Welcome to the Frankston City Spring 2021 edition of EnviroNews
The time for climate action is now
Climate change is now affecting every continent, region and ocean on Earth, and every facet of the weather. The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has demonstrated, without a doubt, that humans are responsible for the observed warming of the atmosphere, lands and oceans. This report doesn’t include a lot of good news, but it does highlight that there is still time for humans to act with urgency to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and avoid temperature increases that will produce even more frequent and severe fires, droughts, floods and cyclones.
We are proud of the work that we are doing at Council and the work you are doing with us in our community to address climate change. We have worked for two decades to reduce and avoid greenhouse gas emissions (see Council’s Towards Zero Emissions Plan) and adapt to a changing climate (see Council’s Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Plan).
In 2019 (during the previous Council term) Frankston City Councillors voted unanimously to declare a Climate Emergency in our community and called for urgent action. We committed to review and update our Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Plan, advocate to both state and federal governments to declare a climate emergency and implement legislated programs to drive emergency action to reduce greenhouse gases. Likewise, we promised to work with the community to raise awareness of the climate emergency and support community action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Earlier this month we joined the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance (SECCCA) in calling on government to support communities to take urgent action and protect them from the impacts of climate change. Read the SECCCA media release here.
Via last year's Climate Change Community Survey we asked you, our community, what actions are most important for us to take and how we can help you address the climate emergency. Now we are using your feedback, the best science, detailed modelling and analysis and best practice from around the world to create a Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. This plan will guide the way forward for us to work collaboratively on this issue of both local and global importance.
In the meantime, Council is continuing to reduce our energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions and transition to more sustainable energy resources, working toward our target of zero net emissions by 2025. We are also taking many other actions to protect and enhance our natural environment and we are continuing to support our community to reduce emissions.
In this edition we'll be sharing some of the latest initiatives to reduce Council's emissions and how you can do the same. It takes a community to address a problem of this scale locally, so we encourage you to share these initiatives, ideas and events with your friends and family. Highlights of this edition include:
* New solar systems installed on four Frankston City community buildings, a new $1000 rebate to install more efficient heating and air conditioning at home and reduce your energy bills, and new legislation to protect our local wildlife at home and beyond.
* A climate change-inspired Frankston Arts Centre exhibition including a free talk with artist Peter Biram and climate change scientist Professor David Karoly of CSIRO.
* A opportunity to connect with like-minded people in our community and learn the skills you need to take meaningful action in the free online People Power Workshops.
* A free workshop hosted by Mornington Peninsula Shire on Active Hope for Environmental Advocates to learn how to support your own wellbeing while advocating for climate action, conservation or environmental justice.
* Lots of opportunities to get active with your little ones these school holidays.
If you have an event, exhibition or other news that you'd like us to share with the community in our next EnviroNews, email us at environment.newsletter@frankston.vic.gov.au and tell us more.
New solar systems installed on four Frankston City community buildings
Over the last year, we have been busy upgrading community buildings to save on electricity costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the uptake of renewable energy in Frankston.
The four solar rooftop systems, totalling just over 28 kilowatts in capacity, were installed on Ebdale Community Hub and Learning Centre, Frankston North Community Centre, Len Phelps Pavilion in Carrum Downs and Carrum Downs Tennis Clubhouse.
The power generated from these solar power systems is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 36 tonnes each year and the money saved on electricity costs will be used to deliver other important community services.
If you’re interested in investing in solar to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions in your own home or business, the Victorian Government’s Solar Homes Program provides rebates for solar panels, batteries and solar hot water systems for homeowners, rental properties and businesses.
Council’s investment in solar is a key action of our Towards Zero Emissions Plan (2019-2023). Find out what else we are doing to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions on our Solar and Renewable Energy page.
Save $1000 on your home heating and cooling system upgrade
Reduce your energy bills, make your home more comfortable and be part of the climate change solution by upgrading your home heating and/or cooling system for less with the new Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades Program.
