FOLKC Book

COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION
GOVERNMENT
Department of Sustainability & Environment
Kororoit Creek Regional Strategy (2005 – 2030): In 2001, I requested the State
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to consider developing a
‘Kororoit Creek Regional Strategy (KCRS)’. DSE agreed to provide $250,000 to fund
the strategy and, over the next two years, I participated in its development, with my
input being recognised in the strategy documents quoted below:
“(ii) Acknowledgements: The project group would like to thank all the organisations
and individuals who provided knowledge and input throughout the preparation of
the Kororoit Creek Regional Strategy 2005 - 2030. In particular, we thank Geoff
Mitchelmore and representatives of the various Friends Groups associated with the creek
who provided invaluable assistance in the identification of issues along the waterway as
well as inspiring us with their passion to see the creek revitalized.”
Environment Protection Authority Victoria
Brooklyn Community Reference Group: Since 2005, I have represented the local Altona
North and Brooklyn communities at the EPA Victoria-convened Brooklyn Community
Reference Group. Later, I also joined the associated Brooklyn Residents Action Group
to assist in the resolution of many local environmental issues, some of which had a direct
impact on the Kororoit Creek environmental corridor.
Compliance and Enforcement Policy: During 2011, I was asked to help monitor the
roll out of an EPA Victoria ‘Compliance and Enforcement’ Policy, developed by its
newly-convened management team with Chairman Cheryl Batagol and former Chief
Executive Officer John Merritt at the head.
As one of a small group of activists involved in environmental issues within our local
communities over a substantial length of time, I was asked with my fellow activists
to travel throughout Victoria with EPA Officers. The aim of this group was primarily
to ensure that EPA policy, and local obligations under it, were correctly and fully
communicated to each community. On-going quarterly meetings with EPA Officers
and management have continued, where EPA policy issues and new programs being
rolled out are discussed and planned in detail.
Local Government Sustainability Accord Fund: The development of the KCRS, and its
implementation courtesy of a ‘Local Sustainability Accord Funding’ grant, then became
the major driver of further expansion of our Kororoit Creek green environment. This
was managed by the KCRS Steering Committee, comprising officers from Wyndham,
Brimbank, Melton and Hobsons Bay City Councils, and members from the Department
of Sustainability and Environment, Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water, along with
the Friends of Kororoit Creek and myself, representing FOLKC.
Vision for Werribee Plains Project: In September 2008, the Victorian Government
committed to investing in environmental projects in Melbourne’s West through
the ‘Vision for Werribee Plains (V4WP)’ project. I was asked to represent the local
community on the Grant Selection Panel. Headed by Project Manager Max Coster and
Project Officer Vivian Amenta, this panel was comprised of state and local government
representatives, and chaired by MPs Michael Crutchfield and Andrew Elsbury. Serving
on this committee for four years, I helped determine projects suitable to meet ‘V4WP’s
goals. Numerous exciting projects were financed and realised through this rewarding
grants process, which ultimately invested more than $10 million towards greening
Melbourne’s West. FOLKC itself had three specific projects funded via V4WP, which
substantially helped develop Kororoit Creek’s green corridor environs.
This is how to plant
a tree, Daddy!”
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