PROTECTING OUR LIVING PARADISE
A message from Councillor Hermann Vorster
We all share one home – and have an awesome obligation to ensure it remains a clean, habitable and vibrant place for future generations.
The challenge ahead can seem daunting. But I am encouraged by the sense of environmental stewardship emerging in Gold Coast workplaces, homes and schools.
Promise of genuine cultural change is precious. So, we must take every opportunity to encourage it at this crucial junction in history.
This necessarily means: celebrating every step in the right direction to maintain momentum; sharing learnings to amplify our efforts; and correctly prioritising projects to make the best use of limited resources.
Most of all, it means making sustainability part of the everyday and part of every decision. And that applies acutely to our leaders, including me as a new City councillor.
The good news is that there are ample opportunities in every neighbourhood to act proactively and morally toward our natural environment.
Across Robina, Varsity Lakes and Burleigh Waters, I have partnered with like-minded environmental champions of all ages and walks of life on some amazing projects.
In just three years, we have:
- created and restored wetlands;
- planted over 45,000 new trees in parks and reserves;
- stabilised creek beds;
- introduced 40,000 native fish into our lakes;
- boosted funding for environmental education;
- funded a Tackle Bin program;
- rolled out environmental advisory signage; and
- secured $20,000 for our wildlife hospital.
And next week Robina State High and Varsity College students will participate in the inaugural Sustainable Schools Network Sustainability Symposium thanks to a $5000 Council grant. * Read more about the Sustainability Symposium in our insideR article here.
I know we will reap great rewards from our shared investment in the future health of the Gold Coast – and our big, communal backyard.
Yours sincerely
You can join the Division 11 Facebook group here.
