Sustaining Liverpool Spring 2023

SUSTAINING

In this issue

Energy & Lighting Upgrades

Energy Transformation –About Electric Vehicles

Free Asbestos Collection

Using Nature for Relaxation

Growing Strawberries –Chemical Free

Workshop & Planting Updates

What's on

NSW WeedWise

If you have high energy bills, inefficient appliances or equipment and traditional lighting in your home or business, you're paying too much for your energy equipment and lighting.

You can save thousands on your energy bills by taking advantage of the NSW government’s Energy Saving Scheme and pay only a small fee to upgrade your entire household or business.

As society becomes more environmentally aware we are also increasingly adopting electric vehicles.

As part of the NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan to cut emission Liverpool Council is participating in the Western Sydney Energy Program (WSEP) & has identified the acceleration of low emission transport in the region as a key priority.

It is well known that connecting with nature can help improve your sense of wellbeing.

Maybe now is the time to try Forest Therapy which is gaining recognition around the world as an evidence-based, cost-effective way of de-stressing. We have plenty of bushland in Liverpool to enjoy and help you on the path of good health.

During the winter, multiple planting initiatives took place within the Local Government Area. Council volunteers planted over 5000 plants across five parks and reserves to cool our communities and provide valuable habitat.

What would you like to see more of in Sustaining Liverpool?

We welcome your ideas - email us erp@liverpool.nsw.gov.au

Is your household and business eligible for an energy and lighting upgrade?

If you have high energy bills, inefficient appliances or equipment and traditional lighting in your home or business, you're paying too much for your energy equipment and lighting.

ENERGY & LED LIGHTING UPGRADES

HOUSEHOLD ENERGY SAVING UPGRADES

BUSINESS ENERGY SAVING UPGRADES

NSW residents and business owners can take advantage of the statewide Energy Upgrades program provided by the government. The NSW Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) provides financial incentives to install, improve or replace energy savings equipment and appliances in NSW households and businesses.

Save thousands on your energy bills and only pay a small fee to upgrade your entire household or business thanks to the NSW Government Energy Savings Scheme.

Access a number of energy saving appliances to help you reduce your household energy use and cut your power bills. Upgrades available include lighting, air conditioning, hot water system and pool pumps.

For more information refer to: www.energy.nsw.gov.au/ households/rebates-grantsand-schemes/householdenergy-saving-upgrades

You can access a range of energy savings for your business by upgrading existing appliances and equipment or purchasing new ones, including available upgrades to compressed air systems, furnaces, HVAC systems, hot water and steam systems, lighting, motors, pumps, fans, power systems, refrigeration, bundled upgrades.

For more information refer to: www.energy.nsw.gov.au/ business-and-industry/ programs-grants-andschemes/business-equipment

ENERGY TRANSFORMATION ELECTRIC VEHICLES

There is a strong global shift towards zero-emission road transport. This shift has been powered by the significant commitments to transition from countries such as the United Kingdom, United States of America, China, India, France, and Germany.

Most global vehicle manufacturers are moving to zero-emission vehicles and phasing out fuel dependent technology. This transition provides great opportunities for countries that position themselves to be at the forefront of this shift. They will be able to capitalise on creating new economic activity as well as benefit from reduced emissions and better air quality outcomes. However, countries that do not transition

will end up with old, expensive, and polluting technologies, something we do not want for Western Sydney. Examples of recent technology include hybrid electric, full electric or fuel cells powered by hydrogen. Many product options are available and continue to emerge; Council will continue to review opportunities to consider other technologies.

Analysis shows that transport emissions make up almost one third (around 5.8m tonnes) of Western Sydney’s total emissions, with light passenger vehicles accounting for half of the transport emissions. This makes transport one of the most emission intensive sector.

The Australian and the NSW governments have strategies in place for electrification of road transport. The Commonwealth’s National Electric Vehicle Strategy will coordinate action across governments, industry, and communities. This commitment is backed up by funding available for EV transition by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).

