Environment Connect Hard Copy Template · • The Victorian Government has announced a $17.5 million initial rescue package to support Victoria’s bushfire impacted wildlife and

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Autumn 2020 For immediate release — March 2020

Welcome to Environment Connect, a quarterly update from East Gippsland Shire Council on

environmental activities and opportunities for community involvement.

Bushfire recovery

The extreme summer bushfires have taken their toll in our communities and natural environments, and healing is now underway.

East Gippsland Shire covers an area of 2,094,000 ha, of which most is in state forest or national parks. Fires have impacted 56% of the Shire area over summer, accounting for 1,178,612 ha being burnt.

The recent rain has seen a flush of colour appear back in the landscape, but this has impacted negatively on the rivers and receiving waterways. Recovery will take time – the bushfire impact has been devastating for many, including the unique flora and fauna across East Gippsland.

Priority areas of high conservation value have been assessed, as outlined in this short video: https://youtu.be/kaGNi0WeD-U

Governments, conservation groups and landholders can all play a role in bushfire recovery:

• The Victorian Government has announced a $17.5 million initial rescue package to support Victoria’s bushfire impacted wildlife and biodiversity.

It is targeted to species most at risk, including the Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby (Victoria’s most endangered mammal), the Long-footed Potoroo and the Large Brown Tree Frog. It’s estimated 185 of Victoria’s species, many of them rare and threatened, have been impacted by the fire emergency.

• The Australian Government has announced up to $25 million for a range of measures to help with the immediate survival of affected animals, plants and ecological communities and to control pests and weeds across Australia. Funds are for: emergency interventions to control feral predators, pest animals and weeds; habitat protection measures such as on-ground wildlife rescue, protection and care services; Greening Australia to increase supply of seed and native plants for revegetation; Zoos Victoria for treatment of injured wildlife and the establishment of insurance populations of at-risk species; and Conservation Volunteers Australia to mobilise volunteers through a national coordination point.

• In East Gippsland bushfires have impacted over 1,000 km of local government roadsides of which nearly half occur on sections with ‘high’ conservation value.

• In addition, 34 properties with a conservation covenant (agreement with Trust for Nature) have been impacted by fires. No houses on these properties were lost.

Trust for Nature is a not-for-profit organisation that partners with private landholders in Victoria to protect native plants and wildlife. A Bushfire Habitat Recovery Fund has been set up to support landholders with conservation covenants rehabilitate habitat after fire. Donations can be made here: https://www.trustfornature.org.au/bushfire-habitat-recovery-fund-1

What can I do?

Pest plant and animal control will be key for biodiversity recovery, as well as fencing out stock from sensitive or significant natural areas and revegetating with locally native species. Now is a good time to join (or start) a local ‘friends of’ or Landcare group and apply for a Bushfire recovery grant (up to $15,000, but closes 13 March 2020); become a member of the East Gippsland Conservation Management Group (EGCMN) or Field Naturalists; register with Conservation Volunteers Australia or support local wildlife carers.

And why not become a bushfire recovery citizen scientist? Forget Instagram – citizen scientists are being urged to use their mobile phones to monitor the recovery of bushfire-affected plants and animals. The images will be used by the Environment Recovery Project to inform future research.

Anyone in fire-affected areas can participate, no matter their scientific knowledge or camera skills. The iNaturalist community has more than 31 million biodiversity records and links to Australia’s leading citizen science platform Atlas of Living Australia where everybody from scientists and policy makers to the general public can access a wealth of biodiversity information. (Important reminder: It’s not recommended to enter severely burnt sites due to unpredictable tree falls). More info: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/environment-recovery-project-australian-bushfires-2019-2020

For bushfire impacted landholders, Dr Doug Robinson a Science Advisor to Trust for Nature, suggests leaving fallen wood to help with the natural recovery of ecosystems and survival of wildlife.

“Animals need hollow logs to live in and fallen tree trunks to hide under – particularly when landscapes can be bare and leave animals exposed to predators,” Doug said.

“As a landholder it can be disheartening to see lots of burnt timber on the ground and it can look messy, but wildlife, fungi and plants need this woody habitat now more than ever.”

Rebuilding sustainably

As the fires continue, we know some are starting to consider their options for rebuilding homes and property that have been lost in the fires. House design is rapidly evolving to meet the challenge of climate change, and new products are being developed to enable greater energy efficiency and resilience in the home. If you are building or renovating it is important to do your research and to keep as up-to-date as possible on the latest developments, or to engage a designer or builder who meets your needs.

