Councils get $2m grant for regional food-focused project
June 24, 2009
Northern Rivers councils have received a grant of $2 million from the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change for a regional food-focused project known as the Northern Rivers Food Links.
The project will look at sustainable practices and linkages in food production, distribution, consumption and waste management.
Officially launched last week at Southern Cross University Lismore, the Northern Rivers Food Links project aims to protect urban communities from the social and environmental impacts of climate change by developing collaborative approaches to sustainable food systems in the region.
Free community consultation sessions will be held at:
- Tweed Shire, Murwillumbah, Murwillumbah RSL Club, Woolumbin Room, 29th June 5pm – 6.30pm
- Ballina Shire Ballina Richmond Room, Regatta Ave, 30th June 12.30pm – 2pm
- Lismore City, Lismore, Lismore City Hall, Fountain Room, 30th June 4pm – 5.30pm
- Kyogle, Kyogle KMI, Supper Room, 1st July, 10am – 11.30am
- Richmond Valley, Casino, RSM Club, Jupiter Room, 1st July, 3pm – 4.30pm
- Clarence Valley, Grafton, Grafton Community & Function Centre Green Room, 2nd July, 1pm – 2.30pm
- Byron Shire, Mullumbimby, Council Conference Room, 3rd July, 1pm – 2.30pm
“This is an amazing and complex project for the whole of Northern Rivers,” Byron Shire Council’s sustainability officer Graeme Williams said.
“It has been challenging and exciting to bring seven councils together with major stakeholders, such as the Northern Rivers Regional Development Board and Area Health, to develop a project of this size and scope.
“It is the first step in implementing the ideas and the passions of so many people to achieve real, on-ground outcomes in relation to sustainable food production and will further Byron Shire’s work in fostering sustainable agriculture.”
At the Southern Cross University launch last week, the steering committee and project partners announced the appointment of their consultancy team for the first stage of the project that entails the development of a business plan to guide to project’s delivery.
For more details on the project and consultation process, contact:
Sam Muller, Lead Consultant
Mobile : 0438 384 105
Email: sam@mullerenterprise.com.au
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This is a great initiative in light of were we are heading with climate change as a species. It will be great to see the ways Green House Gases can be reduced in the food supply chain, for example methane energy production facilities on the farm and at council’s tips. There are great opportunities waiting for communities in the Northern Rivers for greater energy efficiency with transport, managing green house gases with air-conditioners in food storage, in transportation and food display. Along with more energy efficient ways we buy our food and dispose of food waste.