Environment

That's a Good Idea! and Climate AdaptationDECCW_ETlogoSml

Centroc councils recognise that the environment, sustainability and understanding and adapting to climate change are important for the long term prosperity of Central NSW. That's a Good Idea! (now complete) and our current program Climate Adaptation are projects supported by Centroc members to generate energy, interest and most importantly, action in these areas. Together through a range of initiatives such as building the capacity of local government staff and making changes to council operations and infrastructure and engaging our communities, Centroc is developing and implementing good ideas to reduce the ecological footprint of our region. We are changing everyday behaviours within council, running community based composting projects, encouraging climate friendly actions and much more over the coming years.

That's a Good Idea! and Climate Adaptation are three year projects that have been funded through the NSW Environmental Trust.

Environment Program activities include:



Business Energy Efficiency Workshops

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Centroc has teamed up with Cowra, Oberon, Young and Bathurst councils as well as the Central West CMA to host a series of Business Energy Efficiency Workshops in the coming weeks. The workshops are free and breakfast is provided as well as a copy of Jon Dee's book Sustainable Growth. To register please contact Rachael Young

 

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Mentoring for Sustainability

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Centroc has been funded by the NSW Environmental Trust to conduct a dissemination of the TAGI mentoring program (see story below).  Mentoring for Sustainabiltiy is currently seeking applicants for mentees which close on September 19 2011. THe flyer and the Expression of Interest form are attached below.  If you have any questions please contact Rachael Young on 0448 264 496.

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Click the links to download the Mentee Expression of Interest and the Program Brief

 

 

Shiny Halo St

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shiny_halo_logoOn May 3 Centroc and the Millthorpe Business Committee kicked off the Shiny Halo St program with a dash of style.

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Randall Edwards, President of the Millthorpe Business Committee said, “Shiny Halo Street is designed to help Millthorpe businesses become more sustainable by working with them to undertake a range of eco-friendly activities.”

“Today we started our program by making 9 Millthorpe businesses (Millthorpe Bed and Breakfast, La Boucherie, Tomolly, Galvanised, Ada’s Place, BirdsNest Café, Millthorpe Garden Nursery, Millthorpe Golden Memories Museum and Millthorpe Motel) more energy and water efficient. We have today conducted the energy audit of the businesses to assess their consumption.  We already have some new businesses lined up to work with us on this exciting program and
hope that more Millthorpe businesses will join us” said Mr Edwards.

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Shiny Halo St participants (Left to Right); Libby Spencer from La Boucherie; Laurie Williams of Galvanised; Tracy Nash of Birds Nest Cafe; Linda Williams from Galvanised, Ada Clark from Ada's Place, Randall Edwards from Millthorpe Bed and Breakfast and Trevor Pascoe from Golden Memories Musuem.

Trevor Pascoe, President of the Millthorpe and District Historical Society said, “It was great having the energy audit done today and we are very excited to see what the results will be and how we can make the best use of the information we will get.”

Shiny Halo Street has utilised the NSW State Government’s ‘Energy Efficiency for Small Business Program’. This Program provides excellent support for small businesses wanting to reduce their energy consumption.  There are great rebates available to any small business that meets their criteria. Interested businesses should check out http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/sustainbus/smallbusenergy.htm

Once the energy audits are complete, the businesses will receive a report from CDE-Energy (our auditor for this project) telling them what their energy saving options are. Centroc and CDE-Energy will continue to work with the businesses to help them determine what the best energy saving measures for their businesses are.

Centroc’s Shiny Halo is all about encouraging sustainable behaviours and ensuring that our region is in the best possible shape to move into a changing future.

Centroc’s Shiny Halo program is supported by the NSW Environmental Trust.  For more details of our program go to www.centroc.com.au and also check out the Shiny Halo Blog at www.shinyhalo.com

 

TAGI Mentoring Program

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Mentoring_imageThe TAGI Mentoring Program aimed to bring Council officers in the Central NSW region seeking professional development in the area of sustainability (mentees) together with experts in the field (mentors) to gain new perspectives and insights into how to incorporate sustainable practices into local government operations.

 

Five councils from across the Centroc region participated in the TAGI Mentoring Program which ran from March to September 2010 (see table below).

