Following in the footsteps of a savvy prince and the founder of farming philosophy that has taken the world by storm sounds a sensible thing to do. John Burrows talks to Kaye Cheval who is spreading the word about biodynamics.

Appearing at the GREENhouse: Healthy Ideas -10 am, Monday, December 27, 2010.

Transformation — changing the ways we do things – is what the Greenhouse is all about.

Advocating big changes to the way we produce food is Kaye Cheval, the first presenter in this year’s program. Kaye is a natural therapist and educator of biodynamics, the organic farming philosophy which has adherents world-wide. The essence of the biodynamic approach is that the farm is regarded as a self-contained entity where individual elements – soil, plants and animals – are integrated into a self-nourishing whole.

There are various techniques of soil enhancement, and an astronomical calendar is used to guide planting and harvesting times. Kaye is applying the biodynamic method on her property in the rolling hills of Carters Ridge, in the Noosa hinterland. It’s a lush landscape, green after good spring rain, very different from the semi-arid plains of western Queensland where she grew up.

Kaye Cheval

“My parents ran a sheep station near Winton,” Kaye recalls.

“We were very connected with the outdoors, went horse riding, ran around barefoot and swam in the dam.

“For much of our food, we were pretty well self-reliant, we had milk and butter, fruit trees and a garden enriched with cow manure, no chemicals at all.”

Chemicals, however, did play a big part in raising sheep, but safety issues didn’t get much attention in those days.

“My father developed and died from cancer in his early 50s from his exposure to these chemicals, so I have made it my life work to pass on what I have learnt over the years from others and from real life experiences,” said Kaye.

To that end she is developing her property – Waratah Eco Farm – as a place where people can learn and experience what it’s like to be on a farm operating under biodynamics and permaculture principles.

Kaye’s journey from the western plains began with a move to Sydney to study and work as a nurse, then marriage, children and a move back to the land. This was to a place in the Northern Rivers, a mixed farm where Kaye raised cattle and pigs, and grew vegetables. Her husband was a school teacher at nearby Nimbin, and it was inevitable that Kaye would encounter different approaches to farming.

“We didn’t use chemicals from day one,” said Kaye, “But living in the area led to an understanding that modern farm practices left a lot to be desired and there was a better way of doing things.”

Kaye also studied natural therapies and after moving to the Sunshine Coast, set up the Natural Therapy Centre in Cooroy. Here, for 10 years, she had a very successful practice; it was a no pills and no potions approach, more about advocating lifestyle changes, particularly regarding food. Her interest in biodynamics was sparked by a course she attended in 2002. It was run by Lynette West from the Biodynamic Education Centre. Lynette was the biodynamics consultant to the Mullon Creek Natural Farm.

This is the largest biodynamic farm in Australia and caught the interest of Prince Charles, who invited Lynette to run a foundation course on biodynamics at his organic farm in England.

Lynette died recently, and is an inspiration to Kaye, who is aiming to continue Lynette’s work of spreading the biodynamics philosophy on her property.

Kaye grows fruit and vegies, and there are the animals – chooks, ducks and goats which supply milk and cheese. Grevilleas mingle with fruit trees and attract birds, keeping insects under control. There are swales to conserve ground moisture. One corner of the property is devoted to forest.

Kaye says that biodynamics is viable for both large and small-scale farming. The principles can be applied to a backyard or even a small courtyard. She cites the case of a friend in her 80s, living in a retirement home.

“Space is tight, but my friend grows bananas, vegetables, herbs, and various fruit trees in pots, as well as keeping bees and making biodynamic preparations. She is a good example of someone doing it on a small scale.”

The use of preparations is an intriguing part of the biodynamics method. They’re made by packing a cow’s horn with cow manure, burying it deep in the ground in the autumn, recovering it in the spring and further treating the fermented material by mixing with water and stirring in a certain way. The preparation can then be used as a compost additive, or more commonly used to spray on fields – a little goes a long way – to increase soil nutrition and fertility.

It’s an important part of the biodynamics philosophy, which was developed in the 1920s by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian who also founded a new spiritual movement – Anthroposophy – and the Steiner education system.

