8/6/2019 NESSIE 2.10.08 Foundations Planned for a Sustainable New England

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NESSiE New England Sustainability Strategy Executive_________________________________________________________

Media Release____________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 2.10.08

Foundations planned for a Sustainable New EnglandParticipants at the Public Forum held at NERAM on Monday 22 September have outlined thefoundations for a challenging strategy to achieve sustainability for the New England Region.

More than 110 community leaders and experts worked together at the Forum to develop thefoundations of the whole of community New England Sustainability Strategy says AdamBlakester, convenor of the New England Sustainability Strategy Executive (nicknamed NESSiE)which convened the Forum the first major step in developing theNew England SustainabilityStrategy and the final event of the 2008 Sustainable Living Expo.

A comprehensive vision of a sustainable New England Region in 100 years was developed for ourgreat-great-grandchildren. The vision is a new City-Region, built by regional communities workingtogether and nestled within a thriving ecosystem and agricultural landscape. This collaboration isthe heart of the protecting, regenerating and enhancing the health and productivity of thelandscape, community and economy. Transport systems and energy supply are renewable, with anenhanced economic base of agriculture, education, and knowledge-based services.

The strategic priorities and actions identified to achieve this vision included:

Build existing and diversity industry, agribusiness and infrastructure by adding sustainabilityvalue and showcasing regenerative regional sustainability, our assets and strengths

Enhance production and conservation through integrated regeneration of landscapes, local

food supply and long term actions on local energy, carbon and biodiversity trading Building trust and collaboration through participatory decision-making and a culture of

sustainability and creativity, involving youth and enabling them to be heard

Strengthen existing global ties and networks and establish Sustainability Sister Cities

The wide range of Forum participants reflected the goal for a whole of community sustainabilitystrategy and included local/national businesses, farmers, Councillors, social and communitydevelopment workers, local/state/federal bureaucrats, Indigenous leaders, lawyers, town planners,youth, artists, community leaders, schools, natural resource managers, and sustainability experts.

Developing and implementing a whole of community sustainability strategy is a challenging taskcontinues Blakester, however it is a crucial resource and tool for our Region to take leadership and

be sustainable with the kind of economy, culture and environment that builds on our aspirations.

TheNew England Sustainability Strategy is funded by the NSW Department of Environment andClimate Change, Armidale Dumaresq Council and Armidale Family Support Services. NESSiE is aconsortium of more than a dozen local and national professionals and experts in sustainability andwhole of community strategic planning.

A public report on the outcomes from the Forum will be available for comment in the next fewweeks, and forms the foundation of the whole of communityNew England Sustainability Strategy.

To become involved or find out more go towww.ness.wikidot.com or contact Adam Blakester on 026775 2501, 0419 808 900 or adam@paradigmplay.net.

http://www.ness.wikidot.com/mailto:adam@paradigmplay.nethttp://www.ness.wikidot.com/mailto:adam@paradigmplay.net

8/6/2019 NESSIE 2.10.08 Foundations Planned for a Sustainable New England

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