As we battle to suppress community transmission of the Delta variant, we’re all missing connecting with our family and friends. I hope you’re able to find some joy to offset the continued isolation. John and I enjoy monitoring the Red-cap Plovers that breed along our foreshore. This week, we were delighted to discover the first nest of the season!
The latest UN IPCC report was described as a Code Red warning to policy makers. The widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere and biosphere have unequivocally been caused by human influence. Australian land areas have already warmed 1.4C making us more vulnerable to heatwaves, extreme fire days, droughts, floods and sea level rise.
Fortunately around the world, the falling cost of renewables and the growing imperative to reach net zero emissions are hastening the demise of fossil fuels. It’s not a case of if ~ but when and how? Will Australia’s transition be planned and fair or chaotic and unfair? While the preferred path is a no-brainer, it will only happen with broad stakeholder commitment, forward thinking, shared goals and ongoing collaboration.
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GS is pleased that the City of Greater Geelong proposed the science-based target of net zero emissions by 2035 in their Climate Change Response Plan. While much more work is required to implement the Plan and prioritise actions, we’re calling for everyone to get on board, especially business. [Read GS submission]
By responding to the environmental challenges, Geelong can seize the economic opportunities to build prosperity and sustainable jobs. Geelong has the infrastructure, skilled workforce and manufacturing heritage to become a regional hub for renewables and advanced manufacturing. We must rapidly electrify our homes, industry, commerce and transport. Reducing demand for gas will reduce the need for more gas supply and the import terminals proposed for Corio Bay.
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Since the launch of our Geelong Renewables Not Gas (GRNG) campaign, it has gathered considerable momentum and formed numerous alliances. Going forward the campaign will be managed by the Australian Conservation Foundation under a new local group ~ ACF Community Geelong. GS will continue to be an alliance partner of the campaign whilst focusing our own efforts on assisting households and businesses to transition away from gas. We’re delighted to have energy expert Tim Forcey presenting our next Clever Living seminar, ‘How To Reduce Your Energy Bills & Get Off Gas’ on September 15. Plus we’ll be hosting a practical ‘Going Off Gas’ seminar during Sustainable House Day.
Regards Vicki Perrett, President
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When: Tues 31 Aug, 2:00pm TODAY Businesses, large and small should attend this FREE webinar to find out how they can utilise government incentives to upgrade to more energy-efficient equipment. More info / Book ~ Register interest in the program
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When: Tues 31 Aug, 4:30 pm TODAY We’ve passed the 1MW milestone with over 100 solar and battery systems currently being installed across our region. If you’re still thinking about going solar, getting more panels or a battery, be sure to register for this free info session. More Info / Book
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Given the climate-related issues happening around the world, we owe it to future generations to get involved. Take the first step by joining this friendly online session. You’ll quickly be writing impactful letters to politicians and the local press. When: Wed 15 Sep, 3:00-4:30pm Where: online via Zoom RSVP: Email Karen kjlamb99@gmail.com for the link or more info. More info ~ Check out the advocacy resources at Climate for Change.
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Clever Living Seminar: How to Reduce Your Energy Bills & Get Off Gas
When: Wed 15 Sept, 6:30pm Where: The Gordon, Auditorium, Cnr Latrobe & Gordon Ave For renters & homeowners - this will be a journey of discovery. Energy expert, Tim Forcey will explain how going all electric and getting off gas saves you money and the environment. Cost: $5 More info / book
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Given the ongoing restrictions, we’re planning an exciting virtual program. Wed 29 Sept, 5:30pm - SHD2021 Launch to introduce the program and the homeowners. Sat 16 Oct, 10:30am - 5:15pm – We’ll host 4 online specialist seminars:
- Showcase: our Climate Safe Rooms project
- Showcase: Samaritan House's social housing development
- Case studies: Going off Gas panel with homeowners and tradies
- Building Materials: The Big Decisions - an expert panel will discuss contemporary building products and practices & answer your questions.
