Locals are invited to attend a community forum with four of Australia’s most respected global environmental experts, to discuss current eco topics impacting on the Sunshine Coast.
An initiative of Bond University’s Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture, the Where the Cities Greet the Sea coastal ecology forum will be held at Matthew Flinders Anglican College Performance Centre in Buderim on Monday, October 22, from 6.00pm.
Environmental pioneer and international award winner Professor Tor Hundloe will get discussions underway, sharing insight into the symbiotic relationship between the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. He will explain how the ecological and economic diversity of two are linked, and why we can’t have one without the other.
Associate Professor Ned Wales will follow with a retrospective look at human kind’s historical relationship with our environment, exploring urban planning and conservation policy through the years, and its role in protecting biodiversity.
High profile environmental scientist Professor Shelley Burgin will then bring discussions closer to home, exploring how we balance ecosystems in our own backyard.
Professor Burgin will explain how what we plant in our gardens modifies natural habitats and affects birdlife, and will provide some ideas on how to support the widest variety of biodiversity in our own backyards – everything from ants, to owls and possums.
The final presentation of the evening will be delivered by one of the country’s leading marine scientists, Professor Daryl McPhee, who will talk on the science and politics of shark attacks.
He will discuss the pros and cons of shark netting, drum lines and exclusion areas, as an example of coastal management.
Professor Shelley Burgin encourages locals who are interested in playing a part in the conservation of their beloved coastline to come along and take part in the open forum, which will include plentiful opportunities to ask questions and get involved.
“We are losing biodiversity in our coastal strip at an alarming rate,” said Professor Burgin.
“The beauty and diversity of our coastal ecosystems are the very reason we choose to live or holiday at the coast, and we are at risk of loving it to death.
“We, as urban people, can do a lot more towards conserving our coast than most of us realise. This forum will illuminate some of the ways in which we can each be ‘change agents’ towards improving environmental outcomes.
“Whether it be producing some of our own food at home, or planting native plant species in the garden to encourage biodiversity; there are simple steps we can all take to make a difference,” said Professor Burgin.
The Where the Cities Greet the Sea coastal ecology forum is a free event; however, a gold coin donation is encouraged to support the Sunshine Coast Environment Council Inc.