the creek. In times of for all taps. Other supporting water, waste and energy drought, the wetland can also initiatives include, large water use. Four megalitres, or the be used as a water source to tanks for flushing of the toilets, equivalent of 1.5 Olympic irrigate other reserves. Other cleaning and watering the swimming pools, of water will projects include rain gardens, school’s vegetable and bush be saved annually as a result bio-filtration climber frame pits, food gardens and a ban on of the retrofits and the project use of water tanks across the bottled water being sold at the will save the Council $29,500 municipality and a green roof school canteen. The school’s annually on utility bills. project. The Council also works Sustainability Action Teams to lead by example, reducing ensure that water saving is corporate water use by 48 per encouraged across the school. cent in the past 10 years.
22 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Selandra Community Place – City of Casey
The first Australian eight-star, zero energy display home, Selandra Community Place is located in the Cranbourne East development of Selandra. Using the latest technology and building practices, the house encourages and supports residents and potential residents to think sustainably when building their own homes and through their everyday actions. The home features interactive displays, DVD animations and ‘take-home’ information cards about saving water as well as energy and waste. Staff advise around 30 visitors each day on water efficiency including ideas for the kitchen, bathroom and outdoors. These include 5-star dishwashers, rainwater collection, four-minute showers and water saving products.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 23 Finalists Efficient Energy
“Greening Frankston’s Merlynston Village Green: Selandra Community Place Children’s Centres” – A small suburb thinking – City of Casey Frankston City Council big – Moreland Energy Foundation and Merlynston Using the latest technology and building practices, Selandra Frankston City Council residents reviewed and replaced energy Community Place is a house and water fittings in 48 An estimated 10.2 tonnes that supports residents and Children’s centres. The project of carbon emissions will be potential residents to think engaged and educated the saved annually due to the sustainably when building their children, parents and staff in distribution of energy saving own homes and in other areas each centre. As a result, the products to over 1,000 homes of their lives. Energy-saving children were more informed in Merlynston in Coburg North. ideas are provided to potential about how to reduce water The Merlynston Village Green home owners looking at the waste and energy use. program engaged residents, Estate through interactive Energy-efficient products such businesses, community leaders displays, DVD animations and as LED lighting, door-stoppers, and community groups to ‘take-home’ information cards. solar electricity and solar reduce energy and water use, The Council offers community hot water were installed. and develop their version of a and sustainability programs Around 25,000 kilowatt hours, sustainable suburb. Members at the site, along with energy or 58 tonnes of greenhouse of the Moreland Energy efficiency advice including gas, will be saved annually Foundation door-knocked installing double glazing, as a result of the retrofits. 1,015 Merlynston houses efficient lighting, heating and offering free advice and energy cooling and using renewable products such as energy and solar technology. conservation kits and access to community bulk buys of solar electricity and solar hot water.
24 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Warm Mix Asphalt Trial – Frankston City Council
The Frankston City Council has trialled the use of Warm Mix Asphalt on road resurfacing in Kananook Boulevard, Seaford. An environmentally- friendly alternative to traditional road surfacing, it allows the producers of asphalt to lower the temperatures at which the material is mixed and placed on the road, reducing energy requirements for the plant by around 30 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 per cent. It also provides a safer working environment for road crews through reduced fumes, heat and emissions. The Seaford test site will be monitored to ensure that it performs adequately as a road surface. If it does, the Council’s infrastructure team will consider using it across its road surfacing program.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 25 Finalists Active Schools
A Leader and Active School Big Green Festival – Endangered Ecosystem in Sustainability – Mount Carrum Primary School Garden – Strathaird Primary Evelyn Primary School School Held on 23 – 24 March 2012, One of only 16 ResourceSmart the Big Green Festival was an Strathaird Primary School AuSSI Vic 5Star Sustainable initiative of a student group in is strongly committed to Schools in Victoria, 2008. Now in its third year, this environmental sustainability, Mount Evelyn Primary School annual two-day event includes employing a full-time is a leader in energy, waste, an environmental inter-school sustainability teacher to water and biodiversity conference and twilight festival implement a range of conservation. Since 2006 the for the community to celebrate environmental programs. school community has worked and engage with environmental The school’s new frog pond hard to embed sustainability issues and practices. and Endangered Ecosystem in school buildings, curriculum Around 130 students and Garden creates new habitat for and culture. The school teachers from 20 schools threatened species and provides is committed to reviewing attended this year’s conference a practical learning environment and reducing its ecological which was streamed live online for students and the local footprint and to lead students and included presentations community. The three-year and the wider community to by Parliamentary Secretary for project has included planting become sustainable citizens. Climate Change and Energy over 3,500 local and endangered Partnerships have been Efficiency, Mark Dreyfus, seedlings grown from seed established between students, and environmental activist, by a local nursery. Many of families, schools, councils, Aaron Wood. It included the seeds were gathered local businesses and ‘hands on’ action in a from roadsides and reserves corporations to help empower Stephanie Alexander Kitchen within the area. The garden is all stakeholders to live and Garden, an active farm and becoming well established and sustainably into the future. a wetlands zone. The twilight has attracted many frogs and festival was a free, non-profit, a range of birds. A solar pump community event featuring was added to aerate the pond music, food, workshops as well as bird boxes decorated and stalls. by the students. Establishing signage, to maximise learning opportunities, is the final phase of the project. The City of Casey provided financial and in-kind support.