Here are two East Gippsland Shire specific booklets with useful information. Either download an electronic copy or collect a hardcopy from your nearest shire library or service centre:

Booklet links: • eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/documents/plancom_directorate/our_environment/eg_smart_living_booklet_web.pdf

• eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/documents/plancom_directorate/our_environment/egsc_building_resilience_web.pdf

Another source of independent sustainability advice is from Renew. Renew is an Australian not-for-profit that inspires, enables and provides technological advice for people to live sustainably. They’re working to develop programs to help impacted communities rebuild with more sustainable, climate resilient

homes. Subscribe via email to their newsletter or check their website. In the meantime, Renew has collated

Building Resilience: A guide to consider climate change in East Gippsland houses

Smart Living: A guide to sustainable building (for energy efficiency)

a list of useful resources, such as reduced home-loan rates for energy efficient houses: https://renew.org.au/our-

news/resources-for-people-impacted-by-the-bushfire-crisis/?mc_cid=327eac248a&mc_eid=2e529b6c88

Solar Victoria rebates

Solar Victoria provide a rebate of up to $1,888 for solar panel system installation, for homeowners and rental properties. To further reduce installation costs, householders can apply for an interest-free loan, for an amount equivalent to their rebate amount. The loan is required to be repaid over four years. Options also include batteries or efficient hot water rebates.

Bushfire assistance: If you’ve been affected by this summer's devastating bushfires, assistance is available by contacting Solar Victoria on 1300 376 393.

Changes to solar feed-in tariff

The Essential Services Commissions has set a new single rate minimum feed-in tariff from 1 July 2020 of 10.2 cents per kilowatt hour, down from the current 12 cents.

Gallery gets an energy makeover

East Gippsland Art Gallery has had a significant energy makeover, thanks to East Gippsland Shire Council.

Mayor Cr John White said the improvements will enable the gallery to move towards an energy neutral art space for its daily operations.

“The gallery now has LED lighting, installation of a 4-star refrigerator, and heat pump hot water (to run during the day only) connected to a 5kW solar energy system and a new air conditioning system,” Cr White said.

“Council is rolling out energy saving projects on 10 community buildings, which will result in a saving of $45,000 per year and a total of 308 tonnes of CO2 avoided,” Cr White said.

“Council is committed to reducing its emissions and recognises that climate change is a very real challenge for all local governments.”

East Gippsland Art Gallery director Crystal Stubbs said funding from Council and Sustainability Victoria had enabled the gallery to save on energy expenses and to replace a very old air conditioner.

“The upgrade to our gallery facilities has been amazing; our new energy efficient facilities ensure that our environmental impact is minimal. I can’t thank East Gippsland Shire Council enough for their support,” Ms Stubbs said.

Council successfully received funding of $110,000 from Sustainability Victoria to provide energy efficiency and solar funding for 10 community accessed buildings in the Local

Government Energy Saver Program bringing the total available funding to $260,000, which includes a Council contribution of $150,000.

Gallery director Crystal Stubbs and Mayor Cr John White at the East Gippsland Art Gallery, which has had a significant energy makeover seeing it move towards an energy neutral art space for its daily operations.

Further information: Rebecca Lamble, Sustainability Officer

Water for wetlands

The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA), East Gippsland Shire Council, East Gippsland Water and Parks Victoria recently hosted a community event at Macleod Morass.

Guest speakers highlighted several projects that partner agencies are undertaking to use, re-use and redirect water to benefit the environment.

Redirecting stormwater for use at the Bairnsdale Oval and sale yards, the natural process of the Macleod Morass to filter wastewater, and the management of the wetlands to reduce threats and protect threatened species were all discussed.

Protecting and improving waterway health is a commitment of the Victorian Government’s 'Water for Victoria' plan.

Further information: Megan Dennett, Environmental Sustainability Co-ordinator

Great Pelican Count: Sunday 5 April

Did you know? The Gippsland Lakes is home to one of only two permanent pelican rookeries in Victoria.

Continued and consistent monitoring is vital to help inform the future management of the Gippsland Lakes and its surrounding wetlands. Information gathered about species, like the pelican, helps inform management actions for the species into the future.

