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  Sustainable Neighbourhoods Lake Macquarie

Sustainability on a Manageable Scale

20/9/2011

 
Help your hip pocket and the environment at the same time?

It is possible.


On Sunday 11 September 60 people gathered at ‘Yara Balba Studio’, Mandalong, to learn about “Sustainability in Action”.

An opening speech by Joy Edmonds, the president of Morisset Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (MSNG) started the  proceedings which were hosted by Margrete Erling and Pip Mason. The day focused on ways to become sustainable in the home, using their property as an example.

By using solar energy, the natural layout of their land and natural water collection, Margrete and Pip are able to save money and do their part for the environment. As Tony Voller (from the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority) explained, whatever you do on your property has a run-on effect to others, you can choose whether this is positive or negative. “Sustainability is the legacy we leave,” Mr Voller said.

Several guests spoke in a semi-formal gathering including the Mayor of Lake Macquarie City Council (LMCC); Greg Piper who referred to himself as an environmentalist.  Mr Piper spoke passionately about areas he hopes to make sustainable.

After the formal proceedings, the guests were taken on a tour by Margrete and Pip around their once derelict property to highlight where they have become sustainable. The large group were intent on listening and finding out more through questions which Margrete and Pip readily answered, giving valuable information about sustainability.

Tony Voller finished the tour explaining how to identify and implement sustainability at home. Ways such as digging a small hole to find the quality of the soil, introducing dung beetles if there is manure, and mapping your land to find areas naturally collecting water which can source those that don’t.

“The land, the trees, the water are our natural resources,” Mr Voller said.

Brochures made available through Rachelle McConville, Sustainability Engagement Officer for LMCC, gave the participants valuable environmental information for the shire.

Joy Edmonds closed the formal proceedings by asking, “If you don’t have an environment, what’s the point in living?” a great way to sum up the importance of sustainability.

Other guests included, Melissa Cleary (representative for Greg Combet) and Rosi Okeno (Southlakes Chamber Community and Business Alliance).

“Sustainability In Action” was organised by MSNG.

By Nikita Almond

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Sustainable Neighbourhoods Lake Macquarie
Our vision - Neighbourhoods that are empowered to live sustainably.
Our mission - Our work is to foster sustainable neighbourhoods and a healthy environment in Lake Macquarie
Our values - We are guided by our values of participation, inclusion, collaboration, empowerment and shared responsibility.
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The Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance is registered as a not for profit incorporated association under NSW Fair Trading. Sustainable Neighbourhood activities are managed and governed by volunteers and financed through grants, collaboration and community fundraising.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which we live, work and play, the Awabakal People, and acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who now reside in this area. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, and future cultural knowledge holders.
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Sustainable Neighbourhoods is an initiative of Lake Macquarie City Council.
www.lakemac.com.au
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We are proud to be a Very Neighbourly Organisation and supporter of Neighbour Day.
www.neighbourday.org