26 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Generation Justice in the Ours is a grassland school Community – Generation in Caroline Springs – Justice - Mill Park Lakeview Senior College Secondary College Caroline Springs
For the last four years, students Caroline Springs College has a at Mill Park Secondary College strong focus on protecting the have worked to raise awareness local environment through the of environmental issues in the school’s curriculum. Motivated local community through their by the knowledge that there is group Generation Justice. now less than one per cent native Initiatives have included grasslands in Victoria, students workshops for primary students from year 10 and 11 are involved to learn more about local in a number of projects to create biodiversity and the annual awareness and increase the Earth Action Environment number of native grassland flora Conference led by students and fauna in Caroline Springs. for all schools in Whittlesea. Activities include designing and They have also presented to constructing a native grassland teachers at the annual Greening garden, grassland education Australia Toolbox for Change lessons and Studio Art classes and have participated in both creating recycled artworks. They also monitor garden activities local and international Kids and develop management plans Teaching Kids Conferences to as well as participate in a wide present workshops on subjects range of programs such as Green as diverse as bottled water, My Postcode and Earth Hour. desalination and striped Partnerships with community legless lizards. groups and businesses are a key focus for the school, including engaging and working with Caesia Gardens Retirement Village, Bunnings Caroline Springs, Melton Shire Council, City West Water, Iramoo grassland education centre and several local businesses.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 27 Finalists Young Leaders
Darcie Jordan - Generation Environmental Leaders POP-UP-PARK Dandenong Waking Up – Generation for the Future (The ELFS) - Youth Engagement Justice - Mill Park 2006 - to present – Mount Activities – Places Victoria Secondary College Evelyn Primary School in partnership with City of Greater Dandenong and Darcie Jordan has led the The Environmental Leaders Mission Australia development of the youth for The Future (the ELFs) symposium and movement is a student environmental The Pop-Up-Park was designed Generation Waking Up in action group at Mount Evelyn to be a park built by the Australia since 2010. Officially Primary School. ELF leaders, community, for the community. launched in January 2011, who are nominated from As such, many activities at the symposium aims to deliver Grades 2 – 6, attend school the park are developed in a half-day, transformational leadership programs outside consultation with young people experience that inspires and school and are actively and are held at the park to motivates young people involved in sustainability provide a supportive and safe to bring forward a thriving, programs to educate the environment and positive just and sustainable world. wider school community. engagement with the space. Darcie has travelled locally ELFs are passionate about The ‘Come n Try’ Rugby night and overseas, training both the environment and actively was created from an expressed adults and young people facilitate sustainability need by local Pacific Islander and improving her skills as initiatives in the classroom youth who felt there were no a facilitator and leader along and school community. local youth-based programs with others participating in ELF student-led initiatives they could connect with. the Generation Waking Up include school gardening The three-month program movement. Now in Year clubs and revegetation teams, ended with a four-week rugby 12, Darcie shows no signs participating in the state- competition. At first, only young of slowing down, fulfilling wide Sustainables Challenge Polynesians participated in the her role as School Captain (which empowers students to program but over time other while continuing to lead the teach their own families about young people from diverse expansion of Generation sustainability) and a range of backgrounds joined in. Waking Up in Australia and other research, projects and The program was delivered by New Zealand. She is also the presentations. Many students Mission Australia in partnership CEO of the newly-formed have been in the group for with YouthWorks Victoria and Victorian Youth Environment several years. funded by the Department Council and one of its of Planning and Community founding members. Development.