The Victorian Government is now offering homeowners with a concession card or a combined yearly income of less than $90,000 a rebate to upgrade gas heaters, electric heaters, wood heaters and homes with no heating with energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioners. Rebates include:
- $1,000 towards the cost of an energy-efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner,
- $200 towards the cost of decommissioning your outdated gas heater (if an existing gas heater is being replaced), and
- $500 towards the cost of upgrading your switchboard (if an upgrade is required to install the rebated reverse-cycle air conditioner).
Be inspired, get involved
Living Wildlife Friendly workshop
When: Thursday 23 September 2021, 6-7pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
As part of Biodiversity Month, join this free online workshop and discover more about our local wildlife and their habitat needs. You will learn about the common reasons why wildlife need assistance and how to recognise when they do, as well as what to do to help. You will also discover practical ways to increase the habitat value of your garden, make your garden wildlife friendly and bring more of our local wildlife into your backyard.
Biodiversity Blitz 2021
When: Throughout September 2021
Where: Everywhere! In your backyard, on the street and the beach, and in the park.
Cost: Free
During September 2021, Frankston City Council will partner with eight of our neighbouring councils to hold the Biodiversity Blitz 2021 to celebrate Biodiversity Month!
Participating is easy, all you need is your phone and to head out to your local bushland reserve to discover native plants and animals, take a photo and upload it using the iNaturalist app.
The iNaturalist app is easy to use. There is a community on iNaturalist that can help you identify your observations. It's a great way to learn about native plants and animals and get involved in local conservation.
How to join
1. Download the free iNaturalist App
2. Join the Frankston Bioblitz 2021 project online to participate
3. Join the free iNaturalist workshop on Thursday 2 September from 7-8:30pm or watch the iNaturalist video to learn more about using this app.
4. Start recording your observations from 1 to 30 September
This year we are on the lookout for Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) and Tawny Frogmouths (Podargus strigoides) – two species that are known to be present within the Frankston municipality, one common (Tawny Frogmouth) and one uncommon (Koala). But just how common or uncommon are they really? Your data could contribute to the body of knowledge relating to these two iconic species!
It’s a great way to learn about local plants and animals and get involved in local conservation! Find out which natural reserves are within 5km from your home and start exploring.
Climate change talk with artist Peter Biram and CSIRO scientist David Karoly
When: Thursday 9 September 2021, 7:00-8:30pm (COVID-19 restrictions pending)
Where: Cube 37, 37 Davey Street, Frankston
Cost: Free (registrations essential)
Peter Biram talks about his Frankston Arts Centre Curved Wall exhibition with an introduction by climate change scientist Professor David Karoly of CSIRO exploring current environmental concerns including indigenous and non-indigenous fire management.
Peter Biram, a Victorian and established landscape artist is collaborating with celebrated climate change scientist Professor David Karoly of CSIRO to bring together an exhibition of paintings at the at the Frankston Art Centre Curved Wall.
“Art can be used as a conduit to more fruitful discussion and growing awareness of environmental issues without leading to confrontation”, says the curator and artist.
School holiday bushland activities
When: 18 September to 2 October 2021 (COVID-19 restrictions pending)
Where: Natural spaces across Frankston City
Cost: $5 per person or $20 per family (early registrations essential, places are limited)
Looking for something a bit different for the family to enjoy during school holidays?
Join our local Park Ranger and explore some of Frankston's most popular natural attractions during the school holidays as part of our Guided Ranger Activities. Be amazed by the history, native flora, fauna, geology and coastal scenery right here on our doorstep. This holiday's sessions include some night time activities where we hope to spot some of our nocturnal friends.
People Power Workshops
When: A series of two hour workshops, on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00pm from 8 September to 13 October 2021
Where: Online
Cost: Free (registrations essential)
Do you love organising your community to take action on climate and for our environment? Want to hone your organising skills?
Join this online workshop series aimed at giving people community organising skills and connecting the Frankston City community with others around Victoria.
Email community@environmentvictoria.org.au to register your interest in participating in these workshops.
