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'By empowering and accelerating the transition to a smarter, clean energy future, Geelong Sustainability is having a positive impact on our economy, community and environment.'
November is AGM season and this year we combined our 2021 AGM with a Member Briefing in our Zoom room. Despite challenging conditions, GS has continued to effectively fulfil its mission. While GS membership rose modestly to 249, our online subscriber list grew by over 55%. Our monthly newsletter now reaches almost 5,500 people, including many stakeholders.
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As a people-powered organisation, our achievements reflect the astounding contributions of our passionate volunteers past, present and future. The 2022 Committee comprises Vicki Perrett - President, Merilyn Harris - Secretary, Meredith Crittenden - Treasurer and general members - Tim Adams, Jonathan Wright, Dan Cowdell and Vivienne Burke. Anyone interested in knowing more about our activities can download the 2021 Annual Report or watch the recorded meeting.
There’s been so much happening over the last month, we’re going to focus this newsletter on local issues and prepare a broader holiday reading list for the final edition. So please read on to ensure you’re up-to-date with the many positive things happening in our region.
Regards
Vicki Perrett, President
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24,000 new, full time equivalent jobs
Geelong Sustainability and ACF Community Geelong commissioned Ironbark Sustainability to analyse Beyond Zero Emissions’ Million Jobs Plan for the G21 region. Just released, the report, Roadmap To Zero Emissions: Geelong Region Jobs Analysis outlines the range of employment opportunities if we embrace the race to a net zero emissions and transition our economy.
The data busts the myth of jobs OR the environment. The report shows 24,000 new jobs could be created over the next five years IF we tackle the climate emergency. A planned equitable transition will benefit our economy, our community and the environment! More info ~ Download full report
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GS was delighted to be given the opportunity to share our positive story and project news in the Committee for Geelong’s Future Geelong magazine. Published in the Geelong Advertiser to mark CfG’s 20th anniversary, the special edition celebrated Geelong’s history, culture and stories of resilience, recovery and hope for the future. Our double page entry was titled - Look up, look forward ~ our clean energy future is here. Browse the magazine
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When: Wed 15 Dec at 3pm and 7pm
Where: online via Zoom - free RSVP here
Join this friendly online group and you’ll soon be writing impactful letters! See advocacy resources at Climate for Change or letter writing advice on the GRNG website.
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The GS Zoom room was filled with positive energy when Christine Couzens MP officially launched the Community Power Hub for the Barwon South West region. Geelong Sustainability is rapt to be heading up this game changing initiative on behalf of the BRACE alliance partners, which is funded by the Victorian Government through Sustainability Victoria. Watch the recording to catch up on the launch presentations, trivia quiz and music.
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Gazza and his mum, Sue have had solar and batteries installed on their homes as part of the Geelong Community Solar Program. You can too! Get quality, affordable solar and battery storage for your home or business! But you only have until 31 December to sign up. Watch video ~ More info
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Sustainable Cities & Communities
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Launched at our AGM, the new online Sustainability Directory has been developed in response to the ongoing requests from people for: 1) up-to-date independent information, 2) practical advice and 3) referrals to trustworthy local suppliers. We hope the directory becomes an invaluable ‘go to’ regional resource that empowers people to live and work more sustainably and grows the local green economy. Rest assured, we’ll be filtering out any claims of greenwashing. Check it out ~ Apply to become a business member
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Book a GS-hosted electric car by the hour or day through Aussie car sharing platform, Car Next Door.
Do the shopping, run the kids to school or take a trip without any tailpipe emissions.
Discover how easy it is to charge at home and on the road. Find out if you’re ready for emissions free driving.
Not a member of Car Next Door?
Use this link to sign up for a limited period and get $15 off your first booking. Once registered, use this quick link to book the GS EV
We would love you to try this platform and give us some feedback, so jump online and reserve your slot today! Thanks Viv & Paul for hosting the car in Newcomb and charging it with solar energy.
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No problem, it's not too late. All the resources and Zoom recordings are available now for you to browse at your convenience over the summer. More info / Access here
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Do you feel powerless to effect change? Don’t!
