News April 2006 : HomeQLPA CatchUp!
Welcome All to the first QLPA Newsletter!
For want of a better name this issue is called the QLPA CatchUp! We're open to consider suggestions from any clever wordsmiths out there as to a catchy name.
The newsletter has been designed to keep partners up date with what's happening with the QLPA as we realise it's not going to be possible for all members to attend all meetings.
It has been a whirlwind three months with the success of securing seed funding, the appointment of a Litter Champion, logo designs, bank accounts, and setting the website not to mention the enthusiasm of the members to be a part of the Litter Alliance.
It was voted at the April 5 meeting that the QLPA become an Incorporated Association. An executive committee was elected (see attached minutes for positions filled) and Leisa Gillham was appointed to make the application which has now been lodged at the Dept of Fair Trading.
The QLPA is presently working on the resubmission of the NPC (National Packaging Covenant) expression of interest application as a potential source of funding for the next financial year. We desperately need letters of support from everyone to back up this application.
The previous submission was very kindly prepared by Kylie at the EPA and presented to the National Projects Group for approval in February. The main reason that it was not supported was because the host organisation was the Queensland EPA - it needs to be a local government or an entity with local government members or support. If we resubmit under QLPA it should have a good chance of getting up - a similar Tasmanian submission (hosted by a local government regional group) has been approved.
Could we please have letters of support signed and posted by Wednesday the 10th of May to QLPA, PO Box 129 Tewantin, 4565.
The QLPA brochure is finished and is @ SEQ Catchments being printed. Many thanks Emanuel for this offer - it will cost us $11 instead of $260. All support such as this is much appreciated and means better value and more outcomes to us all. The first 100 brochures (printed on 100% recycled paper of course!) will be ready next week.
The QLPA website home page is up at www.qldlitter.com and is open to any suggestions and constructive criticism. Bear in mind it's just the beginning, but I feel we need this site to complement other sites such as VLAA's. I am hoping to be able to link directly to pages on the VLAA website where extensive investigation has already occurred, such as the personal ashtray production companies' data base.
A photo gallery page is being developed so that anyone can access good quality litter photos for their own use.
I am looking for really good photos of Butts and general litter, illegal dumping, wildlife injured by litter, etc. that you would be willing to share on this page. Each photo you donate will give credit to the source on the actual photo. This will be in a format that cannot be adjusted.
If you have some spectacular photos to share please either email to me or if there's heaps send on a CD to the QLPA, PO Box 129 Tewantin, 4565. Please remember to include the source for each photo.
I believe this will be a pretty unique resource to offer and know it will be used as I sooooo often get people calling asking for such photos.
A facts and statistics page is also being developed. So please contribute any favourites to you have to share, but they must have the source with them. (My favourite is that for every square mile of ocean there is approximately 46,000 plastic bags floating around! But I don't have the reference!! Does anyone know it?)
It has been suggested that in each issue of the newsletter we feature an Alliance Member. Leisa Gillham as the Litter champion and main point of contact of the group was nominated as first cab off the rank
Name: Leisa Gillham (Riggs) married last year.
Nick names / Aliases: The Big Butt, the Litter Queen, the Recycling Nazi.
Family: 3 kids and 6 step kids from 17 to 28.
Where do you live: I live on 5 acres @ Black Mountain, 10 km from Cooroy in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. I moved an old Queenslander onto the block 14 years ago. We have solar power, solar hot water, fruit trees chooks, 2 horses.
Personal Interests: Sustainable living, growing healthy food, recycling battery chooks, Heavy Horses. (I own a Percheron gelding that I'm teaching to work on the property.) Community capacity building through visual and performing arts (see www.communityrites.com).
Your Job Position: Stormwater & Waste Education Officer for Noosa Council and recently appointed Litter Champion for the QLPA.
Who do you represent on the QLPA?
Noosa Council, Noosa Integrated Catchment Association. As well as all of you guys as your humble servant for the Alliance.
How long have you worked in your field of the industry?
I've been working in the environmental education industry for 7 years my last position being with the Mary River Cod Community Network funded by the NHT.
What is the most concerning litter related issue in your area?
With the increase in both human population and packaging of products the encroachment of litter into previously litter free natural areas.
Which Littering behavioural issue really bugs you?
Flicking butts out the car window!!!
Favourite saying:
"Life's too short to settle for mediocrity."
Buying in Bulk
It's Council budget time again and time to think about what we need in the way of binfrastructure and personal ashtrays etc. We are looking at the option to purchase butt out bins that were used at the Commonwealth Games at a good price. If you're interested let Leisa know. We will also be doing some more research into personal ashtray options for a bulk order.
The next meeting will be on Thursday the 11th May not Wed 10th as set at the last meeting.
Venue is SEQ Catchments Office Level 2/ 183 North Quay.
10am Executive Meeting and 11am for the Partners Meeting.
Please RSVP for catering (wheat free options will be available)
Litter Champion,
P.O. Box 129,
TEWANTIN Q 4565,
Australia.
Ph: +61 (0)409 721 456
Page last updated: Jun 04, 2007