Monash City Council - Focusing On Sustainability

As the 1998/1999 Keep Australia Beautiful "Proud City" winner, the City of Monash is committed to advancing community awareness towards achieving a sustainable environment.

The City of Monash has sponsored 15 schools over the last four years to participate in the Schools For Sustainable Future program. The program aims to increase awareness and action about environmental and waste minimisation issues amongst students in the municipality.

In 2000 Monash Council will be supporting three new schools to develop the Worming into the Community program in their schools.

Monash Council Waste & Recycling Manager Joe Lunardello,
Mayor Gill Claire & Councilor Peter Vlahos
at the SFSF 1998 August Profile Afternoon.

Councils Manager of Recycling and Disposal Services, Joe Lunardello, said that all residents should take advantage of the existing kerbside recycling programs for the benefit of our environment. There is a weekly collection of glass, plastics, steel, aluminium and cartons.

This program, together with the fortnightly paper and cardboard collection is well accepted by residents. Council also runs an Annual Hard and Green waste collection. In 1999 22% of the collected material was either recycled or mulched.

Monash Council co-ordinates over 25 "Clean Up Australia Day" sites each year on the first Sunday in March. The day offers a fantastic opportunity for residents, schools and community groups to participate in cleaning up their local park or reserve. This annual clean up has proved an excellent way to reduce the rubbish and pollutants that would otherwise end up in creeks or Port Phillip Bay via the stormwater drains.

Arbour Week is another important event where Council encourages participation by local schools by funding tree planting days in reserves and waterways.

Agenda 21 issues are also being addressed by Council with a focus on energy conservation in Council buildings and a commitment to incorporating smart design into new and renovated Council buildings. Waste Mangement is also an issue being reviewed under Agenda 21 guidelines.

Do you have any ideas
on assisting sustainability in your local environment?

Contact

Joe Lunardello
Ph: (03) 9518 3416