28 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 29 Finalists Community Leadership
Brimbank Environmental Church of God World City of Boroondara and Leadership Program Mission Society Inc Kew Historical Society
Brimbank held its first More than 100 volunteers Kew Court House and Police Environmental Leadership collected over 40 bags Station has been transformed Program in 2011. The of rubbish from along the into a vibrant arts and cultural program is designed to build Yarra River and surrounds in centre for the local community. leadership and community Moreland as part of the 2012 The building was purchased engagement capacity Worldwide Environmental by the Council in 2007 from regarding environmental issues Cleanup Campaign for the the Victorian Government with in Brimbank and strengthen Passover. This campaign the intention of turning it into relationship the between began in South Korea and a community venue. At the the Council and its diverse the 2012 event was held time of purchase, the building, communities. The program simultaneously in 150 countries dating to 1888, was in a trained 12 people aged 17 and via their 2,200 churches dilapidated state. over working, living or studying around the world. The Church The local community, though in Brimbank for two and a of God in Melbourne has been Kew Historical Society, raised half hours each week over promoting the clean up since half a million dollars in an effort seven weeks. The leadership 2009, growing from a small to save it and this amazing program consisted of a group of volunteers to around fundraising effort was a series of seminars, interactive 100 volunteers in 2012. central factor in the Council’s workshops and study tours The church consulted with the decision to purchase the that developed and enhanced City of Melbourne to ensure the venue. Kew Court House and the participants’ environmental best location for the cleanup. Police Station now hosts a knowledge and community In addition, the church held a number of activities including development skills. The leaders blood drive on Australia Day performances, workshops, have become important and over 60 members donated exhibitions and displays. agents for change within their at Melbourne’s Southbank communities and a new set Blood Donor Centre. of leaders will be developed each year.
30 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Melton Shire Council, Moreland Energy UrbanTrans and Delfin Foundation and Lend Lease Merlynston residents
The Green My Postcode The Merlynston Village Green project, managed by Melton program engaged residents, Shire Council, UrbanTrans businesses, community leaders and Delfin Lend Lease, and community groups to achieved significant outcomes reduce energy and water use, for the environment and the and develop their version community. Community events, of a sustainable suburb. talking to groups and local Members of Moreland Energy media resulted in recruiting Foundation door-knocked households to undertake a 1,015 Merlynston households range of small behavioural offering free products and and infrastructure changes. advice as part of participation. Overall, the project achieved Community involvement and a reduction in home carbon ownership was encouraged emissions of 26.7 per cent from the outset with Moreland Participants also displayed Energy Foundation helping a willingness to spread to deliver needs identified the message of their by residents, which included achievements, with a number a tree-planting picnic and of people saying they now a spring fete. According talk to friends and neighbours to resident feedback, the about environmental issues. project has increased the Green My Postcode is sense of community in the undergoing evaluation with a neighbourhood and residents review to supporting a plan continue to work towards other for future work. shared, sustainability-related projects.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 31 Finalists Sustainable City of the Year
Brimbank City Council City of Boroondara City of Casey
Stretching across 123 square The City of Boroondara is Located 45 kilometres kilometres in Melbourne’s west, home to more than 165,000 from Melbourne’s CBD, the the Brimbank municipality is the people in Melbourne’s City of Casey is Victoria’s second largest in metropolitan inner-eastern suburbs most populous municipality Melbourne. Local communities including Ashburton, Balwyn, and includes suburbs of include Deer Park, Keilor, Camberwell, Hawthorn Cranbourne, Endeavour St Albans, Sunshine and East, Kew and Surrey Hills. Hills, Hallam, Pearcedale and Sydenham. The Council Community consultation has Tooradin. The Council works to offers a range of services established that environmental ensure its residents are aware and programs to engage sustainability is one of the of the area’s environmental the community in practical top issues of concern to its heritage as well as ways sustainability. These include residents and the Council they can actively reduce their the “Be a Brimbank Gem” consults with the community own environmental footprint. campaign which encouraged on any new environmental Partnerships are important to residents to improve kerbside policies, initiatives and the delivery of many projects. recycling through positive projects that may impact on Projects included the innovative messages and incentives as the local environment. This Selandra Estate demonstration well as the Environmental year, its Sustainable Living house for sustainable living, Leadership program, which Expo attracted 2,500 visitors, and the Coastal Villages builds leadership and while Council and community Family Festival, where the community engagement with planting initiatives, developed Council showcased the area’s environmental issues. This year through its Biodiversity conservation heritage to some the Council also hosted its first Strategy, have helped add 3,000 visitors. The Council also Sustainable Living Expo. 288,000 indigenous plants works to keep its own house Held at the Westvale to the area since 2003. in order and participated this Community Centre and The Council strives to ‘lead by year in eco-driving training Gardens, it introduced some example’ in its own operations, to help reduce greenhouse 500 residents to sustainable reducing water, waste and gas emissions. In addition, living and gardening tips, energy through its Green it continues to reduce water and ran conservation tours. Office, Sustainable Buildings, use through the sustainable The centre and its new outdoor Water Sensitive Urban Design management of its 100 room provide a focal point policies and other programs. sporting fields. for the Council’s ongoing sustainability initiatives.
