Ready for action? It’s going to be a big & busy year!

Hi ,

I sincerely hope you found some time for joy and relaxation over the holiday season amidst all the mayhem. The new year hasn’t brought the fresh start we’d all hoped for and our resilience continues to be tested!  Around the country and the world, news bulletins are increasingly reporting on extraordinary and extreme weather reports. The random devastation caused by these events is particularly cruel and a most unfair consequence of climate change.

It's now clear that we can’t have a vibrant economy unless our people and the planet are healthy. 2022 must be a watershed year for instigating significant emissions reduction. We cannot afford to be totally distracted by Covid any longer.  Effective climate action must be a key issue in the upcoming federal election and GS supports the ACF’s #TogetherWeCan movement.

We know fast tracking the net zero pathway will drive investment and opportunities for our region. We’re keen to collaborate with organisations also committed to the race to zero.

In 2022, the GS monthly newsletter will continue to provide updates on our strategic priorities, current projects, upcoming events, advocacy work and important news from across our region, the nation and the globe. As always we’ll emphasise the positive solutions ~ blended with some necessary facts. 

There’s no doubt that 2022 is going to be an action-packed year.  We’re calling for volunteers to step forward.  You’ll see below that we have a lot of exciting events and programs planned and we’re looking for ways to reconnect with members. And yes, Green Drinks will be back at Beav’s Bar in March. 

Regards
Vicki Perrett, President

Evolutionary step for GS

It’s taken us 15 years but finally GS has taken the big step of appointing an Executive Officer to support our operations. We’re pleased to announce that from 1 February, Dan Cowdell has become our inaugural EO. Dan is well known to many supporters and partners.  He first joined the Committee in 2013 and he led the establishment of our Renewable Energy taskforce and managed numerous community energy projects for GS. Dan is really excited to have the opportunity to take GS to the next level.

Volunteer - The Time for Action is Now!

We’re recruiting volunteer team leaders and additional volunteers across our four strategic pillars: Climate Action, Sustainable Communities, Renewable Energy and Circular Economy.  If you’re passionate about one of these fields and know it’s time to step forward, please connect with us. To find out more check out the ‘Get Involved ~ Work with Us tab on our home page. If volunteering is not possible then please consider becoming a financial member and supporting our work.

Geelong Circular Living Challenge - Business shout out

  • Does your business focus on the circular economy or minimising waste?
  • Do you offer sustainable products or services across our region?
  • Would you like to connect with new customers?

IF YES, we’d love to hear from you ASAP as we’re currently seeking expressions of interest from local suppliers to participate in our exciting Circular Living Challenge. More info & registration or email Sally.

National Sustainable Living Festival (SLF)

When: All February
The SLF is a movement of change-makers accelerating the uptake of sustainable living and addressing the global climate and biodiversity emergencies. This year’s theme is Decade Zero
Browse the extensive range of workshops, talks, demonstrations, artworks, exhibitions, films and live performances. Search by online, in-person, location, time or theme.

VIC Gas Substitution Roadmap: Stakeholder Forums

When: Fri 11 Feb & Mon 14 Feb, 10am-noon
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is organising online stakeholder forums to discuss feedback received on the Gas Substitution Roadmap Consultation Paper.  More info / Register

Designing Geelong: Who gets to build in our city and why?

When: Wed, 23 Feb, 12.00 - 1.00pm
CoGG is hosting this free webinar to consider what produces good and bad design outcomes in urban development and the innovative housing trends.
Presenters: Andy Fergus, Advocacy Lead at Urban Design Forum & Tim Riley, Director of Property Collectives & hosted by Jonathan Daly, Manager Urban Design & Heritage, CoGG.  More info / Register

WILD seminar & 50-50 by 2025 Network Launch

Women in Local Democracy (WILD) is hosting a seminar presented by Dr Niki Vincent, Victoria's Public Sector Commissioner and launching their 50-50 x 2025 Network for Gender Parity by 2025.
When: Thurs 24 Feb, 5.00-7.00pm
Where: Geelong Library & Heritage Centre (The Dome)
Cost: free or gold coin ~ Bookings essential

