Tonight I attended the final Croydon Conservation Society (CCS) meeting for 2007. The society, which was formed in 1964, is Maroondah’s longest running and largest environmental society and has provided a critical voice for improving sustainability within the municipality.

Tonight’s meeting provided an opportunity to discuss policy submissions, such as input into Maroondah’s planning scheme amendments, and plans for the following year. The redevelopment of Eastland is expected to begin during 2008 and it is imperative that initiatives that improve sustainability are part of these works.

The recently adopted planning scheme amendment, C58 for the Ringwood Transit City, includes a section on promoting sustainability within the transit city. This will encourage new developments to not only include footpaths, where required, but also to improve water and energy usage, through the use of water tanks and energy efficient designs.

For more information on the Croydon Conservation Society please visit www.croydonconservation.org.au.