THE second annual Frankston Water and Climate Change Expo is expected to draw a large crowd to the Frankston Arts Centre on Wednesday evening next week.
Guest speakers will include Water Minister Tim Holding and Sean Fitzgerald, co-host of the ABC television program Carbon Cops, which looked at how people could reduce their carbon emissions at home.
The expo, organised by Frankston MP Alistair Harkness, was held last year at the Frankston Football Club rooms.
"We're hoping for more people this time so have moved the expo to a larger venue," Mr Harkness said.
Expo visitors could find out about saving water at home, water restrictions and rebates, drought-proofing gardens and using less energy, he said.
There will be presentations and displays by Melbourne Water, South East Water, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Sustainability Victoria (which co-sponsored Carbon Cops), Environment Protection Authority, Frankston Council, environment groups and sellers of solar panels and water tanks.
Mr Harkness said many residents were concerned about water. "It's certainly a hot topic. Climate change and ongoing drought conditions are impacting on our water supply. While water-saving efforts have reduced Melbourne's water use by about a third, we still need to find new ways of conserving water and boosting supply."
Residents can exchange old showerheads for water-efficient versions at the expo.
Mr Harkness is also part of the Mobile Muster program in which people can bring old mobile phones for recycling instead of dumping them in tips.
"More than 90 per cent of mobile phones can be recycled and reused. A recycling process ensures metals and plastics are extracted for reuse. People can drop off their old phones at my office at 140 Young Street, Frankston," Mr Harkness said.
The Mobile Muster website is www.mobilemuster.com.au
Frankston Water and Climate Change Expo is on Wednesday, August 27, 6-8pm, at Frankston Arts Centre, Davey Street. Admission is free. Giveaways will include shower timers and drought-tolerant plants. Details: 9783 9822.