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In wrapping up the year, our final newsletter aims to provide a summary of positive stories and emerging trends in 2021. It’s been a very eventful year for sustainability globally, nationally and locally. For Geelong Sustainability, it’s definitely been our busiest year yet. We greatly appreciate your continuing support and invite your active participation in the coming year.
Post COP26, the race to net zero is gathering pace around the world. If Greater Geelong is to seize the opportunities, 2022 must herald the commencement of serious collaborative planning about how we achieve our municipal goal of net zero emissions by 2035. Doubtless this massive complex challenge will test our courage, empathy and resilience.
Bob Hawke once made headlines for saying that economics was about happiness. In a recent article, Ross Gittins explains how economics should enable all people to achieve their full potential. Research shows that if our lives have meaning then happiness is a pleasant side effect. I’ve certainly found that volunteering for GS has given purpose to my retirement.
Despite these perplexing times, I sincerely hope that you get to properly relax and reconnect with family, friends and nature over the festive season.
Wishing you a happy, healthy and purposeful 2022!
Regards
Vicki Perrett, President
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Looking for an artistic way to raise your voice?
The Geelong Climate Choir, which performs at local community events, is seeking new members. Rehearsals are led by Genevieve Newton an experienced music teacher ~ no experience is necessary.
When: Mon 17 Jan, 6-7pm then 24 Jan, 7-8.30pm
Where: Geelong Trades Hall, 127 Myers St More info
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Organised by the Our Lady Star of the Sea PS, this fun twilight fair aims to inspire people to connect and care for our Earth.
When: Fri 18 Feb, 4:30-7:30pm
Where: Ocean Grove Park, Presidents Ave
GS will be there with a range of fun activities including EVs and e-bikes to test. More info
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All the resources and Zoom recordings are still available for you to browse at your convenience over the summer. More info
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The Guardian Green Recovery explainer videos
Watch these short videos for a quick update on important national issues and possible solutions.
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Renewable Energy ~ Good News
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Wind and solar set new records in late November, delivering more than 60% of Australia’s main grid demand. Conversely, fossil fuels hit their lowest demand yet. More info ~ Track the NEM
Australia leads world in rooftop solar
The PV in Australia Report for 2020, published in November reported a record-breaking year for rooftop solar, with a total of 370,000 new systems installed on homes and businesses, and no sign of this trend slowing down. Australia has the most solar per capita in the world – nearly 1kW of panels. More info
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This ABC report examines the plummeting cost of solar systems and what it means for households. After a decade of increasing power prices, the cost of electricity is forecast to fall in most places and may eventually become too cheap to meter!
Download AEMC, 2021 Residential Electricity Price Trends Report
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The state government is funding 7 community energy hubs. Geelong Sustainability on behalf of an alliance of community groups, is leading the Barwon South West Hub. It’s now staffed and keen to assist community groups wanting to implement energy projects in our region. Connect with the team at: barwoncph@geelongsustainability.org.au or follow them on Facebook.
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First community solar project using revolving fund implemented
A 60KW rooftop solar system was installed on the YMCA Geelong in Newtown before Christmas by RACV Solar. The Y will utilise a 5-year interest free loan making the project cost positive for them.
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Neighbourhood-scale batteries can soak up excess solar during the day and dispatch it as needed in the evening. GS is one of 16 groups funded in this $3.68m VIC government initiative, which will benefit electricity users, networks and communities. Fingers crossed a feasible business model can be devised for these medium sized neighbourhood batteries. More info
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Early this month, Victoria’s Big Battery at Moorabool was switched on by Environment Minister, the Hon Lily D’Ambrosio. Built in less than a year, the 300MW battery will help balance power supply as we transition towards a fully decarbonised economy by 2050
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Launched in Sept 2021, this independent report, Rewiring Australia sets out the positive outcomes possible for Australia if we rapidly decarbonise with an “Electrify Everything” strategy. Read the Castles & Cars discussion paper.
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The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) sets out its energy forecasts in its 2022 Integrated System Plan. This important blueprint guides where and when investment is needed to unlock new renewable resources to meet demand. AEMO predicts that huge volumes of coal will be retired in the next ten years, including all brown coal and two-thirds of black coal. It also predicts significant investments in new renewables and “firming technologies” (such as batteries, gas, and pumped hydro). More info
Repurposing old coal mine
In plans unveiled by Japanese company Idemitsu, Australia’s oldest open cut coal mine, Muswellbrook in NSW, is to be transformed into a major renewables hub. More info
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Wind energy news
- The Victorian government is providing $40 million in funding to support three new offshore wind proposals including the Star of the South project. More info
- Federally, the Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Bill has passed the Senate, finally setting up a regulatory framework for offshore wind. More info
- The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has identified several offshore wind zones that could accommodate up to 40GW of offshore wind. See RenewEconomy’s live Offshore Wind Map of Australia
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Climate Action ~ Good News
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Race To Zero is a UN-led campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery around the world. With actors from 120 countries its the largest ever alliance, covering nearly 25% global CO2 emissions and over 50% GDP. Subscribe to their newsletter
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Damian Carrington, environment editor at The Guardian takes an optimistic look at the solutions and their speed of adoption across key sectors including: technology, electricity, deforestation, technology, transport, buildings, manufacturing, food and farming. More info
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Geelong Sustainability and ACF Community Geelong commissioned Ironbark Sustainability to analyse Beyond Zero Emissions’ Million Jobs Plan for the G21 region. The report, Roadmap To Zero Emissions: Geelong Region Jobs Analysis outlines how 24,000 new jobs could be created over the next five years if we tackle the climate emergency. More info ~ Download full report
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In November, Council endorsed its Climate Change Response Plan (CCRP) with its science-derived climate target for the municipality to reach net zero community emissions by 2035. We’re eager to start working with Council, its Visions Partners and the community to realise this ambitious but crucial objective. More info ~ Download the CCRP.
