Approximately 200 attendees flocked to Maroondah’s first environment forum, demonstrating the pressing community concern over the implications of climate change.

A number of issues were raised including the need for ongoing communication between council and the community, energy and water conservation, sustainable transport and the need curb rising greenhouse emissions. A report on the environment forum, which will examine the issues raised at the forum, will be presented at the 18th of June Council Meeting.

The overwhelming success of the Maroondah Environment Forum demonstrates that the community wants action and leadership from council to improve our urban sustainability. It is imperative that Maroondah City Council leads on issues relating to the environment and educates the community on measures that reduce energy, water and transport consumption.

I would like to congratulate everyone that attended the Maroondah Environment Forum and to groups such as the Croydon Conservation Society and the Maroondah Climate Change Action Group for helping publicise the event.

I will be calling on my colleagues to support at least quarterly forums on environmental issues and regular information seminars on how the community can reduce its environmental footprint and improve household sustainability.

This collective community voice has shown that the environment can no longer simply be ignored.