He believed that the preparations imparted cosmic forces into the soil. His methods must have results, if the growth of biodynamic farming is any guide. It’s practised in more than 50 countries.

New Zealand proponent Peter Proctor has taken the concept to India, where he has worked with marginal farmers across the country to conserve soil and save communities. A film of his work, One Man, One Cow, One Planet, has won awards world-wide.

Kaye is spreading the word at the local level, and concentrates on the practical steps that everyone can take.

“We need to avoid dead food,”  said Kaye.

“That’s why the soil used for growing food must be healthy and able to supply the nutrients needed in our diet. We can then expect to have healthy bodies.”

Stan Ceglinski enthralls Expo visitors with tales tall but true (Photograph: Mim Coulstock)

On the 1st and 2nd May, the Maleny Showgrounds will come alive as the mobile mills fire up and the smell of fresh-cut sawdust wafts across the grounds, bringing our timber heritage into the 21st century with everything from chainsaws to fine furniture.

Stan Ceglinski will take us back to our roots as he demonstrates the age-old skills used by white settlers when they came to the Blackall Range in the mid 1800s to harvest the red cedars.

And the mobile millers will bring us back to the present to the delight of Expo visitors – converting massive tree trunks into slabs and planks with high powered machines, camaraderie and friendly competition.

This timber is transformed into a wide range of furniture and other items by our superb timber craftsmen. On display will be lovingly crafted products from furniture-makers and toy-makers, musical instrument-makers and box-makers, whittlers and carvers and everything in between.

And all pieces are crafted from sustainably harvested native, weed and recycled timbers.

The sustainability theme flows throughout the event with displays highlighting regional environmental initiatives, the Taste Maleny Produce Store offering local boutique produce, and the sustainable lifestyles area.

There will even be the chance to try out the 21st century, single person, short-haul, personal transporter – the Segway – not limited to under-age drivers!

Take time out, if you need a break, with a ‘beer & burger’ from the Landcare Bar and BBQ, or sample one of the other fabulous food treats on offer. Or you can just sit back and sip on a fair trade latte from Montville Coffee.

The Expo’s feature exhibition for 2010 is Figs in the Forest. This Barung project forms part of TreeLine – a Sunshine Coast Council initiative to celebrate trees and their stories and inspire others to take action for the environment through art.

More than 30 local artisans inspired by the Blackall Range’s mighty rainforest figs have contributed works for the exhibition.

“Live action at this year’s Expo will include demos by chainsaw, trade and woodworking tool and equipment experts,” said Expo Coordinator, Steve McLeish.

“And we have more for the whole family this year” says Steve.

“For our younger visitors we will have skateramp-making workshops and aerial bike-riding demonstrations, candle-making and merimba workshops, great street theatre and loads more.

“With exhibits including eco-friendly building products, local produce and gourmet foods, environmental displays, local native plants and great food, the Expo really has something for everyone!”

Admission is $12 for adults which includes parking at the Showgrounds, and children under 16 are free of charge. Concessions are available.

If you would like to lend a hand over the Expo weekend – and hopefully stay to enjoy a coffee and browse – give Volunteer Coordinator, Jonathon Waites, a ring on 5494 3151 or go to the website (shown below) for a volunteer form.

On the front line, volunteers man the parking, entry gates, raffle ticket sales, Landcare BBQ tent and Barung’s plant sales. Behind the scenes they keep the event running smoothly and ensure visitors go home with a lingering taste of Maleny’s ‘country’ hospitality.

The Maleny Wood Expo is proudly hosted by Barung Landcare and is both its major educational event for the year and major fundraiser. Any surplus raised through the event helps keep the office and nursery open and staffed for the wider community.

Thanks to the Sunshine Coast Council, Caloundra Tourism and the many small local businesses for their ongoing and generous support.

For more information visit the Maleny Wood Expo website.

Associate Professor Peter Waterman from the University of the Sunshine Coast

The climate was on everybody’s mind as low clouds created hot and humid conditions on the Sunshine Coast today. But it wasn’t only local weather patterns being discussed. As the Copenhagen climate conference enters its second week, thousands of Australians took to the streets around the country for the 5th annual walk against warming.

