The Queenscliff bakery is among local businesses and organisations at the forefront of efforts to address climate change to feature in a new documentary, aimed at inspiring other communities across Australia.
The Climate Council, which is producing the documentary, chose to highlight Queenscliffe after it was recognised in December with a national award for its commitment to reducing carbon emissions through its Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP).
Among those interviewed during two days of filming last month were Mayor Ross Ebbels and Queenscliffe Climate Action Group (QCAG) founder Kitty Walker.
Others included Nathan Ulph, owner of the Point Lonsdale Health and Wellness Clinic, which has transitioned to 100 percent renewable energy, members of the Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House Boomerang Bag initiative, who since forming have sewn and made freely-available hundreds of reusable fabric bags, and Point Lonsdale Boardriders Club Vice President Rodney Nicholson.
“For a bit of fun, Queenscliff's Rolling Pin Bakery gave away a few free pies to punters willing to chow down on camera to show that they were consuming solar powered pies - much to the entertainment of the small crowd who gathered on Hesse Street to watch,” said Ms Walker.
“[We] had planned a major, all-in 'Sea of Red' activation to highlight erosion issues at dog beach but, in light of high COVID-numbers, decided to cancel.
“The response received by community members wanting to show up in red and take part in the film was inspiring and QCAG were gutted not to be able to go ahead, deciding to create a small moment with QCAG Committee Members and their families instead,” she said.
The documentary is an initiative of the Climate Council’s Cities Power Partnership (CPP) – Australia’s largest network of local councils, including Queenscliffe, who have committed to a zero emissions future.
"As a national organisation that's working with over 165 communities from across Australia to tackle climate change, the community of Queenscliffe is an absolute stand out,” said CPP director Dr Portia Odell.
“The level of enthusiasm, innovation and collaboration across community groups, local businesses, council and individuals is truly inspiring. That’s why, to make our next video highlighting local action on climate, we chose to focus on the Borough of Queenscliffe. “From solar powered bakeries and health clinics, to a genuine partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Queenscliffe is leading the charge to a sustainable and healthy future," Dr Odell said.
The Queenscliffe CERP, adopted in May last year, includes 49 separate actions and a commitment to transition to a zero carbon community by 2031.