Pako Festa 2022

When: Sat 26 Feb, 10am-5pm
Where: Northern Community Hub, 25-41 Arunga Ave, Norlane
Diversitat is hosting its 40th Reimagined Pako Festa at its Norlane Hub. While there’s no street parade this year, the event will have all its usual colour, music, dancing and amazing food as well as a film screening and tours of the Diversitat Hope Garden. Entry is free ~ vaccination proof required.  More info

ABC Radio Melbourne: Geelong Residency

When: All March
Where: Pop-up studio at Deakin’s Waterfront campus
ABC Radio Melbourne will be broadcasting live from a pop-up studio throughout March. ABC presenters including Sammy J, Virginia Trioli, Jacinta Parsons, Raf Epstein, Matt Preston and Lisa Leong will hear from local voices and share news and stories from Geelong with audiences throughout Victoria. More info

Women in Community Life Awards

When: Thurs 10 Mar, 6.00-7.30pm
As part of its 2022 International Women's Day celebrations, CoGG is hosting this free virtual event with special guest, Annabel Crabb. This year’s theme Changing Climates celebrates the contribution of women and girls in working to change the climate of gender equality and build a sustainable future.  More info / Register

Geelong Circular Living Challenge Launch

When: Wed 23 Mar, 5.00-7.30pm
Where: Gordon Auditorium, Building H, City Campus
Join GS as we launch the exciting eight week Circular Living Challenge. Hear about the Challenge and how you can get involved. Meet local merchants already operating in circular and sustainable ways.  This event is part of Geelong Design Week 2022, an initiative of Geelong UNESCO City of Design and CoGG. The event is free, however bookings are essential. More info / bookings - search by date or ‘circular’.

Geelong Design Week

When: 17-27 March 
Geelong Design Week (GDW) is an annual community celebration of local design excellence and Geelong’s designation as Australia’s only UNESCO Creative City of Design. This year’s program has over 60 events including: installations, exhibitions, workshops, walks, talks, and tours that will investigate and illustrate the vital role design plays in our everyday life. More info - program #geelongdesignweek   #geelongcityofdesign

Swan Bay Wetland Restoration: Citizen Science Days

When: 22-24 Mar, 9am-3pm
Become a scientist for a day and join the Blue Carbon Lab and Bellarine Catchment Network to learn about restoring and monitoring coastal wetlands. Email noyan.yilmaz@deakin.edu.au for more information and to register for a day.

Green Drinks: Member Briefing & Reunion

When: Wed 30 Mar, 5.50-7.30pm
Where: Beav’s Bar, 77 Lt Malop St
Cost: Gold coin at door! All welcome if fully vaxxed! BYO face mask.
Yeah! Green Drinks are back! It’s been such a long time since we got together! Join us for this member briefing about current GS projects and our exciting plans for 2022. Note numbers are limited and bookings are required. More info / book

Geelong Climate Choir

Looking for an artistic way to raise your voice?
The Geelong Climate Choir is recruiting new members. They practice weekly and perform at local community events.  Rehearsals are led by Genevieve Newton, an experienced music teacher ~ no experience is necessary.  More info necessary. 

Renewable Energy

Community Energy Revolving Fund

Geelong Sustainability is proud to announce its new Community Energy Revolving Fund (CERF)! The fund provides zero interest loans to community groups to install renewable energy solutions that benefit their community.  GS is now seeking tax deductible donations through our website. All donations. An official launch will be held in March. More information / donate

Community Power Hub’s first solar project

GS and the Community Power Hub Barwon South West were excited to see their first project, a solar installation at YMCA Newtown Stadium completed before Christmas! This 60.3kW system was installed on the roof of the YMCA using the Community Energy Revolving Fund. The system is expected to save the YMCA approx $14,000 per annum on their energy bills. Thanks to the team RACV Solar and the YMCA for making this happen.

