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Hi ,
As the vaccine rollout begins and restrictions ease, we can reconnect and attend face-to-face events again. February was a busy month as we prepared a grant application for our microvillage project, participated in CoGG workshops, organised and attended events, advocated with politicians, prepared submissions and became a community member of Committee for Geelong.
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There’s been a contrasting mix of positive and negative news this month, which we’ve summarised for you in our News Wrap below. A stark reality check for me was this shocking graph, produced by The Economist, showing how countries carbon emissions have changed since 1990. Australia is not on track! We’re being fed misinformation. We’re actually falling way behind other developed nations. The only downward dip in the last 30 years was during the Gillard carbon tax period!
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We’re collaborating widely on a new Geelong Renewables Not Gas campaign and opposing Viva’s proposed gas import terminal. If you agree, then show your support by taking action and getting involved in the campaign. GS is keen to build a broad alliance of like-minded community groups who want Geelong to have a clean energy future.
We’re excited to be heading back to Beav’s for Green Drinks in March for a special community briefing on the Committee for Geelong’s research report, Resilient Geelong. Community leadership has never been more crucial. Hope to see you there!
Regards Vicki Perrett, President
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When: Wed 10 Mar, 6.15-7.30pm
Where: Beav’s Bar, 77 Lt Malop St
Cost: $15, $9 GS members
Saranyu Pearson will explain how we can all improve our health and fitness by rediscovering the joy of running - really! More info / book
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Date: Wed 31 March, 5.30-7.30pm
Where: Beav’s Bar, 77 Lt Malop St
Presenters: Jennifer Cromarty, CEO of Committee for Geelong and Rebecca Bartel, Deakin Uni
Cost: $5, $3 GS members
Yeah Green Drinks are back! Join us for this community briefing on the recently published research report, Resilient Geelong. Note: as numbers are limited, bookings are required. More info / book
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When: Wed 21 April, 7.00-9.00pm
Where: Geelong West Town Hall
Cost: $4.55
Energy impacts how we work, live and play. Decisions today will determine our community’s future health and prosperity. An impressive panel of speakers will outline how Geelong can transition to clean reliable energy, while creating new jobs and vibrant industries for our region. More info / book
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Geelong Renewables Not Gas Campaign
On 24 Feb, our Climate Action taskforce hosted a very successful community information evening at the Geelong West Town Hall about Viva’s proposed energy hub, which would include: a gas terminal using a floating storage and regasification unit to supply a new source of gas; an extension of the existing refinery pier; localised dredging to accommodate the new berth and ship turning and a new gas pipeline. More info here soon.
GS is advocating for ambitious emissions reduction targets with CoGG and the state government. Viva’s proposal would take our community in the wrong direction. We’ve launched a new campaign Geelong Renewables Not Gas and set up a petition to the state Planning Minister, Richard Wynne to reject Viva’s proposal (see below).
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The development of BW’s Water for our Future vision is being assisted by a diverse Community Panel and regional leaders.
- A secure future where our rivers flow, our foods grow and our impact is low
- Resilient, innovative and sustainable, with abundant water from a range of sources and where we actively protect and improve water for the environment
- Ethical, healthy and responsible, with affordable and equitable access for everyone
- A shared responsibility, by valuing and conserving water and respecting the diverse needs of our community, cultures, and the environment.
Updates / more info
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Presently many homeowners wanting to go solar in Greater Geelong are being denied export due to grid constraints. Powercor has told us that community batteries will have a big role to play in stabilizing the grid.
So we welcome the Victorian Government’s announcement for a new $3 million Neighbourhood Battery Initiative, which will fund pilots of neighbourhood scale battery ownership and operational models. Our Renewable Energy Taskforce will be investigating the scheme with the aim of developing a trial project. More info
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Get ready to hear lots more about H2 (hydrogen). The Victorian Government has just released its blueprint plan to drive the development of a renewable hydrogen sector.
This rapidly advancing technology has huge potential and market demand, both in Victoria and as an export nationally and internationally. Geelong could become a regional research, transport and manufacturing hub. More info
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This long awaited decision is still an important step forward. From Feb 2023, the following single-use plastic items will be banned: straws, cutlery, plates, drink-stirrers, expanded polystyrene food and drink containers, and cotton bud sticks. Let's work to change habits long before 2023. More info
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When: Tues 2 Mar (business) & Sun 7 March (public)
More info ~ Create a Clean Up ~ Join a Clean Up
Search for a Clean Up event near you by entering your postcode or suburb.
