What is Sustainable Maleny?

Sustainable Maleny is an organization run by volunteers to promote sustainability and community strength in Maleny and its environs, with projects supporting local food, local economy and renewable energy. Monthly forums are held at the old Witta school at 10am in conjunction with Witta farmers markets (3rd Saturday of the month), and currently feature guest speakers from the stallholders in the “Talk the Walk” series. The sustainability centre/library is open at the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre on Fridays from 10am to 1pm.

About Maleny ...

Maleny is a small scenic town 90 km north of Brisbane in the Blackall Range hinterland overlooking the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Situated approximately 450 metres (1,450 feet) above sea level, Maleny has a sub-tropical climate with cool clear winters and warm wet summers. A high annual rainfall approaching 1800mm (70 inches) gives rise to the characteristic green rolling hills. Prior to European settlement, the area was covered in thick sub-tropical rainforest with huge hardwood trees. Timber-getters in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries opened up the area seeking valuable timber, which was prized locally and in Europe. Heavy logging led to the almost complete denuding of the rainforest clad hills in the district around Maleny. Pockets of forest remain in steeper terrain.

What are our goals?

• To raise awareness of the urgent need for change due to Climate Change and Peak Oil, and of localisation as an intelligent response.
• To develop a Sustainable Maleny Action Plan, focusing on the localisation of food, the economy, employment, education, energy, transport, health, housing, tourism, water and waste and the Maleny community in general.
• To help develop a feeling of optimism and confidence that the post oil future will provide a continued high quality of life for all members of our community.
• To lead and support individuals and the Maleny residential and business communities in the transition to a post-carbon economy.
• To promote and support environmentally sound business practises in the local community.
• To foster innovative solutions to the challenges ahead and to explore every sustainability possibility.