Small Business Energy Saver Program (SBESP)

Delivered by GreenLight, GS’ social enterprise, the SBESP has connected with over 300 businesses across the Barwon South West region register for the program. Funded by Sustainability Victoria, the program is helping small businesses switch to energy-saving equipment that will reduce their running costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Register your interest  but be quick as it’s closing soon.

Climate Action

Greenpeace Green Electricity Guide - NEW

We agree with Greenpeace, we must exercise our consumer power ~ our choices matter. By switching to greener electricity providers, together we can force dirty coal and gas out of the grid and bring more renewable electricity in, sending a clear message to electricity companies that it’s time to get serious about tackling climate change. Check out their new guide to decide if you should switch your provider.

Advice on how to reduce your electricity bill

Check out this excellent advice from Age economist, Jessica Irvine on how to save money on your power bill.  Her hour of research saved her over $500!  More info

New draft EPA guideline for managing greenhouse gas emissions

The EPA is seeking feedback on its new draft guideline, which outlines a risk management approach to managing direct and indirect GHG emissions. It aims to help businesses better understand how to identify and assess (estimate & calculate) and manage (control or minimise risks) their GHG emissions. Consultation closes 8 Feb and the finalised guide is due out in August.  More info / Have your say

Policy comparison on pathway to net zero

Experts advise that we must halve our emissions by 2030 to have any hope of curbing runaway climate change ~  this is the crucial decade! So while both major parties have committed to reach net zero by 2050, it’s important to look behind the headline 2050 target to examine the details of their climate action and environmental policies. The pathway requires clear consistent policies, effective equitable investment, ambitious interim targets and transparent timely reporting. 

In this useful comparative analysis by Thom Woodroofe, a diplomatic adviser during the Paris agreement negotiations, he finds that Labor and the Coalition have starkly different climate policies. More info 
[Ed note: GS remains non-partisan. We continue to advocate for all levels of government to do more to protect and regenerate the planet.]

Recent talks with Shadow Minister

On his recent visit to Corangamite, the Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen briefed local environmental groups and engaged in constructive discussion. The following Labor policies interested attendees:

  • To restore funding and government advisory role to the Climate Council
  • To table a detailed Climate Statement akin the Closing the Gap report annually to Parliament showing report against targets
  • To reach 82% renewables by 2030 
  • To notify COP of its 43% reductions by 2030 pledge immediately & bid to host COP29 in 2024
  • To utilise the Safeguards Mechanism of the Clean Energy Regulator legislated when Tony Abbott was PM to require the 215 big emitters to reduce their carbon emissions
  • To focus on fixing the national energy grid and building community battery storage.

Net zero Geelong jobs analysis

GS and ACF Community Geelong commissioned Ironbark Sustainability to analyse Beyond Zero EmissionsMillion 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 embrace the race to zero! More info ~ Download full report

Sustainable Cities

GS 2022 Electric Vehicle Project

Building on the success of our 2021 Electric Vehicle program, this year we’re leasing a MG ZS 100% electric vehicle to accelerate community awareness about the imperative to transition to zero emissions travel. Commencing in March, we’ll be offering test drives so you can experience how quiet, smooth and fun they are to drive and ride. In April, we’ll be hosting an electric transport Show ‘n’ Shine event at the Geelong Showgrounds. This project is supported by CoGG through its Environment Sustainability grant program. 

From a very low base, finally we’re seeing electric vehicle sales tripling in Australia with Tesla outstripping other makers. If you’re ready to switch to a ZEV (zero emissions vehicle) ~ check out the Solar Vic subsidies.

