1. Empowering the community to adapt to climate change & peak oil Julie Reid General Manager City Development City of Whitehorse Victoria Image: Solar Power at Box Hill Town Hall

2. You’ve gotta have a plan

3. Make some noise..... Sustainable Living Week Dedicated week of high-profile sustainable activities that are topical, interactive and practical

4. Give me the child........ Sustainable Schools Walking School Bus Ride to School Day Sustainable Schools

5. Everybody needs good neighbours... Sustainability Street Program Local people learning & sharing sustainable living hints & tips. Program framework now available online with ‘DIY’ resources Inspires neighbourhood-scale community projects to reduce water, energy and waste. (L to R): Guest speakers on interest topics, community projects (e.g. Building kitchen garden at local community house, seed bank swapping, and celebrating achievements (e.g. Sign raising).

6. Teach me to fish..... Sustainable Ambassador Program Focus on sustainable behaviour change actions: Participants get ‘Train the trainer’ skills Implement a practical project as part of the program Reduce energy, water and waste consumption Peer learning is very powerful Achievements: 70 ambassadors, 36 projects Outreach to more than 1100 residents.

7. Greening the bottom line.... Sustainable Businesses Ecobusiness program: energy-saving focus Fair Trade Community – increasing the number of fair trade suppliers and products Wbiz – green businesses featured online Sustainable Business Awards –recognising green achievements Tally Ho Waste Wise hub – businesses in one precinct working together

8. We built this city.... Sustainable Development Policy Process Promote ‘Persuade’ CO 2 & H 2 O saved Residential Developments 3 to 9 dwellings Less than 3 dwellings 10 or more dwellings Other accommodation SDA (voluntary) S D A ESD Management Plan & Green Travel Plan submit

9. The vanishing oil trick..... Peak Oil  Transition Town initiative Community driven Food security a priority  Travelsmart Box Hill Tafe & Box Hill Hospital Burwood Highway Tram  Green travel plan  Cycling and walking

10. With a little help from my friends.... Partnerships & Incentives With local water retailer ‘Yarra Valley Water’  Target 155  Free Showerhead Exchange program With the Eastern Alliance for Greenhouse Action (EAGA) to implement joint programs such as:  Discounted solar power installations  Discounted solar hot water systems With Low Energy Supplies & Services (LESS)  Free light globe and showerhead exchange Council ‘one-off’ rebates for installing solar panels, solar hot water, water tanks, compost bins

11. Conclusion Sustainable Education and Awareness Incentives Community Empowerment To make it work: Set clear direction and priorities Have a strategic framework. Share how it’s done with others. Engage across the community Keep it practical and local What’s in it for me - incentives? Keep track of progress

12. Julie Reid General Manager City Development Whitehorse City Council 03 9262 6306 julie.reid@whitehorse.vic.gov.au Thank you