Now in its 12th year this year’s event will again be staged on the foreshores of beautiful Lake Alexandra.

By the time of print, and weather permitting, almost 700 students from 22 local primary schools will have joined us for a wonderful interactive day out.

Through a host on ‘hands-on’ exhibitions they will have learnt how unique and diverse our shire’s precious environment is.

They will have heard from passionate representatives from numerous agencies of the animals and plants that call the Southern Highlands home and why we need to protect and conserve these special habitats.

Most importantly the children will also have learnt ways in which to improve their immediate environment around their school and home and put into action these learnings.

By the day’s end they’ll probably be able to teach their families back home a thing or two.

As per previous years this annual event is funded via council’s award-winning Environment Levy.

Each year more than $1.1 million is directed towards local environmental and community projects as a result of this levy.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the students, their teachers and schools, the staff of council responsible for coordinating the day and all of our wonderful supporters and partners for hosting what I’m sure will be another wonderful Schools Environment Day.

October is Motorcycle Awareness Month and here at council we’re encouraging all drivers and riders to look out for each other when using our roads.

In the last week alone we’ve seen two very nasty accidents involving heavy vehicles occur on the Hume Highway near Berrima.

Sadly one of these accidents saw a driver lose his life.

I urge all drivers and riders to please take that little bit of extra care when travelling on our roads.

Slow down, be patient and return home safely.