Help shape BoQ’s Active Transport Strategy

Walking and cycling bring lots of benefits ~ they’re not only healthier for people, they make our community safer and reduce emissions so better for the environment. The Borough of Queenscliffe is encouraging residents and visitors to share their ideas or like other peoples on their interactive map before Sun 20 Feb. More info

Eco Reef coming to The Dell

CoGG is starting construction soon on The Dell Eco Reef Coastal Protection Project at Clifton Springs. The modules act as wave attenuators which will mitigate coastal erosion as also be homes for marine plants and animals. Module designer Alex Goad is currently exhibiting at National Gallery of Victoria. The modules are made from shell grit, fly ash and eco-friendly cement. More info

Bellarine Basin Rehabilitation

Barwon Water is transforming its former Bellarine Basin site in Wallington into more than 30 hectares of environmental and public open space to be enjoyed by the community for years to come. They're seeking feedback on the uses and activities for the site via an online survey by Mon 14 March. Project info / survey,  email projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au or call 1300 656 007.

Active transport

Congrats to Moreland City Council on their Ride & Stride Program, which is encouraging families to adopt zero emissions active travel options through a partnership with Lug & Carrie. Geelong Sustainability would love to see a similar pilot program in Geelong. 

Plus in the UK, former Olympic cyclist Chris Boardman will lead a new walking and cycling body.  He’s promising to take back streets from motor traffic as head of Active Travel England.

Bellarine & Geelong rank among world’s best places

The Bellarine and Geelong have been ranked in the top 100 destinations based on the Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI), which aggregates travel data intelligence and consumer sentiments drawn from 500,000 sources including Trip Advisor and Facebook.  The Bellarine ranked #25, Geelong #69 and the Sunshine Coast #1. So now more people love these wonderful regions, can we encourage them to protect them too? More info

Circular Economy

Single use plastics on way out!

Congrats to WA for leading the nation with its legislation to ban single-use plastics. Since 1 January, a variety of single-use items have been banned, including plastic straws and cutlery, as well as certain types of polystyrene containers.  Seeing how quickly businesses are adapting ~ governments could move even faster!

Campaign Update: Proposed Incinerator at Lara

The EPA was expected to decide this matter in mid January. So is no news good news? It seems the community and the EPA are still waiting for answers from the company wanting to construct the 400,000 tonnes per annum incinerator close to hundreds of homes in Corio and Lara. Engage Vic info ~ GS campaign info

EPA’s new powers

Did you know that since July 2021, the EPA has increased powers to prevent harm to the environment from pollution and waste? They can apply significant penalties to individuals and businesses. You can report a range of polluting activities including: noise, odours, littering from cars, illegal waste disposal and helium balloon releases.  Call the EPA pollution hotline on 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC) anytime.

Sustainable cities & communities

Climate safe housing

This Guardian article ~ ‘My apartment is literally baking’ adds to the ongoing discussion about the liveability of rental housing during weather extremes and the need for minimum standards to keep Australia’s rental homes cool. Social services advocates claim people are ‘sweltering in poorly insulated rentals, getting sick and sometimes even dying’.
This academic paper examines in depth Australia's experience of Combining Building Energy Standards and Disclosure Regulation.

Volunteer plants

Check out this list of 18 Self-Seeding Flowers, Herbs & Veggies that you’ll never have to plant again! Horticulturists call them “Volunteers” as they require no effort or intervention on the part of the gardener. Most of us would welcome some extra help in the garden!

Quirky solutions

In Sweden, crows are being trained to pick up discarded butts from city streets as part of a cost-cutting drive. As cigarette butts are one of the most littered items, it's a novel solution. However it’s good to know the crows' health is also being studied.

Climate & the environment - good, bad & bold news

National news

Climate experts are alarmed by the frequency of record weather events. This summer, WA has been in the grips of extended, extreme heat likely exacerbated by elevated levels of heat trapping carbon pollution in our atmosphere.  Perth recorded 5 consecutive days over 40C, while towns in the Pilbara surpassed 50C!

The past seven years have been the seven warmest on record and 2021 was the fifth hottest. Greenhouse gas emissions continued to rise despite the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic. Saving the planet now comes down to politics – and accounting. The set amount of carbon dioxide we can burn before things unravel for the climate is known as the carbon budget - scientists agree there’s not much left.

