Welcome to the Summer 2023 edition of EnviroNews
Welcome EnviroNews readers
In this latest edition of EnviroNews find out more about climate news, energy savings tips, environmental and waste-wise events, community engagement opportunities, looking after wildlife and more.
A climate action commitment
After declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019, Frankston City Council was one of 60 councils in 2020 who resolved to form Climate Emergency Australia (CEA) and this year has become a paid member.
The CEA is a nationwide network of councils collaborating and sharing information to build the capacity of Australian councils to respond to the climate emergency.
Being a member of CEA means Council can share its knowledge and learnings from climate emergency initiatives and benefit from the same with others - ensuring we develop and implement the most informed and effective projects possible, resulting in much better outcomes for our community. Collaborating and advocating with organisations such as CEA are key leadership actions committed to by Council in its Climate Change Strategy 2023-2030.
Renewable Energy Planning Survey and Interactive Map
Fill out the Renewable Energy Planning Survey to assist with the Victorian Transmission Plan
VicGrid, within the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), has launched the state’s first Renewable Energy Planning Survey and interactive map. This kickstarts the creation of the Victorian Transmission Plan (VTP).
The focus now is on pinpointing "Renewable Energy Zone Priority Areas," crucial for future energy development. VicGrid’s state-wide Strategic Land Use Assessment (SLUA) will consider factors like land use, environment, local and regional values and community impact.
There will be community engagement sessions until January. March will see workshops sharing survey results. Access the survey and details on Engage Victoria’s website linked below. Resources for sharing are available and hard copies can be requested via email. Community involvement will assist in shaping Victoria’s energy future.
Tips for creating a cool room in your home this summer
Transforming your home into a cool and comfy space this summer doesn't need to cost a fortune. You can zone your cooling efforts to one room of the house that all members can spend time in, such as the living room, rather than the whole house. Start by sealing up any drafts around doors, windows and vents. You can find door seals online or at hardware stores. This keeps the heat out and the cool in. Next, consider using blinds or curtains to block out the sun's heat. Swap out old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs to keep things cool while saving on electricity.
For a more significant investment, consider getting a split-system air conditioner for that room and keep all the doors closed when it's in use. They're great for cooling specific areas, so you don't waste energy cooling the entire house. If you don't have an air conditioner, a fan and water misting spray bottle can be cooling too. By focusing on sealing drafts, using smart window coverings, efficient lighting and targeted cooling, you'll create a cool haven at home.
Children’s School holiday session - Introduction to Hand Sewing Workshop
Join us for a Children's Hand Sewing Workshop on Friday 19 January
The session will run from 10am - 11am at Frankston Library, 60 Playne Street, Frankston.
This session is aimed at children over 6yo and will share the skills for them to learn to sew.
Bring along your favourite teddy or doll to learn how to hand sew a jacket for them. You can then take these skills on for sewing needed in future.
You baby doll or teddy bear needs to be 30-40cms tall. An event will be added to the Library's What's on page in mid-December.
#Take3fortheSea - Keeping our Beaches Clean this Summer
One way to keep our beaches clean this summer is to take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach or waterway. Another way is to commit to joining your local BeachPatrol group, where each month volunteers help clean up litter from the beaches. Find out more about Frankston and Seaford BeachPatrol groups here:
Frankston City Council also has a comprehensive Beach Cleaning Program in place which includes a dedicated Foreshore Team that uses mechanical beach cleaning equipment, manual removal of litter and regular emptying of a number of hard rubbish, recycling bins and syringe disposal units along the 11km of Foreshore.
Nature of Change in Port Phillip Bay webinar series
Frankston City is part of the Association of Bayside Municipalities who partnered with Life Saving Victoria and the Victorian National Parks Association to create an event series on the Nature of Change in Port Phillip Bay. This event series will consist of community workshops and field trips brought to you in the coming months. The nature of change in Port Phillip Bay is supported by the Victorian Government.
The first two webinars have aired in November and December 2023 and you can rewatch the recordings on the Victorian National Parks Association YouTube Channel, covering the topics of History of the Bay and Marine ecosystems and water quality. Explore the ways in which this complex coastline has changed from a historical perspective, current time and the predicted future of climate change impacts. Each topic is presented by experts in the field from Universities and agencies from the relevant field. Stay tuned and look out for future webinars, workshops and field trips that will be advertised on the Victorian National Parks Association website
Summer seal sightings
Lazy days in the summer sun - seal sightings in Frankston City
Over summer you may encounter a seal pup along one of our beaches while their mothers are off feeding at sea. As pups are weaned they have to learn to feed on their own, so unless injured, seal pups should be left to rest, recover and return to their colonies of their own accord.
