Maitland Mercury, Maitland, NSW, Australia Thursday, 2 February 2006 Going green easy with plan BRIONY SNEDDEN
Community groups, individuals and businesses working in partnership with Maitland City Council to improve the environment will be publicly recognised for their contributions. Sites across Maitland have been the focus of a transformation under the city's Greening Plan through a partnership arrangement between stakeholders and the council. Easts Leisure and Golf Club became the first recipient of a certificate of appreciation from the council, which will be awarded bimonthly and decided by the Greening Plan Reference Group, council environment and development manager David Simm said. "Business and industry, schools, other interest groups such as Scouts, Lions and other service clubs as well as individuals have become partners (in projects under the Greening Plan)," he said. "We put out advertising and when we're designing a project we always consult with the stakeholders, for example, with the Tenambit Wetlands we consulted with a wide range of groups including Easts Leisure and Golf Club. "But the certificates don't just recognise people who are involved in council projects. "If people know of individuals, groups or organisations who are involved in environmental projects, let us know about it. "The Green Plan encompasses the whole local government area and all the work combined contributes to the same goals." Cleaning up Maitland and its environment looks set to remain at the forefront of the community's consciousness as Clean-Up Australia Day approaches on March 5. Cr Bob Geoghegan has encouraged government departments, businesses, organisations and individuals to sign up to revamp some of the city's "eyesores" including unsightly roadsides and derelict buildings as part of the nation-wide event. The Mercury reported on Monday that Cr Geoghegan had identified several sites to be included in a project for their enhancement, including Roads and Traffic Authority road waste dumps at the intersections of Mitchell Drive and the New England Highway at East Maitland and Raymond Terrace and Government roads at Thornton; unauthorised rubbish dumps on the New England Highway near the Trzecinski Bridge; and, the long-abandoned CWA Hall at East Maitland. He has called on residents to suggest other sites. "These eyesores have been with us for a long while and it is easy to overlook them," Cr Geoghegan said. The council is recruiting site supervisors and volunteer teams for Clean-Up Australia Day in the hope of continuing Maitland's good record of participation in the event. Last year, 23 sites were registered and more than three tonnes of rubbish was collected. To register a site or to volunteer, visit www.cleanup.com.au or contact the council. ______________________________________________________ The American Community Gardening Association listserve is only one of ACGA's services to community gardeners. To learn more about the ACGA and to find out how to join, please go to http://www.communitygarden.org To post an e-mail to the list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription: https://secure.mallorn.com/mailman/listinfo/community_garden