 

Following the launch of the TAGI mentoring program with the Orientation & Training Day on 9 March 2010 the five mentees completed their Learning Plans and proposed Meeting Schedules. The Learning Plan outlined up to three goals that the mentee wished to achieve as part of the six month program. In addition, the mentees and mentors signed a Partnership Agreement regarding their participation.

Case studies have been prepared for each of the mentoring partnerships and can be downloaded by clicking on the council name.

Council

Mentee / Council Officer Mentor
Blayney Shire Council Paul O'Brien Peter Davies, UTS Centre for Local Government
Lachlan Shire Council Francois Van Der Berg Chris Gray, GEMS Pty Ltd
Lithgow City Council Deborah McGrath Hazel Storey, The Storey Agency
Parkes Shire Council John Nyman Les Robinson, Enabling Change
Young Shire Council Kira-Lee Foster and Sally Atkinson
Grahame Collier, T Issues Consultancy

 

The mid-program workshop on June 10 and was a chance for the mentees to catch up on what they had been learning, provide Centroc with some really valuable feedback about how our program was working for them (or not).  The mentors did not attend this meeting due to budget constraints - in future this program would include the mentors at this stage.

 

The final program workshop was held on October 25 and all mentors and mentees were invited to attend the day.  At this workshop the mentees were invited to tell the others about what they had been learning and implementing over the previous 6 months and how their mentoring experience had developed and matured. Unfortunately not all mentors were able to attend, however it was an excellent day and all the mentees reported excellent outcomes from the work that they had undertaken with their mentors.

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This is the TAGI Mentoring Team.

From Left to Right: Francois Van De Berg, Sally Atkinson, Chris Gray, Deb McGrath, Kira-Lee Forster, John Nyman, Hazel Storey and in front Grahame Collier and Paul O'Brien.

The program is now complete and The final report is now available for download.

If you have any questions regarding the program please do not hesitate to contact Rachael Young

This project was funded by the NSW Environmental Trust.

 

Sustainability Forum

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The Centroc Sustainability Forum is drawn from the talented environmental, sustainability
and other council staff from around the region.  This forumgreenskillsFeb11_resized
discusses sustainability issues that face our councils and communities. Centroc also coordinates training and capacity building for these staff. Centroc has also organised guest speakers on issues of relevance and interest to our members. The Forum is currently Chaired by Joel Little of Bathurst Regional Council.

The Sustainability Forum meets 6 times a year and the meeting dates can be found on the Regional Environmental Calendar.  The Forum has themed meetings and in 2011 we will be discussing the following issues Sustainable Buildings and Renewable Energy; Sustainable Procurement; Community Engagement focusing on Energy Efficiency; Quadruple Bottom Line Project Assessment; Training on Sustainable Office Skills; Building In Council Sustainability with a focus on change management.

Presentations from these forums that are of broader council and community interest will be uploaded below:

Orange City Council - Stormwater Harvesting

For the contact details of the sustainability forum or if you are interested in presenting to this group please contact Rachael Young on 0448 264 496.

 

Excellence in the Environment Awards

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Rachael Young and Bernard Proctor at the LGSA AwardsCentroc’s Sustainability Programs Manager, Rachael Young was awarded the inaugural Louise Petchell Memorial Award for Individual Sustainability, at the Local Government and Shires Association Excellence in the Environment Awards in Sydney.


This is a highly prestigious award for individual achievement up to and including 2009-2010 in recognition of their contribution to the cause of environmental improvement and sustainability. Louise Petchell was the highly respected Sustainability Unit Manger from Penrith City Council who worked tirelessly to ensure that Penrith and its community moved towards a sustainable future. Louise was a quietly spoken but determined advocate of sustainability and received awards in recognition of her efforts. Louise died unexpectedly and tragically last year. This award is sponsored by the LGSA.

The Award was presented to Rachael yesterday by Louise’s husband Bernard Proctor who also sat on the Award’s assessment committee. When presenting the award yesterday it was announced that Rachael “… provides the ‘glue’ that binds all of the sustainability teams together. She binds them with her knowledge, support and sense of quiet purpose. Rachael manages to find some positive in all the organisations involved. As Louise Patchell would say ‘you always look for some positive no matter how small and build on that’.”

