Posts related to 'social sustainability'

Eastern Region Climate Forum

Published by Alex Makin on Tuesday 18th of November, 2008

Mitigating climate change and improving our urban sustainability must be a priority for all levels of government. This evening, the Eastern Region Climate Network, comprising of individuals and groups within Knox, Maroondah, Whitehorse and the Yarra Ranges, organised the Eastern Region Climate Forum, to discuss climate change and the need for action.

The Forum was held in Ringwood and included presentations from Dr. David Spratt the author of Climate Code Red: the case for emergency action and Matthew Wright from Beyond Zero Emissions. Tim Forcey, a member of the Sandringham Climate Action Group served as MC for the evening.

The importance of climate change has been recognised by levels of our political system, with the Governor of Victoria Professor David de Kretser acknowleding that ‘There is no doubt in my mind that this is the greatest problem confronting mankind at this time…a state of emergency.’

Dr. Spratt spoke about the growing evidence that conclusively demonstrates that action of climate change is required now to prevent the melting of Arctic ice caps and the Himalayan glaciers, which provides 40% of Asia’s fresh water supplies. On a per capita basis, Australia is currently one of the world’s largest sources of greenhouse emissions reinforcing the need for leadership.

While Australia is now a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, it included a unique Australian clause, which allowed the reduction of land clearing to be factored into the emissions target. In reality Australia’s emissions are actually 8% above the 1990 Kyoto targets.

Matthew Wright discussed solutions to mitigating climate change with research finding that 25% of actions that would reduce emissions would in fact be cost positive. This would be due to increasing efficiencies, such as harnessing solar and wind power, as well as reducing dependence on oil, through improving public transport. The savings produced by these initiatives would then provide a funding source for further greenhouse reductions.

Local government clearly has a role in reducing greenhouse emissions to ensure environmental, social and economic sustainability. As an example, many of the actions within council’s energy fund will become cost positive within three years. This not only reduces greenhouse emissions but will also provide a saving for ratepayers.

Given the importance of climate change it was disappointing that there so few candidates at the forum. In the Mullum Ward, only Jo-anne Taylor, Peter Feeney, Adam Pepper and myself attended the entire evening. One does need to question the sincerity and genuineness of candidates who fail to attend a forum on such an important issue.

I am committed to reducing council’s greenhouse emissions and achieving a carbon neutral target. I am also in favour of interim targets to measure council’s progress towards this goal and to ensure that council is actually reducing emissions, rather than merely offsetting and shifting the burden.

All levels of government need to act in regard to climate change and we need a council that is committed to making a difference to our sustainability.

Volunteer Recognition Function 2008

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 13th of November, 2008

Volunteers form the lifeblood of any society through the time and dedication they provide to assist the wider community. Today’s Volunteer Recognition Function provided an opportunity to thank the many volunteers that devote their time to creating a better Maroondah.

Whether its people providing Meals on Wheels, advocacy on behalf of their community, assisting in causes such as Red Cross, or delivering services through community houses and other facilities, volunteers are essential to any municipality. One of the key challenges facing our society is the need to encourage additional volunteers so that the spirit of our community can continue to flourish.

I would like to thank the many volunteers within Maroondah and the many community groups that I have met over the past three years. I thank you for the time you have provided to the many causes and services that exist within Maroondah.

Rotary Club of Ringwood - establishing regional partnerships

Published by Alex Makin on Wednesday 12th of November, 2008

The Rotary of Ringwood, is one of the many Rotary clubs within Australia and part of Rotary International which comprises of 1.2 million members worldwide.

Today’s meeting discussed the potential to establish a community partnership with the Rotary Club of Kaninva, located in the Shire of West Wimmera, to provide assistance to this drought affected region. The project would be modelled on the successful Boroondara Cares program which provides support for within the Moira Shire located along the Murray River in Northern Victoria.

Officebearers of the Rotary Club of Ringwood will be travelling to Kaniva in early December to discuss the project in further detail and to witness the effects of drought within this part of regional Victoria.

Following this visit, the Rotary Club of Ringwood will formulate a strategy to provide relief and lasting community partnerships with Kaniva and the Western Wimmera.

Service Above Self is one of the key tenants of Rotary and this project certainly has the potential to create strong community partnerships and contribute to the wellbeing of regional Victoria.

The re-opening of Hutchinson Legal

Published by Alex Makin on Saturday 8th of November, 2008

This afternoon Hutchinson Legal celebrated its relocation to 10-12 Warrandyte Road, one of the oldest properties within Ringwood and which served as a former doctor’s clinic and later as part of Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC).

The building maintains its original facade and while the interior has been adapted for the requirements of a legal firm. Inside the there is extensive homage to the history of the area through photographs and a display of early typewriters and adding machines.

Ringwood has few historical buildings and it is important that we preserve the remaining heritage of the area. Like the Firehouse Cafe which remodelled the old Ringwood Fire Station, it is encouraging to see businesses like Hutchinson Legal respect and pay tribute to the history of Ringwood.

Eastern Access Community Health 2008 AGM

Published by Alex Makin on Thursday 6th of November, 2008

Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) is a community based organisation that delivers an holistic approach to community health and support services across Melbourne’s eastern region, including Boroondara, Manningham, Whitehorse, Monash, Maroondah, Knox and the Yarra Ranges. EACH provides a range of community health services, including counselling, disability support services, respite care, assistance for gamblers and is also a registered training organisation.

Tonight’s annual general meeting provided an opportunity for the board and management team to discuss the taxation rulings that threatened the Donation Gift Recipient (DGR) and Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status of Eastern Access Community Health. The loss of this status would restrict the organisation’s capacity to attract donations and would result in adverse tax treatment, including the loss of Fringe Benefit Tax exemptions.

Given the adverse ramifications of the taxation rulings it has been proposed that EACH be constituted as a company limited by guarantee. This would assist in meeting these challenges and allow EACH to continue to expand its services in community health provision.

The guest speaker was human rights advocate Julian Gardiner, who spoke about the need to break down the systemic human rights inequities that exist within society and perpetuate disadvantage. Inclusive communities, where human rights are respected, assist in removing disadvantage through ensuring that everyone is able to participate. Julian discussed how a lack of access into buildings or a lack transport choice can limit social inclusion and as a result entrench disadvantage.

Organisations like EACH, through their holistic approach to community health, contribute to reducing this disadvantage to create an inclusive community with opportunities for all people. For further information on Eastern Community Health please visit www.each.com.au.