It is cheaper to protect the environment than to restore it – that’s one of the messages that North Central Victorians will receive from the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Dr Ian McPhail, when he visits Bendigo on Tuesday 7 April.

Hosted by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), Dr McPhail will share key findings of Victoria’s ‘State of the Environment Report’, released in December 2008. The Report is a comprehensive 'stocktake' of Victoria's environment and covers a broad range of contemporary issues including climate change, materials and waste, energy, water, river health, land management and biodiversity.

According to North Central CMA Chair, Ian MacBean, the regional visit is an opportunity for land and water managers to hear in detail the level of environmental damage in this state, and what we must do to live within our environment, not at its expense.

“We are delighted to host the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability’s visit to the region, where he will present to land and water managers about the many environmental issues that we are facing,” said Dr MacBean. “Our wellbeing depends on the health of the natural environment, and while the ‘State of the Environment Report’ indicates that our consumptive patterns are unsustainable, it also makes some recommendations for both government and communities on becoming more sustainable at this time of global financial and environmental pressure,” Dr MacBean added.

“We’re looking forwarding to hearing Dr McPhail’s views regarding the key environmental challenges for North Central Victoria, including climate change, and how we can be more effective in meeting these challenges.”

The information session is targeted at regional land and water managers, but there are a limited number of seats available to the public. For further information, contact the North Central CMA on 5448 7124.

The State of the Environment report is available on www.ces.vic.gov.au

Photo opportunity:  Please contact Sonia Robinson to arrange.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au