On the Sunshine Coast almost 200 residents not only demanded government action at Copenhagen, they also showed the value of local businesses and environment groups coming together.

The Sunshine Coast Environment Council, solar business, Ingenero and Maleny Credit Union used the day to launch the Sunshine Coast 10,000 Solar Roofs Project. Injecting an estimated $20 million into the local economy, as well as creating over 100 jobs, the project will install 10,000 solar-power systems without any upfront costs.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council environment portfolio chair, Cr Keryn Jones said the Sunshine Coast ranks as one of the most popular areas in Australia for solar-power installation.

“The Sunshine Coast now has one of the highest per capita installation areas for solar power in Australia and the new 10,000 Solar Roofs Project will keep us in the forefront,” she said.

Associate Professor Peter Waterman, who teaches climate-change adaptation at the University of the Sunshine Coast believes we need to keep focused on locally-based action.

“It is great to be aware of the bigger picture but we have to do things in our region, our homes, our workplaces and our lives. We have to think about adapting — we have to climate proof,” he said.

Half of all Renewable Energy Certificates generated come from solar hot water and not renewable energy such as photovoltaic panels.

The Federal Government’s chop and change approach to renewable energy policy is causing uncertainty and the stalling of cleaner energy projects.

Everyone knows that solar hot water is not a renewable energy source however Minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong has included solar hot water and heat pumps as part of the Renewable Energy Target, claiming that Treasury modelling showed it would only amount to 5 per cent of the target. The modelling Senator Wong relied on got it very wrong with approximately 50 per cent of all Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) generated coming from solar hot water and not renewable energy.  The resultant flood of RECs has collapsed the price affecting the viability of renewable energy projects across the country.

Greens Senator Christine Milne has warned, “We have got 150 jobs on the line right now with Keppel Prince Engineering and we have got $20 billion worth of investment in commercial-scale renewable energy projects at risk. Dare I say that, if this were 150 workers in a coalmine or in a coal-fired power station or $20 billion worth of investment in coal at risk, there would be emergency meetings all over the place, but this is renewable energy.”

It is said that it can be good sometimes to be behind as you can learn from the mistakes and success of others. Not apparently when it comes to renewable energy policy.

Feed in tariffs (FiT) means that if you are generating green electricity and sending it back to the grid you are getting paid a higher price.  There is a “net” feed in tariff where you only get paid for the excess you send back to the grid after your own household usage has been taken out. With a’gross” FiT one gets paid for what ever is generated.

Countries like Germany and France have grown their clean renewable industry by having long-term certainty around a national gross feed in tariff.

Farmers in Germany put solar panels in their paddocks and on their barns and make a good rate of return as they are guaranteed a price for 20 years. China, Japan and the UK are all introducing gross feed in tariffs to assist the transition to a low carbon economy.

The Federal Government have allowed feed in tariff arrangements to be handled by the States and the result is a total lack of consistency.  Western Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania have no feed in tariffs. Queensland and South Australia have net feed in tariffs of 44 cents per KwH, Victoria has a net of 60 cents, ACT has a gross FiT of 50 cents and next year New South Wales is to be congratulated for having the highest feed in at 6o cents gross per KwH.

What a crazy situation for such an important piece of policy to be handled in this way. The Federal Government has made the mess and now they need to fix it. Immediate action is required to remove solar hot water from the Renewable Energy Target. Take federal control of feed in tariffs and introduce a national gross feed in of say 60 cents a KwH.

It is about time that the coal industry was told to look after itself and the tax-payer subsidies withdrawn, and assistance went instead to the future of renewable energy.

Renewable energy:investing in the future

The structure of the world-wide economy has been criticised for many years as being responsible for environmental degradation. The moral and ethical values of investors and lenders have come under the spotlight in recent months as the major cause of the so-called economic crisis. As governments around the world inject tax-payer money into failing economies and debate about who will take the lead on climate change, there are a number of steps, we as individuals, can take.

