ENVIRONS AUSTRALIA
Environs Australia was formed in 1989 and has been at the forefront of sustainability in Australia since then. Environs is a network of members interested in promoting sustainable development through local action, primarily in the local government sector. The stength of the network lies in its members sharing their knowledge, learning and success to build sustainability at a local scale.
As an organisation we also strive to constructively advocate to other levels of Government for improved sustainability outcomes. Environs membership includes individuals, organisations and Councils from all states and territories across Australia. Many of these members have supported the network since it began.
After the world summit in Rio, 1992, Environs took an active role in bringing Local Agenda 21 to Councils around Australia, delivering training and support programs to lift awareness and understanding. Since then Environs has continued to promote sustainability innovation to Australian local government. Environs was instrumental in bringing Cities for Climate Protection to Australia in 1997, and in developing the Biodiversity Toolbox for Local Government. In 2002 Environs led an Australian Local Government delegation to the Local Government session of the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg South Africa.
Environs Australia (Environs) is an organisation that has been within the Australian sustainability sector for 20 years. Environs is now going through a new rebirth in which it will once again become the preeminent organisation in relation to sustainability matters.
Environs Australia has now established a new Board keen to progress all aspects of sustainability and communicate these to the broader local government sector. Environs has now established a new vision, which is to become the peak organisation for local governments and other people employed in the sustainability sector. Environs has the intention to become an active advocacy body seeking to employ both its State and Federal government policies in relation to the implementation of sustainability principles.
Over the past few years, Environs has been consolidating its foundations. Now based on the recent successful conference in Sydney and high levels of participation in the Environs Australia Awards, Environs is now seeking to establish a new role for the organisation within the sustainability sector. There are a number of key aims and objectives that the new Environs group are seeking to undertake, namely:
1. Establish a strong and vibrant network that connects people working in the sustainability sector.
2. Create a regular e-zine that updates people on key issues in sustainability.
3. Create a quarterly journal that will inform people on best practice and case studies that have been successfully implemented across Australia.
4. Continue to remain involved in the Local Government Sustainability conference, ensuring that the highest quality speakers are encouraged to present their ideas.
5. Continue to manage the Environs Australia Sustainability Awards.
In addition to these, the key objective of Environs Australia is to identify a suitable partner from a university that can develop a certified sustainability practitioner qualification. This qualification would recognise those people working in sustainability in a formal manner.
Environs Australia is seeking involvement from both practitioners in the sustainability field and elected officials. An additional key objective of Environs Australia is to provide more information to elected officials in relation to significant issues in sustainability. The Board of Environs Australia recognises that there is a great deal of hype and mistruths surrounding many aspects of sustainability. It is apparent that an organisation is required that separates the fact from the fiction in relation to the implementation of successful sustainability initiatives. Environs Australia is seeking to fill that role and through the rebirth of the organisation will provide this service to individuals working in the local government and related sustainability sectors.
At present, there is a great deal of policy work within the sustainability sector being undertaken by both the State and Federal Government. Much of this policy development requires significant feedback and critical comment from peers and people that will be charged with implementing this policy. At the moment there are few organisations that can provide this critical feedback. Environs Australia intends to provide this feedback to State and Federal organisations on how and what sort of policy can be implemented at the local level. It is the intention the Environs Board to return to the key aspects of LA 21 in relation to the implementation of sustainability policies.
The Environs Board also intends to provide more credible information about alternative energy and alternative energy sources to the local government sector, basing this advice on case studies and networks of experts in the industry.
Environs Australia is looking forward to a happy future and is now seeking people to become more involved in this important sector. There is a recognition that in the past, the sector has been divided by many groups pushing small and specific agendas. It is the intention of Environs Australia to establish a “broad church” that encompasses the views of many and covers a number of the key aspects. To ensure that this vision is achieved, the Environs Board encourages you to join the network and become an active member both at a national level and within your State. The new Environs Board is currently made up of representatives from Victoria, NSW, Queensland and Western Australia. It is the intention of the Board to obtain representation from every State in Australia over the next 12 months.
Once again, the Board looks forward to your participation with Environs Australia
YOU CAN JOIN UP HERE
