We can have jobs AND a healthy environment

Hi ,

Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing break in which you reconnected with family and friends and immersed yourself in nature. I especially hope you’re refreshed and ready for a pivotal year of climate action! 2021 must be the year when emission reduction targets for 2030-2050 are legislated by local, state and federal governments!

What a relief to see incoming US President Biden sign executive orders to recommit the US to the Paris Climate Change Agreement, halt the Keystone Pipeline and put bold climate action as a centrepiece of his administration. Pressure will increase on our federal government to commit to net zero emissions by 2050 as a minimum. Supporting Zali Steggall’s Climate Change Bill would be an efficient and expedient option. Anthony Albanese’ shadow cabinet reshuffle appears like a step to the right.  Time will tell if Labor can build a clear narrative showing how climate action can create economic opportunities for all.  Their time may be short, with many suggesting we’ll be off to the polls later this year.

Professor Graeme Samuel has handed down his final report into the review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.  He found the environment is suffering from two decades of failure. The federal government can’t abdicate its responsibility to the states. Our national environmental protection laws must be improved to ensure the survival of Australia’s unique wildlife. 

For GS, 2021 is shaping up to be another exciting year. Since connecting with a local land developer, we may have an ideal site for our Geelong Microvillage pilot project.  We’ll be announcing our delivery partner in coming days for our G21 Community Solar Program. We’re working with other organisations to try to establish a circular economy hub in our region. We’re working with the Good Car Company to offer a group buy of electric vehicles in June. Plus we’re liaising with local councils, especially CoGG, to advocate for strong climate change response plans. We have a full agenda so if you’d liked to help us realise any of these ambitions, please connect!

Regards Vicki Perrett, President

GS strategic priorities - 4 pillars

Our Strategy 2025 focuses on 4 UN Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) enabling us to direct our volunteer efforts for maximum impact.

GS 2021 projects & priorities

Goal 1: Climate Action

  • Gas Free Geelong ~ Viva Energy Hub
  • Climate Action Drinks & workshops
  • CoGG’s Climate Change Response Plan
  • Advocacy at local, state & federal level

Goal 2: Renewable Energy

  • Geelong community solar program 
  • Climate Safe Rooms project 
  • Energy efficiency audits via GreenLight
  • Solar farm feasibility project

Goal 3: Circular Economy

  • Green Cafes project
  • War on Waste activities
  • Advocacy & awareness re. circular economy

Goal 4: Sustainable Cities & Communities

  • Geelong Microvillage project
  • Home Energy Challenge
  • Sustainable House Day
  • Electric vehicle group buy 

plus Clever Living seminars & Life Learning classes

Climate action update

  • The Victorian State Government has committed to reach zero net emissions by 2050 and a 65% reduction in emissions in Victoria by 2030. Five-yearly interim targets will start in 2021 and they should be announced soon along with a green hydrogen strategy.
  • There must be explicit recognition of the insecurity affected workers feel during our energy transition.  It’s essential that impacted communities are supported along the decarbonisation journey. 
  • Given the reshuffle of federal Labor’s shadow cabinet this week, it seems Albanese may be copying Biden’s #BuildBackBetter strategy. 
  • GS is working hard to engage with stakeholders locally regarding the Viva Energy gas import terminal to ensure a just, planned and swift transition to renewable energy for workers.

Viva Energy’s gas import terminal

The Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne has referred Viva’s proposal to an Environmental Effects Statement process before it’s decided (Referral 2020-R18). All the environmental, social and economic impacts must be clearly identified. Check out its proximity to the Ramsar sites at Avalon and Pt Wilson!

We contend there are better energy future options that can create stable jobs, protect our health and safeguard our bay and environment. Given the far-reaching impacts for our region, we encourage everyone to attend upcoming community events and follow this campaign.