“I am very honoured and proud to be the first recipient of this Award. I was lucky enough to have met Louise a couple of times through my work with Centroc and Louise was always generous with her time and expertise. To be considered in the same league as Louise is very humbling” said Rachael Young, Sustainability Programs Manager.

Read more...
 

Recharging the Region - Expo

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This expo was held at the Pit Complex Mt Panorama, Bathurst in July 2010.  There are some great businesses below and their products and services are well worth investigating. This summit was partly funded by the NSW Environmental Trust.


www.dosomething.net.au

 


GeoExchange Australia Pty Ltd

Geoexchange systems (also called ground source or geothermal heat pump systems) provide efficient heating, cooling and hot water through the use of stored solar energy present within the ground or a body of water. They have been applied in residential and commercial buildings as well as at the district or utility scale around the world for the past forty years.

While Geoexchange systems regularly appear on televison shows such as Grand Designs and Worlds Greenest Homes, it is not commonly known they they have been installed in Australia since the early 1990s. Installations local to the NSW Central West include Lithgow Hospital, Cowra Shire Council, Dubbo Detention Centre and a number of residential homes.

www.geoexchange.com.au


 

 


Aerogenesis Wind Turbines

Aerogenesis has developed breakthrough technology which significantly reduces the cost of small wind turbines. The company's turbine is a 5 KW wind generator, and is designed for grid connection as well as remote power applications. The turbine has high efficiency blades and an advanced controller, enabling it to extract maximum power from the wind. The technology is the product of a 15-year R&D program by one of the best known research institutes in the field, and the unit is set to become a leading small wind turbine in its class. The turbine is open for inspection in Newcastle NSW and Dalesford Victoria, and is 6 months away from market entry

 

www.aerogenesis.com.au


 

 

TAFE Western Green Skills On the Road

The TAFE Western Green Skills on the Road mobile learning resource is supported by of the NSW Environmental Trust. The facility, which travels accross the region, is used to raise industry and community awareness of environmentally sustainable technologies.

Green Skills on the Road contains and provides the following resources:
Displays of sustainable building materials
Displays of water efficient products
Displays of renewable energy products
Information pamphlets
Interactive computer activities
DVD presentations

Green Skills on The Road will be conducting over 30 workshops and displays for schools, apprentices, tradespeople and the general community during 2010.

To book a visit from Green Skills on the Road phone 63914000

www.wit.tafensw.edu.au/course-information/green-skills


 

SilexSolar

Solar Cell Manufacturing at Sydney Olympic Park

SilexSolar has the largest PV cell and panel manufacturing plant in the southern hemisphere with an annual production capacity of 50MW. Also housed on site are: R&D and test facilities, engineering workshops, sales and administration offices, and a purpose-built warehouse to cater for raw and finished goods. SilexSolar is committed to the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes and product quality, with minimal environmental impact. SilexSolar is implementing an integrated management system consistent with ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental) and ISO 18001 (OH&S) international standards.


www.silexsolar.com.au

Electric Velocity Cyclery


Electric Velocity sells and rents electric bikes,and runs electric bike tours around Sydney.

Electric Bicycles are the best emerging alternative in personal transport. They combine the best of both worlds, the lightness, versatility, and exhilaration of a bicycle with the effortless nature of powered vehicles

So if you dislike gridlock traffic, and soaring petrol prices, and are concerned about climate change, then you will love what Electric Velocity has to offer. Call us on 1300 321 225 to book a test ride of one of our fine machines, and decide for yourself.

www.ElectricVelocity.com.au


Chargepoint - Electric Vehicle Recharging Networks

Our easy-to-use web portal that allows you to access the ChargePoint Network
from anywhere and everywhere with your computer or smart phone.
With chargepoint.net.au you can:

Locate unoccupied charging stations near you or on your route
Monitor real-time charging status of your electric vehicle
Receive instant alerts if the vehicle gets unplugged or when charging is complete
Manage your billing and subscription

http://chargepoint.com.au/

 

Recumbent and Specialised Cycling


Founded in 2009, “Recumbent & Specialized Cycling” Warehouse in Sydney is unique as it currently the only store solely specializing in recumbent bikes and Trikes in NSW. We offer ALL the major brands sourced worldwide and are stockists of Greenspeed, Treatrike, Catrike and Trident for immediate delivery. Sick of talking to bike stores fiddling with the recumbent revolution, come and talk to the experts, would be delighted to hear from you...