32 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Frankston City Council Wyndham City Council
Located on Port Phillip Bay Spanning 542 square 40 kilometres south-east of the kilometres on a coastal plain CBD, Frankston City covers on the western fringe of 131 square kilometres including Melbourne, Wyndham is large Carrum Downs, Frankston, and diverse. It includes the Karingal, Langwarrin, and larger towns of Werribee and Seaford. Whether involving Hoppers Crossing, the growth the community in big picture areas of Tarneit, Point Cook, thinking through its ‘Greening Truganina and Wyndham Vale, Our Future’ public seminar, as well as the Werribee South or delivering practical market garden region and on-the-ground initiatives that Laverton North industrial area. improve resource efficiency As the fastest growing Victorian across its community and local government area, the City child care centres, Frankston of Wyndham is undertaking City Council is committed to important conservation work keeping sustainability at the of its river and endangered top of its agenda. Community grasslands including hosting participation is encouraged the 2011 Wyndham Grassland including through the Management Conference and Frankston Vegie Growers and supporting community planting Environment Friends networks, on National Tree Day. Improved e-waste drop off weekends resource recovery and waste and the popular ‘Follow Your management has also been a Waste’ tours of Frankston’s recent focus with projects to landfill, garden waste and reduce illegal dumping and to recycling sites. improve household recycling of items such as CD, batteries, mobile phone, light globes and printer cartridges.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 33 2012 Clean Beaches Finalists
Category Finalists
Community Action Asia-Pacific Ironman Championships come to Frankston City – Frankston City Council Improvements to the Indented Head Community Hall – Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management Inaugural Clean Up Australia Day – Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Park Restoration – Lake Boga Yacht Club
Pam Keating No Cuts No Butts anti-litter campaign – City of Port Phillip Environmental Sustainability Restoration of the McCrae Foreshore Reserve – McCrae Homestead Coastal Group Inc. Water and energy efficient park design - Victory Park, Chelsea – City of Kingston Protection of the 2011-2012 Dog Owners 'Do The Right Thing' campaign – Environment Bass Coast Shire Council, Community Safety Rangers
No Cuts No Butts anti-litter campaign – City of Port Phillip
Saving the endangered Swamp Skink – Friends of Chinamans Creek Inc
Community Government Asia-Pacific Ironman Championships come to Frankston City – Partnerships Frankston City Council Beautification Lake Boga Catalina Museum entrance and park maintenance – Lake Boga Lions Club Keast Park opens a new chapter with spectacular new pavilion – Frankston City Council
Operation Chelsea Beach – City of Kingston
34 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Category Finalists
Friendly Beach Buggy patrols make local beaches more family friendly – Frankston City Council Keast Park opens a new chapter with spectacular new pavilion – Frankston City Council
No Cuts No Butts anti-litter campaign – City of Port Phillip
Park Restoration – Lake Boga Yacht Club
Victory Park, Chelsea – City of Kingston
Community Leadership Bass Coast Community Safety Rangers
Lake Boga Lions Club
Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Clean Beach of the Year Frankston Foreshore
Lake Boga
Victory Park, Chelsea
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 35 Finalists Community Action
Asia-Pacific Ironman Improvements to the Inaugural Clean Up Championships come Indented Head Community Australia Day – Venus Bay to Frankston City – Hall – Bellarine Bayside Surf Life Saving Club Frankston City Council Foreshore Committee of Management The community of Venus Bay More than 300 local volunteers includes a small permanent helped deliver Frankston’s Located on the top floor population of residents as well largest ever event, the of the Indented Head Boat as temporary holiday-makers 2012 Asia-Pacific Ironman Club, this large community and tourists. Together, they Championships. The event hall, built in the 1950s, was in have shown their support for attracted 2,500 Australian need of a makeover. Bellarine keeping the beach beautiful and international competitors Bayside Foreshore Committee