CoGG’s Climate Change Response Plan

GS has participated in a stakeholder consultation and all co-design workshops. While only 100 people have taken their quick poll about targets, there’s good support for ambition - Add you vote today! 
Check out the case studies. We urge you to follow progress on this important Plan. More info

Keep plastic bottle tops out of yellow bin

Did you know? Plastic bottle tops can no longer be put in the yellow kerbside bin. Lids are made from a different plastic to bottles. While SKM Recycling used to accept them, the City’s new collector Cleanaway does not as their equipment can’t separate them. More info
You can keep lids out of landfill by collecting and recycling them at the following places:

  • SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre, 17-21 High St, Drysdale
  • Eastern Hub, 285A McKillop St, East Geelong
  • Apco Service Station, 64 Portarlington Rd, Newcomb
  • Cafe Palat, 10 Apparel Cl, Breakwater 
  • Lifeline Op Shops in Drysdale, Newcomb, Breakwater, Belmont, Grovedale or Colac
  • Drop off at our Vice President’s home in Newton - email Jennifer. She’s a regional collector for Lids4Kids.

Barwon South West Climate Alliance

A new alliance is being established in 2021 between 10 local governments, water and catchment authorities and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). The new body will enable a coordinated approach to climate adaptation and mitigation including emissions reduction.  More info / fact sheet

2021 calendar of key environmental events

Using information from the Dept of Environment and Energy, we’ve prepared a handy 2-page list of key 2021 events.

GS Climate Action Drinks: Community Information Session re Viva

When: Wed Feb 24, 6.15 for 6.30pm start to 8.30pm
Where: Geelong West Town Hall, 153 Pakington St
Cost: $3, includes light snacks. Drinks will be available for purchase, cash only.
Come along and learn what Viva’s proposed gas import terminal in Corio Bay would mean for Geelong and Victoria’s energy, business, economic, recreation, environment and climate future.  More info / book

NCE Summit Reset.21

When: various dates from 2016 Feb
Where: The Capitol theatre, Swanston St, Melbourne
In 2021 the National Climate Emergency Summit is hosting a series of public forums, which are 6 critical conversations to advance strategy and responses to the climate emergency. More info -  Forums

Other local or online events

Good Cycles: The Big Bike Film Night 2020
When:
Tues 9 Feb, 6-8pmA treasure chest of short films at Village Cinema - no door sales!
Cost: $12-$25  More info / book

ACF: Healthy coasts, healthy communities: an online panel discussion
When: Thurs 11 Feb, 7pm via Zoom
Panel includes Layne Beachley, Dr Vanessa Pirotta  and Jason Falinski MP  More info / Register 

CAHA: Climate change, extreme weather & health
When: Wed 12 Feb, 12-1pm online
Panel discussion organised by Climate and Health Alliance with Dr Simon Bradshaw, Emeritus Prof Gerard Fitzgerald, Fiona Armstrong & Jessica Rosien  Info / Register 

Clean Up Australia Day
When:
Tues 2 Mar (business) & Sun 7 March (public) 
More info ~ Create a Clean Up ~ Join a Clean Up
#CleanUpAustralia  #StepUpToCleanUp

Sea Search @ Barwon Bluff
When: Tues 9 Mar, 1.30pmLike to be a marine citizen scientist? If yes join this ranger-led activity at Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary  More info
Search ParkConnect for other volunteering opportunities near you.

Vote in CoGG's climate target poll

GS has been advocating strongly for ambitious community-wide emissions reduction targets. We need your support to show there’s wide community support for a bold target.  Vote in this poll today!

Viva Energy: Community information session

When: Wed 10 Feb, 5-6pm
Where: Norlane Community Centre, 39 Rose St, map
Register: Email Viva at energyhub@vivaenergy.com.au.
We need lots of people to attend this Viva-hosted drop-in session. Please attend and ask lots of questions about their plans especially for the proposed LNG import terminal.  Viva info ~ Register for updates ~ DELWP EES info.

Campaign to stop gas & oil exploration in the Otway Basin

The Andrews Labor Government has released five new oil and gas exploration blocks in the offshore Otway Basin in state waters, extending from Port Campbell to the South Australian border. Friends of the Earth are calling on the Premier to cancel the gas and oil exploration tenders in the Otway Basin.  More info / support

Campaign to ban fracking in the Kimberley

Texan frackers are back in the Kimberley seeking approval to drill 20 wells in the national heritage-listed Fitzroy River catchment. Environs Kimberley is campaigning for the WA EPA to set the highest possible level of assessment, Public Environment Review (PER) for this proposal. More info / support campaign

Change the date petition

A recent Ipsos poll showed only 28% of Australians want to move the date of Australia Day although amongst younger Australians, the number is 47%.  If you agree that we should change the date of Australia Day to one that is inclusive of all Australians, then you may like to add your name to this petition started by Elaine Carbines here.