Now with an increasing range of electrical assisted bicycles.

www.recumbent.net.au

 



The Flannery Centre

The Flannery Centre is a world class carbon efficiency, sustainability and greenskills training facility. Aimed at providing a positive vision of our future the centre will demonstrate principles of sustainability ranging from solar passive design to innovative technologies to water sensitive landscaping. It will be the place to learn practical skills required to thrive in a warmer, resource-constrained world. While currently under construction, project proponents Skillset are looking to build relationships with groups and individuals who share our vision of resilient, healthy, sustainable communities.

www.flannerycentre.com.au

 

Fish River Roasters Coffee Cart and Le Gall Patisserie Pastries

At fish river roasters we roast in small batches so we can deliver to you fresh and fast. We have over ten years experience in cafes and roasting coffee. Our philosophy is simple: source the best coffee beans and roast each variety to bring out their best flavours and aroma.

In recent news, our espresso blend was in the medals at the National Golden Bean roasting competition. Our second in this competition. Our Fairtrade certification has come through and our Fairtrade coffees available on the web.

www.fishriverroasters.com.au

Bathurst Community Climate Action Network

This organisation is a network of organisations and individuals working together to promote action on the challenge of climate change and sustainable equitable development.

The principal focus is to work with the Bathurst Regional Council, individuals and organisations in this shared challenge.

A number of action planning teams have been set up so that members might focus their attention on a specific area of interest or concern.

Practically in reaching out to the community, BCCAN conducts or supports other inititiatives such as workshops, seminars, expos and information sharing to help raise community awareness and skills.

http://bccan.org.au


ECCO - Environmentally Concerned Citizens of Orange

ECCO was launched in April 2006, in response to widespread community concern over the environment, and at a time when the city of Orange was experiencing significant residential expansion and commercial development. ECCO has subsequently embarked on a broad program of environmental education, awareness and activism in the Orange community, with an increasing emphasis on climate action initiatives through its sub-group, Orange Climate Action Now (OCAN).

ECCO also supports the ELF Community Garden Group, hosts Local Environment Awards and co-ordinates a column called Earth First in the Central Western Daily every Saturday.

www.eccoorange.org.au

 


The Alternative Technology Association

Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation, promoting sustainable technology and practice. The ATA provides services to members who are actively walking the talk in their own homes by using good building design, conserving water and using renewable energy. ATA advocates in government and industry arenas for easy access to these technologies as well as continual improvement of the technology, information and products needed to change the way we live.

With branches and members around Australia (including a Blue Mountains/Central West Branch), ATA provides practical information and expertise, based on our members’ hands-on experience. ATA also offers advice on conserving energy, building with natural materials, reusing, reducing the use of and recycling natural resources.

www.ata.org.au


Belly's Bikes, Bathurst

Greg Bell (Belly), the owner and manager of the store, provides expert advice in his fields of sales and as a technician. Couple this with his involvement in riding - MTB ENDURANCE XC, CLUB ROAD RACING he can provide all the information you need to answer your cycling questions. He is now TOYING WITH DOWNHILL to add another dimension to his love for cycling. Give Belly a yell for expert advice in all aspects of cycling.

The shop stocks a wide range of bikes from Eco and commuting and touring bikes, to racing and BMX.

www.bellysbikes.com.au

 


Winning Edge Cycles, Bathurst

Our team, including Cr Greg Westman, are your friendly cycling enthusiasts. We have a varied background in cycling that covers Road, Triathlon, Mountain Biking and BMX. So you can be sure that we not only have the product, but we also have the knowledge to help you with all your cycling requirements.

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Bike Storage Company

One-stop shop for bicycle parking solutions. We supply and install:

• ground mounted & wall brackets
• signage & cycle path marking
• secure cages, lean-tos & sheds
• custom racking solutions

We also retrofit parking spaces for bicycle storage.

Member - Green Building Council of Australia.

Clients include Parramatta Council & the ABC in Ultimo.

www.bikestorage.com.au

 







Sustainable Choice

Sustainable Choice is a sustainable procurement program for NSW Local Government. Developed as a partnership between the Local Government and Shires Associations (LGSA) and the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW), the program aims to increase the level of sustainable purchasing within councils.

