February 7 - 13, 2024
Big year ahead for WLS ◆ RENGENERATION: The main focus for the bush regeneration activities will be at Kaluna Park.
WANGARATTA Landcare and Sustainability (WLS) has a busy year ahead with many projects focused on improving our natural environment and making the important transition to renewable energy. This is the fifth year of WLS since the amalgamation of Wangaratta Sustainability Network and Wangaratta Urban Landcare Group. In 1995, Wangaratta gave rise to the first Urban Landcare Group in Victoria, due to the leadership of Helen and Peter Curtis (dec) and the many local rivers and creeks and the engagement offered by the natural environment. WLS president, Tony Lane, said a highlight
for 2024 is that the WLS has been funded to bring the “Future Now” touring exhibition from the Australian Museum in Sydney, to the Wangaratta Library from February to June. “This exhibition is focused on climate solutions and addresses clever homes, smart towns and caring for our country,” he said. “This will be a springboard for a range of WLS local events that are focused on sustainable living, renewable energy and the environment. “It will also create great opportunities for education and school involvement. “WLS acknowledges the funding from Northeast Catchment Management Authority
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to cover transport costs and the great support from the Rural City of Wangaratta.” In June 2023, Mr Lane said the Renewable Electrification event was a major achievement for WLS. This brought together topic experts, local businesses and a display of products that lower overall energy costs while reducing carbon emissions. Following the successful event, a group of local people came together to plan the next steps. “With the assistance of recent funding from Glenrowan Solar Farm, in 2024 WLS will create a useful guide to assist people choose the best pathway to serve their household,” Mr Lane said.
“Locals will be invited to events over the next few months to further explain and demonstrate the benefits, options for home electrification. “Hopefully, via this project, many local people will be assisted to choose a more economical, healthier and lower emissions future.” WLS volunteers at Mullinmur Billabongs will also continue to provide education opportunities for school groups. “Additional revegetation will be undertaken in the billabongs following the successful trials by Borinya students of using floating rafts to establish water plants in deeper water,” Mr Lane said.
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