• Farmers are on the front line of climate change. We are already experiencing a hotter climate with decreased rainfall and more volatile weather, and our agriculture community will need to continue to find ways to adapt to these risks if the agricultural sector is to continue to survive.
• Farmers and landholders can also have a role to play in helping to mitigate climate change, and we will hear more about this tonight.
• I am also very proud of the leadership Council is playing when it comes to climate change. Yarra Ranges Council has retrofitted 29 buildings with solar panels, implemented low energy lighting in 15 buildings and we have recently introduced 2 all electric vehicles into our fleet.
• We also have 2 programs to assist farmers.
- Our “Ribbons of Green” program has provided almost 800,000 trees and other plants to landholders over the last 10 years and we continue to provide support to landholders with re-vegetation projects.
- Our Environmental Upgrade program is providing competitive finance through our partners the Sustainable Australia Fund to upgrade commercial buildings and farms to deliver environmental benefits.
Thank-you to Council’s Environmental Stewardship Team for putting together this event tonight and the many supporting organisations that have helped to promote the event.
With Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Cr Tony Stevenson & Cr Mike Clarke.
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