Free to join, this program offers an impressive range of tools and resources, including ‘in-house’ training sessions in sustainable procurement for member councils. The program website includes a comprehensive, searchable database of suppliers of sustainable goods and services.

 



Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Inc.

The dedicated volunteers of OTHR are working to restore the standard gauge line between Oberon and Tarana, a distance of 24km. The first stage, from Oberon to Hazelgrove (5km) is almost completed and two historic (1897 vintage) end-platform carriages are now being readied at Oberon station for use on the first tourist trains which will run between Oberon and Hazelgrove.

Two 73 class diesel locomotives purchased by OTHR (see photo by Steve Preseton) will also shortly be arriving in Oberon. Volunteers belonging to OTHR now come not only from Oberon but across NSW and even interstate. More volunteers always welcom.

www.ozsite.com.au/oberonrailway/

 





Central West Catchment Management Authority and the Central West Councils Salinity and Water Quality Alliance

 

The Central West CMA and the Salinity and Water Quality Alliance are working with Councils and Communities to achieve improvements of the health, resilience and sustainability of our natural resources.
Through improved education, planning and incorporation of cutting edge stormwater technologies the Councils of the Central West, with the support of the Central West CMA, are starting to harness and better manage urban runoff for the benefit of our catchment and our communities. Find out how you can help to protect our waterways from stormwater pollution.

http://cw.cma.nsw.gov.au


 

Country Energy:

Energy Efficiency

The Country Energy stand will feature energy efficiency information highlighting high consumption appliances as well as tips and advice on how to reduce energy consumed in the home.

There will also be a display of some energy efficiency products on the market – including indoor and outdoor lights, solar lights, powerboards and TV standby switches.

Come to the Country Energy stand and ask us about our Top 10 energy saving tips!

www.countryenergy.com.au

 


 

That's a Good Idea!

TAGI is Centroc's regional sustainability program. Our program provides information and practical advice and support to our councils and communities on a range of sustainability issues. At the Expo we will have free Grow your own Compost Kits to pick up as well as copies of our very popular Weather Report.


www.centroc.com.au

 

Greening Bathurst

Greening Bathurst is a volunteer community organisation that supports best practice in the management and conservation of vegetation across the Bathurst Regional Council area by advancing the implementation of the Bathurst Vegetation Management Plan (BVMP) and assisting in achieving the vision of the Plan.

GB recognises that well managed vegetation is critical to achieving sustainable development because of its strong influence on biodiversity, water quality and landscape character.

www.greeningbathurst.org.au






Michael Inwood, the Triton 4x4 EV and Engaging Nature


Fuel can be a major input cost on farm and the CO2 emissions of all industries are now being examined. This aspect of the project has seen the conversion of a Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R to electric power. This vehicle is charged using 100% Countrygreen (Country Energy’s certified renewable power).

This vehicle is capable of all normal on farm 4x4 work and was also designed to pull the Agrowplow AD Hybrid Discdrill. It is a true Zero Emission Vehicle. The embodied energy for the vehicle and machinery production is easily offset with only a portion of the trees we have planted on farm this year. The use of this vehicle for both ‘No Kill’ and ‘Pasture cropping’ will mean that its operation actively assists in the sequestering of carbon in the soil. This is one better than carbon neutral.

 



 


Scythes Australia

The Scythe is the ecological alternative to the lawn mower, whipper snipper and brush cutter. It is an easy-to-use hand tool that efficiently cuts grass and weeds of any height without the noise, vibration and pollution of motorised tools. Scything is relaxing, meditative and provides gentle exercise. Scythes Australia is based in Mudgee.

www.scythesaustralia.com.au

 


 

Netwaste's Eco-logic Kit

Netwaste is a collaborative waste and resource management project sponsored by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change and Water (DECCW) and the Central West (CENTROC) and Orana Regional Organisation of Councils (OROC)

Several  successful programs and projects include a number of regional contracts: a Regional Recycling Contract, Processing of Garden Organics, Collection of Scrap Metal and an annual EWaste Collection.

The Ecologic Kit is a mobile resource that has grown out of an exhibition at the Power House Museum called Ecologic and is full of information and resources to inspire us all to think and communicate about our environment.


