Stay up to date on the latest sustainable events, workshops, grants, articles, project updates and more!
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Welcome to Green Thymes!
Here you will find all the latest information about sustainable local events, workshops, grants, articles and project updates all in one place.
If you have any feedback or comments, you can contact us at environment@marion.sa.gov.au
Harmful Algal Bloom events and information
A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is affecting our coastlines at Hallett Cove and Marino. We are following State Government advice and encourage our community to do the same.
There are several vigils and information sessions happening in nearby councils, to commemorate and acknowledge the deceased marine line. Everyone is welcome to join and get involved:
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm Saturday 9 August, Port Noarlunga Jetty
Harmful Algal Bloom information session
Join online to hear from experts, get answers and find support during this challenging time.
The session will cover:
- health and safety advice for residents and pet owners
- environmental impacts
- the role of climate change
- current response efforts
- how the community can help
You’ll also be able to ask questions, hear from specialists, and access reliable information.
6 pm to 8 pm Thursday 7 August, online only
Community forums
Find out more about the harmful algal bloom by heading along to one of the public forums.
You will learn about the latest science, updates on the response and recovery efforts, public health advice and support measures for affected communities and industries.
Sessions:
Harmful algal bloom - Small Business grants now open
Do you have a business that has been impacted by the algal bloom?
Small businesses can now apply for $10,000 grants if they can demonstrate a 30 per cent decline in business turnover.
Eligible businesses include:
- marine or coastal tourism operators
- charter boat and fishing charter operators
- marine-based sport and/or schools (e.g. surf school)
- commercial fisheries and aquaculture licence holders
- seafood processors
- marine/fishing supply chain manufacturers/retailers (e.g. tackle shops, suppliers)
- coastal caravan parks and camping grounds and accommodation
- beachfront kiosks/cafés
Events
FREE course - learn the skills to grow food
Do you want to learn to grow food?
Join this free 14-week course and learn skills to grow organic food in backyards, community gardens and small farms. This hands-on course will prepare you for work, further study and volunteering in small-scale food growing.
Topics include:
- soil health
- propagating
- pruning
- composting
- harvesting and more!
Make sure to check out the eligibility criteria before applying.
9:30 am to 1 pm Thursdays starting 21 August, Glandore Community Garden
Seed raising for your summer garden
Join Phoebe from Patch of Plenty and learn to raise your own veggies from seed. With a focus on summer crops to sow now, we’ll discuss several materials and approaches to help you grow better veggies!
You’ll learn the seed raising fundamentals, what to sow when and how to source, store and save your own seed. You’ll also get our hands dirty trying out different recipes for a simple seed raising mix you can make at home. You’ll get to fill your own seedling trays to take home and transplant.
10 am to 11:30 am Saturday 30 August, Cove Civic Centre
Open day at Kauwi-Marnirla Field River Conservation Park
Get your hands dirty and enjoy a warming cup of tea and some nibbles!
Join National Parks & Wildlife Service for an insightful and immersive event at Kauwi-Marnirla Field River Conservation Park, as Rangers and the Kaurna Firesticks team share their knowledge on the history of the park, the native vegetation and wildlife, and the future aspirations for park management.
9 am to 12 pm Tuesday 26 August, Kauwi-Marnirla Field River Conservation Park
Important updates
Duck, Duck don't be a goose!
We understand feeding ducks can be a nice pass time activity; however, our human food can actually make them sick.
- our human food can cause deformities and malnutrition
- ducks are natural foragers – they can find food on their own
- feeding encourages overcrowding and drives out our shy native species
- overcrowding leads to poorer water quality
Instead of feeding ducks on your wetlands visit, you could:
- walk, ride or skate around the wetlands
- watch ducks forage, swim and waddle - naturally
- bird watch and listen - what can you hear?
- visit the tree tags
- talk about how feeding them can harm their health and their habitat
Please join us to help keep our wetlands clean and healthy - let the ducks do the dining on their own.
Share your thoughts on our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan says how we will make the City of Marion a better and fairer place for everyone.
We will call it the plan. The plan will say what the council will do to:
- make buildings and outdoor places easier to use
- make information easier to find and understand
- help more people take part in council activities and decisions
- get support for your own ideas
Share your feedback by answering the survey or attending a drop-in session.
Consultation closes 30 August
Ban on plastic soy sauce fish
Did you know that from 1 September, plastic soy sauce fish containers will be banned?
This is part of the State Government's plan to phase out some single use plastics over the coming years!
What else will be banned:
- plastic cutlery - attached to or contained within a food container
- plastic drinking straws attached to a drink container
Get a grant to plant natives!
Applications are now open for the Healthy Cities Landcare Grants Program.
You can apply for between $5000 and $25000 to support your environmental community group or organisations to establish native plants.
To be eligible the planting must be:
- in an eligible urban or peri-urban region;
- within public natural open space areas accessible to the community (e.g. parks and reserves);
- within 300m of an urban home, or easily accessible by public transport;
- in a location suitable for recreational physical activity such as walking and cycling; and
- Include a minimum of 500 plants.
Applications close 5 pm Friday 29 August
What's draining your energy?
Do you want to understand how much energy you are using at home and find out how you can reduce your use?
Home Energy Audit Toolkits are available for loan at all 3 of our City of Marion library locations.
Use the kits to:
⚡ Recognise the main energy users in your home
🔍 Find ways to reduce your energy use and save money
Cheaper solar batteries!
You might be eligible for a discount on solar batteries through the Federal Government’s ‘The Cheaper Home Batteries Program’!
Australian households, businesses and community organisations can get an up-front discount on the purchase and installation of solar batteries, potentially cutting costs by 30 per cent!
Sign up for eRates!
Opt for the digital way to pay.
Sign up to receive your rates via Ezybill to receive your rates in your inbox, not your letterbox. 📬
Why sign up for eRates?
🕔 More time to pay: get your bills in real time
📄 Reduce waste: save paper and postage
🍃 Future-focus: support our vision for a sustainable future
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