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Newsletter #9 - March 2007 Newsletter #8 - February 2007 Newsletter #7 - December 2006 Newsletter #6 - November 2006 Newsletter #5 - October 2006 Newsletter #4 - September 2006 Newsletter #3 - August 2006 Newsletter #2 - June 2006 |
Supporters Newsletter # 9 - March 2007 Only 3 weeks to go before our state election (March 24). Our stance is, as always, that we will not endorse any particular candidate. However, what we have chosen to do, is to request a Yes/No response from each candidate on 7 questions. From these we’ve compiled a Report Card on the relevant Climate Change issues that we focus on. So have a look and judge for yourself on how they compare. Signing over to Green Power is still the message that needs to get out there. Let market forces demand a cleaner future. Check out “3. What you can do…” for a step by step guide. Contents: 1. What’s news… 2. What’s coming up… 3. What you can do… 4. Be Heard – Write a Letter… 1. What’s News… ● CCBR “Report Card” for Candidates for the Seat of Balmain
* Peter Shmigel declined to participate saying: “Thanks for giving me the opportunity to participate in CCBR’s survey. I respectfully decline to do so. While I could certainly answer ‘yes’ to many of its questions, I cannot respond to the survey in its current format as a matter of principle. ........ I am of the view that reducing the climate change debate down to ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers is not appropriate” As per his request we have published his statement in full on the website: www.climatechangebr.org/page15.htm. Verity Firth was unable to respond to the questionnaire by the newsletter deadline. ● Local CCBR supporters go Carbon Neutral Scott Hyde, a local resident who is the Director of “Milk etc pty ltd” is in the process of making his business carbon neutral…. “About 4 months ago I decided to commit my business to the path of carbon neutrality. The process started with me asking myself how to do it?! After some googling and research, I contacted a group called www.carbonneutral.com.au who have been very helpful in leading me in the process. Our first task was to identify where and how we consumed most of our energy. We are a distribution business and have multiple trucks on the road and this is supported by a fairly large array of computers. Carbon Neutral has various calculator programs so that once we measured the average time on the road for each truck they were able to tell us our CO2 emissions and thus they will plant enough trees that would equal a complete offset. We were also advised to request green energy from our energy provider which we have done and are also in the process of having the net energy still used by the computer resources calculated with view to offsetting this also. We are probably 75% down the path of carbon neutrality and hope to have it complete by April when my business is launching its website. Our commitment to this process will be communicated by the website and in turn challenge like businesses to do the same.” And another supporter has drawn our attention to this website: Calculate the environmental performance of your home at www.nabers.com.au . Australian households spend around $1500 a year on energy and water bills, and our energy and water use is amongst the highest in the world. We are currently waiting for an answer to a funding proposal that the group has submitted to DEUS. The grant would provide financial assistance in installing the panels that have been donated and setting up an interactive education package to be used with students in the schools. All funding applications have entered a “caretaker period” - no funding will be announced until after the election. ●Positive initiatives blooming around us! · We congratulate labor government’s recent announcements regarding rebates for domestic solar hot water heating, as well as the GGAS. · Channel Ten’s “Cool Aid” was a great success · “Earth Hour” on March 31st – Everyone is encouraged to cut the power for an hour that evening, 7.30 – 8.30pm. See: www.earthhour.org ● CCBR Kilowatt Challenge It’s not too late to join up if you have your bills from late last year! How much can you reduce your usage?? With great prizes to be won contact Alison at kc@climatechangebr.org or check out the challenge at www.climatechangebr.org/page11.htm. Do you know how many Kilowatts your household uses per day? ● Great info from CCBR supporters This last month we have had some great emails from people in the area sharing information and ideas: 1. A small group called SEED have turned proposals for new coal mines in 2. A local CCBR supporter, Richard Madigan, has alerted us to an incredible initiative that was developed in 2. What’s coming