BEAM Mitchell Environment Group is an independent, membership-based and volunteer-driven environment group based in the Mitchell Shire, on Taungurung and Wurundjeri lands. Our vision is of a thriving community that is locally active for a healthy environment. BEAM supports a wide-range of skills, life stories and areas of expertise. Our members are engaged in supporting sustainable outcomes in government projects, advocating for our local region, supporting green initiatives and generally causing a fuss about protecting the environment.
Our Vision: A thriving community that is locally active for a healthy environment.
Our Principles
– Advocate and act to protect natural systems and ecologies
– Respect First Nations’ connection to this Country and be informed by their wisdom and knowledge
– Recognise our place and responsibilities in local and wider ecosystems
– Support each other and collaborate with others
– Respect each other and celebrate diversity and difference
– Be accountable for what we say and do
– Respect for every living being and their communities
Our goals and plan
1. Double BEAM’s membership and increase member commitment and action
2. Build an ongoing relationship with Taungurung and Wurundjeri
3. Protect, expand and restore natural habitat in our region
4. Champion renewable energy and emissions reduction in our region
5. Improve waste management and recycling in the Shire
6. Support local food systems Read BEAM’s five year plan, set in June 2023.
Our History
The predecessors to BEAM Mitchell Environment Group where the Seymour Environment Group which was established in 1978 and the Broadford Environmental Action Movement established in 1989. The Broadford Environmental Action Movement (BEAM) was formed to provide a forum for environmental action and discussion within the Broadford community. The two groups amalgamated on 8 June 1997. Since then BEAM has continued to be involved in a broad range of activities across the Mitchell Shire and beyond including:
– Presented evidence at the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission.
– Auspiced the establishment of Transition Village Wallan.
– Run a campaign in support of the Cherry Tree wind farm development including submissions to the Mitchell Shire Council and VCAT in relation to the proposal.
– Participated in the development of various Council strategies and policies including the Mitchell Shire 2020 strategy and Shire Planning Scheme Review, the Open Space and Recreational Trails Strategy, and the Council’s Structure Plans for Wallan, Kilmore, Wandong/Heathcote Junction, Seymour and Broadford.
– Provided submissions on a range of state and federal government policies, strategies and plans including recent responses on the EPBC Act and the VEAC enquiries into remnant vegetation and Victoria’s Central Western Forests.
– Supported and facilitated the BEAM Bulk Foods Scheme.
– Led the development of Sustainable Seymour which has fed into the Seymour Structure Plan and the development of renewable energy in Seymour (now run by Mitchell Community Energy).
– Run nature walks including spotlight walks in our local parks.
– Led an investigative project into management options for stable waste.
– Participated in reviews of the management of Kilmore Hospital Reservoir Management Plan, Granite Park near Seymour, Monument Hill (including Shire/CFA planning sessions formalizing fire access tracks in Kilmore’s Monument Hill).
– Participated in Clean Up Australia Day and National Tree Day events.
– Supported the South West Goulburn Landcare Network Farmblitz Project.