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Festival puts focus on climate change
The call for Sunshine Coast residents to unite in combating climate change was well and truly heard last weekend, when thousands of people gathered at the University of the Sunshine Coast for the 2009 World Environment Day Festival.
A crowd of more than 6,500 people attended the free community event that was co-hosted by the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, SEQ Catchments and USC.
The festival on Sunday 28 June had the theme “Your Planet Needs You – Unite to Combat Climate Change”, and it highlighted how individuals could help reduce carbon emissions.
Queensland’s Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones was among the line-up of speakers at the festival, which also had workshops, interactive trade displays, a farmers’ market, food stalls and top-quality entertainment.
Highlights included wildlife presentations, a business forum, activities for children and youths, and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s “Life Lounge”, which was a display of recycled items used to create a mock home.
USC environmental scientist and event co-organiser Dr Neil Tindale said the festival had a very relaxed atmosphere and featured a strong sense of community among Sunshine Coast residents.
He said festival-goers seemed happy to learn how they could support the environment more by making changes to their lifestyle, buying habits and transport use.
“Co-hosting this event shows that the University takes its mission statement themes of regional engagement and sustainability very seriously,” he said.
“We endeavour to not only talk about sustainability and teach about it, but also to do it ourselves. As a regional university, we are supporting our local council, our local businesses and community groups in their endeavours, and we are leading by example.”
— Terry Walsh