Joy of the Earth Community Garden open day and member working bee
When: Saturday 9 October 2021, 10am-1pm (COVID-19 restrictions pending)
Where: Joy of the Earth Community Garden, Joy Street, Frankston
Cost: Free
Head to the Joy of the Earth Community Garden for their open day and be inspired by sustainable gardening practices. This impressive garden includes:
- 55 garden plots where fresh vegetables, flowers, herbs are grown.
- Local wildlife habitat features including a lizard lounge, a bird resting place, native bee hotels, bee hives and an Australian native garden.
Morning tea will be available, and there will be a table for trading produce.
There will also be a working bee for community garden members on the day.
Contact Sue at joyoftheearth@gmail.com or on 0409 964 991 for more information.
Free online climate change anxiety and active hope workshops
When: September and October 2021
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Psychologist and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland, Dr Susie Burke, is facilitating a series of free online workshops on dealing with the psychological impacts of climate change.
The first is How to Talk to Children About Climate Change, where you will learn how to talk about the 'uncomfortable truths' of climate change and gather ideas on how to support your children to cope with it.
The second is Active Hope for Environmental Advocates, where Dr Burke will discuss active hope and how you can maintain psychological wellness, and suggest how you can maintain motivation and embrace the causes you feel passionate about.
Sustainable living workshops at the Eco Living Display Centre
When: From September to November 2021
Where: Eco Living Display Centre, The Briars, Mt Martha, 450 Nepean Hwy, Mount Martha
Cost: Varies
The Eco Living Display Centre is hosting a series of sustainable living workshops on a number of topics this spring, including climate-proofing your garden, keeping backyard chooks, composting like a champion and getting your home ready for summer.
In other news
Share your thoughts on the Beauty Park Stormwater Treatment Project
Frankston City Council and Melbourne Water have jointly funded the design of a landscaped bioretention basin, proposed to be installed along the High Street frontage of Beauty Park. Stormwater would be discharged into the proposed bioretention basin during rainfall events and be treated to improve water quality prior to being discharged into Beauty Park Lake.
We are eager to hear your thoughts on the proposed concept design for the stormwater treatment bioretention basin, in the areas of its design and usage, surrounding park area and education.
This consultation is open until midnight on Monday 13 September 2021.
Have your say on Council’s Draft Health and Wellbeing Plan
We are developing Council’s new Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025. This Plan enables Council, our partners and the community to understand our municipality’s health and wellbeing priorities, guiding planning for services, programs and infrastructure and driving collective action.
We have identified responding to climate change as one of the key health and wellbeing priorities of our community, and you can read more about this on our website.
We invite you to provide feedback on the Draft Plan by Tuesday 14 September 2021 via the link below.
New fruit netting regulations to protect wildlife
Fruit on household trees and plants is a tempting treat for hungry wildlife, and netting is a popular way to protect fruit. Did you know that inappropriate types of netting can kill or injure animals such as birds, flying-foxes and possums? Netting is more likely to entangle animals and their struggling can cause injury or death when large sized mesh is use, when slung loosely over the tree or garden, or when it is left lying on the ground.
To protect our local wildlife, new requirements for use of specific fruit netting will be introduced from 1 September 2021. You must only use netting with a mesh size no greater than 5mm x 5mm at full stretch, to protect household trees and plants.
Frankston to host Australia's largest community battery rollout
Australia’s largest rollout of community-based batteries will commence later this year, with batteries being located across 34 suburbs including Langwarrin, Seaford, Frankston, and Frankston South.
As part of the Electric Avenue program, these batteries will help our community transition toward renewable energy and increase electricity reliability. They will charge at times of the day when there is low electricity demand or when local rooftop solar systems are exporting into the network. Power from the batteries can then be used later in the day when demand is high and solar systems are no longer generating.
Each battery will be installed above ground on standard power poles and support between 50 and 75 homes in the immediate vicinity with reliable stored energy for more than two hours at a time.
This project is being implemented by United Energy, who will be reaching out to community members in the areas where the batteries will be installed.
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Frankston City Council respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on the traditional land of the Boon Wurrung and Bunurong in this special place now known by its European name, Frankston. We recognise the contribution of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to our community in the past, present and into the future.