The Climate Council has described the Prime Minister’s pledge of $1b for the Great Barrier Reef as a band-aid on a broken leg. It claims cash is useless without deep emissions cuts this decade. Meanwhile Queensland landholders are clearing the equivalent of about 1,000 MCGs a day, largely for beef production. The consequences are so serious they raise new doubts about the accuracy of Australia’s carbon emissions claims.

In this opinion piece by the Guardian’s Lenore Taylor, she finds that the tiny steps towards net zero are being undermined by new fossil fuel projects.  She's encouraging us to use this election year as the chance to hold our politicians to account.

Renewable records in SA & VIC

In late December, South Australia broke its previous 3 day record by running for 6.5 days (156 hours) on renewable energy alone.  During this unprecedented period, the fuel mix was 64.4% wind, 29.5% rooftop solar and 6.2% utility-scale solar.

Victoria’s output from renewables increased by 3.6 TWh in 2021 – the largest ever annual increase by any state. Renewables now account for 31.6% of Victoria’s power generation, up from 21.7% just two years ago. One-third of Australian renewable jobs are based in Victoria – more than any other state. Renewables have led to a 10% drop in electricity prices over the past 12 months.

Brown hydrogen

Last week, the world’s first liquid hydrogen shipment departed from Victoria on route to Japan. Having invested $500 million in the pilot project, the Australian government is keen to prove that international trade in liquid hydrogen is technically feasible. However there is controversy around the source of the hydrogen it is carrying – in this case the hydrogen is produced via gasification of brown coal
“Peddling hydrogen made from brown coal – the dirtiest of all coals – as ‘clean’ is a cringe-inducing backwards shuffle into the dark ages.” Andrew Forrest

Reasons we should get off gas

An Australia Institute report has found that Australia’s giant offshore gasfields are paying almost no royalties, create few jobs and are a large and rising source of greenhouse gases.

For decades Victorians had a ready supply of cheap gas ~ not any more! Our state is more exposed than any other, with most of our gas being used for space heating.  We must kick the gas habit especially for cooking and heating for health and environmental reasons. Reducing demand is vital to refuting the calls for more supply and the need for a gas import terminal in Corio Bay. 

Key findings in Climate Council's report:

  1. Unconventional gas development, including fracking, is exposing Australian communities to unnecessary health risks.
  2. Burning gas at home can harm our children’s health
  3. Children and poorer households are at highest risk from, and most likely to be harmed by gas production and use.
  4. Gas is a polluting fossil fuel. Governments can prevent health issues, and reduce harm, by helping households, and the country, get off gas.

Clean energy alternatives like solar and wind are the key to a prosperous, healthy future for all Australians. Renew Economy article ~ Climate Council Report

Global news

Scientists, who have been analysing sea surface temperatures over the last 150 years are reporting that extreme heat is now normal across half the ocean! Extreme heat in the world’s oceans passed the “point of no return”! As the climate crisis heats the seas, plankton are on the move, with potentially profound consequences for ocean life and humans.

In northern Norway, the climate crisis is turning the Arctic green. Trees are rapidly taking over the tundra and threatening an ancient way of life that depends on snow and ice. 

There’s growing evidence that climate change is increasing the threat of tsunamis, from collapsing ice shelves to sea level rise.

In further bad news, a global research study has found only about 16% of the world’s coastal regions are in relatively good condition ~  many are so degraded they can’t be restored to their original state. If you’ve visited the VIC coast recently you’d not be surprised.

Climate solutions

In this peer-reviewed journal article researchers explored how specific drawdown solutions can enhance human health through improved air quality, increased physical activity, better nutrition and food security, reduced infectious disease risk, improved sexual and reproductive health, and universal education. 

In Iceland, the world's first commercial direct air capture (DAC) plant is coming online. It is designed to remove thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gas every year and then inject it deep underground.

Scientists and engineers have pumped 300 litres of simulated whale poo into the ocean off Sydney as part of efforts to snag a share of Elon Musk’s US$100m prize for capturing and storing carbon.

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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