BSFG REVIEW April 2022.
During April 2022 a Workshop Review of BSFG, facilitated by Cath Botta considered new opportunities and risks facing the group.
The two workshops were well attended bringing new people to the group with very good attendance by younger people from our community.
Workshop objectives
The participants identified 6 key goals/objectives for the Benalla Sustainable Future Group. These form part of the vision for what the group wants to achieve in 10 years time:
Our Why
Connecting with like-minded people,
To use our collective skills,
To act as good custodians for all generations, to ensure a future that is environmentally sustainable and liveable
Strategic Objectives/Goals
The outcome of these workshops was the initiation of five new interest groups which now require further work to determine goals and action plans.
The two workshops were well attended bringing new people to the group with very good attendance by younger people from our community.
Workshop objectives
- To reflect on the progress and development of Benalla Sustainable Future Group; including key achievements, and key strengths
- To identify the critical issues, and key opportunities for BSFG that need to be considered in the strategic plan for the next 5 years
- To identify key strategic Objectives for the next 3 – 5years and priority Actions for the next 12 - 18 months
- To clarify the purpose and vision for BSFG
The participants identified 6 key goals/objectives for the Benalla Sustainable Future Group. These form part of the vision for what the group wants to achieve in 10 years time:
- Widespread adoption of Sustainable farming systems
- Ecosystem Restoration
- Connected and Engaged Community
- 100% Renewable and community owned energy
- Ecological, sustainable planning and development and Retro fits
- Greening and Cooling for our urban spaces
Our Why
Connecting with like-minded people,
To use our collective skills,
To act as good custodians for all generations, to ensure a future that is environmentally sustainable and liveable
Strategic Objectives/Goals
The outcome of these workshops was the initiation of five new interest groups which now require further work to determine goals and action plans.
The five Strategic Objectives identified (Initiatives/Actions for the next 12 – 18 months)
1. Widespread Adoption of Sustainable Farming Systems
- Develop a series of forums and on-farm demonstrations
- Connect and work with other like-minded groups on common goals
2. Connected and Engaged Community
- Establish a Community Hub Space Develop a program of Community Events and Workshops
- Develop a program of Community Events and Workshops
3. 100% Renewable and Community Owned Energy
- Develop a micro-grid project
- Engaging and working with BRC to progress towards 100% renewable energy for Benalla
4. Ecological, Sustainable Planning and Development and Retro fits
- Engage and work with council on Sustainable planning and development options
5. Greening and Cooling for Our Urban Spaces
- Showcase and learn from the Grubissa Court example
- Develop a pilot park or street space
- Develop relationship with council for urban cooling considerations into planning
Photo used under Creative Commons from Raed Mansour