Corporate Express

As more and more companies are discovering the value of supply chain integrity, we work with our stakeholders to provide a sustainable supply chain solution that helps support their corporate social responsibility objectives. We do these things because they are right to ourselves, our employees, our customers, our shareholders, our investors, our community and our environment.

Our sustainability vision:
To provide socially responsible solutions for our customers and our people through the products we source and the way we choose to operate, to protect our planet and care for our community. Our approach to sustainability focuses on four major pillars: workplace, community, marketplace and the environment.

www.ce.com.au

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UNSW Sunswift lV solar racing vehicle

We are a full-scale, multi-disciplinary, student-led solar racing team. Volunteers from faculties all over the University of New South Wales offer their time and skills to design, build and race a state-of-the-art solar-powered car. Funding is provided by our generous donors and corporate sponsors, and of course by UNSW.

In 2009 the team won the Silicon Class of the Global Green Challenge with Sunswift IV, making her the world's number 1 silicon solar racing vehicle.

For more information please visit our website

www.sunswift.com


 

 

Newnes Hotel Cabins - "Grass Roots Eco Resort"

One hundred years ago Newnes was a thriving mining town. Today it lies abandoned in the world heritage wilderness of Wollemi National Park. The Cabins offer a great "time out" and many nature-based activities; rock climbing, canyoning, beautiful walks along the Wolgan River and a walk through the historic ruins. The development is designed in an ecological and sustainable way. It runs on 100% solar power with its own underground sewerage treatment plant, water supply from a beautiful spring, a large vegie garden and chooks - everything money can't buy!

www.lisp.com.au/~newnes

 

Lithgow Environment Group

LEG is a group of enthusiastic pro-active residents keen to foster awareness of the environmental and conservation issues affecting their local area. Bordering 3 National Parks their focus includes protection of these invaluable assets with activities like:

• Streamwatch

• Working with other conservation groups

• Working with State Forests and other agencies

• Monitoring and recording endangered species and their habitats

• Educating, raising awareness and active involvement with the Lithgow Community Garden and a range of other local groups like Landcare etc

• Running weed and wildflower identification walks

 


 

 

 

 

Communities in Landscapes

Communities in Landscapes works with communities, individuals and other NRM agencies to integrate conservation and production across box-gum Woodlands to maintain and enhance biodiversity. The CiL project was initiated in recognition that landscape-scale change can only be achieved by working with farmers and other land managers and their communities.

The project will inform and support management decisions in Box-Gum Woodland landscapes primarily through engaging land managers and their communities in practices that have positive outcomes for production and are known to benefit resilience in Box-Gum Woodlands.

White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands (Box-Gum Woodlands) are listed as a critically endangered ecological community, meaning that it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. Box-Gum woodlands once dominated millions of hectares on fertile soils of the wheat-sheep belt of NSW, but have now largely been cleared for agriculture. Remnants are widely scattered, often small, on multiple land tenures and rarely managed for conservation. Box-Gum woodlands provide habitat for a range of plant and animal species threatened with extinction such as the swift parrot, superb parrot, striped legless lizard, golden sun moth and tiger quoll.

 


 

 

 

SolaMate Solar Air Heating

ABC New Inventors Episode Winner Judge's Choice and People's Choice (May 2009)

Housing Industry Association GreenSmart Product of the Year 2009

Space heating and cooling represents the most significant proportion of a home's energy needs. SolaMate warms your home with fresh filtered air on cold winter days. The low emissions system harnesses the sun's energy to cut your heating bills dramatically and create year-round comfort for your family.

On hot summer nights, SolaMate injects cool outside air into your home for easier sleeping and less load on your air conditioner.

In addition, the regular flow of fresh filtered air improves indoor air quality and creates a healthy home for your family by reducing dust, pollutants and allergens.

Reduced energy bills and improved comfort for your family - that's "The SolaMate Solution".

www.sola-mate.com

 

Rotary Club of Bathurst East Catering Van

Food will be available to visitors to the Expo from 10am to 2pm.

Sausage and Steak Sandwiches, Bacon and Egg Rolls and Drinks.