Sunshine Coast hinterland residents have the opportunity to hear James Thier and Karen McLeod discuss ethical investment and climate change at a seminar to be held on Thursday July 30.

They believe that changing your investments and superannuation to an ethical fund manager is one of the most important ways individuals can make real, positive change in the fight against climate change and a range of other environmental and social issues. Ethically managed funds in Australia have risen from $325 million in 2000 to $17.62 billion in 2008.

Founding director of Australian Ethical Investment and Superannuation, James Thier said: ” Ethical investment is about making sure you know what your money is doing. If you’re making personal efforts to reduce your water and energy use, taking public transport and recycling, then your money should be working to make a positive difference too”.

As individuals it’s often hard to make your way through the maze of greenwash. As this recent article, World’s most unliveable city discusses.

Certified financial planner and authorised representative of Ethical Investment Advisers (EIA), Karen McLeod said: “Investors are often unsure which ethical investments are right for them. We help investors decide. We discuss both their financial needs and ethical values — bringing to light the investment areas that clients wish to avoid or support. Then, drawing on comprehensive ethical and financial research, we advise which investments are suitable. This process gives investors the reassurance that they are making informed decisions about their investments”.

James Thier has helped the company grow from an idealistic concept 22 years ago to now managing more than $530 million on behalf of 18,000 investors and super members across Australia. James is also a Churchill Fellow, having recently travelled to the US and Europe to research shareholder advocacy.

Karen McLeod has spent years working at traditional financial planning firms, and consequently realised her personal desire to help clients invest without compromising their values. She is a certified financial adviser with the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).

EIA specialise in environmental and socially responsible investment. It is an independent company, with no affiliations to banks or other financial institutions, and offers a fee for service model. Their clients are found in the Maleny area, as well as throughout Australia.

Ethical Investment and Climate Change Seminar
6.15pm to 7.30pm, Thursday 30th July
Deck Room, Tranquil Park Resort, 483 Mountain View Road, Maleny

RSVPs for the seminar can be sent to Karen McLeod: kmcleod@ethicalinvestment.com.au, or by phoning 07 3876 2377.

Szencorp Green Building Award

Kate Jones, MP with Bob and Christine Cameron of Rockcote

Rockcote recently took home the Szencorp Green Building Award at the recent United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards.

The ‘green building’ accolade was awarded to Rockcote’s multi-award winning design centre on Queensland’s Gold Coast. The
1000-square-metre, single-storey building, acts as a warehouse and showroom for Rockcote’s products, which include environmentally-friendly paint, energy-efficient walling systems, coloured renders and high-performance membrane coatings.

After winning the award Rockcote’s Bob Cameron said: “Rockcote and Szencorp’s approach to business is similar in that we both believe sustainability should be an integral part of the business model, from work practices through to buildings.

“It is only when you take a holistic and innovative approach to building design that real environmental and business benefits, along with cost savings, can be achieved”.

Melbourne based Szencorp was the first company in Australia to retrofit an inefficient, typical suburban office block into Australia’s highest rated sustainable building. Its multi-award winning Szencorp Building in South Melbourne has achieved a 6 Star Green Star rating for design and 5 Star NABERS ratings for energy and water performance.

Queensland Sustainable Industries Awards

The Rockcote Design Centre at Nerang

Rockcote has also been recognised at the recent Queensland Sustainable Industries Awards after receiving the Premier’s Award for Leadership in Business Sustainability.

Queensland Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said: “This a perfect example of a smart Queensland business with eyes on the future and a climate smart attitude”.

