In October news, members invite to our AGM, Otway Basin seismic blasting scrapped, Recycle the Rigs petition, Better Buses and sustainable transport, Community Climate Adaptation fund, Act on Climate board games and meeting, koalas surveys update, Snow Gum summit, Kangaroo volunteers gathering, plus more!
Friends of the Earth members are invited to our in-person 2024 AGM with a special guest speaker (to be announced) on 14 November, 6pm-7.30pm at Friends of the Earth Melbourne Food Co-op and Cafe. More information about nominating for office bearing roles to be advised. AGM 2024 RSVP. To become a member of Friends of the Earth, click here.
Communities rejoice and whales sing as TGS seismic blasting plan scrapped!
Seismic blasting multinational TGS announced that they have decided not to proceed with the Otway blasting plan, withdrawing from NOPSEMA assessment. The decision comes after months of active community opposition to the proposal, including from Gunditjmara-led Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective (SOPEC) and Friends of the Earth and in collaboration with our friends at OCEAN (Otways Coastal Environment Action Network), Fight for the Bight Port Fairy, Surfrider Foundation Australia and AMCS (Australian Marine Conservation Society) among others. Read more.
But, Esso is planning to build a massive, toxic industrial dump in the middle of a United Nations-listed wetland on the eastern side of Corner Inlet on the Gippsland Coast. Please sign our Friends of the Earth Australia Recycle the Rigs petition.
Add your name to the Community Climate Adaptation fund for Victoria here.
Act on Climate collective social meetup board games 10 Oct 6pm RSVP
Act on Climate collective meeting & dinner 15 Oct 6pm (online & in person) RSVP
Snow Gum summit, Dinner Plain, 14-16 February, 2025
Tickets go on sale this month for the inaugural Snow Gum summit bringing together land managers and academics and anyone interested in the future of this iconic species. We will explore what needs to be done to ensure the survival of snow gum woodlands, and put the issue firmly on the state government’s agenda. View the list of key speakers, as we will soon open up registrations for this event. With a limit of 100 attendees, this event will sell out quickly, so please RSVP. People who have RSVP’d will get the first option on tickets on release.
Won Wron koala surveys Oct update
Since early July, SKAT has been surveying the northern half of Won Wron State Forest for Strzelecki koala scats. Around 700 trees have been surveyed, with 86 survey sites completed. SKAT has determined that the forests of Won Wron have a strike rate of roughly half that of nearby Mullungdung. The northern half of Won Wron is approximately 3000ha in size and is State Forest managed as Special Protection Zones.
1.1% of trees recorded scats in 'unbiased' survey sites at Won Wron in comparison to almost 2.5% at nearby Mullungdung. Only one koala was seen during the survey days. SKAT will aim to complete surveys in the southern half of Won Wron in 2025 during the winter months, when there is less risk from snakes. It is likely that koala numbers will decline in the drier southern sections of Won Wron. FoE estimates a koala population in northern Won Wron of perhaps 100 animals or one every 30 hectares, with higher numbers in key riparian areas dominated by Mountain Grey Gums. Read more & contribute.
Hop along to our Kangaroo Collective volunteer gatherings
The next meet up is 7 November, 6pm - 8pm at Friends of the Earth Melb HQ. Please RSVP
Benefits of Better Buses candidates pledge explainer
Transforming the bus network in Melbourne’s West would have exponential benefits for communities. Reducing car dependency will lower emissions and pollution whilst improving social equity and human health. There are also a myriad of ways that council and councillors can support their communities to call for bus network improvements, which we have listed. Read more.
Hume Council leads the way on sustainable transport
While the Victorian State Government continues to drag its feet on bus reform, councils covering Melbourne’s high growth areas have recognised the importance of embracing sustainable and active modes of transport. Hume City Council has recently adopted a new Transport Strategy which prioritises providing more equitable and accessible transport choices to residents, workers, and visitors.The strategy acknowledges that the current state of transport infrastructure creates a heavy burden for its residents with high road congestion and car dependency. Read more.