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The Borough of Queenscliffe won the Cities Power Partnership - Community Choice award for their Climate Emergency Response Plan, which was an exemplar in community collaboration. The Borough aspires for the municipality to be net zero emissions by 2031. More info
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In his latest book, Reset, renowned economist Ross Garnaut shows how the COVID-19 crisis offers Australia the opportunity to reset its economy and build a successful future – and why the old approaches will not work. More info
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2021 has been the year when business has stepped forward to embrace the clean energy transition. From big corporations like BHP, Coles and Woolworths and well known local organisations such as Deakin, GeelongPort and Barwon Health. For an overview of the key 2021 environmental themes, read this summary by Nick O'Malley & Nick Toscano.
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In November, GeelongPort became the first port in Australia to achieve Climate Active carbon neutral certification for its business operations. More info. They also announced plans for a $100 million investment to build the Geelong Hydrogen Hub with green hydrogen developer CAC-H2. More info
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With both federal and state elections in 2022, it’s vital voters are informed and choose wisely. The Climate Council has 5 Climate Resolutions for 2022:
- Get your climate news from credible, reliable sources
- Make your home more energy efficient
- Talk about climate change with family & friends
- Send a letter to the editor supporting urgent action
- Get active & join a group like CC, ACF or GS!
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A message from the two Karen's who lead this writing group: Climate change is here, it is devastating and we must act quickly to halt the carbon emissions that cause it. Now’s the time – more than ever – to ask yourself what your New Year’s Resolution for Climate will be. Every single thing we do makes us part of the action.
- Will you be brave and turn your eco-anxiety into climate action in 2022?
- Will you write a letter to the editor?
Keep it short, under 250 words. Include your name, address and phone number. Send to the Geelong Advertiser, email yoursay@geelongadvertiser.com.au or text the editor on 0429 839 887
Note: The MPEG writing group will resume on Wednesday 16 Feb.
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Circular Economy ~ Good News
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Calling living greener merchants
GS is now sourcing merchants to participate in the Geelong Circular Living Challenge, which will launch next March during Geelong Design Week. If your business is focused on the circular economy, recycling or waste minimisation, email Sally at: sally@geelongsustainability.org.au to express interest.
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We aren’t fully recycling until we buy products containing recycled content. This new marketing label will help people choose REmanufactured Australian-made products. We must be willing to pay a bit more for these products, mindful they’re creating sustainable Aussie jobs, growing the circular economy and protecting the planet. More info
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Food waste makes up a third of our kerbside rubbish, which equates to about 200Kg per household per year. So it’s great to see CoGG has started its much awaited food organics trial in Lara. They plan to roll out a FO (food organics) service municipal-wide in 2024, By then, the proposed Barwon Water’s Regional Renewable Organics Network processing facility will be established. Clearly our region doesn’t need the proposed incinerator at Lara. More info
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On average we buy 27Kg of textiles each year and discard 23kg! So before you do the summer sales, watch this ABC Foreign Correspondence video on the awful reality of where our cheap fast fashion ends up and why in Ghana they call it "obroni wawu" - dead white man's clothes. Maybe it's time to hit the op shops instead!
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A Productivity Commission inquiry looked at consumers’ ability to repair faulty goods at a reasonable price. It also explored ways to prevent premature product obsolescence and reduce e‑waste through improved access to repairs. The final report has just been released. More info
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ACE Hub's annual Circularity in Australian Business report found 88% of business leaders recognise the importance of transitioning away from our current take-make-use-dispose model. More info / report
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Sustainable Cities ~ Good News
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Many European cities are bike-friendly, but cars often still dominate the roads. France is investing 250 million euros ($290 million) to make the city entirely bikeable. Plan Velo outlines ways to teach children to ride bikes in schools, add repair workshops in each district and encourage cycling tourism. More info
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Our slow uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to the spread of a cottage industry in parallel imports, with small businesses springing up to bring in low-cost second-hand cars from Japan. More info
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Barwon Water’s Draft Strategy
Barwon Water is seeking feedback on its Draft Water for our Future Strategy by 10 January 2022.
More info ~ Have your say
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The Environment ~ Not All Good News
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The oceans are critical if we are to meet the 1.5C target. Researchers are examining the overlooked “big three” marine ecosystems: seagrass, mangroves and salt marshes and their potential to be carbon sinks. More info. You could also check out the Deakin University Blue Carbon program
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New research shows that of 216 Australian birds now at risk of extinction: 23 are critically endangered, 74 are endangered, 87 are vulnerable and 32 are near-threatened. Of the 43 migratory shorebirds that come to Australia after breeding in the Northern Hemisphere, 25 are now threatened. More info
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The critically endangered orange-bellied parrot (OBP) is one of just three migrating parrot species in the world. So it’s great to know that their numbers are increasing in the wild, giving hope for the species' survival. More info
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