|
Hi ,
Isn't it wonderful that President Biden has put ambitious climate action and emission reduction targets on the world stage? Australia won't be able to hide from its major trading partners ~ they're calling on us to lift our game and so we should!
|
|
|
Simon Holmes a Court presented this graph at the recent Geelong Energy Futures Forum. It shows the magnitude of our task to fulfil the 2015 Paris Agreement and reach net zero by 2050. The downward trajectory is even steeper to reach net zero by 2030, which is what the scientific experts are calling for! We’re grateful to the Hon Lily D'Ambrosio Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change for opening our recent forum exploring Geelong’s future energy directions.
We’re standing at a critical crossroads. Will we look forward and embrace the low emission clean technologies or look backwards to carbon intensive options like gas import terminals or incinerating waste?
|
|
|
GS is committed to increasing the uptake of renewable energy in our region. I encourage anyone considering going solar or wondering if it's time to get a battery to book into one of the many information sessions being held in our Geelong+ Community Solar Program (see below).
The Australian Energy Regulator has given Powercor approval to upgrade the network to ensure 85% of solar customers will be able to export 5kW of power 85% of the time. Given the current network constraints and our solar program, this is welcome news.
We’ve had a busy time lately writing various grant submissions. For example to advance our Microvillage project, to lead the Barwon South West Community Power Hub, to undertake a community battery feasibility study and even host a Circular Living Challenge. Our fingers are crossed for favourable news soon.
In breaking news, the Victorian government has just announced its much anticipated interim emission reduction targets. It's aiming for a 28-33% cut by 2025 and a 45-50% cut by 2030. While we agree with Environment Victoria that the targets fall short of the science ~ they fit the political landscape and lessen my eco-anxiety!
Regards
Vicki Perrett, President
|
|
|
|
|
|
We grateful to the G21 Mayors for helping us launch the region's biggest ever solar bulk buy in Colac last week with our delivery partners, Mondo and RACV Solar. The Geelong+ Community Solar Program is designed to empower households and businesses to go solar by offering quality solar and battery systems, strong warranties, sound advice and trusted local installers. There's a social dividend also as for each home or business that takes part, our delivery partners will donate a solar panel to a non-profit community project! There are 20 information sessions planned across the region from 18 May.
|
|
Be part of the region’s largest community solar and battery program
|
|
|
|
|
Date: Wed 19 May, 3pm
Where: via Zoom
Join this supportive writing group, which meets monthly via Zoom and turn climate angst into effective action. No preparation required, come as you are! Email kjlamb99@gmail.com to request link. More info
|
|
|
When: Wed 19 May, 6.15-7.30pm
Where: Beav’s Bar, 77 Lt Malop St
Cost: $15, $12 (GS members)
Teacher: Heidi Martin from Van Loons Nursery and 3AW Radio has over 30 years experience in the horticulture industry. This passionate foodie will get you planting veggies and preparing fruiting trees for next summer! More info / book
|
|
|
When: Wed 26 May, 5.30-7.00pm
Where: Beav’s Bar, 77 Lt Malop St
Cost: $5 (includes snacks and materials)
Come along for an update from Sal Fisher and Tony Gleeson on the Geelong Renewables Not Gas campaign. Meet the campaign team and help raise community awareness. More info / book
|
|
|
When: Thurs 6 May, 4:45 - 6:00pm
Board Leaders Network are hosting this online seminar presented by Sarah Barker, Head of Climate Risk Governance, Minter Ellison. More info / register
|
|
|
When: Sat 8 May, 1.30-3.30pm
Where: St Luke’s Uniting Church, 174 Barrabool Rd, Highton
Take along broken household items or clothing for free repair. Email - More info
|
|
|
When: Thurs 13 May, 6pm
Where: Pivotonian, Moorabool St, Sth Geelong
Cost: $18 - Book tickets
This World War II-era spy thriller featuring Judy Dench is a fund-raiser to support the Friends of the ABC Geelong.
|
|
|
When: Tues 11 May, noon-1.00pm
Where: via Zoom
Join GS Climate Action Coordinator Sal Fisher and representatives from Narrabri and the ACT to learn how gas extraction and import facilities are impacting communities. Learn how government policies can avoid the so-called “gas shortfall”.
|
|
|
When: Sat 15 May, 2.15-3.00pm
Where: via Zoom, passcode: 884953
Hosted by the Victorian Climate Action Network, hear from Bruce Robertson, an energy analyst from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
|
|
|
When: Fri 21 May, 11am-2pm
Where: Johnstone Park
Organised by School Strike 4 Climate and Geelong SS4C let’s show our support for our kids ~ they’re making more sense than the grown-ups! More info #fundourfuturenotgas
|
|
|
24 events over 3 weekends from 14-30 May ~ Program info. Our highlights include:
Animals Make us Human
Sat 15 May, 4.00-5.00pm at Queenscliff Town Hall
Strong bonds with nature bring humanity, love and compassion to the fore. Panel discussion with book sales proceeds to the Australian Marine Conservation Society and Australian Wildlife Conservancy. Cost $25
A Journey of Love, Snow, Fire and an Enchanted Beer Can
Sat 29 May, 11am-noon at Queenscliff Town Hall Award-winning science reporter Jonica Newby (Beyond Climate Grief) explores the emotional turmoil brought on by climate change in her often funny and deeply moving personal story. Cost $25
The Original Storytellers
Sun 30 May, 6-7pm at Pt Lonsdale Primary School Hall Susan Moylan-Coombs (Woolwonga and Gurindji woman) shares ancient knowledge and wisdoms passed down orally through the generations. Free
|
|
Reconciliation in the Park
When: Sun 30 May, 10am-3pm
Where: Johnstone Park
Featuring cultural activities, music, dance and food, this annual event is always a fun learning experience for the whole family.
|
|
|
There was a full house at our recent forum to explore our region’s future energy options. Experts from across the energy sector shared opportunities and challenges for the energy transition from international, national, state and local perspectives.
