Friday 2nd April 2021 , Welcome to our monthly Yellow Box newsletter! This month, I have been particularly aware of how people power is helping shape public policy. We were pleased to see our ideas represented in the Plastic Reduction Bill, which was passed in the Legislative Assembly earlier this week. Meanwhile, the federal government’s consultation on a “gas-fired recovery” plan was overwhelmed by public engagement, and the closing date was extended until Wednesday 31st March to accommodate the high number of responses. You can read our submission here. Energy Minister Angus Taylor would also have received emails from 100 of our supporters who signed the email campaign. The ACT’s “Urban Forest Strategy 2021-2045”, was released this week, after more than 240 Canberrans and local community groups had their say last year. Now Canberrans can have their say on planting locations via an interactive map available on the YourSay website. Helping the broader public understand the importance of our local environment, the local issues that threaten the environment and what they can do to make a difference is essential to furthering our cause. Conservation Council staff and volunteers have been out engaging with the community about the fight to protect Lawson north grasslands and talking about how and why to switch off gas. This month, we will be hosting a guided walk of Lawson north grasslands and heading along to a public event in Tidbinbilla to talk with people about Canberra’s natural heritage. If you are interested in participating, we’d love to have you on board to help out on stalls; there’s more information on how you can get involved below. You can make a difference by signing the petition to save Lawson north grasslands, supporting us as a volunteer or donor, or attending our fundraising dinner on World Environment Day. Together, we can shape a sustainable future for the ACT and region. Warm regards, Helen Oakey Executive Director |