as part the Venus Bay Surf and thousands of spectators. engaged local tradesmen and Life Saving Club’s inaugural With the support of the volunteers helped renovate Clean Up Australia Day event. community and partners, the building, stripping, sanding Attracting four times as many Frankston showcased its and polishing floors as well people than expected, the waterfront precinct to around as refurbishing toilets and the volunteers worked to remove 200 million global viewers and kitchen. Since the restoration, rubbish and illegally dumped secured the event for the 2013 the venue is once again being goods from the beach, sand championship. The event also fully utilised by the community dunes, foreshore car park and made history as it was the first for a range of social events surrounding bushland. South time the championship had and group meetings. The Gippsland Shire Council, been staged in a metropolitan Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Parks Victoria and Landcare area anywhere in the world and Committee of Management, also supported the clean up. individual competitor places in partnership with the City of The event showed that the were sold out in a record five Geelong, also plans to improve Surf Life Saving Club holds a minutes and five seconds. the appearance of the building special place in the community by upgrading the entrance and and can bring together a wide replacing all the corrugated range of diverse groups to asbestos sheeting in the keep Venus Bay beautiful. ceiling, roof and walls on the outside of the hall in the near future.
36 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Park Restoration – Lake Boga Yacht Club
Lake Boga Yacht Club volunteers have helped to revitalise this once popular recreational spot, taking a lead role in the maintenance of the parkland and foreshore. Years of drought, followed by flood in 2011 and combined with an inadequate and ageing watering system, left the lake and its surrounding parkland in a poor state. Working bees have transformed the area by removing dead limbs and trees, reducing noxious weeds and clearing objects in waterways. Club members also support the Council with watering and mowing of the parkland. In addition to the physical transformation, the work of the club members has led to a large increase in the number of yacht and other users over the past 12 months.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 37 Finalists Pam Keating Environmental Sustainability
No Cuts No Butts Restoration of the McCrae Water and energy efficient anti-litter campaign – Foreshore Reserve – park design - Victory Park, City of Port Phillip McCrae Homestead Chelsea – City of Kingston Coastal Group Inc. Now in its second year, Sustainable design and the use ‘No Cuts No Butts’ is an Since 2000, volunteers from of recycled and energy and anti-litter campaign that aims the McCrae Homestead water-efficient products, have to educate and engage the Coastal Group have worked helped the City of Kingston public on litter issues and with the Mornington Peninsula create a park that is both decrease litter, particularly Shire Council to conserve environmentally friendly and cigarettes and glass, on existing flora and fauna, control popular with visitors. This has Port Phillip beaches. Using a weed infestations, revegetate been achieved with features number of different methods degraded areas and preserve such as showers, drinking including roving beach rangers the area’s unique heritage. fountains and taps with timers, and an extensive media The foreshore’s historic excess water from showers campaign, ‘No Cuts No Butts’ rotunda, also the site of the being diverted to water nearby has delivered significant results group’s regular meetings, vegetation and boardwalks including a decrease of glass has been painted and displays made from a product that litter by nearly 50 per cent, of native and weed species combines recycled milk a reduction in the average have been included to inform containers and non-virgin pine. number of cigarette butts by the community about the The park also reduces energy 60 per cent and a reduction area’s flora. A new table with use with LED lighting and a in the average number of litter seating has also been added. floating roof on the toilet block pieces on the beach by over More than $45,000 in grants that maximises natural light. 50 per cent. has been obtained from the Federal and State governments and Bendigo Bank in support of the group’s work.