#CleanUpAustralia #StepUpToCleanUp
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The global theme for #IWD2021 is ‘Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World’. COVID-19 has impacted women and girls in profound ways, amplifying the inequalities they face every day. It is fundamental that diverse women’s voices and experiences are central to national and global recovery plans. Join in one of the many IWD events planned across the region to celebrate women! More info
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When: Thurs 11 Mar, 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (The Dome)
The annual Fiona Baranowski lecture with esteemed economist and best selling author, Ross Garnaut. Ross will be talking about his latest book, Reset, which develops his renewable superpower idea, calls for a basic income and explores what the ‘decoupling’ of China and America will mean for Australia. Tickets are selling fast so be quick to grab your free spot. More info / book
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When: 18–28 March
The 2021 theme is ‘Unpredictable’. With over 60 exhibitions, workshops, tours, open studios and other events there's lots to imagine, discover and explore. Our top picks include:
- 22 Mar - A Circular Approach: Designing Out PPE Waste - more info
- 24 Mar - How Barwon Water’s Renewable Organics Network is Transforming Waste Into Resources - more info
- 24 Mar - Webinar: What Urban Design Can Learn from Country - more info
- 24 Mar - Age-Defying Bridges Tour - more info
- 24 Mar - Geelong, Building Better Blocks - more info
- 27 Mar - Found: Designing for a Reuse Economy – more info
Explore full program / book
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Earth Hour 2021
When: Sat 27 March, 4.30-9.30pm
Where: Tuckerberry Hill, 35 Becks RD, Drysdale - map
Take the family to this sustainability-focused market offering recycled, upcycled, home-grown & home-made products. PYO berries - yum! Enjoy the panoramic view over the Bellarine to Port Phillip Bay. We'll be there playing our #RecycleRight game.
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Add your name to this petition to Hon Richard Wynne, Victorian Planning Minister. We want him to know that Geelong wants a clean energy future. We’re calling on him to reject the gas import terminal component of Viva’s proposed energy hub in Geelong.
Sign petition Like and share our new campaign facebook page.
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Help support our various campaigns, events and projects that are striving for a brighter, cleaner future for our community and the planet. Five types are available:
- Student membership (full time) - $10
- Individual membership - $30
- Family membership - $40
- Business membership - $100
- Community partner membership - $30
Join online here
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The Victorian Renewable Energy Target is supporting large scale renewables and Solar Victoria rebates assist homeowners. Currently community scale projects miss out. As advocates for energy democracy, we’re backing this petition by the Coalition for Community Energy and Friends of the Earth.
Sign-on today to support to community energy and local CORE projects.
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VIC Emissions Reduction Targets
The Victorian government is close to announcing its Emissions Reduction Targets for 2030 and beyond. Email the Premier to ask him to support ambitious climate targets and sustainable jobs here.
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You’re not really recycling UNTIL you’re buying recycled products ~ that’s when we close the loop! Sustainability Victoria has set up a new online directory featuring recycled products and suppliers. While pitched to local government, it’s worth checking out. We should aim to use our consumer power by supporting businesses trying to protect the planet. Check out the Directory
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Check out PlanetArk’s recycling tips and find out how to recycle your office items close to home and for free! More info
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The local distribution of WGAC’s recycled, forest friendly toilet paper is our only ongoing fund raising activity. WGAC donates 50% of its profits to WaterAid to improve sanitation in developing countries. Each box contains 48 double length rolls of 3-ply paper ~ enough to keep you well stocked through any panic buying episode. There are 2 options:
- Premium Bamboo - $56
- Standard Recycled - $47
Visit our store for more info & to order
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As our activities keep expanding, we’re seeking volunteers with specific skills and a few hours to spare. For example:
- Graphic design
- Communications - writers & researchers
- Website development (WordPress)
If that's you, tell us about your skills and interests here.
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We’ve collated this further reading list of recent important reports and stories. Hope it's a useful way for you to stay informed.
