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Fish and ships on Environment Day agenda
From native animals and plants to population growth and religion, there will be red-hot topics amid the greenery of World Environment Day celebrations at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Sunday 6 June.
“This is one of the largest community events in our region and the 2010 theme is Biodiversity, in line with the United Nations’ focus on ‘Many species, one planet, one future’,” said USC Regional Engagement Director Sharon Hall.
Among the guest speakers will be USC Tourism Lecturer Vikki Schaffer, whose recent PhD research proved the wide-ranging benefits of sinking the former HMAS Brisbane vessel off Mooloolaba.
Ms Schaffer found the positive impacts of the ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park were not only environmental and economic, but also social.
Ms Hall said the concept matched the day’s theme. “The Coast community has effectively recycled what could have been waste into a diverse marine ecosystem that also boosts ecotourism,” she said.
About 7,000 people from across the region are again expected to enjoy the annual Sunshine Coast World Environment Day Festival from 9am to 4pm.
It is presented by the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, SEQ Catchments, Sunshine Coast Regional Council and USC.
The free family fun day will include a farmers’ market with local produce, screenings of “eco-films”, displays, stalls, live entertainment and workshops on topics from permaculture to worm farms.
Speakers will tackle issues ranging from native garden plants to the cost of environmental decline.
USC Adjunct Senior Lecturer Dr Clive Ayre, a church reverend and environmental advocate, will join a special Interfaith Forum.
The USC Art Gallery will open from 10am and 4pm, with exhibitions including the Fiji Project and historic photos of missionaries.
Ms Hall said at least a dozen USC public relations and marketing students were also working on the festival, including organising its children’s activity program including Ocean Life Education and Bug World.
Other elements will include a GreenBizz expo showcasing sustainability in daily home and business lives and Transition Town, an interactive display model of a self-sufficient lifestyle.
— Terry Walsh