Three long, green decades rewarded

THE City of Casey celebrated World Environment Day with a civic reception and a festival to showcase green groups, information and products.
The City of Casey has significant natural assets, from coastal areas that are home to thousands of migratory birds to the cooler climate vegetation of the ranges and lowlands, and the wetlands and water courses that snake their way through the region.
In the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity, the City of Casey is one of five municipalities that form the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere, a region recognised by the UNESCO for its biodiversity and conservation significance.
“This year’s theme for World Environment Day “Many Species. One Planet. One Future” is a call to conserve that diversity and highlights the importance of everyone working together,” Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said.
“We are lucky to live in a region that has such beautiful natural spaces and habitats. However, we also have a responsibility to protect and enhance what we have, and restore what has been lost.”
Casey’s environment manager Nicola Ward said Casey had strategies for a greener future.
“Council’s conservation and revegetation strategies underpin council’s work to increase habitat for birds and animals, and provide open spaces for residents to enjoy. The council’s soon-to-be-released Sustainability Plan will also go a long way to reduce the municipality’s ecological footprint,” Ms Ward said.
During the civic reception on Friday 4 June, Morning Mist Reserve volunteer Val Maher was recognised for more than 30 years of dedication to the local environment.
Ms Maher has planted indigenous trees and worked hard to reduce the impact of weeds. She has been an advocate for conservation and has educated the community about protecting environmental values.