Green June 2011 will see the Sunshine Coast Council host some of the State's premier eco-focussed events in an impressive line-up of festivals and events aiming to equip residents and businesses with the skills required to be more eco-friendly.

The month-long event includes calendar items such as the Floating Land - Water Culture Program (27 May to 5 June), the 2011 World Environment Day Festival (June 5), the Smart Living Glossies Awards (June 17), the Noosa Festival of Water (June 26) and screenings of the Ecoflicks film festival winners throughout the month at various locations across the Coast.

Mayor Bob Abbot believes this year's Green June will not only attract those who are already environmentally aware but also those who have considered change and are looking for guidance on how to effectively reduce their environmental footprint to protect the Coast's natural beauty and diversity.

"Council's vision for the Sunshine Coast to become Australia's most sustainable region can only be achieved if we all change the way we do things, whether we're considering the homes we live in, the transport we use, our energy consumption or how we operate on a daily basis," said Cr Abbot.

"Green June provides Sunshine Coast residents with a number of exciting events where they can find out what technologies and developments are available. If we can all make some change at a personal level the impact on our environment would be significant."  

The month will kick-off with World Environment Day at the University of the Sunshine Coast where over 5,000 visitors are expected to enjoy the five thematic areas namely Energy, Food, Home & Lifestyle, Transport and Water as well as speaker forums, a community forecourt, kid's areas, food stalls and entertainment.

The festival will include a screening of the winners of the 2011 Ecoflicks film festival in which budding Sunshine Coast film makers have the opportunity to submit a short film to raise awareness of our local environment and the issues it faces.  These films will then be screened at various locations across the Coast throughout the month of June.

The Living Smart Glossies Awards evening is another flagship environmental event where local designers, residents and businesses are recognised for their achievements in sustainable building design and land use, sustainable transport initiatives and environment friendly business practices.

"The Glossies is a great celebration of locals doing the right thing for our environment and we expect this year's awards evening to be one of the Coast's most popular events with the imminent announcement of a high profile, national speaker," said Ben McMullen, Coordinator of Environmental Initiatives for the Sunshine Coast Council.

"We are also hosting the annual Living Smart Expo during Green June, on 18 June. The expo is a one-stop-shop for builders, renovators, businesses and households looking for sustainable products and services that are available right here on the Coast.

"This year's Living Smart Awards and expo are part of the celebratory activities to open the new Sustainability Interpretive Centre, at Sunshine Coast TAFE."

The final event for 2011 Green June is the Noosa Festival of Water held annually at Lake Macdonald to highlight the importance of conserving water and protecting aquatic biodiversity.  The festival includes boat tours, wildlife displays, music performances and an exciting children's program of activities.

For more information on Green June, please visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/greenjune


Green June puts spotlight on eco-friendly lifestyles

Events:

The Floating Land - Water Culture Program
Boreen Point
27 May to 5 June
 
World Environment Day 2011
University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
Sunday, June 5, 2011
9am -- 4pm
 
Ecoflicks 2011 -- announcement of winners
University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs
Sunday, June 5, 2011
To be determined
Screenings: At various locations across the Coast
 
Living Smart Glossies Awards
Innovation Centre, Sunshine Coast TAFE
Friday, June 17, 2011
6pm -- 10pm

Living Smart Solutions Expo
Innovation Centre, Sunshine Coast TAFE
Friday, June 18, 2011

Noosa Festival of Water
Lake MacDonald, Noosa
Sunday, June 26, 2011
10am -- 3pm

Sunshine Coast World Environment Day Festival News:
30 May 2011 - Call to recycle used car batteries
04 May 2011 - Be part of a world event with local focus
28 May 2011 - Countdown to World Environment Day
03 June 2011 -Go green with free bus travel to environment day festival