While our consumer choices account for over 50% of our emissions, there’s lots we can do. In our final Clever Living seminar, Mark Delaney showed us how leading a low-carbon life is not only do-able, but also fun and fulfilling. Mark's family has done it, not only in middle class Australia but also in the slums of India. More info ~ Watch the seminar ~ Check out his book, Low Carbon and Loving it.
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There’s a global shift underway towards a circular economy and GS wants to raise awareness so our community can reap the social, economic and environmental benefits.
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Introducing Sally
We’d like to introduce Sally Hiller, the newly appointed Project Coordinator for exciting new project - the Geelong Circular Living Challenge. GS is partnering with Circular Economy Victoria to deliver the project, which is funded by Sustainability Victoria's Recycling Victoria Communities Fund.
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Calling merchants
The Challenge will launch next March during Geelong Design Week. We’re now sourcing merchants to participate in the Challenge. So if your business is focused on the circular economy, recycling or waste minimisation, email Sally at sally@geelongsustainability.org.au to express your interest.
We're delighted that additional funding through CoGG’s Environment Sustainability Grant Program will enable us to deliver a Circular Living Showcase in 2022 in collaboration with local neighbourhood houses.
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It’s been a big month for CoGG on the sustainability front. On 23 November, Council unanimously endorsed its Climate Change Response Plan (CCRP). Most importantly, the plan has a science-derived climate target for the municipality to reach net zero community emissions by 2035.
We're pleased CoGG has signed up to the Cities Power Partnership. We look forward to working collaboratively with Council, its Visions Partners and the community to realise this ambitious but crucial objective. More info ~ Download the CCRP
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Congrats to Borough of Queenscliffe for winning the Cities Power Partnership - Community Choice award. Their Climate Emergency Response Plan was an exemplar in community collaboration. Its headline target aspires for the municipality to be net zero emissions by 2031. More info
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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
In another bold step, GeelongPort has just announced plans to expand its operations with a $100 million investment to build the Geelong Hydrogen Hub with green hydrogen developer CAC-H2. More info
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Sustainable Cities & Communities
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Geelong named 2021 Sustainable City
On Thursday, the City of Greater Geelong swept up the awards in the Keep Victoria Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards. It won several categories and the overall prize. Finalists in the Community Education section included Mik Aidt for his Climate Emergency Declaration initiative and GS for our Sustainable House Day program. Watch the awards ceremony ~ Check out all the finalists
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With lots of community input, Surf Coast Shire has developed a Safer Cycling Strategy & Action Plan to encourage both commuter & recreational cyclists.
Have your say before 5 Jan 2022.
More info ~ Strategy & Action Plan ~ Network maps
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Barwon Water’s Draft Strategy
After extensive community consultation, Barwon Water has released its Draft Water for our Future Strategy. They’re seeking public feedback on the 5 year and 50 year proposed plans by 10 January 2022.
Some community groups were surprised to learn that desalinated water was an inevitable future option. More info ~ Have your say
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Browse the finalists and winners to explore the many clever projects recognised in the 2021 awards including: the BZE/Ironbark Sustainability Snapshot Tool, Deakin’s Blue Carbon Lab and Austeng’s no maintenance bridge.
The Nature Conservancy won both the Healthy Environment and Premier's Recognition Award for its work regenerating Victoria's lost oyster reefs around Port Phillip Bay including off Portarlington. More info
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Energy retailer news
This meme shows how many Powershop customers are feeling after Shell took over their green energy retailer last week. More info
It’s another incentive to Go Solar and generate your own clean energy!
Greenpeace is updating their Green Energy Guide. Sign up here to be notified when the new guide is released early next year.
Anyone considering switching energy retailers or just wanting to compare rates should check out the Victorian government’s Energy Compare website.
FYI - Tango Energy is an energy retailer based in North Geelong who’s partnering with us on the neighborhood battery feasibility project.
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Wind energy news
It's been a big week for offshore wind!
The Victorian government is providing $40 million in funding to support three new offshore wind proposals in Gippsland. If the 2.2GW Star of the South project is implemented, it would provide about 20% of Victoria’s energy ~ enough power for 1.8 million homes! 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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This 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
Let’s hope new laws are made as consumers should be able to repair faulty products!
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ACE Hub's annual Circularity in Australian Business report has found the circular economy is at a tipping point with 88% of business leaders recognising the importance of transitioning away from our current take-make-use-dispose model. More info / report
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