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Environment & biodiversity
Adam Morton, The Guardian ~ Australian scientists warn urgent action needed to save 19 'collapsing' ecosystems - link
A groundbreaking report – the result of work by 38 scientists from 29 universities and government agencies – details the degradation of coral reefs, arid outback deserts, tropical savanna, the waterways of the Murray-Darling Basin, mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and forests stretching from the rainforests of the far north to Gondwana-era conifers in Tasmania.
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ABC + iview ~ Quoll Farm - Link
An endearing true story about a family of charismatic quolls living on an abandoned farm in Tasmania and one man's extraordinary devotion to save them.
The Economist ~ How should economists think about biodiversity? link
A new report for the British government lays out a framework to value the contribution of nature to the economy.
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Climate solutions ~ new technology
Mike Foley, The Age ~ How is Australia travelling with the switch to electric cars? - link
Electric cars will become a part of the power grid one day – and many countries are speeding ahead with uptake. So why is Australia stuck in the slow lane? By comparison the UK, Japan, France and Germany have pledged to ban sales of combustion engines between 2025 and 2030.
Nick O'Malley & Mike Foley, The Age Explainer - What are big batteries and how could they reshape the electricity grid?- link
Australia’s first “big” battery worked so well there are now more than 40 built or planned across the country. How do these batteries work?
ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) ~ What are virtual power plants and why do they matter? - link + video
This story explains how thousands of household solar and battery installations are being aggregated into virtual power plants to help stabilise the electricity grid.
AAP, The Guardian ~ Victoria gives $10m for hydrogen hub which will study storage and clean energy vehicles - link
Government says project will create 300 jobs and will test and improve technologies, including a refuelling station for hydrogen vehicles
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Global news
The Economist, How Britain decarbonised faster than any other rich country - link
Over the summer of 2020, something very abnormal was happening to the UK’s electricity supply. No coal was burned to generate any portion of it for a period of more than two months, something that had not happened since 1882. Britain’s four remaining coal-burning power plants are zombies, all but dead. Within a couple of years they will be closed and Britain will probably never burn coal for electricity again. The reduction in burning coal has helped Britain cut its carbon emissions by 44%, faster than any other rich country. (Note you need to sign up for free access)
Max Opray, Metabolic ~ Rotterdam’s circular remedies treat the cause, not the symptoms - link
The city is aiming to reduce primary raw material use by 50% by 2030, while creating 3,500 to 7,000 circular jobs.
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Circular economy
Graham Readfern, The Guardian ~ Australia at risk of losing billions of dollars in revenue without cultural shift to re-use - linkCSIRO report says a 5% increase in recycling could add an estimated $1bn to the country’s GDP and path to triple jobs creation!
CSIRO ~ National Circular Economy Roadmap - link
A circular economy roadmap for plastics, tyres, glass and paper in Australia - website has segment reports and technical info.
Sophie Vorrath, RenewEconomy ~ Australia's first solar panel recycling facility to be established in Adelaide - link
Reclaim PV Recycling is set to become Australia’s first dedicated solar panel recycling company with plans to recycle tens of thousands of PV panels a year in Adelaide.
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Health & Wellbeing
Earth Justice & Sierra Club ~ Rhetoric vs. Reality: The Myth of “Renewable Natural Gas” for Building Decarbonization - link
A US study found children who grow up in a home with a gas stove are 42% more likely to develop asthma than those who don’t! The reasons to get off gas are becoming compelling.
White Paper, Ending loneliness together in Australia - link
This white paper aims to highlight the growing problem of loneliness in Australia and its significant impact on the social, health, and economic wellbeing of the Australian community.
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Financial & consumer choices
CommBank announces Green Loan - link
Which bank? CommBank has announced a Green Loan that will help its customers purchase renewable technology.
[Ed Note: Bank Australia offers a Clean Energy Home Loan, with a 0.4% discount for both existing and new energy efficient homes with 7+ NatHERS rating.]
Jag Bhalla & Eliza Barclay, Vox ~ How affluent people can end their mindless overconsumption - link
Tim Gore, head of climate policy at Oxfam, said, “The over-consumption of a wealthy minority is fueling the climate crisis yet it is poor communities and young people who are paying the price.” Every energy reduction we can make is a gift to future humans, and all life on Earth.
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