The NSW Government’s Net Zero Plan outlines the State’s commitment to reach net zero carbon by 2050 and a 35% cut in emissions by 2030. The plan has a strong focus on supporting the transition to EV and is backed by the NSW Future Transport 2056 Strategy and the NSW Government’s Electric Vehicle Strategy (2021). Liverpool is participating in the Western Sydney Energy Program (WSEP) & has identified the acceleration of low emission transport in the region as a key priority.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY FOUR MAIN TYPES OF EVS

Battery electric vehicles (BEVS)

Fully-electric, meaning they are solely powered by electricity and do not have a petrol, diesel or LPG engine, fuel tank or exhaust pipe. BEVs are also known as 'plug-in' EVs as they use an external electrical charging outlet to charge the battery.

Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVS)

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVS)

Powered by a combination of liquid fuel and electricity. They can be charged with electricity using a plug but also contain an internal combustion engine that uses liquid fuel.

Non-plug in hybrid EVs (HEVS)

Use a fuel cell instead of a battery, or in combination with a battery or supercapacitor, to power their electric motors. FCEVs are typically fuelled by hydrogen and usually provide greater range than BEVs.

Instead of using an external plug to charge the vehicle, the electricity generated by the HEV's braking system is used to recharge the battery. This is called 'regenerative braking' and is also used in BEVs, PHEVs and FCEVs.

By championing collaboration among stakeholders and empowering local communities through education, participation and transparent systems and processes, we can build a robust foundation for a successful and inclusive energy transition.

FREE ASBESTOS COLLECTION

Monday 20 Nov to Friday 24 Nov 2023

Liverpool City Council is offering a free collection of bonded asbestos fibro sheeting for Liverpool households from Monday 20 November to Friday 24 November 2023.

Many people may have loose asbestos fibro sheeting around their home. Now it can be safely disposed of – free of charge.

USING NATURE FOR RELAXATION

Do not forget to enjoy our beautiful environment, it is now more important than ever to disconnect from technology.

Forest Therapy is a research-based public health practice of guided immersion in forests with the aim of promoting mental and physical health whilst relaxing and enjoying the local bushland. Forest Therapy is gaining acknowledgement globally as an evidencebased, cost-effective and natural medicine. Everyone is welcome to join. Due to its gentle approach, forest therapy is suitable for members of the public of all ages and with all diverse kinds of mobility. Hopefully,

• Only available for eligible Liverpool City Council residents.

• Number of households strictly limited.

• Up to 10m2 of bonded asbestos.

• Asbestos will be removed by licensed asbestos contractors.

by the end of the Guided Forest Therapy Nature Walk people will feel more connected, re-energised, calm, and positive. Forest Therapy can help to decrease depression and anxiety and can help increase a sense of happiness and general wellbeing.

Forest Therapy is already being recognised in Australia and all around the world. Increasingly people are interested in forest therapy. The programs provide opportunities for social connection, encouraging and inspiring social inclusion, cultural diversity and community well-being as well as strengthening community ownership.

Please call 1300 36 2170 and ask for the Asbestos Management Officer for information or to register.

This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.

GROWING Strawberries

Strawberries can be one of the most chemically contaminated foods that we buy at a grocery store, so here's a refresher on how to grow your own strawberries organically.

Choose an open eastern or northern position with morning sun but provide shade from superhot late-afternoon sun. There are apps available on phones to provide you with sun direction orientation.

Plant into soil with added compost, worm castings and well-rotted manure. Strawberries need a slightly acidic soil. For pots, buy quality organic potting mix.

When planting, make sure the crown (the top of the roots) is level with or slightly above the soil. This lessens the risk of crown rot from overwatering. Place plants 30cm apart and water with diluted seaweed extract readily available in hardware or plant nurseries. The seaweed extract keeps plants healthy & thriving.

Mulch the soil with lucerne hay as this provides nitrogen & reduces water loss. This helps to maintain moisture, adds nutrients, and stops fruit from sitting on wet soil, thus reducing the chance of fruit rotting. Lucerne hay can be available from a horse feed store or replace with sugar cane mulch if lucerne is not readily available in your area.