GS volunteer vacancies

Given our ambitious plans, we’re seeking volunteers with the following skills:

  • Graphic design
  • Communications - writers & researchers
  • Website development (WordPress)

If you have a few hours to spare, connect with us and let us know your skills and availability here.

We’ve collated this further reading list of recent important reports and stories. Let us know if it's useful way for you to stay informed.

Climate science

James Purtill, ABC Science ~  Heatwaves may mean Sydney is too hot for people to live in 'within decades - link
Heat kills more people in Australia than any other natural disaster, including floods, cyclones and bushfires. As the planet warms and summers become longer and less bearable, heatwaves are coming to represent an existential threat to Australian suburbs.

Climate solutions

ABC News  ~ Andrew Forrest on how green steel and hydrogen offer a chance to fix our climate and our economy - story link 

ABC Boyer Lecture ~ 01 | Oil vs Water — Confessions of a carbon emitter - listen to lecture (29mins)
In this first Boyer lecture, leading philanthropist and businessman Andrew Forrest calls for an urgent move to green hydrogen "on a global scale". Green hydrogen gives Australia an opportunity to slash our emissions — and if we get this right, the impact could be nothing short of nation-building.

Technology & trends

Damian Carrington, The Guardian ~ Electric vehicles close to ‘tipping point’ of mass adoption - link
Price is the biggest barrier. In 2019 in Norway EVs were 0.3% cheaper (due to gov’t incentives) and had 48% market share. While in the UK, they were 1.3% more expensive, market share was just 1.6%. Once the line of price parity was crossed, sales go bang! In a recent poll of 2,000 electric car owners, 91% said they would not want to go back. Transport accounts for 21% of emissions in our region and globally.

Steven Mufson, The Washington Post ~ General Motors to eliminate gasoline and diesel light-duty cars and SUVs by 2035 - link
As transport generates 21% of carbon emissions worldwide - this is a historic turning point for America's iconic carmaker and for countries without a car manufacturing industry (like Oz) and the world!

James Purtill, ABC Science ~ What is green hydrogen, how is it made and will it be the fuel of the future? - link
This story explains how "green hydrogen" ie.  hydrogen made without fossil fuels, could be the clean energy source that enables the world to reach net-zero emissions

Climate action & solutions

Sherryn Groch & Nick O'Malley, The Age, Explainer: Future Power ~ What's a 'just transition' and can you switch to green energy without sacking coal workers? - link
This explainer on Future Power,  outlines how Germany made a fair and fast transition from coal and considers whether Australia could make a 'just transition' too.

Michele O'Neil, The Age ~ Biden shows we don’t have to choose between climate action and jobs - link
Much has been written about US President Joe Biden’s ambitious climate agenda, which commits the world’s largest economy to achieving net zero emissions for electricity production by 2035 and the entire US economy by 2050. Is 2021 the year that Australia’s isolation on climate policy becomes untenable? Sure hope so! 

Adam Morton, The Guardian ~ ‘Breathtaking’: what Joe Biden’s sweeping climate plan means for Scott Morrison - link
As the climate emergency is a top priority, it’s expected President Biden will use every tool of American foreign policy to push the rest of the world to do more.

Rob Harris, The Age ~ Australia to join 100 nations in climate resilience pledge ahead of UN summit - link
Minister Ley announced that Australia will join the Coalition for Climate Resilient Investment - a UN summit initiative, which represents the commitment of the global private financial industry, in partnership with key private and public institutions, to foster the more efficient integration of physical climate risks in investment decision making. A positive action!

Graham Readfearn, The Guardian ~ Zali Steggall's climate bill gets broad backing from industry groups and investors - link
During a parliamentary inquiry this week, major business representatives, conservationists, scientists and health professionals gave evidence backing Steggall’s bill, which would set out a pathway to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and establish an independent climate change commission to oversee annual climate risk assessments. Will the Morrison government listen and allow the bill to proceed?