Sun 17 Oct, 10:30am - 5:15pm – We’ll host 4 virtual house tour seminars with videos and panel discussions with the homeowners and technical experts and loads of Q&A. Our feature homes include 8+ star new builds, strawbale home and a retrofitted suburban home & permaculture garden. Check out the landing page, more details soon ~ Contact Vicki if you’d like to be an event sponsor.
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When: Tues 21 Sep to Sun 17 Oct Where: online via Zoom Renew’s program features four themed weeks of webinars with experts and homeowners: Week 1: Building and Design Week 2: Retrofitting Week 3: Building Materials Week 4: Climate Resilient Homes More info
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Residents at Risk seminar
When: Wed 13 Oct, 6pm Where: Online via Zoom An information session about the gas terminal and resident safety issues. More info Email Sal to order one of these free campaign sign for your front yard.
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Congrats to the winners of these inaugural awards, which recognise the fantastic efforts of local grassroots volunteer groups. More info
- Climate Action - was shared by:
- Mik Aidt for his climate emergency declaration website
- GS for its virtual Sustainable House Day event, #SHD2020. CoGG also entered GS into Keep Victoria Beautiful’s Sustainable Cities award
- Waste Reduction - Lids 4 Kids for saving plastic lids from landfill
- Biodiversity - Andrea Dennett for Hooded Plover conservation
- Water Conservation - Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek
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GS encourages you to stay connected with this important campaign.
- Join up with the new group - ACF Community Geelong
- Sign petition - telling the Planning Minister Richard Wynne our community wants a renewables-led not gas-led future for Geelong
- Visit website - check out the new GRNG campaign website
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Ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released its latest assessment report on the physical science basis of climate change. It's a massive report with clear warnings. Here are some useful links: Regional Fact Sheet for Australasia ~ Summary for Policymakers ~ FAQs ~ IPCC Interactive Atlas ~ Press Conference Slides ~ AR6 full report
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A YouGov poll, the biggest survey ever conducted of Australians’ opinions on climate change ~ has found a majority of voters in all 151 federal electorates ~ believes the Morrison government should be doing more to tackle climate change. The results debunk the myth about a city-country divide. One-in-three metro voters and one-in-four rural voters say climate change is the most important election issue for them. More info ~ Download the report ~ Check the numbers in your electorate
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The Climate Council is calling on the Federal Government to listen to the science and develop a whole-of-economy plan to triple Australia’s climate efforts. We have a decade to reduce our emissions by 75%. Our major trading partners and allies like the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and the EU are already ramping up their climate commitments and we must too! Sign and share the petition today!
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Let’s end the Climate Wars - Take action!
When Independent MP Zali Steggall’s Climate Change Bills are re-introduced to Parliament, they need to be debated and voted on with a conscience vote.
- Listen to Zali's recent interview on The Sustainable Hour
- Add your name to over 96,000 people supporting the Bills
- Write to your MP telling them to support the passage of the Bills
- For more info, read our blog post,
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In the lead up to COP26 in Glasgow, our colleagues at ADAC (A Different Approach Community) want us to send the Prime Minister a big message. So they’re organising a big photo opportunity on the public lawns in front of Parliament House. ADAC and Zali are hoping that thousands of letters from concerned citizens can be displayed on the lawns of Parliament House during the October sitting session. Post your letter or drawing or simple message to: Plea for Climate Action, Locked Bag 8450, Canberra, ACT 2600 by 30 September. Please write your postcode and email address on the back.
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Sustainable Cities & Communities
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Barwon Water is seeking community feedback on its draft vision, principles and objectives to rehabilitate this 30 hectare site in Wallington. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine the site for future environmental and recreational enjoyment. More info ~ Register for updates ~ Complete survey by 6 Sept.
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GS recently gave a presentation to East Geelong Rotary with a view to future collaboration. Many Rotary Groups have an Environment Director. The environment is the 7th area of focus for Rotary International, whose activities cover all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) focuses on Circular Economy, Food Systems, Biodiversity, Sustainable Living, Pollution and Climate. More info
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The local distribution of WGAC’s recycled, forest-friendly toilet paper is our only ongoing fund raising activity. WGAC donates 50% of its profits to WaterAid to improve sanitation in developing countries. Each box contains 48 double length rolls of 3-ply paper ~ enough to keep you well stocked through months of lockdown - just kidding! Premium Bamboo - $56 or Standard Recycled - $47 Visit our store for more info & to order - New stock just in!