 

 

 

 

 

Aquafil Water Bottle Refill Stations

A dynamic educational tool that promotes a SUSTAINABLE WAY OF LIVING, by reducing waste and conserving our precious resources.

The aquafil Refill Station is a product that has evolved from the need to combat the extravagant waste of resources generated by bottled water.

Extensive design considerations that have included consultation with public works officers and mindful reflection of negative public perception surrounding water bubblers has led to the creation of a practical product that provides a better alternative to bottled water.

Manly Council led the way in implementing this practical solution in their community. Many other councils, water authorities and schools are joining the campaign against bottle water waste and creating a more sustainable environment for their community.

http://www.aquafil.com.au

Blade Electric Vehicles

Founded in 2006, BEV has electric vehicles on the road in all States and New Zealand.

Electric vehicles are part of a global response to global warming and increased competition for oil. The Blade Electron is Australia’s first commercially available plug-in electric vehicle.

Based on the highly acclaimed and popular Hyundai Getz, and using state-of-the-art components, the Electron offers affordable, reliable electric motoring today. In Australia, the wait is over.

The Blade Vehicle in the EV Challenge at Mt Panorama is owned by ABC New Inventor's judge Bernie Hobbs and, while she can't be at the Summit, she's thrilled her car can.

http://bev.com.au

 

 

The Electric Car Company (TECCO)

TECCO is currently into research and development of EV-centric technologies from a 1991 100% electric Converted Ford  Capri, used as a daily driver, to the "Odyssey Formula Green" prototype racecar. They will also be bringing the Catavolt bike to the Summit.

On Friday 12th March 2010 team Catavolt set the World Record for a Modified Partial Streamlined Electric Motorcycle and the Australian Land Speed Record for an Electric Vehicle on the Australian Salt Lake event, Speed Week 2010.

 

www.tecco.com.au

 

 

 

Deep Green Research Pty Ltd

Deep Green converted a 2008 Honda Civic VTi 1.8L 5 speed
sedan from ICE to electric as a demonstration vehicle now known as
Deep Green. The vehicle was entered into the 2009 Global Green Challenge, an event run concurrent with the World Solar Challenge between Darwin and Adelaide.
Deep Green was the most energy efficient car in the Eco Challenge event (for nonsolar cars), and achieved a range of 360kms on a single charge from its relatively
small and inexpensive battery pack. This distance is possibly a world record for a vehicle of this type/weight and without the aid of aerodynamic or low roll resistance
enhancements. Deep Green replicated its class leading efficiency during mixed and urban cycles, achieving greater efficiency than all other vehicles in the Challenge, be they electric, hybrid or petroleum.

 

www.deepgreen.net.au

 

eQuadbike

Kim Price in Orange recently completed the conversion of a Farm Quad Bike to electric power. It is now being tested under working conditions to prove its suitability.

 

(see Toulon Engaging Nature entry above for a Triton Ute conversion by Michael Inwood in Bathurst too)




 

The Sustainability Calendar

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The Sustainability Calendar is an iniative developed as part of the TAGI program to encourage members to
implement simple actions within their Council in order to build the knowledge and awareness of council staff
around sustainability and reducing council’s impact on the environment.

A number of activities have been implemented by Centroc member councils as part of this initiative including
the introduction of recycled paper, double sided printing, and office recycling to Council; delivering a
presentation on sustainability to council staff (Sustainability Kit 101); running an energy savings program
(Energy Olympics) within Council; and distributing reusable coffee mugs (TAGI Keepcup) to council staff.

This project has been funded by the NSW Environmental Trust.

 


Sustainability_101_front_cover

Sustainability 101 Kit - A step by step guideline for Council officers outlining how to run an introductory presentationon sustainability for staff and how to establish a staff sustainability committee.

There were two key documents produced as for this program.  A guide to implementing an in-council or in-organisation sustainability team as well as a presentation to support this program.  These can be downloaded below. Please be aware that the Guide is quite a large document.

Sustainability 101 Guide

Sustainability 101 Presentation

 


Energy_Olympics_front_cover

 

 

Energy Olympics– A step by step guideline on how to run an energy saving
program within Council. It involves a competition to see which section of council
can save the most electricity!

Please find an organiser guide and a supporting presentation below to support
your activites.  We have also produced a sticker which you may like to adapt to
your own organisation.