Rachel Eddie, The Age ~ Victoria doubles capacity to recycle glass into jars and bottles - link
Congrats to Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio and Senator Jane Hume who announced the first seven projects to share in the Recycling Modernisation Fund, worth a total of $46 million to the state and $190 million nationally. However we’ve a long way to go on recycling plastics as Victoria produced about 606,000 tonnes of plastic waste in 2018-19, and is currently only recycling about 61,000 tonnes a year!

Economic costs of climate change

The Climate Council, Report ~ Hitting Home: The Compounding Costs of Climate Inaction - link
This report outlines the latest science on how climate change is driving more destructive heatwaves, downpours, cyclones, droughts, fires and other extreme weather events in Australia and around the world.

Climate Councillor, Professor Will Steffen on this report - video clip
"The last two years, 2019 and 2020, were remarkable for the number of extreme weather events that we suffered …  And there's no doubt what's behind this. These are climate change fuelled events." 

SBS story ~ Australia could take massive economic hit from climate-fuelled extreme weather, report warns  - link
Extreme weather events linked to climate change could cost the Australian economy $100 billion every year in the not-too-distant future, according to a new report.

Nick O’Malley, The Sydney Morning Herald, ‘Stark reminder of our fragility’: Pandemic prompts global surge in climate action - link
Larry Fink, BlackRock founder and the world’s largest private investor has asked companies to disclose plans on how they intend to reshape their businesses to operate in a net-zero economy. He said rather than distracting global financial markets from the climate crisis, the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated the response to it.

The environment

Prof Graeme Samuel, Independent Review of the EPBC Act – Final Report - link
Graeme Samuel makes 38 recommendations to transform the EPBC Act, including new independent oversight bodies

Lisa Cox, The Guardian ~ Australia urged to overhaul environment laws and reverse 'decline of our iconic places' - link
The report reiterates Samuel’s interim findings that Australia’s animals, plants and habitats are in unsustainable decline, and concludes the EPBC Act is failing both the environment and developers.

Helen Briggs, BBC Science correspondent~ Scientists address myths over large-scale tree planting - link
Experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens say, ‘Tree planting is a brilliant solution to tackle climate change and protect biodiversity, but the wrong tree in the wrong place can do more harm than good’. Scientists have proposed 10 golden rules for tree-planting, which they say must be a top priority for all nations this decade.

Post COVID

Alan Kohler, ABC, The economic recovery from COVID-19 is in full swing, but is it equal? - link
The economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is in full swing, but all the signs are pointing to an unequal recovery, with the highest income bracket leading the pack. No surprise there!

Anthony Galloway, Sydney Morning Herald ~ Analysis ranks the countries that handled COVID-19 best - link
The COVID Performance Index compiled by the Lowy Institute ranked 98 countries’ handling of the COVID-19 outbreak, finding New Zealand performed the best while Australia sits in eighth place. NZ was closely followed by Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand and Cyprus, while the US was the fifth-worst performing country.

Social justice

Centre for 21st century humanities, University of Newcastle  ~ Colonial Frontier Massacres in Australia - website link - massacre map
This website records sites of frontier massacre of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people across Australia from 1788-1930. We have a responsibility to study our history even when unpleasant.

Henry Reynolds, Australian historian, The Age ~ The truth about January 26 - link
An edited extract from his new book, Truth-Telling: History, sovereignty and the Uluru Statement. The article outlines the problematic nature of January 26 date, considers other options and explains the injustice of the British, who expropriated the land without compensation to the first people.

World peace

Greenpeace International ~ Nuclear weapons are illegal at last - link
Nuclear arms are the most destructive, indiscriminate and monstrous weapons ever produced – but today, we can all celebrate a major milestone in the long march towards peace: the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is now part of international law! Well done to Greenpeace International for its 50 year campaign! Nine nuclear armed states tried to block the treaty and have not signed the it - US, UK, Russia, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea. The Treaty will impact on financial institutions (pension funds and banks) as it bans the financing of nuclear weapons systems.

Geelong Sustainability

PO Box 258, Geelong, VIC 3220     Website

Geelong Sustainability acknowledges the Wadawurrung people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and live, and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community.

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