The full list of winners at the Sustainable Industries Awards:

• Bob and Chris Cameron, Rockcote Enterprises – Premier’s Award for Leadership in Business Sustainability
• Food Connect – Minister’s Award for ClimateSmart Leadership – West End
• Queensland Complete Printing Services (QPrint) – Corporate Sustainability Award – Nambour
• Mitchell Enviro Industrial Estate – Industrial Eco-efficiency Award – Staypleton
• Cooee Products – Innovation in Sustainable Technologies Award – Maroochydore
• Arup – Sustainability in the Built Environment – Robina
• Noosa Community Training Centre – Sustainability Partnerships Award – Noosa
• Camreay Holdings – Rural Sustainability Award – Bundaberg

Rockcote has won numerous awards for its sustainability achievements including:

• 2002 UDIA Champion Project for Sustainable Development
• 2004 Year of the Built Environment Premier’s Award (QLD)
• 2004 Year of the Built Environment Queensland Government Award
• 2005 UDIA Award (QLD for Excellence in Sustainable Development
• 2005 Energex Award for Excellence in Sustainable Development
• 2005 Citation from the Environmental Protection Agency – leadership in sustainable practices
• 2006 President’s Award, UDIA
• 2008 Runner-up in the prestigious international 2008 Prix D’Excellence Awards Environmental Category at the FIABCI World Congress in Amsterdam
• 2009 United Nations World Environment Day Green Building Award
• 2009 Premier’s Award (QLD) for Leadership in Business Sustainability, Queensland Sustainable Industries Awards

Bob Cameron at the Rockote Design Centre

Australia’s first sustainable commercial building wins international recognition

Yandina-based Rockcote, manufacturers of eco-friendly paints and renders, have gained international recognition for their Gold Coast showroom. The Rockcote Design Centre, Australia’s first truly sustainable commercial building, is built on a former wasteland at Nerang.

The building was announced as the runner-up in the prestigious international 2008 Prix D’Excellence Awards Environmental Category at the FIABCI World Congress in Amsterdam on May 29.

With architecture cleverly integrated into the landscaping of the surrounding site, the building achieves total self-sufficiency in water, waste treatment and energy.

Furthermore it sells its excess power into the electricity grid. These features are a first for a commercial building of its kind in Australia and set. It is now setting an example in its use of natural systems for heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation for others to follow.

Integral to the building’s design is the surrounding organic garden and its water capture and treatment system. They all work together to provide clean water, food, clean air, and a healthy environment. The fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in the garden are enjoyed by the building’s occupants and visitors in their cafe.

Rockcote’s owner Bob Cameron said: “Our project demonstrates that environmental objectives can be achieved at no greater cost than a conventional building of the same size.

“More importantly, its running costs are far lower, it provides a healthier and more productive environment for all who use it and gives considerable benefits for the surrounding community.”

In 2006 the Rockcote Design Centre was recognised as Australia’s best building, winning the President’s Award in the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s National Awards for Excellence.

Of course I can’t hold still and have to talk about my truth: that there is more to business than making money. That it is a vehicle to increase the wellbeing of everyone connected to the business (the employees, the clients, the suppliers, our planet).

The argument comes back: Maybe. But without money none of these other things can be done. So it all comes back to money. Therefore the only reason to be in business is to make money.

It took a while until I realised that the opposite is just as true. Without committed employees, delighted clients, dependable suppliers; and in fact a healthy planet, money cannot be earned. Money would have no meaning at all.

Does that mean the only reason to be in business is to fix the world? No. Making money is vitally important. The better any business does that, the better it can serve its employees, clients and the planet.

What it does mean is that we have a choice as business owners about where we put our focus. Just chasing the dollars without any concern for the wellbeing of others cannot work long term. At the same time, running a business without focus on the bottom line is doomed for failure.

The solution: a truly sustainable business. It keeps the different elements in balance: people, planet and profits. None is more important than the other, none is less important. They all have to be kept in harmony.

So for anyone with strong environmental or social passion, I recommend getting someone on your team who comes from the mindset of the only reason to be in business is to make money. As long as there is mutual respect for each other’s position, it significantly enhances your chances of building a great business.

For those that are not convinced, I just want to go back to the bees. Imagine bees deciding to collect pollen just for themselves without sharing it. The colony would die within a few days. They are performing a social role beyond their immediate mission. And environmentally? Without bees, no flowers would be pollinated, no seeds would develop, and no flowers would be there. The bees would die.

So even with a single minded goal of collecting pollen, bees are perfectly sustainable, looking out for people, planet and pollen. The only difference is that we can think about what we are doing and can make conscious choices.