Your presence may cause the mother to abandon the pup. There are some simple rules to follow. It is illegal to touch or feed a seal so stay at least 30 metres away from the seal and keep your dog on a leash.
Book into our Summer 2024 School Holiday Ranger Program
Come join us during our School Holiday Ranger Programs for 2024 in one of Frankston City’s natural reserves. Learn more about our native flora and fauna and the value of biodiversity conservation. Our Summer Program ‘Caring for our coast at Frankston Beach’ is on Wednesday 24th January 2024.
There are three session run in a day for up to 7 year olds (with an adult) at 10am, 8-12 year olds at 11:30 am and 13-18 year olds at 1pm. All sessions are 1 hour. Spaces are limited to 15 participants per session and must be booked in advance.
Living with Wildlife Kookaburra rehabilitation
Learn about rehabilitation of Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae
The iconic Laughing Kookaburra faces threats as its numbers decline due to habitat loss and human interference. These charismatic birds rely on scarce nesting spaces and suffer from secondary poisoning caused by pesticides and rodenticides.
Recently, a malnourished juvenile arrived at Living with Wildlife, a licensed Wildlife Shelter, suffering from osteoporosis due to a calcium-deficient diet. The most likely cause was being fed nutritionally inadequate food by its parents, it's likely that parents feed their chicks nutritionally inadequate food is because humans feed the parents. After 10 days of ‘force feeding’ and intensive care the now more active and mobile kookaburra went to fellow licensed carer, Paula, for exercise and assessment in her ‘flight’ aviary. The crew were delighted and relieved when this beautiful young bird flew, foraged and behaved like a juvenile kookaburra should. The local Riot of kookaburras, whose territory includes the area of her flight aviary, were observed trying to feed our juvenile. Even though adults are very territorial this amazing species will take on, raise and care for other’s young.
To ensure the survival of wildlife, it's crucial to refrain from feeding them human food and instead provide native plants in gardens, avoiding harmful pesticides, and setting up wildlife-friendly garden spaces.
Trim Your Bin program
Are you a business owner looking to reduce your waste? Reducing waste is not only good for the environment but can also help you save money. Frankston City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, and the City of Casey are introducing a Trim Your Bin program, a collaborative initiative that fosters circularity in the commercial sector.
Select participants will benefit from a free waste assessment, personalised action plan, expert guidance, and follow-up assessments. Whether big or small, any business can join, contributing to a circular and sustainable local economy. Empower your business to reduce waste, save costs, and protect the environment.
Networking sustainability event
A number of environmentally interested Frankston City businesses recently joined up for an after-work drink at Biersal Brewery in Seaford to learn about sustainability and savings in Frankston City. Attendees discovered how looking towards sustainability initiatives not only appeals to a market that increasingly demands better environmental performance, but can also save a business thousands (sometimes even millions) of dollars in operational costs.
The free event, facilitated by Better Building Finance, helped businesses learn how they could improve the profitability and sustainability of their operations and explored the support available to them. Speakers included Frankston City Council, Sustainable Australia Fund and a panel of environmental experts and local businesses.
Highlighting efforts of local environmental volunteers
Thank you to all our environmental volunteers for enhancing Frankston City’s natural environment
On behalf of Frankston City’s Councillors and Officers we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful environmental volunteers for your combined contribution to enhancing our natural environment. We greatly appreciate your contribution and acknowledge the many hours of dedicated volunteering that you have undertaken in Frankston City this year. Your dedication and professionalism has served our environment and helped to build stronger community connections. We value your continued support and look forward to working together again in 2024.
Engage Frankston
We want to hear from you!
Council has a dedicated website for engaging with the Frankston City community on important local issues and matters.
Many projects and plans will be of interest and relevance to EnviroNews readers. You can learn more about Council's proposed projects and plans, provide your feedback, share your ideas and priorities, plus sign up to receive updates.
Let us know what you think of current projects such as Frankston City Centre Structure Plan or join Mini Frankston City.
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Frankston City Council acknowledges and pays respect to the Bunurong People, the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters.
Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, formally recognising that we need to work together to meet the lower target of the Paris Agreement, which is to keep global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably below 1.5 degrees Celsius. We are committed to working with our community to collectively reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and prepare and adapt to the impacts of climate change.