A meeting was held on the 3rd November where the new name for Leeston Envirotown was discussed and “Enviro Ellesmere” chosen to encompass the larger area of Leeston, Dunsandel, Southbridge and Doyleston and the surrounding rural community.
The group also discussed what people value about living in the Ellesmere area and the main things were: support from neighbours, country living, life style, diverse community, small community feeling, safety, good water supply, and space.  It was noted that people need to get involved in some sort of group activity to be a part of the community.  

There was a brainstorm of local issues for an “Action Plan” and the main points were:

Water: drinking, irrigation, streams/rivers/lake. Transport: cycle ways, bus service needed, carpooling, walking, safety, encourage local businesses, live and work locally, reduce trips to town. Reduce Waste: Recycling – what happens to it, Ewaste, Green garden waste - too far to take garden rubbish to Rolleston, need a local disposal site, have a “swap day/week” for larger items that other people might use, anything left over, collected to be recycled. Native Biodiversity:  Help existing community groups with their planting. Local Food Security: Plant fruit trees.  Communication: The importance of good communication was discussed.

Ideas for the plan will be discussed further and actions decided on at future meetings. There will be a competition for a logo for students at Ellesmere College and possible other local schools.

Next year meetings will be probably be on the first Thursday of the month starting February 2nd 2012. Please come and contribute your views.

There is already an Enviro Ellesmere Responsible Business Award, promoting environmentally sustainable businesses practices. Fifty two business gained the award in 2011.  For more information contact Sue 329 5858