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What does sustainability mean to you?
Comment 1 8 Dec 2009, 2:23 PM
The preservation of resources.
Comment 1.1 14 Dec 2009, 1:43 PM
natural resources are all that we have; all wealth is ultimately the result of resource use.
Comment 1.2 21 Dec 2009, 5:30 PM
Seeing Nature or Creation (for the religious) as 'resources' is a major factor in why we are nowhere near the goal of sustainability.
'Sustainability' in the context of environmentalism and so-called Natural Resource Management theory, came out of the 1980s and was tackled in part by the Hawke Govt. Some good documents were produced on the topic, and a lot of effort was put into the issue of what 'Ecologically Sustainable Development' (ESD) might mean in theory and practice. But the agenda was flawed because ESD is essentially an oxymoron. You can't really have sustainable development, let alone ecologically sustainable development more…
Comment 2 14 Dec 2009, 1:58 PM
sustainability in a business sense is also about having a market. as long as the council welcomes large companies like aldi, big w, mcdonalds, bunnings etc, locally-owned businesses will continue to push porridge uphill.
please don't use your time and our rates to run projects like this questionnaire when you are promoting the loss of diversity and sustainability by your planning approach.
Comment 2.1 21 Dec 2009, 4:38 PM
It does look like a distraction, even if the sentiment behind it is good. Maybe WSC Project Officer can tell us how the results of this 'blog' will be used to try to influence Council policy and actions?
Comment 2.1.1 23 Dec 2009, 12:54 PM
The Sustainable Futures Program is a State Funded government initiative that is to support small to medium business enterprises.
The aim of the Sustainable Futures questionnaire is to provide a needs analysis of Southern Highlands businesses that support or are apart of the Tourism Industry. It is hope that by understanding the requirements and concerns of business Council will be better equiped to provide a meaningful approach in supporting and assisting sustainable business and council practices.
A component of Sustainable Futures Program is Council undergoing DECCW Sustainability Modules. We understand that it is necessary to overview our own policy's, procedures and resource efficiency, such as we would like to help small and medium enterprises with.
Comment 3 18 Dec 2009, 11:05 AM
True Sustainablity is something that is woven into every part of society.It is not a PR pulg for the council, while the other hand approves Mcdonalds.
Comment 3.1 21 Dec 2009, 4:42 PM
Sometimes it is easier to define a complex idea by indicating what it is not, rather than what it is. In this case, the opposite of 'sustainability' is exemplified by McDonalds! Sure, they don't use those horrible styrene burger cases that they used to, and they now sell salads etc., but most of their food is unhealthy in various ways, they don't produce it using renewable energy, their focus is on economic profit above all else, they homogenous cultures worldwide, they don't prioritise local food production, their franchising method can see profits shipped out of town,... need I go on.
Comment 3.1.1 23 Dec 2009, 1:01 PM
We are asking business to be active in sustainable change, inorder to gain economic resilience, environmental awareness and social responsibility for themselves.
Looking into someone elses backyard and saying what a mess, and leaving your own backyard in the same state won't help anyone.
Comment 4 19 Dec 2009, 6:11 AM
In Australia sustainability means we must ensure the pathways and waterways for native flora and fauna is preserved and restored. This will ensure our livelihood will be prolonged and we can then show the world the uniqueness of Australia. Whilst we try to be America or Europe then why would tourists want to visit us. Whilst we ignore our style of living and create corporate junk yards then we should just forget these types of questions - we are no different. It would be great if this council could set up the traditional pathways of the Gundungurra for tourists to walk along and see the real Australia. This was Australia and the environment will survive.
Comment 4.1 21 Dec 2009, 4:45 PM
I think Davo is having a bit of a go at the tendency for the Highlands to increasingly look more like bits of the northern hemisphere as a result of the widespread use of unproductive and often invasive exotic plants, rather than locally indigenous ones. You only have to look at the poor state of the Council-owned road reserves to see this. It is worsened by senior Council staff overtly preferring the use of exotic plants over natives on public land.
Comment 4.2 23 Dec 2009, 1:05 PM
Thankyou Davo for your comment, very insightful.
I also believe that the natural value of the traditional culture of Australia and the local area to be of significance as well as the ability of this area to sustain agriculture.
The Wingecarribee has a long colonial history and this in addition to the European style of gardens most residents of the shire have has influenced Council to maintain this character. Although native plantings are becoming more common.
Comment 4.2.1 9 Jan 2010, 5:24 PM
Mostly, the indigenous habitats have been left in areas deemed of little worth (sandstone country). We need to protect habitat in the more fertile and heavily cleared shale, shale/sandstone transition, and basalt landscapes. These remnants often require active management due to degradation by weeds, grazing, inappropriate (often absent) fire regimes, etc. They need to be reconnected where possible.
I understand the attachment that some people have to the area's colonial heritage and its acclimatisation society style of gardens. I'm from British heritage and I appreciate the desire, often a heart-felt need for European immigrants to recreate landscapes that remind them of more…
Comment 4.2.1.1 12 Feb 2010, 1:36 PM
I do agree to promote Indigenous flora and fauna and I think many places in Australia, Canberra, as you mentioned, certainly doesn't do enough of this, but I also do like a splash of spring colour provided by tulips in spring. The NAtional Botanic Gardens in Canberra do manage to have native flowers growing early in spring so image the southern highlands could do the same. Good idea (even though I do like tulips and other Holland like things)
Comment 4.2.1.2 1 Aug 2010, 12:44 PM
what about including some native and/or edible plants in the tulip time display?