On the Mornington Peninsula, something very special is taking place. In November, new artwork by eighteen leading Australian artists will be installed across fifteen sites from Coolart Wetlands to Point Nepean. In collaboration with Deakin University’s Public Art Commission and the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, the Front Beach Back Beach public art project will put the spotlight on unique and little-known local histories and landscapes through the artists’ responses to them.

Front Beach, Back Beach is committed to action on climate change. We have partnered with two environmental partners – Fifteen Trees and the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation Group (MPKC) to offset our carbon footprint.  We believe this project carries with it a responsibility and opportunity to move towards a more caring ecological approach to the development and delivery of public art projects.

Mornington Peninsula is located on the lands of the Bunurong/Boon Wurrung people and is one of the most biodiverse regions in Victoria. FBBB seeks to respect and help contribute to the conservation of these fragile ecologies by highlighting some of these precious places and committing to minimum disturbance and impact on them. Ecological care encompasses all things including biodiversity, communities, economies, histories, and cultures. FBBB seeks to develop new relationships across these broad ecologies, forging lasting connections and genuine exchange.

Given the dispersal of sites in this project, the greatest carbon output we anticipate will be generated from travel. Our aim is to minimise emissions wherever possible, and we accept that in addition to this, efforts are needed to offset our carbon footprint.

We are thrilled to be partnering with MPKC a local Landcare group committed to creating and enhancing biolinks that connect remnant koala habitat on the Mornington Peninsula.

CELIA MALLARD | MPRG Project Officer | Front Beach Back Beach

Front Beach Back Beach also aims to channel our collective past into a meaningful and sustainable future, encouraging visitors to reflect on issues that will impact future generations such as climate change. Significantly, project organisers are also modelling action that will make a difference to our future. Front Beach Back Beach have purchased 110 trees from Fifteen Trees to offset the carbon emissions of the event. We are thrilled to have planted these across the Mornington Peninsula to create habitat for local koalas on behalf of this ambitious project.

Some of the trees planted included; Drooping Sheoak, Coastal Banksia, Messmate, Swamp Gum, Coastal Manna Gum, Narrow-leafed Peppermint, Black Wattle, Blackwood, Scented and Swamp Paperbark and Silky Hakea.

The Somers Koala Habitat Project (Coolart to Cerberus Biolink) is a fabulous tree planting project to support. With over 70% of landholders confirming their intent to participate it is also backed by Mornington Peninsula Shire, Parks Victoria and the Department of Defence. And now with sponsors such as Fifteen Trees and Front Beach Back Beach, this revegetation project has grown by leaps and bounds.

Here’s a few reasons why this project is so important:

• Recent research from Deakin University suggests that the koala population has been negatively impacted by the highly fragmented nature of habitat on the Mornington Peninsula,
• By providing a wildlife corridor biolink it will allow animals including koalas to move safely, to reach vital food resources and help maintain viable populations,
• Without this, koala populations will inevitably continue to decline, become isolated and may face local extinction.

We are excited to bring FBBB to our audience. And to make the project as ecologically sensitive as possible we would love your help. You can help us mitigate our collective impact by:

• Electing to offset your personal carbon footprint by purchasing your own tree/s via our ecological partner Fifteen Trees. Follow the ‘Plant One On Me’ link for more.
• Making responsible choices and being honourable in your behaviour, respecting other visitors and the fragile ecologies of the region.
• Where possible, use public transport to and from locations. We will provide a public transport guide. If you must travel by air, please make a responsible choice to offset your flight when you buy your ticket.
• If you must travel by car, please car-pool. Share the FBBB experience with family, neighbours, friends, and colleagues.
• Bring your own water bottle and/or reusable coffee cup. Our app will let you know where you can conveniently refill.
• Take care not to leave anything behind as you spend time in, and move between sites.
• Use the FBBB digital resource rather than printing out maps, info or tickets.
• Use the restrooms for visitors highlighted in the app.
• Dispose of your waste in the bins located near exhibit areas, or better still, take it home with you (greasy paper/cardboard waste can’t be recycled, but composts at home easily).
• Bringing a picnic along to one of FBBB sites.  Use compostable or reusable packaging when bringing food from home.
• Check out the EAT/DRINK/STAY section for each project listing, we’ll be showcasing ecologically oriented local businesses.

CELIA MALLARD | MPRG Project Officer | Front Beach Back Beach

Read more about the project and how to view the artworks in November on their website.

This will be a road-trip you will not want to miss.

Writer: Bronwyn Blaiklock

Bronwyn is a multidisciplinary creative: a poet, a pianist, a reformed perfectionist. She has worked in the creative and education sectors for over 25 years. She also confesses to having an affair with an accordion, but whatever you do, don’t tell the piano. Find Bronwyn here.