Sustainable Upper Ovens (SUO) is community-based organisation formed in 2018 aimed at helping householders and small businesses to adopt improved energy efficiency measures, switch to renewable energy and maximise opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle our resources. We are networked with other community groups in the region including Totally Renewable Yackandandah, and Renewable Albury Wodonga Energy and the Upper Ovens Valley Landcare Group. The Upper Ovens Valley covers a considerable part of the upper catchment of the Ovens River, from Ovens through Porepunkah and Bright to Harrietville, incorporating the Buckland Valley and Wandiligong Valley.
What are we seeking to do in the Upper Ovens Valley?
In 2018 a group of concerned individuals got together to discuss environmental problems and opportunities in the Upper Ovens. There was concern about over-consumption and needless waste, unsustainable and inequitable energy and carbon emissions, declining environmental health, and how these issues can have negative impacts on the community and its surrounding environment. As a result, Sustainable Upper Ovens was created with a vision of creating a more sustainable and connected community environment. Our Mission is to empower and connect residents and businesses in our community to develop low-impact lifestyles that are regenerative, restorative, low carbon and sustainable.
We promise our projects and outcomes will be:
> Inclusive – Anyone who wants to participate can.
> Just – Leave no one behind.
> Holistic – In assessment of costs and benefits.
> Restorative and regenerative – In their aim.
> Accessible – To those who want to access.
> Valuable – To the community.
> Empowering – Helping people to make change.
> Collaborative – Working constructively with other groups, associations and agencies.
Most importantly, Sustainable Upper Ovens will work towards delivering positive outcomes that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs i.e. the essential definition of sustainable development.