Energy Olympics Guideline

Energy Olympics Presentation

Energy Olympics Sticker

 


 

TAGI Keepcup - a reusable coffee cup to encourage waste reduction and positive sustainable living actions within Council. Over 100 keepcups have been given away to the TAGI Steering Committee, Project Team and Centroc Board members. In addition, Orange, Parkes and Wellington councils have distributed TAGI Keepcups to their staff.

 


Duplex_Poster_finalresized

Double Sided Printing- producing materials that support councils in the decision to
print - double sided or to duplex. Centroc produced materials that provided councils
with the 'how' and the 'why' of double sided printing.

You can dowload our program materials:

Duplexing poster

Duplexing Support Guide

Support for converting different printers to duplex

Paper Facts to support duplex printing

Tips and Challenges

 

 

If you would like any information on the above tools and resources please contact Rachael Young.

 

Sustainability Workshops

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In 2009 the TAGI program conducted a series of workshops to build theTAGI_Workshop_1_compressed
capacity of staff across the region with regards to the development and implementation of sustainability programs.  Two workshops where held, the first in Cowra that dealt with community engagement and getting started and the second in Bathurst focusing on more advanced programming that could be undertaken.  Some of the presentations from those workshops are available for download - please see the links below:

Cowra Workshop

Chris Gray - Selling Sustainability

Gerry Aquila - Paperless Office at Cabonne

Hong Nguyen - Engaging staff through Water Conservation

Wagga Wagga City Council - Sustainable Schools Challenge

Bathurst Workshop

Helen Burnie - Regenesis

Sam Cappelli - Ryde Project Assessment Tool

Canda Bay - City Sustainability Program

 

This project was funded by the NSW Environmental Trust.

 

 

 

 


Live Issues

Transport

Centroc understands that a further $3.5m is to be spent on transport studies in Central NSW, for projects such as:

   a)    Securing the corridor for the Bells Line of Expressway

   b)    a blueprint for transport for the region that identifies the next layer of analysis for the development of transport infrastructure in the region akin to the work being done with water security.

   c)    intermodal shift to freight rail in Central NSW

 

Centroc's Management plan objectives for this year are to:

  1. Develop lobbying support information as requested in the areas of load deficiencies, rail infrastructure and intermodal facilities.
  2. Provide advocacy material to ensure the policy of members is being addressed in the ongoing roll out of the $5m Federal spend on transport studies for Central NSW.
  3. Provide regional based engineering advice to the Board as requested.
  4. Maintain support for Centroc weight of loads group.
  5. Maintain the Centroc Policy for responding to issues relating to regional services remaining at Kingsford Smith Airport (KSA)                      
  6. Maintain a watching brief on developments in  regional access to KSA
  7. Support the re-instatement of the Blayney to Demondrille rail line, the completion of the Maldon Dombarton rail line and the inland corridor for the Melbourne to Brisbane high speed rail link.
  8. Support the current air services to Parkes, Orange and Bathurst and encourage any future expansion of the service.
  9. Support the location of Weather Station near Dubbo

Centroc seeks to have as much freight as possible in the region being handled by rail, therefore Centroc supports the retention of grain rail lines and the development of the north/south rail line.

Centroc seeks to develop appropriate intermodal facilities in the region, particularly a facility in Parkes to provide a north south/east west intermodal facility of national significance.

Centroc seeks to ensure that there are sufficient funds in local government budgets to assure the maintenance of roads in the region.

The engineers of the region met in December 2010 to provide advice around the region’s priorities for transport infrastructure. This project is near completion.

For more information on any live issues, please contact Centroc.

Upcoming Training Events

Tue May 22 @08:30 - 04:30PM
Confined Spaces with Breathing Apparatus - Forbes
Thu May 24
Consultative Committee - Lachlan
Fri Jun 15
Construction Induction - Orange

Events Calendar

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Atmospheric CO2 data

 

Did you know that atmospheric CO2 was 364 parts per million (ppm) during the Earth Summit in June 1992? In the past decade, atmospheric CO2 has been rising about 1.9 ppm per year. This is the fastest rate since scientists started using high-precision instruments to take CO2 measurements directly from the Earth's atmosphere.

To find out what Centroc is doing about Climate Change, click here.