Welcome to the late Autumn edition of EnviroNews

Hi again everyone,

We hope you're keeping well. Many of us are spending extra time at home these days so we thought we would bring you a short, supplementary edition of EnivroNews. It includes ideas and information to keep you connected with your local environment. You can learn about the importance of our 'urban forest', read tips about keeping a lid on your energy bills, reducing food waste, composting and get to know your local birdlife, frogs and fungi.

Draft Urban Forest Action Plan

We welcome your feedback by Monday 18 May

Frankston City’s urban forest includes every tree in the municipality. Whether a tea tree or banksia along the coast, Norfolk Island pine, yellow gum or bottlebrush in the street, or river red gum or manna gum in our natural reserves, each tree contributes to the coastal landscape character of the area.

Council is seeking community feedback on its recently developed draft Urban Forest Action Plan. This plan describes how we will work over the next two decades to transform the urban forest into a highly valued and well-resourced, thriving asset.

Click on the link below to view the draft Urban Forest Action Plan, as well as related documents and frequently asked questions. You can also provide feedback through the online form or via email.

Unfortunately we can’t hold face-to-face information sessions at this time. If you would like to discuss the draft plan with a Council officer, you can request a return phone call by emailing: pande.events@frankston.vic.gov.au

In the meantime, check out this interesting short video about why urban forests are important

All feedback must be received by 5pm on Monday 18 May.

Free energy consultations now available

Chance to win a home energy assessment worth $500

This is your chance to have a free one-on-one conversation with an energy expert about making your home more efficient and less expensive to run this winter.

Council's partnership with the Australian Energy Foundation (AEF) entitles Frankston City residents to a FREE 20 minute phone consultation. AEF can help you:

• with tips on shopping around for the best energy tariff
• find out how to heat your home cost-effectively this winter, without sacrificing comfort
• learn how to keep the heat in and the cold out through insulation, draught proofing and window treatments
• discover easy ways you can use less energy when working, studying and cooking
• learn whether investing in solar is right for you at this time, if this is something you have been considering

In addition, Council and the AEF are offering three lucky residents a free home energy assessment valued up to $500. For further information and the Terms and Conditions of the competition, visit: frankston.vic.gov.au

Frankston City residents who phone, email or mail the AEF for home energy advice by 5pm Tuesday 30 June 2020 will be automatically entered into the competition. 

Beware of 'Bill Shock'

Seven ways to avoid a nasty surprise

As we work, study, care for kids and entertain ourselves at home, we are likely to be using more electricity than usual. Research has shown that household energy usage has already increased by 34 per cent, compared to this time last year. As we hit the colder months, it is likely our energy usage will rise even more.

So how do we keep energy costs down during this unprecedented time? The last thing anyone needs right now is a higher electricity bill.

Luckily, our energy advice partner, the Australian Energy Foundation, has seven easy ways to avoid a nasty shock on your next electricity bill, while keeping you and your family connected, comfortable and entertained.

Less food waste = less garbage 

With more time at home, many of us have ramped up our cooking and baking. While this can result in more food waste, it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are a few tips to keep food waste to a minimum during this difficult time:

• Plan meals and shop with a list, so you don't buy more than you need. This will also save you money
• Ensure food is stored correctly so it doesn't spoil prematurely. See Love Food Hate Waste for free downloadable fridge and pantry guides 
• Know the difference between 'best before' and 'used by' dates to avoid food being thrown out unnecessarily. See Food Standards Australia New Zealand
• Create new meals from leftovers. Search foodwise.com.au for recipe ideas for your leftover ingredients
• Learn to cook with the edible parts of vegetables you may have previously discarded, such as cauliflower leaves, pumpkin and potato skins and broccoli stalks, which can add new flavours and textures to meals

Any remaining food waste can be put to good use:

• Turn food scraps into compost or worm castings and tea for your garden. Watch out for a free composting and worm farming session to help get you started (details below)

• Dispose of food waste in your lime green lidded garden waste bin (now called a food and garden waste bin). To order one or for more information, visit: frankston.vic.gov.au

Don't forget about Frankston City's network of stunning natural reserves that are still open for your daily walk. We hope you can get out there and enjoy the beauty of our local neighbourhood, now and into the future.

Frankston City Council recommends residents exercise social distancing when in public areas.

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