We’ve reached net carbon neutral as an organisation, and now it’s up to our community to act.
We’re committed to reducing emissions in Boroondara by delivering what we committed to in our Climate Action Plan. However, Council is responsible for less than one per cent of Boroondara’s greenhouse gas emissions. This means our greatest opportunity is with you, our community, to help Boroondara become fully carbon neutral by 2035 – a key Climate Action Plan aspirational target.
Climate action is everyone’s responsibility. But taking action doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. There are meaningful steps (big and small) each of us can take to reduce our carbon footprint, and in each edition of the Bulletin for the rest of 2023, we’ll show you how.
From switching to renewable energy and avoiding fast consumption, to getting off gas, improving your home’s thermal performance and reducing your transport emissions – we’ll provide tips and resources to help you make real and impactful changes towards living more sustainably.
You’ll find some initial resources and ideas for change on this page. Access more and track progress on our Climate Action Plan page.
2023 Sustainability Leadership Course
If you’re eager to begin taking action for our environment, and capable of inspiring others to make change too, expressions of interest are now open for this year’s Boroondara Sustainability Leadership Course.
Through this course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to become a true local leader for sustainability.
Find out more about our course and how to apply on our Boroondara Sustainability Leadership Course page.
City Nature Challenge
You can also help to protect nature, and showcase to the world the amazing animals and plants Boroondara is home to, by participating in the global 2023 City Nature Challenge. It’s as simple as taking photos of any wild plants and animals you see anywhere across Boroondara between 28 April and 1 May, and uploading them to the iNaturalist app.
Find out more on our Citizen science programs page.
Backyard Biodiversity Program
Keen to protect native wildlife in your area? Our popular Backyard Biodiversity program is back, and it’s a great way to learn how to enhance your garden with indigenous plants and wildlife-friendly elements. These create a welcoming environment for local fauna to visit and use as a ‘stepping stone’ to creeks and habitat.
In this free program, you’ll attend workshops, receive advice from a landscape designer and a voucher for indigenous plants.
Any Boroondara resident is welcome to join one of 2 groups, running from early-May over 5 weeks. Registrations are open now, and close on Sunday 23 April, unless spaces are filled prior.
Find out more about wildlife-friendly gardens and register your place on our Create a wildlife-friendly garden page.
Did you know?
- Our sustainability team hosts regular webinars on topics from composting to electric vehicles. Up next is Urban Permaculture for Beginners, on 20 April, followed by Composting and Worm Farming on Saturday 6 May, and Sustainable Pest Management on Monday 8 May. If you miss a webinar, you can revisit it on our website.
- As part of the City Nature Challenge (see details on this page), we’re running a series of guided walks in Maranoa Gardens, South Surrey Park, Greythorn Park and Willsmere Park, exploring local flora and fauna from lichen to sugar gliders.
- Keen on a little op-shop treasure hunting? You can head to our website to find a list of more than 20 charity shops in Boroondara. Give your clothes, toys and homewares a second life, and pick up a pre-loved bargain while you’re there.
Explore events, workshops, and community activities on our Local sustainability page.
School-holiday workshops
We’re running free school-holiday workshops for Boroondara children at CERES Community Environment Park in Brunswick East.
- Farming for our future: On Tuesday 18 April, get hands-on exploring the CERES Honey Lane organic farm (ages 5 to 8)
- Water, water, everywhere: On Tuesday 18 April, pack your gumboots and become a scientist, exploring the Merri Creek (ages 9 to 13)
- Exploring ecosystems: On Wednesday 19 April, children will explore the Merri Creek habitat corridor through hands-on activities and games (ages 5 to 8)
- Farm to fork: On Wednesday 19 April, become an urban farmer at the CERES market garden and discover where food comes from (for ages 3 to 5)
- Animal habitats: On Thursday 20 April, explore and participate in activities including building a mini insect hotel (ages 3 to 5).
Bookings are essential and places may fill fast. Children must have an adult guardian present.
See more details about these events on our Sustainable living workshops and events page.