Many thanks to all speakers: Hon Lily D'Ambrosio Minister for Energy, Environment & Climate Change, Ian Dunlop, Simon Holmes à Court, Imogen Jubb, Greg Foyster, Colin Long, Dan Cowdell, and Gemma Harrison. The depth of discussion during the Q&A sessions was reassuring. It's very clear that a transition to #renewables has huge opportunities for reducing emissions plus saving households & business money on their power bills. According to Beyond Zero Emissions analysis could create 16,000-20,000 jobs for our Council area ! Geelong needs to be a big part of this.
Read our news post for more information, watch the edited highlights video or download the presenters slides. See our call to action below.
|
|
|
This type of waste-to-energy technology generates more carbon emissions than a coal-fired power plant plus it emits all sorts of noxious gases including dioxin. Burning destroys the resource forever! ~ It’s neither clever nor creative.
Incineration is incongruent with the circular economy principles in both the Victorian and local Government waste management policies. Needless to say, GS is deeply opposed to this proposal.
- You can read our submission here
- Find out more & sign up for updates on this proposal here
- Read the VIC Greens’ informative policy here
- Learn more about this proposal and waste-to-energy generally here
Take Action: We encourage you to write to your local member or John Eren MP or send a letter to the Geelong Advertiser as the decision will be made in June.
|
|
|
In an exemplar of climate leadership, Deakin has launched the largest solar farm ever built on an Australian university campus. The 7MW renewable energy microgrid at Waurn Ponds will supply more than half of the campus’ energy demand. More info
Dr Alan Finkel and Dr Adrian Panow (Photo credit: Louisa Jones)
|
|
|
Barwon Water is to be congratulated for this fabulous project, which will rehabilitate the disused Bellarine Basin and transform the 30 hectare site into an environmental reserve and public open space. Enhancing the unique and natural features of the Bellarine Peninsula, it's sure to become a much valued resource for generations to come. More info
|
|
Halving food waste in Victoria
Food waste is a big financial and environmental concern in Victoria. Each year:
- It costs $6 billion in lost product value and disposal fees
- It creates 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions
- It wastes 29 billion litres of water.
The Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria policy aims to use a circular approach by reducing and reusing food waste across the entire food supply chain. They want to cut waste generation by 15% per capita over the next 10 years and halve food and organic waste going to landfill. Download the full Path to Half report.
|
|
|
Victoria has finally come into line with other states. Now all motorists must give cyclists at least 1m clearance when overtaking on roads up to 60km/h, and at least 1.5m where speed limits are above 60km/h. Note: under the updated rule, drivers and motorcyclists can briefly cross painted lines to give cyclists the space they need - including solid lines, double lines, painted tram lane lines and painted islands - but only when it’s safe to do so. More info
|
|
|
It’s been obvious to many since the demise of SKM that regional investment in new and upgraded recycling infrastructure is desperately needed to increase the sector’s resilience. Presently all our comingled recyclables are being transferred to materials processing facilities (MRFs) in Melbourne adding more carbon emissions. The Barwon South West Waste and Resource Recovery Group (BSWWRRG) commissioned an options paper into the region’s recycling infrastructure needs. More info
|
|
|
Visit our campaign page for more information:
|
|
|
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) is taking final submissions on their plan to allow big network companies to charge solar owners for putting clean energy into the grid. Solar Citizens have made it simple for you to make a submission.
|
|
How much energy does your household use?
|
|
|
|
|
Before rooftop solar
It’s important for people to understand how much power their homes and lifestyles consume. The table shows daily consumption for typical households. How does your consumption compare with these averages?
|
|
|
|
|
After rooftop solar
People, who've installed rooftop solar rely less on the grid and are more energy self-sufficient. For example, our President’s March power bill for her family home and office was 0.4kWh from the grid.
|
|
|
|
|
|
GS runs on people power. Please consider become a financial member and helping support our campaigns, events and projects We have 5 membership types: Full-time student ($10), Individual ($30), Family ($40), Community Partner ($30) and Business ($100). Join online here
|
|
|
Here's a further reading list of some recent important reports and stories.
|
|
Electric vehicles
Infrastructure Victoria report ~ Tackling Victoria’s Transport Emissions - link
Banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in Victoria by 2030 is among the top recommendations from a community panel to turn around the state’s rising transport emissions. Click link to read the panel’s full list of 21 recommendations.
ABC story ~ Victorian government plans to dramatically boost the sale of electric cars by 2030 - link
The state government wants half of all new cars sold in Victoria by 2030 to be zero-emission vehicles, and is offering 20,000 subsidies of up to $3,000 to help kickstart ownership.
|
|
Energy news
The Australian Energy Market Operator has called for collaboration from all quarters of the nation’s energy industry to navigate “incredibly fast” transition to renewables.
No to Crib Point LNG terminal
Congratulations to the Westernport community as their long 3-year campaign was successful. Minister Wynne has rejected AGL's proposed gas terminal in Westernport Bay on environmental grounds.
|
|
|
|