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In another funding success, Geelong Sustainability has been granted Stream One: Project Development funding for its Geelong Neighbourhood Battery Initiative. The project will undertake a feasibility study to identify the viability of deploying an aggregate of 1MW neighbourhood batteries and the resulting benefits for consumers, communities and the network. Our project partners include Tango Energy, Powercor, CoGG and Mondo. More info
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Did you know there are serious under-recognised health problems caused by cooking with gas? Studies have linked gas cooktops to 12% of childhood asthma. An induction cooktop uses a magnetic induction field to turn your cooking pot into the actual heating element. So the pot quickly (nearly immediately) heats up and the water starts to boil. More info
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Transport accounts for 18% of the municipality’s emissions. So it’s good to see Geelong council is starting to switch its fleet to electric vehicles (EV). There are 13 publicly accessible EV charging stations located in the CBD, Armstrong Creek and Leopold and after receiving an ARENA grant a further 8 fast chargers will be installed soon. More info
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The community is still awaiting answers to its many questions about the proposed Prospect Hill incinerator.
- Where will the waste come from as local councils implement zero waste plans?
- Where is the business case that shows the project is even feasible?
- How can this plant be a transitional waste solution when it will operate for more than 25 years?
- Where is the social licence for this project?
- Why is there no front end sorting to remove dangerous waste?
- Why is there no agreement with Powercor to off-take the energy?
Stuart Grimley has agreed to sponsor our e-petition in the Legislative Council. Sign our petition ~ Engage Vic info ~ GS campaign info
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The systemic shift to a circular economy is generating a positive impact on the environment through reducing atmospheric emissions, increasing the share of renewable energy and recyclable resources, as well as reducing the use of raw materials, water, land and energy. More info Start planning which cities you’d like to visit when the international borders finally open!
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A summary of some of the more important reports and stories over the last month.
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International news
Zero-Emission Homes Act of 2021, link The Zero-Emission Homes Act of 2021 seeks to action the report by making household electrification easy and affordable through consumer rebates for modern, electric appliances to equalize the upfront costs at the time of replacement, spurring market demand, driving down prices and creating thousands of jobs.
Bringing Infrastructure Home: A 50-State Report on US Home Electrification - link
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Charlotte Nijhuis, Renew Economy ~ Germany can fulfil entire energy demand with renewables in 10-15 years – link According to the calculations, not only the electricity demand, but the entire energy demand in this country could be secured with renewables.
The New York Times ~ Biden, in a Push to Phase Out Gas Cars, Tightens Pollution Rules - link President Biden has reintroduced the Obama vehicle emission standards target, aiming to have half of all vehicles sold in the US be electric by 2030.
Jamie Beck Alexander, Fast Company ~ Will corporations choose climate transformation or climate status quo? - link Too many of the world’s largest companies that set a net zero target are nowhere near actually meeting them!
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National news
Peter Hannam, Sydney Morning Herald ~ Renewables drive Australian emissions lower as wind records blown away - link The rise of renewables is delivering the bulk of emissions reductions in Australia. Photo credit: Dominic Lorrimer
The Conversation ~ Wind turbines off the coast could help Australia become an energy superpower, research finds - link Research has confirmed that wind conditions off southern Australia offer vast potential for electricity generation rivalling those off the North Sea in Europe. If built, ten proposed wind farms would generate more power than all the coal plants in the nation.
Michael Mazengarb, Renew Economy ~ Young Liberals sell lump of Adani coal for $2,600 in party fundraiser - link As the world’s scientists were preparing to release the most comprehensive report on the science of climate change, the ACT Young Liberals were boosting their coffers by auctioning off a lump of coal! Really, you'd think the kids would know better?
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