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Friday 5th February 2021

,

Welcome to the first edition of Yellow Box Environment News for 2021! We hope that you had a relaxing break over summer and that your year is off to a good start.

2021 sees great potential for pushing a progressive environmental agenda in the ACT. Environmental issues are well represented in the Legislative Assembly - with four cabinet Ministers having direct oversight for climate change and/or environment portfolios. The Chief Minister is also the Minister for Climate Action, providing an opportunity to integrate our climate response right across the ACT Government.

We will be working hard to protect and enhance local biodiversity, including at the Lawson north grasslands. We will advocate for a more sustainable Canberra with particular focus on driving greenhouse emissions down by promoting active transport, electric vehicles and switching off gas. We will advocate for bold government action phasing out single-use plastics, and work with business and government to start a conversation about growing Canberra’s circular economy. And we will advocate for a planning system that builds an urban environment that’s climate-ready, supporting the community and biodiversity.

Today, the Board and staff are excited to unveil a fresh new logo that will help extend our passion for sustainability and the environment to new audiences across the ACT community. While our look is changing to better represent who we are and the issues we care about, we are steadfast in our core values. Professional, natural and vibrant, the new identity welcomes people from all walks of life to engage with our organisation.

We look forward to having your support in 2021 as we advocate for a genuinely sustainable future here in the ACT.

Warm regards,

Helen Oakey

Executive Director

 
News
Welcome to the new look!

While our look is changing, we are steadfast in our core values and the new identity has been developed to better represent who we are and the issues we care about. Read more

ACT Budget announcements

Next week the ACT Government will release the 2020-2021 Budget. Environmental issues have been represented in early announcements, with the Government’s big ticket election commitment being a $307m package (over 5 years) to drive the transition to zero net emission in the energy and transport sectors. Read more

EPBC Review - Final Report

The Federal Government this week finally released Professor Graeme Samuel’s Final Report into the review of Australia’s national environment law - the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. 

Read more

Lawson Environment Exchange

The Conservation Council’s first Environment Exchange of 2021 will uncover the wonders of one of Canberra’s largest and healthiest grasslands, Lawson north, and the growing campaign to save it from development. 

Read more

New reserve at Kenny

The Conservation Council submitted feedback this week to Draft Variation 379 that changes the Territory Plan for Kenny to be zoned as a Nature Reserve.

Read more

#GreenRecoveryNow rally

Advocates for climate action held a rally on the lawns of Parliament House on the first sitting day of the year, to highlight the Australian Government’s nonsensical decision to favour gas over renewable energy to drive Australia’s post-pandemic recovery. Read more

Make the Switch workshop

Homeowners gathered at the Canberra Environment Centre on to learn about the impacts of the gas on the environment and human health, and discover the benefits of  switching to an all-electric home.

Read more

Cooleman Court win!

This week, the ACT Government abandoned plans to convert open green space next to Cooleman Court shopping centre to a bitumen car park following a determined community campaign led by local residents.

Read more

 
What's on in February
Haig Park Village Markets

Sunday 7, 8am - 2pm, Haig Park

There's a new farmers market in Canberra! Every Sunday in Haig Park. Find out more

Climate Change In Your Garden

Tuesday 9, 6pm, Canberra Environment Centre

Learn about climate resilient gardens with local garden designer and educator Cally Brennan. Find out more

ANU Climate Update 2021

Tuesday 9, 6pm, Manning Clark Hall, ANU

Hear about the latest climate research from academics and representatives from the business community. Find out more

ANU battery lab launch

Tuesday 16, 12pm, online event

The launch of the new world-class facility for research into lithium-ion batteries will include an industry panel discussion and Q&A. Find out more

Environment Exchange - Lawson north

Tuesday 23, 5.30-7pm, online event

Speakers will unpack Defense Housing Australia's proposal to develop on one of Canberra's largest and healthiest grasslands. Find out more

SEE-Change EV Community Bulk Buy launch

Tuesday 9, 6pm, Canberra Environment Centre

Learn about how you could secure an electric car at an affordable price from Good Car Co. in this community bulk buy. Find out more

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Conservation Council ACT Region

PO Box 544
Canberra ACT 2611

info@conservationcouncil.org.au
(02) 6229 3200

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