Water regularly using drip irrigation if you can or by targeting soil and roots, so water doesn’t sit on leaves and fruit, this helps to reduce rot problems.

A week or so after planting, water with diluted manure mix, compost, or worm tea; complete liquid fertiliser e.g., seaweed extract just as the flowers start to appear, water again with diluted seaweed. Two to three weeks later, place pelletised organic fertiliser onto the soil around plants.

Always remove any spent, dead, or rotting fruit and leaves to stop fungal diseases spreading. Harvest when ripe, don’t wash until just before using.

Tip – Protect fruit from hungry birds, possums, and lizards by using a frame or repurpose an old bike basket or wire drawer. Remember we don’t want wildlife getting stuck so ensure it is safe.

Talk to your local plant’s supplier, for more tips, here is some good variety of options –

Adina | Aussie bred, large fruit, low acid, aromatic. Lowanna | Aussie bred, does well in pots, fruits over many months, glossy bright red fruit.

Temptation | Dark red fruit, produces a few runners, good for pots & hanging baskets.

Source credit: Penny Woodward. Image: The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

WORKSHOP & PLANTING

updates

FOOD FORAGE WILD EDIBLES

Wild Food Workshops Cultural practitioner Diego

Bonetto, educator and speaker joined us at Casula for World Environment Day to talk about useful plants, green skills, gardening, food, and the environment. Participants received a wild edible info sheet to take home.

Be sure to catch Diego next time he is in Sydney, visit www.diegobonetto.com

BIRDWATCHING WORKSHOP

Magpie Nest (collected with permit) show and tell at the recent Birdwatching Workshop.

For more information, visit the BirdLife Australia website

NATIONAL TREE DAY & COMMUNITY PLANTING DAYS

During the winter multiple planting initiatives took place within the Local Government Area. Council volunteers planted over 5000 plants across five parks and reserves to cool our communities and provide valuable habitat.

Refreshments were provided to the volunteers. NSW Government also funded a track/step upgrade, weeding, restoration & community working bee as part of a Place to Roam grant.

Councillor Charishma Kaliyanda

FAIRY GLEN GARDEN HARRIS CREEK RESERVE COMMUNITY WORKING BEE

TRACK UPGRADE AT HARRIS CREEK RESERVE, HOLSWORTHY

Funding provided as part of the NSW Government Places to Roam Grant

POLLINATION WEEK

Engaging citizen scientists across Australia to help researchers better understand the plight of Australia’s insect pollinators, providing important data for researchers and scientists to improve their understanding of the changes in insect abundance and diversity nationally and over time. Council is running a program on 19 November to support Pollination Week. To register your interest, email erp@liverpool.nsw.gov.au

SUSTAINABLE HOUSE DAY

Sustainable House Day provides the opportunity to explore some of Australia’s most unique and inspiring homes, and learn from the people who designed them, built them, and live in them. Visit the Sustainable House Day website for details.

Liverpool City Council Sustainable Environment Grant is now open and will provide up to $5000 of financial support to schools and community groups.

We welcome all creative ideas – big or small!

Round 1 Opens 4 September 2023

Closes 27 October 2023

Round 2 Opens 12 February 2024

Closes 5 April 2024

Visit Council's Grants portal to apply.

NSW WeedWise is provided as a free smartphone app through the app stores.

Like the web version, the smartphone app provides key information to help users reduce the impact of over 325 weeds in New South Wales.

Users, ranging from home gardeners and residents to farmers, land managers and weeds professionals, can search or browse weed names (common or scientific); recognise a weed by its physical description and image gallery; and find out about its impacts, where it occurs, how it spreads and its preferred habitat.

Control options are described for each weed and the herbicides registered for control by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority are listed, including application rates and techniques, and any minor-use permits that must be complied with.

General, state or regional biosecurity duties under the Biosecurity Act 2015 are displayed for each weed.

NSW WeedWise

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT GRANT