Shire to focus on climate change

THE SHIRE of Yarra Ranges is starting at the top with its first community discussion question.
Climate change, with associated global warming, has been widely identified as the major challenge facing the earth’s population.
“How are we going to adapt to climate change,” is the question Yarra Ranges residents are being asked to consider and discuss through the shire’s learning website www.yarraranges-learning.net.au.
Local ‘hands on’ events from February to June this year, including the Yarra Ranges Living and Learning Festival to be held at Warburton in April, will also focus on the topic.
At the launch of the Community Question Learning Topic last week, Yarra Ranges Mayor Tim Heenan said the project was part of the shire’s efforts to help reduce its environmental impact by sharing ideas and learning together.
“We want to lead the way in our community by taking steps to protect and enhance the natural environment,” he said.
“We also want to help get community discussion centred around climate change so we can work together to protect our environment for the benefit of all.”
The launch included a postcard giving details of events including:
• Sustainable Living Hints talk at Mt Evelyn Library on 16 February;
• Sustainable Living one day course at Yarra Junction on 10 March;
• Sustainable Gardening and Frog Friendly Gardens Workshop at Belgrave South on 18 March;
• Hands On! Yarra Ranges Living and Learning Festival at Warburton on 29 April;
• Temperature Rising Art Exhibition at Warburton from 26 April to 3 May;
• Sustainable Living one day course at Yarra Junction on 12 May;
• Temperature Rising Art Exhibition at Mooroolbark from 28 May to 9 June; and
• Climate Change – A Shared Challenge. Town and Gown lecture at Montrose on 31 May.
For more information about the first Yarra Ranges community question and events contact the Shire of Yarra Ranges on 1300 368 332 or email learning@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.