Discovering, debating and delving into sustainable technologies and lifestyles will be the focus of a Macedon Ranges Sustainable Living Festival this weekend.
The festa of sustainable living ideas will include a food and garden expo at the Woodend community garden and hub in Forest Street and a design and technology expo outside Woodend library, both from 10am-4pm on Saturday.
A community picnic, including live music and old-fashioned games, will be at Woodend Children’s Park from 12.30-3pm on Sunday.
Festival co-ordinator Alan Reid says this year’s event is aimed at building on a year of significant environmental achievements, including completion of the Woodend Community Solar Project.
Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio will unveil the 30kW solar energy plant at the Black Forest timber mill at 1pm on Saturday.
‘‘Another cause for celebration is progress on the community wind farm,’’ Mr Reid said.
An anemometer, which measures wind speed, was installed on a 62-metre mast at the proposed site in a pine forest south of Woodend earlier this month.
The technology expo will give people the chance to sit behind the wheel of a Tesla electric car and have questions answered by sustainability experts.
Exhibitors in a community garden will cover permaculture, worms, beekeeping and vegetarian cooking.
Combined entry to the Saturday expos costs $10; $5 children. Details: slf.mrsgonline.org.au