38 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 39 Finalists Protection of the Environment
2011-2012 Dog Owners No Cuts No Butts anti-litter Saving the endangered ‘Do The Right Thing’ campaign – City of Port Swamp Skink – Friends campaign – Bass Coast Phillip of Chinamans Creek Inc Shire Council, Community Safety Rangers The City of Port Phillip’s The Friends of Chinamans ‘No Cuts No Butts’ delivered Creek has been involved The Bass Coast Shire’s significant environmental for many years in local Community Safety Rangers benefits to the area’s beaches conservation projects. are committed to protecting and the bay. Using methods Their efforts to save the rare the environment by sharing which included roving and protected swamp skink information about local laws in beach rangers and an (lissolepsis coventryi) include a positive and hands-on way. extensive media campaign, connecting suitable areas of During a two-week campaign ‘No Cuts No Butts’ delivered vegetation along the creek with held during the busiest weeks a decrease of glass litter by the aim to increase habitat of the year, the Rangers were nearly 50 per cent, a 60 per for the skink. The ‘Skink on patrol across the shire to cent reduction in the average Link’ project involves various ensure locals and tourists number of cigarette butts community groups including were aware of shire regulations and reduction in the average Coastcare, local schools relating to dogs on the beach. number of litter pieces on the and a foreshore committee. Rangers highlighted the beach of over 50 per cent. The Friends of Chinamans negative impact dog faeces The Council was committed Creek has also been given a can have on human health and to ensuring the integrity of grant from the Department of the waterways. They handed the results, with three rangers Sustainability and Environment out on-the-spot rewards to employed for three days to recover and preserve native dog owners who were obeying each week to conduct 250 orchids, as well as perform laws and entered them in prize litter audits over an area of feral animal control with draws. Rangers also handed 48 square metres, using support from the Mornington out leads, dog poo bags and the Victorian Litter Report Peninsula Shire Council. bag carriers. An amnesty Methodology. was put in place for the two weeks and instead of fines, the rangers gave out information sheets to people who were doing the wrong thing.
40 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 41 Finalists Community Government Partnerships
Asia-Pacific Ironman Beautification Lake Boga Keast Park opens a Championships come Catalina Museum entrance new chapter with to Frankston City – and park maintenance – spectacular new pavilion – Frankston City Council Lake Boga Lions Club Frankston City Council
With a history of staging The Lake Boga Lions Club, in In partnership with the marathons, excellent facilities partnership with the Swan Hill Lloyd Group and architects and a beachside location, Rural City Council, has been Jackson Clements Burrows, Frankston was chosen by successful in upgrading the the Frankston City Council has Major Events Victoria as the Lake Boga Museum facilities created a fantastic new facility site for the 2012 Asia-Pacific to become one of the region’s for the community. The Keast Ironman Championships. premier tourist attractions. Park Pavilion features club This huge event required To complement this facility, rooms for tenants, the Carrum excellent collaboration across the Lake Boga Lions Club Bowling Club and Scouts the Frankston City Council, initiated discussion with the Victoria, a café with seating local businesses, East Link Swan Hill Rural City Council for 80 people both indoors and the State Government. to design, fund and implement and on the deck overlooking More than 300 local volunteers a native garden at the entrance Port Phillip Bay as well as were required to support the of the Lake Boga Catalina a multi-purpose space for event’s 2,500 Australian and Museum, and to maintain broader community use. international competitors. the Catalina foreshore park. The Pavilion was officially With the support of the The Council was supportive opened on 24 November 2011, community and partners, of the design and granted beginning a new chapter in the Frankston showcased its relevant planning and park’s long history since being waterfront precinct to development approvals. named a recreational site 200 million global viewers. by the Honourable Member It was the first time the Mr Keast in 1924. event had been staged in a metropolitan area anywhere in the world.
