Media Release

5 April 2011

New England Sustainability Strategy Ready to Implement

After two and a half years, and one of the most collaborative and participatory strategic planning processes ever seen, the New England Sustainability Strategy is complete... and ready for the implementation work to begin in making it happen. Seeking sustainability is one of the greatest opportunities and challenges for the New England, said Adam Blakester, Convenor of the New England Sustainability Strategy Executive, nicknamed NESSiE. The challenge before us all right now it to work to make this plan make a difference and to not sit on a shelf gathering dust as so many do. The Strategy was developed through a unique participatory planning process and reflects the views of more than 1,000 community members, stakeholders and organisations who were involved in forums, workshops, meetings, surveys and discussions. It also integrates with more than a dozen other existing strategies and plans. Now that the strategy is complete our work begins ~ seeking partnerships, collaboration, support and resources for implementation, added Blakester. Thankfully we have a rolling start with momentum from initiatives including SLEx, HiCUB, SLA, The UNE Bachelor of Sustainability, Uralla's Community Climate Forum, Armidale Council's Woodsmoke Initiative, NiSBN, Farming the Sun, Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and YOUth LEAD to name just a few. Seven areas of focus were identified, as were priority next steps. Some highlights include: 1. High Country Regeneration ~ map past, current & future environmental works, build new collaborations for multiple outcomes, like bio-banking or the Bird Routes of Barraba; 2. New Energy ~ get measures and set targets for greater renewable energy and transport;

3. Enterprising Economy ~ local processing and value adding, attract new businesses and
form a New England New Energy Taskforce; 4. Culture Creating ~ build a positive vibe and visibility of what's happening and what's on now to better promote the region and create the culture we want; 5. Social Inclusion & Wellness ~ build community skills and better include the whole community through events, public spaces, grassroots initiatives and new curriculum; 6. YOUNG ~ social networking to link up, market and build involvement; and,

7. Wild Flowers Bloom ~ really focus on year-round local food production, community
gardens and ways to learn to do it better, like the Bingara Living Food Classroom. Full details of the Strategy are available from http://www.scribd.com/nesustainability or by contacting Adam Blakester on 02 6775 2501 or adam@starfishenterprises.org. This completion of NESS was funded by The NSW Environmental Trust with the significant support of Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, Walcha and Uralla Local Government Authorities.

Media Contact | Convenor | Adam Blakester | 02 6775 2501 | 0419 808 900
New England Sustainability Strategy www.ness.wikidot.com