Overview of Southside Sustainability Centre

This project is a revolutionary community driven initiative that transcends the “sprinkler and non-sprinkler days” concept – it is a purpose built centre aimed at answering the question – What can I do? The centre is a grass-roots education facility that is environmentally sound, financially efficient, culturally inclusive, socially driven and ethically based.

The project will showcase government and industry sustainable technologies in a hands-on working environment designed to display the quadruple bottom line benefits to individuals and the community. The applied experiences will include on site riparian restoration works, native plant propagation, informative ecosystems displays, best practice water usage and recycling methods, energy efficiency, efficient waste management systems, design tips and paper less office systems. The centre will also house a community nursery producing endemic seed propagated tube stock for riparian restoration work throughout the catchment

The Centre

The centre will be designed around the principles of sustainability in an accessible and convenient matter to the community, corporations and students. The following proposed format of the centre is the best case scenario and is based on government and industry support.

Environmentally Sustainable

Water Efficiency

• Water harvesting – Installation of rain water tanks for the centre’s water use
• Water recycling – Installation of sewer mining project producing 4000l a day class A water for irrigation purposes in the nursery and catchment
• Water efficient appliance displays – Triple A rated showers & taps, Caroma – dual flush toilets, etc.
• Lifestyle changes – Household and workplace water saving tips
• Waterwise landscaping – Native ecosystem displays and waterwise garden products and design

Power Efficiency

• Energy harvesting – Photovoltaic cells, Solar hot water systems
• Energy efficient appliance displays – Examples of the leading energy efficient appliances.
• Lifestyle changes – Energy saving tips for the household and workplace
• Design tips – Energy efficient house and workplace design
• Landscaping for energy efficiency – Gardening tips to assist the natural energy saving of your house.

Waste Management

• Reduce – The centre will promote the reduction of unneeded consumption
• Recycle – Living working examples of recycling techniques
• Reuse – The majority of the centre infrastructure will be an example reusing materials.

Financially Efficient

All working examples of the sustainable initiatives on display will have their savings costed out on a household and industry basis. These costings will reflect the long term financial benefits available through embracing sustainable technologies.

Information boards will be used to educate the public of all aspects of the centre and these boards will form the basis of educational work sheets provided to school tour groups.

Culturally inclusive

B4C will consult with traditional owner and knowledge holder, Shane Coghill to provide an indigenous perspective of sustainability. This display will inform the community of traditional methods of managing natural food and water sources. The project will also include an on site bushtucker garden.

Socially Driven

• Safety – The centre will highlight safety initiatives that promote social sustainability i.e. reduced-slip flooring etc.
• Security – The centre will also promote security options that promote a safe household environment

Ethically Responsible

The centre will encourage universal design options to accommodate people with disabilities. B4C already has many disadvantaged volunteers and two trainees with physical disabilities, so it is essential the workplace is designed with flexibility and comfort for all in mind.

Become a stakeholder

B4C is a not-for-profit organisation that requires support from government and industry to provide this essential service to the community.  If you organisation is keen to educate people about the principles of sustainability and promote the sustainable initiatives your business is currently conducting please contact Luke Diett on (07) 3420 4800 or bulimba-luke@powerup.com.au

Stakeholder Benefits

Tax Deductibility status

The Bulimba Creek Environment Fund is an established charity designed to receive gifts of money or property to support the environmental objectives & purposes of the B4C.  All donations to the Fund are tax-deductible.

Marketing and Publicity

Exposure of organisations brand will be gained through the following marketing communications strategies:

·    On site signage.  Logo placement on mural facing a major Brisbane arterial and the relevant display areas in the centre

·    On site Master of Ceremonies announcements & speaking opportunities at selected community events

·    Flyer Advertising – Logo placement on all flyers used to advertise the centre (distribution 300 per edition)

·    Printed Newsletters – Logo placement and feature story in B4C newsletter.

·    Website - Logo placement and promotional feature on B4C webpage (linked to www.ourbrisbane.com). 

·    Public Relations - Cross-promotional local opportunities will be sought to profile your organisations environmental and community initiatives.

Additional Opportunities & Benefits

·  Staff team building days – B4C organised planting & environmental education days

Networking Opportunities 

 B4C is building a network of government, industry and community committed to the health of Brisbane’s South. As a stakeholder you will be invited to all significant events B4C stages.