42 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Operation Chelsea Beach – City of Kingston
The City of Kingston and Victoria Police, along with Life Saving Victoria and Parks Victoria, have been working together to provide a safe and enjoyable foreshore for all beachgoers. As one of several reference groups formed with the police, the Foreshore Behaviour Planning Forum meets regularly to discuss foreshore-based issues and to address community safety concerns, including anti-social behaviour such as drinking alcohol in Victory Park. The Council installed additional signage on site to notify the public that Victory Park is an alcohol-free zone. The signage includes the contact details for the local police, enabling the public to play a role in stopping anti-social behaviour. The group also plays a role in notifying police of any issues in the park.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 43 Finalists Friendly Beach
Buggy patrols make local Keast Park opens a No Cuts No Butts anti-litter beaches more family new chapter with campaign – City of Port friendly – Frankston City spectacular new pavilion – Phillip Council Frankston City Council The ‘No Cuts No Butts’ In response to requests by The redevelopment of anti-litter campaign has local residents for a stronger Keast Park is stage two of a reduced overall litter, including presence of law enforcement master plan which started in cigarette butts and glass, at the foreshore, Frankston 2006/2007 and is providing across the City of Port Phillip’s City Council boosted the the community with a beaches. Using a combination presence of local laws officers fantastic community hub and of methods, including working and purchased a new patrol recreational area on the Seaford with local businesses buggy. Designed to operate foreshore. Officially opened and community groups, effectively across the sand, the on 24 November 2011, the ‘No Cuts No Butts’ has made buggy allows officers to safely Keast Park Pavilion features beaches safer and healthier. navigate from one end of the clubrooms for its tenants, Glass litter, cigarette butts and foreshore at Olivers Hill to the a first floor café with seating litter pieces on the beach have other at Keast Park in Seaford. for 80 people indoors and all decreased significantly as The buggy enables them to on the deck overlooking a result of the campaign. travel far more quickly than by Port Phillip Bay; public toilet New litter bins and butt foot or road. This also leads to and change facilities, and deposit posts contribute to the earlier detection of those a multi-purpose space for maintaining a clean beach. who disturb the peace and broader community use. flaunt local laws in respect Its spectacular design, of dogs and alcohol. by Jackson Clements The Council’s foreshore rangers Burrows Architects, is a great have a similar buggy to perform architectural feature on the their duties, and the use of Nepean Highway at one of the both buggies has been offered gateways to Frankston City. to Frankston Police in cases Stage three will be undertaken of emergency. in 2013 and will include the redevelopment of the playground and grassed areas.
44 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Park Restoration – Victory Park, Chelsea – Lake Boga Yacht Club City of Kingston
Tourists and boat-users are This previously barren land returning to Lake Boga, not was once an eyesore which only because of recent rains, attracted regular complaints but also because of the from residents and visitors. dedication of Lake Boga The upgrades to Victory Park Yacht Club volunteers now allow visitors to enjoy a and Swan Hill Rural City special bayside experience Council to transform the area. including great swimming, This once popular recreational easy access to toilets and spot had suffered the effects beach showers, a sheltered of years of drought, followed picnic and BBQ area, and two by floods in 2011, leaving unique play spaces featuring the lake and its surrounding lighthouse and castle-themed parkland in a poor state. play equipment. The park also Club members support the includes integrated boardwalk Council with maintaining the networks allowing disabled parkland. As the lead agency access throughout the park for the surrounding park and and a mural by a local artist beach, yacht club members featuring a Port Phillip Bay sea are committed to keeping dragon. Local residents were the area around Lake Boga consulted extensively in the in a pristine state, increasing design of the park to ensure tourism and promoting an it would be a treasured place active lifestyle. for all.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 45 Finalists Community Leadership
Bass Coast Community Lake Boga Lions Club Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Safety Rangers Club Members of the Lake Boga Bass Coast Shire is famous Lions Club have spent Venus Bay is a small coastal for its amazing coastline hundreds of hours volunteering town on Victoria’s southern and natural attractions, so their time to ensure the garden coast on Bass Strait, with a the Bass Coast Community and surrounds at the entrance small residential population of Rangers work hard to of the Lake Boga Catalina around 1,000 that grows to ensure the beaches are an Museum add to the amenity more than 10,000 during peak enjoyable experience for locals of the area for the benefit of holiday times. Despite its size and visitors alike. Animal locals and tourists. and remote location, the management is a ‘routine’ part The club designed, funded Surf Life Saving Club has been of the Rangers role, making an and planted a native garden a focal point for the community extra effort day-in and day-out at the entrance of the museum since 1961 and now boasts to ensure dog owners ‘do the and continues to maintain 50 members, 45 of whom are right thing’ and keep Bass the garden and Catalina temporary residents. In addition Coast beaches safe, clean and foreshore park precinct. to providing essential beach beautiful. The Rangers employ With a small budget and limited patrol duties, club members a number of initiatives including access to machinery, most work hard to clean up litter and designing and implementing of the work performed entails encourage visitors to ‘do the a two-week campaign to ‘good old fashioned’ labour, right thing’, including handing increase awareness of highlighting the dedication out personal ashtrays to responsible pet ownership and and commitment of the club’s smokers. In 2012, the the Council’s local regulations members to enhancing the Club organised the first ever over New Year’s Eve, the beauty, functionality and Clean Up Australia Day event busiest time of the year. appeal of their area. which was well supported They are also involved with by volunteers. the Council’s annual Pet Expo and micro-chipping days.
