Environment News
From "Maple Street Co-op News", June/July 2008
"Sustainable Maleny's Movers and Shakers"
By Robyn Harper
You only have to look at the speed with which the price increases at
the petrol bowser these days, to know something's got to change....and
preferably not the climate! With the current rapid rise in transportation
costs, comes increases in food costs, along with anything else that
is transported from outside the local community.
A couple of years ago, two Maleny blokes, Barry Earsman and Mark Gerrard,
had the foresight to realise that the pending energy crisis resulting
from the decline of fossil fuels (also known as peak oil) and climate
change, necessitated a change in the way we live. So rather than sit
back and wait for difficulty to encroach, they began the Blackall Range
Relocalisation Group, (now renamed for easier articulation, Sustainable
Maleny) to inspire a more self-sufficient community that would at the
same time be reducing greenhouse gas emissions output.
Throughout 2006 and 2007 regular screenings of relevant films and discussions
brought about the growth of a small, but ever-increasing, dedicated
group now numbering over 300 on the e-mail list, directed by an enthusiastic,
voluntary seed group of six.
Projects initiated by the group have been catching on like a match to
dry leaves. The first, last year, was the solar hot water drive, where
exactly 100 residents on the Range bought systems from Solahart at a
generously discounted rate, in a bulk buy scheme initiated by the group.
Next was the Bridge Creek Community Gardens, which started last year
to establish a supply of locally-grown, organic food, which would also
serve as an educational facility and seed bank for non-hybrid, non-genetically
modified fruits, vegetables and herbs. Progress has been helped along
greatly by the receipt of a generous community grant from the Maleny
Credit Union, and support from local businesses like Nutri-tech Solutions,
with soil testing, and Green Harvest, with advice and contribution towards
plants and bed preparation. The gardens have already produced crops
of corn, tomatoes, pumpkins, eggplant, cucumbers, melons and many herbs,
while plans are underway for an orchard. It is a continual, organic
learning experience for all involved.
One of the most remarkable commodities produced at the garden is that
intangible and exhilarating vibe that people get from working together
at something simple and natural, for a greater good than just one's
own material gain. There is a great lightness of heart and joy shared
in discovering and growing together - something that is often missing
from insular, urban living. Those who put in some time at the garden
also get to take home a share of whatever is ripe at the time. Last
December, excess supplies of cucumbers were sold through Maple Street
Co-op. Anyone can take part, every Saturday morning (call Shivanii on
5494 3424 for directions).
To help produce even more food locally, this year SM plans to introduce
'permablitzes' for those who would love to have a vegie garden at home,
but just can't muster the energy or lack the know-how to get it started.
With the help of many hands, gardens can miraculously and literally
appear overnight. Plans are still to be firmed up, but to be eligible
for a permablitz, you will need to be a SM financial member and be willing
to contribute to a number of other people's permablitzes.
After the success of the solar hot water bulk buy, the next aim is to
introduce a similar scheme with photovoltaic cells for those who want
to go all solar and feed to and from the mains electricity system (called
grid-tied). Already, as with the solar hot water drive, Sustainable
Maleny is being pursued by suppliers, who would like us to put their
product forward, including a brand new technology that is to be released
shortly (stay tuned!).
There are still more activities on the agenda. At the last SM meeting,
Vectrix Scooters gave a presentation of their electric scooter and are
contemplating loaning SM two scooters for a week's trial. There are
also plans for a carpooling system, workshops to revive old crafts and
skills, tool sharing and possibly a forum later in the year, bringing
product displays and prominent speakers in the field of sustainability
to the area.
If you've been itching to put one of your special interests or skills
into action, or perhaps would like to learn one, come along to the next
monthly meeting. They're pretty informal and serve to pool ideas, discuss
progress and organise upcoming ventures.
Mostly, it's a group that likes to get its hands dirty and has really
scored well at getting significant, practical projects up and running
in a short period of time.
• The next general meeting is to be advised - check the website:
www.sustainablemaleny.org for more information and meeting dates. Membership
fees with Sustainable Maleny help to cover some of the basic running
costs: Individual $10; Family $15.
Call Liz or Barry on 5499 9846 or email info@sustainablemaleny.org.
[From "Maple Street Co-op News", June/July 2008; published by The Maple
Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street, Maleny, Qld 4552,
Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.coop@
serv.net.au,
website http://www.maplestreetco-op.com.au]