“As the drought has continued pelican numbers across the Lakes have been slightly lower suggesting that this coastal bird is still dependent on rainfall for success,” said Deb Sullivan, Birdlife Australia Project Officer in East Gippsland.

With East Gippsland under drought strain and the recent bushfires the numbers could well be lower than previous records. Data from the Great Pelican Count gives information about current numbers and their locations.

The third annual Gippsland Lakes Great Pelican Count will be held between 11.30am and 12pm on Sunday 5 April at locations all around the Gippsland Lakes. All welcome.

To register, visit www.loveourlakes.net.au and follow the links. Registrations close on Sunday, 23 March.

Important waste reminders

E-Waste ban

Did you know? Up to 90% of your phone, TV and computer can be recycled. And e-waste is growing three times faster than general waste in Australia.

All electrical e-waste items (with cords or batteries) are now banned from household wheelie bins (including landfill) across Victoria. Instead, e-waste must be taken to your closest dedicated e-waste drop-off point where it will be collected for recycling.

New permanent e-waste drop off points have been set up:

• Bairnsdale: 200 Johnstons Road, Forge Creek

• Orbost: 351 Bonang Road

• Bruthen: 109 Great Alpine Road

• Omeo: 18 Margetts Street

• Mallacoota: Betka Road

• Lakes Entrance: 5 Thorpes Lane

More information visit www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/campaigns/ewaste

Plastic bag ban

The Victoria wide plastic bag is now underway. Please remember to take your own reusable bag to the shops and markets. (Leaving them on the front passenger seat of your car can be a good visual reminder).

Victorians use over 1 billion plastic shopping bags every year. The majority end up in landfill and around 10 million end up as litter, washing into our East Gippsland waterways and polluting our environment and endangering wildlife.

Further information: Alyson Harrington, Waste Education Officer

Transforming Recycling in Victoria

Recycling will be transformed in Victoria in the coming decade, with recent announcements made by the Victorian government for a container deposit scheme and a new fourth bin for households in the coming years, as part of a plan to reduce waste going to landfill by 80% in ten years.

More information: www.premier.vic.gov.au/transforming-recycling-in-victoria/

Mayor’s Poster Challenge

The Mayors Poster Challenge is on again this year, opening in March and closing on 30 April 2020.

Students can start preparing their ideas now. The challenge is for young people across East Gippsland to create a poster exploring the theme of “Make our lakes and streams single-use plastic free.”

There are great prizes to be won.

Further information: Alyson Harrington, Waste Education Officer

Grants and Opportunities

Shire Community Grants – up to $5,000

HURRY! Community Grants close on 4 March 2020. The funded part of the project would need to begin after mid-May. Grants up to $5,000 are available for a range of activities, for example (but not limited to) the following:

• An inclusive community celebration, festival or show.

• Projects focusing on our environment: biodiversity, waste, energy and water.

• Energy efficiency upgrades, with the aim of improving the viability and sustainability of a community facility, making it cheaper to hire for the community and increase usage.

• Community education and planning events.

• Community health and well-being projects.

• Projects that build strength and resilience in communities, empowering people of all ages and abilities to feel engaged and connected.

• Partnerships with Traditional Owner groups, education, celebration and inclusion of culture.

More info: https://www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/Community/Council_Grants/Grants_program_overview

Not ready? Then plan for the next round which will open on 3 June 2020 and close on 5 August 2020 (for projects beginning after mid-October).

Shire Quick Response Grants

Quick Response Grants are also now available for the community for smaller projects to pilot or try ($500). Apply online https://www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/Community/Council_Grants/Program_overview

Further information: contact 5153 9500 or email [email protected]

Bushfire information

There is ongoing support from agencies and organisations to help East Gippsland work through the aftermath of the summer bushfires.

For information or to help navigate your options please contact Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) on 1800 560 760 or www.brv.vic.gov.au.

Council has a Bushfire Recovery Centre located at 24 Service Street, Bairnsdale, and has been operating a mobile recovery service into remote communities. A regular Council ‘Bushfire Community Newsletter’ for the community is available online, at customer service centres or via subscription (email [email protected]). Landcare bushfire recovery grants (up to $15,000) close 13 March 2020, see landcareaustralia.org.au/2020-bushfire-recovery-grants/

Have Your Say

East Gippsland Shire Council seeks feedback on a range of projects. Have your say and get involved in shaping your local community. Visit yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au

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