Local Actions Have Global Consequences 

The Benalla Sustainable Future Group was established in 2010 by Benalla & District residents concerned about environmental sustainability and the lack of action on climate change both locally & nationally.  By coming together we can work towards a more sustainable future & a cleaner planet. 

Dr Greg Moore - 'Trees are major assets as the climate changes'  - Wednesday 22 February

​Members and supporters of BSFG are invited to attend a presentation by Dr Greg Moore entitled “Trees are major assets as the climate changes”, at 7pm on Wednesday 22nd February, at the Benalla Uniting Church in Carrier St.   Dr Moore is a regular presenter on Melbourne radio stations ABC 774 and 3AW on all things arboricultural. He was Principal of Burnley Horticultural College from 1988 to 2007, and has served on a number of important environmental Boards, such as Trust For Nature and Greening Australia, as a member and Chair over many years. I have attached a more detailed outline of his many significant contributions to environmental work for your information. Much of Dr Moore’s work has been involved with arboriculture, particularly in the areas of streetscape and landscape design, his research work over many years has determined just how important trees are in our landscapes.   Find out more....

Benalla Food Cooperative - February opening times

Are you keen to encourage the responsible use of our earth’s resources, reduce packaging and excessive handling of food, support Australian growers, reduce food miles and food?  The Benalla Benalla Food Co-Op enables members to buy mainly Australian produced non-perishable foods without packaging. Local and regional producers are supported where possible. 

Membership of $25 entitles you to one year's use of the cooperative where you can buy non-perishable foods purchased in bulk such as flour, cereals, seeds, rice, sugar, beans, peas, dried fruits and nuts and an increasing range of organic products and Fairtrade organic tea and coffee. Members have volunteer commitments of four sessions per year with duties including setting up, processing orders, packing and cleaning up.   Members are encouraged to bring their own containers.  Download the 2023 Food Co-Op Product List here for an idea of what is available... Find out more 

Greening Benalla?

In her Greening Benalla report to BSFG's general meeting in late November, Sue Campbell spoke from a well researched position about a tree in Bridge Street near the Reject Shop area for which a removal application had been instituted.  Read Sue's Submission to Benalla Rural City Council...

On December 12, a thought provoking discussion began on the tree's removal on the Benalla Community Notice Board Facebook page, receiving 87 likes and 45 comments to 24 December.  
​
The tree is described by the applicant for the removal, Dean Steegstra, as being in good condition, with a high significance rating and high roadside conservation value, with a useful life expectancy of 20 plus years and low risk to persons.  Experts who carried out ground penetrating radar tests, while stating that the damage to the gas meter is likely caused by tree roots, did not recommend removal of the tree - “Pruning of the identified roots, or other root management options, could be undertaken to resolve the issue.”  Retaining the tree and carrying out root pruning, rather than tree removal, appears the appropriate course of action..        Read more

BSFG Action Groups

BSFG Newsletter #33 

​In  Newsletter #33 Peter Holmes suggests 'the early signs of the new government are promising, without being entirely convincing'.  Peter recommends writing  to politicians and newspapers stressing that any new mines will make it impossible for Australia to honour its emission reduction target. Ian Herbert's contributions include 'Australia's First Commercial Thermal Energy Storage', 'Sustainability: Whose responsibility is it?'; 'Methane and Dodgy Accounting' ("It's time to stop burying our heads in a fracking well'); and 'Random Thoughts on (De) Growth'; while Peter Maddock  has written on 'Retrofitting Older Buildings', 'Ecological Sustainable Development and Planning' and the 'Time Value of Carbon'.   

​Inside

Susan Campbell's Submission to Benalla Rural City Council
​re removal of Bridge Street Tree
Connecting and engaging the community - Empathy Cafes
'Hot Topics' - 'Time for Council to Change its Priorities' - Peter Holmes
Introducing U3A Benalla Sustainability Group's new convenor, John Lane
BSFG Review - Action Group Updates
BSFG Newsletter #33 - BSFG Quarterly Newsletter - August 2022
​Australia - State of the Environment - Report
BSFG President's Report to the Annual General Meeting, June 2022
BSFG Review 2022 
​BSFG Climate Emergency Petition ​
Banner - BSFG provides regular opportunities for the continuing education and updating of members through a program of
guest speakers, ​film screenings and forums, followed by supper and the sharing of ideas with others. 
This photograph was taken after the recent screening of the inspirational feature-length documentary
​ The Seeds of Vandana Shiva.  Highly Recommended!
​Benalla Sustainable Future Group acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we live, work and meet, the Taungerang and Bpangerang people
​of North East Victoria, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.