Welcome to the Autumn 2024 edition of EnviroNews
Welcome EnviroNews readers
In this latest edition of EnviroNews find out about upcoming environment and waste-wise events, looking after wildlife, and community engagement opportunities.
Frankston City Seed libraries
Grow, Share, Preserve: Join Your Local Seed Library Today!
Frankston City Libraries has propagated their first 2 seed libraries at Frankston and Carrum Downs Libraries. Perfect for green thumbs and budding gardeners alike!
In these seed libraries, library members can "borrow" up to 3 varieties of seeds for their gardens at a time, grow them, and then "return" a portion of any harvested seeds at the end of the season. This practice fosters a cycle of abundance, ensuring that heirloom and locally adapted seeds remain available for future generations of Frankston City residents.
By borrowing or donating seeds, gardeners not only gain access to a diverse range of seeds but also become part of a movement to protect our agricultural heritage and ensure a sustainable future for our planet. Carrum Downs and Frankston Libraries are now accepting seed donations of any plant variety for patrons to “borrow” from our library branches.
Photo description: A Selection of seeds available to “borrow” at the Frankston City Seed Libraries
Register for FREE Plants this Schools Tree Day - Friday the 26th of July
Register for this year's Schools Tree Day - Friday the 26th of July
Join us for a tree planting day to enhance your natural environment for enhanced biodiversity, outdoor learning and more nature play!
Frankston City Council is offering FREE indigenous plants, 50 free plants for schools and 25 for preschools in the municipality to plant on Schools Tree Day. Indigenous plants provide habitat, food and shade for local wildlife. They also provide a beautiful environment for our young people to learn how to care for, protect and restore an environment local to them.
When you register for FREE plants there is an additional option to apply to become one of two Environmental Ambassador Schools. The two Environmental Ambassador Schools for 2024 will receive 300 plants each, onsite education and assistance with planting on the day. Registrations are now open and close at 5pm on the 31st of May 2024.
Photo description: Student planting on Schools Tree Day 2023 at Woodleigh School (Minimbah Campus).
Burning for regenerative purposes
Prescribed burn at Robinsons Park Bushland Reserve
On March 26th, Frankston’s Environmental Planning and Policy and Natural Reserves teams collaborated on the execution of a prescribed burn at Robinsons Park Bushland Reserve.
One hectare was burnt, for the purposes of regeneration of indigenous plant species. This initiative is building on our environment's resilience and reducing fuel loads for bushfire prevention. 30 FCC officers participated, with support from Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne staff. This is the 30th prescribed burn conducted in house by Frankston City Staff since 2007, something very few LGMA’s have the skill and equipment to handle themselves. The burn was executed to plan, with all officers working well together after months of preparation.
Special thanks to Alex Millic and Allie Coad as Sector Commanders and Tamara Kyte as Assistant Incident Controller.
Photo description: Aerial view of burnt area at Robinsons Park Bushland Reserve.
Textiles donation bins still at Frankston Library
Donate textiles and other items in the Frankston Library
For the month of May and in conjunction with Southside Festival, you can drop your goods off in the large donation bins that will be located in the Frankston Library forecourt.
By placing your goods in these bins, your clothing and other items will be reused, recycled and upcycled, therefore diverting more from landfill.
All those items that cannot be sent to Op Shops due to stains or holes, can go into these bins, where they can be turned into something else. There are some things that cannot be donated, so please read the list, and make sure everything is clean and dry please.
Photo description: Textiles donation bin in Frankston Library forecourt.
You’re invited: FREE Detox Your Home event
Come along and bring unwanted household chemicals for disposal
Do you have unwanted household chemicals at home?
If you’re looking to declutter your garage, laundry, or under the sink, you can register for Council’s free Detox Your Home event.
It’s as easy as registering, driving to the Frankston Regional Recycling and Recovery Centre (FRRRC) and dropping off your chemicals to our friendly staff.
The details:
Saturday 1 June 2024, 9.00am to 3.00pm
Frankston Regional Recycling and Recovery Centre: 20 Harold Road, Skye
Bookings are essential, so make sure you register for the event below. Walk-ins are not accepted.
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.
Online: Influence Community Behaviour Change for sustainability
Sustainability Victoria webinar on motivating and creating change in the community
Sustainability Victoria has partnered with Behaviour Works Australia to offer a free webinar Wednesday, 29th May, 7 - 8:30pm. The workshop is aimed at assisting volunteer and community groups in comprehending the significance of human behavior in driving successful outcomes for sustainability projects. It targets community volunteers engaged in fostering sustainable changes within your communities.
Including an introduction to fundamental concepts of behavior science, along with resources and frameworks aimed at aiding the development of behavior change interventions to assist the efficacy of sustainability projects.
Book into our Winter School Holiday Ranger Program
Come join us during our School Holiday Ranger Program in one of Frankston City’s natural reserves
Learn more about our native flora and fauna and the value of biodiversity conservation. Our winter program will explore the science and of plants at the local botanic gardens on Wednesday July 3rd at the George Pentlands Botanic Gardens.
There are three sessions run in a day:
10am: up to 7-year-olds
11:30am: 8–12-year-olds
1pm: mixed group 0-17 years
All sessions are 1 hour and need to be accompanied by an adult. Spaces are limited to 15 participants per session and must be booked in advance.
Photo description: Basket of School Holiday Ranger Program items, including Indigenous Clapsticks and books about wetlands, birds and Country
Caring for wildlife after a storm
Five actions you can do to help care for wildlife after a storm
Check fallen branches for hollows, nests and animals that may have sought shelter.
Young birds can be placed in a box to keep warm overnight and put into a makeshift nest once the storm has passed.
Consider putting up a nesting box to replace lost hollows and to increase the habitat values at your property.
Take note of wildlife living at your property and how they are doing after a storm.
Orphaned, injured or displaced wildlife can be taken to a veterinarian if safe or call wildlife rescue.
Act swiftly to help injured or stressed wildlife. For local support, contact AWARE Wildlife Rescue hotline 0412 433 727 or Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service hotline on 8400 7300.
Photo description: Kookaburra sitting in grass
Addressing eco-anxiety
Eco-anxiety is increasingly common, here are some strategies to alleviate it
Eco-anxiety refers to a type of anxiety or worry related to the state of the environment and the looming threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and other environmental issues. It's a relatively new term but has gained traction as more people become aware and concerned about environmental issues.
The prevalence of eco-anxiety varies across different populations, but it's becoming increasingly common, particularly among younger generations who are more engaged with environmental activism and are witnessing the effects of climate change firsthand.
Individuals can manage eco-anxiety by limiting exposure to distressing news, taking action to reduce their environmental impact, planning for extreme weather and practicing self-care. Also by engaging with the community which can involve joining environmental groups, attending rallies and educating others about environmental issues. Community members can advocate for policies at the local and national levels that prioritise environmental sustainability, such as renewable energy initiatives, conservation and waste reduction programs. Taking action at these levels can help manage eco-anxiety and contribute to positive change.
Photo description: flooded road
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 Your vision for Frankston City and Draft Budget 2024-2025 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.