46 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 47 Finalists Clean Beach of the Year
Frankston Foreshore Lake Boga Victory Park, Chelsea
Named KABV’s Clean Beach An inland beach of the State’s This previously barren land, of the Year in 2011, Frankston north-west, Lake Boga located in front of the City Council has continued to has undergone significant Chelsea Surf Life Saving Club, develop programs this year improvements since it was first was an eyesore that received and improve infrastructure in ravaged by prolonged drought regular complaints to the recognition that its foreshore and then hit by damaging Council from residents and is a focal point of activity for floods in 2011. Community visitors. The general public was locals and visitors alike. groups, including the Lake crying out for a family-friendly This year the Frankston Boga Yacht Club, Lake Boga space where children could Foreshore was chosen as Lions Club and Lake Boga play, families could enjoy a the site for the Asia-Pacific Incorporated, with support BBQ or picnic, and the public Ironman Championships, from Swan Hill Rural City could take full advantage of hosting thousands of visitors Council, continue to work to this great location. In listening and showcasing the foreshore restore the lake, its foreshore to the needs of the community, and its surrounds to a huge and surrounding parklands the City of Kingston has global audience. With a new, to its former glory and more. created a functional, accessible state-of-the-art pavilion and The signs are already and inviting recreational tree planting at Keast Park, encouraging with locals and space which, combined with improved community safety tourists returning to take environmentally-friendly design, initiatives and a proven track advantage of the recreational has transformed this former record in staging large events, and boating opportunities wasteland into a thriving Frankston Foreshore continues offered by this popular coastal hub. to prove its popularity with inland beach. locals and visitors alike.
48 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 49 Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria
For over forty years Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KABV) has been celebrating the sustainable actions taken every day by Victorians across our state. Founded in 1968 by Dame Phyllis Frost AC, DBE, DSocSC (Hon), KABV has grown from a simple anti-litter campaign to encompass sustainability activities as diverse as reducing waste, preserving heritage and culture, saving energy, improving biodiversity and conserving water. KABV is a program within Sustainability Victoria and is part of a national network, with representation in all states. The Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards recognise the many different ways that metropolitan and beach communities in Victoria have taken action to protect and enhance their environment. The Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities Awards recognises regional communities and in 2012 is celebrating 30 years of rewarding Victorians for taking sustainable actions. In addition to the Sustainable Cities, Clean Beaches and Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities Awards, KABV offers two other programs: Adopt a Roadside gives groups the opportunity to help restore and maintain sections of their local arterial road network, protecting environments and increasing community pride and ownership. Stationeers encourages groups to improve the appearance and surrounds of their local railway station, giving them a sense of pride in what is often the gateway into their community. Investing in our communities KABV welcomes financial contributions to our community Gift Fund. The Gift Fund was set up to help communities do more, today and every day. All donations over $2 to the KABV Gift Fund are tax deductible. To invest in our vibrant communities, please contact KABV on the details below. Membership To become a member of KABV or for more information about these programs, please contact us on: Phone: +61 (03) 8626 8700 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv
50 2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards Recommend a Friend! With your help, KABV continues to recognise the work of every beach, every city, every town, every day. Do you know of a great initiative that could be entered in the KABV Awards? Benefits include: • Increased community participation and ownership in local environments. • Increased local tourism and media coverage. • The opportunity to be crowned Victoria’s Clean Beach, Sustainable City and Tidy Town of the Year. • Involvement in the national Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns and Sustainable Cities Awards. • Access to the broad networks of Sustainability Victoria. Importantly it’s a chance to recognise the hard work that is happening in your communities every day.
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EVERY ACTION TAKEN EVERY ACTION TAKEN EVERY TOWN EVERY CITY EVERY DAY. EVERY DAY.
2012 Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches Awards 51 Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Urban Workshop Level 28, 50 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Ph: +61 (03) 8626 8700 Fax: +61 (03) 9663 1007 Email: [email protected]
sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv