Background

As the consequences of burning fossil fuels become widely understood, societies worldwide are looking to renewable energy as a potential solution to the threat of climate change.

Hepburn Energy is a co-operative with Australia’s first community-owned wind farm. Two wind turbines known as Gale and Gusto have been offsetting the town of Daylesford since 2011. They produce enough clean energy to power 2100 homes.

Background

A wetland is an ecosystem that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, and includes swamps, marshes, flood plains, lakes and bogs. The water itself can be either saltwater, freshwater or brackish.

Wetland water is rich in nutrients, attracting and sustaining many different types of plants and animals, including invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. Wetlands are unique ecosystems that provide food and water, habitat and breeding grounds and places to shelter during drought.

Background

‘Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains’ is an online program designed for students in Levels 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9, addressing the Biological Sciences strand of the Australian curriculum, however many of the activities will be applicable to a wider range of year levels. This program explores the importance and significance of grassland ecosystems, the plants and animals that inhabit these ecosystems, threats faced by grasslands, and the importance of managing and protecting remaining examples of these endangered ecosystems.