I would say the only reason to be in business is to balance the wellbeing of people, planet and profits. Any imbalance might work short-term, but it will always result in failure, either as an individual, a business or a race.

“I was taught that a company is made up of plant, equipment and capital. Staff is outside the company and just employed to run things,” he said.

He disagreed back then and still does.

“A company is a community of people. Plant, equipment and capital are employed by the people to achieve their vision,” said Mr Cameron. There is no doubt that he is correct.

In 21 years, Rockcote has grown out of a Sunshine Coast backyard shed to a yearly turnover of more than $20 million and 79 employees. Rockcote produces renders and paints that are free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and any other toxic
chemicals.

Their operations are based on the concept of Biomimicry, that is, basing business organisation and industrial processes on lessons we see in nature. In nature there is no waste. Everything gets re-used and recycled. Using these concepts Rockcote is achieving some astounding solutions.

What makes this business truly outstanding is that no compromises are accepted. Rather than being green while forsaking profits, the credo is: “The bottom line of green is black.” With its constant growth, Rockcote has always felt the pressure of cash-flow. The solution: focusing on profit from investments with the least capital employed.

This flows on to the production facilities, which are highly adaptable. Not through the use of sophisticated computer system, but through simplicity. Bob explains: “We do not produce to planned targets. Instead our production beats in tune with sales.”

The biggest impact on the company’s success comes from one thing: the community that Bob has gathered around him to turn his vision into reality. Chris Cameron is the heart of that community. She joined the company in 1989 as office manager. While growing into the role of marketing and sales manager (and part-owner of Rockcote), she has developed a great balance of professionalism and personal caring. The highly effective management team is sometimes referred to as a council of elders.

As many businesses are starting to catch onto environmental issues, Rockcote is one step ahead by aiming for a net benefit to the environment in a similar fashion to a tree or forest and therefore producing a surplus of water, energy and resources. Without saying it, it is clear that the vision includes a surplus in profits.

In this era of fast-paced consumerism, with its centrepiece firmly based within the great Americanised shopping malls, many Sunshine Coast residents are looking for something different.

How often can you stop and have a friendly chat to the shopkeeper? Too busy to talk, or just not interested, they want your money and that’s about where the relationship starts and ends.

The smell of fast food, the mix of shopping-mall music and the pumping, almost throbbing sounds of the, ‘buy now and then get out of my shop’, kind of music. From the colours on the walls, the music to the lighting, it’s all there to entrance the shopper, stimulate your senses and make you do one simple thing – reach into your pocket and whip the plastic card out. This Christmas, expect every trick in the book to attract moth-like shoppers to the bright lights.

Sue attends the Cooran Eco Markets and sells her fruit trees on the first and third Saturday of each month. Image greghardwick.com.au

Yes the temperature is cool in the unnatural cocoon of the mall, but human contact, local products and a sense of community, is often absent.

Visit your local markets on the weekend and it’s a very different story. In the elements and out with your local community everything appears more relaxed. It’s an opportunity to catch up with friends, to meet new people, eat something fresh and perhaps even learn something.

Dozens of markets are held on the Coast. One of the most famous is of course at Eumundi. But you don’t have to travel far to find one in your town, near your suburb, with local people selling local products they have grown or made.

Sue attends the Cooran Eco Markets and sells her fruit trees on the first and third Saturday of each month. “It’s important that the trees are adapted to local conditions. That’s why we grow and sell our own. It makes sense to buy local products,” she says.

Nearby is Kerry, with his head down making one of his leather bracelets, as his wind chimes move gently beside him.

A short stroll and Robyn is talking with a friend, Kylie, about her local handmade ceramics. She’s proud of what she does and it shows as she displays some of her latest creations.

And in the background, slightly up the hill, Terri and Brett provide some gentle sounds in the shade of a large fig. Everyone is smiling, happy and always ready for a friendly chat. It feels like that thing Margaret Thatcher once said didn’t exist – a community.

This Christmas, why not free yourself from long drives to the shopping mall and get out there and visit your local markets. You will be pleasantly surprised and a whole lot more relaxed.

Now it’s time I checked out those fine looking chickens over there …