Thoughts from Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority CEO David Buntine
“We’re proud to be releasing the Melbourne Environment Report 2007 to the public of Melbourne. It’s an honest and up-to-date appraisal of the state of some important environmental indicators for Melbourne and its surrounds.
“The report highlights that we have a wonderful environment to enjoy around Melbourne, but a lot needs to be done to ensure it is resilient and healthy for our children.
“We believe the Melbourne Environment Report will become a valuable tool for the public to monitor the condition of our environment.
“The report shows how the different areas around Melbourne are placed environmentally and reinforces that Government, businesses and householders all need to be vigilant and do their bit to keep it healthy.
“The extent and quality of native vegetation around Melbourne is a particular issue. Numerous classes of vegetation are heavily depleted and various species of wildlife are therefore threatened because they have no habitat to live and breed. Protection and enhancement of native vegetation is fundamental for having healthy local ecosystems. The green wedges around Melbourne could be the focus for major new revegetation and vegetation protection programs that will benefit everyone in Melbourne.
Thoughts from Environmental Advocate Rob Gell
“Today we face major global issues around energy consumption and conservation, our current economic models, population demographics, the condition of our environment and climate shift. The reality is that our western democracies are currently ill-equipped to deal with these issues.
“Most people have experienced the economic impact of a warmer and drier climate and the distribution of our water resources through the price of food but this is merely the tip of a broader economic iceberg and one which our governments need to develop a much higher understanding of, and take urgent action on. Our management priority is still economic growth. We need to better understand that concept “that our economy is a ‘wholly owned subsidiary’ of our environment – not the reverse.”
Thoughts from Fox FM Funnyman and Urban Greenie Matt Tilley
On kids
When I was a kid our parents nagged us to turn off the lights. Now the tables have turned. Nature has provided an inbuilt protection mechanism for the future – kids love to dob. I can’t even walk out of a room without an accusatory cry from my daughter about the light being on.
On recycling
We’re mad for recycling and even signed up to a nappy recycling program which sadly has collapsed. I remember watching the man come to collect them every two weeks – he made people cleaning up Chernobyl look like they were scantily clad. As he dragged the bin up our driveway I vowed never to use the phrase “pushing shit uphill” again.
On water restrictions
Growing up I remember the first time we had water restrictions. You could still water the garden by hand so Mum would pay us 20 cents an hour to lie on the grass holding the hose. Eventually we worked out we could use the hose as a crease in back yard cricket and still keep your foot on it. No wonder I ended up studying to be a lawyer. |