up………. ● Greenpeace Forum – “Fiddling While the Climate Burns” You are invited to a public forum to discuss climate change, how we make the shift from coal to renewable energy, and how you can use your power as a voter in March’s election to help stop dangerous climate. The political candidates for the seat of Balmain have also been invited to give a short overview on where they stand on these issues. We hope to see you there. Where: Rozelle public school, When: Thursday March 8th, 7-8.45pm For more on what’s happening with Anvil Hill and Moolarben coal mine proposals go to www.anvilhill.org.au and www.savethedrip.com ● Meet the Candidates Candidates for the seat of ‘Balmain’ will be in attendance to answer questions from the community. Organised by the Balmain Society – enquiries 9810 1179. Where: Balmain Tigers Club, When: Wednesday March 14, 7 for 7.30pm ● Earth Hour and the ‘Planet Cool’ Fundraiser CCBR invites you to “Planet Cool - Party for Climate Change” with Rozelle’s very own Leyla Nassif and Rob Maxwell-Jones. The entrance cost covers the venue and music. You bring along your picnic and dancing shoes and be prepared for a fun night. Where & When: Writers Centre, Price: $20 / person. Purchase tickets at Bendigo Bank (Rozelle) - BSB:633000 a/c#127362408 (name in description box please -This is the RSVP) This is a fundraiser organised by Leyla from ● ‘Getup’ e-initiative and Global Petition This is a great way to let your local candidates know how many people in their constituency put a high priority on dealing with climate change. The Getup campaign has now been running for over 3 months and if you haven’t already, we urge you to add your signature to the growing number of people who have (presently 75,185 – target 250,000). www.GetUp.org.au Sign-on to the Climate Action Map if you agree with - “I want my government to take sweeping action to dramatically cut greenhouse pollution, shift to clean energy and solve the climate crisis now”. Another similar initiative has come to our attention this one with a global rather than Australian focus. For more see http://www.avaaz.org/en/climate_action/ ● Street Stalls At the stalls we: • discuss Climate Change with passers-by and options for individual action. • present letters you can send to the pollies. • distribute bumper stickers: “Climate Change the election issue” Dates and places: March 10 – outside Balmain Markets March 17 – outside Rozelle Markets March 24 – State Election Day - To Be Advised 3. What you can do……… Switch to Green Power. - For only a few dollars more a month, you can make sure that your electricity comes from renewable energy sources and is climate friendly. Here’s how to go about it: 1. Head to http://www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au which rates the top green providers. At time of printing the top 3 are: Origin, TRUenergy and AGL. We have personally contacted these suppliers. Look at your electricity bills and find how many Kwh your household uses per day. Use it to work out how much green energy would cost you. Below is a summary of what we found to be on offer: ORIGIN ENERGY – ph:132 463. ‘Standard Greenearth’- 10% wind + 90% hydro. Cost: $1 or $2 extra/week flat rate (dep. on meter type) ‘Extra Greenearth’ - 50% wind + 50% hydro Cost: $3 or $5 extra/week flat rate (dep. on meter type) ‘Greenearth Wind’ - 100% wind. Cost: 5.5cents extra / kWh ‘Greenearth Solar’ - 100% solar. Cost: 5.5cents extra / kWh Origin does not lock you into a fixed term agreement to stay with them TRUenergy – ph:133 466 ‘Go Green’ – 10% wind + 90% hydro. No extra cost. This is a 2 yr agreement. ‘Go Green’ – 100% wind. Cost: 5.775cents extra / kWh ‘TRUenergy Planet Plus’ – 50% wind & bio + 50% hydro & bio. Cost: 2.86cents / kWh AGL – cannot sign up by phone – must do it on line www.agl.com.au ‘Green Energy’ – 100% accredited sources (wind, solar, hydro and biomass – exact mix not given) Cost: 5.5cents / kWh 2. Ring one of these providers and they will organise the transfer for you – this can take around 3 months due to meter reading times. OR you could also do your own research starting from a different website: http://www.energy.com.au/energy/ea.nsf/Content/NSW+residential this site has links to all the providers’ homepages. 4. Be Heard – Write a Letter … This month’s letter to Morris Iemma together with another to Peter Debnam appear as a separate att. to this newsletter. And……… Climate Change Balmain-Rozelle is growing and looking for people who would like to get more involved. The current working party met with a great group of people who have previously expressed an interest in becoming more involved and we look forward to seeing what wonderful new energy and initiatives these people will bring to the team. Would you be able to help us out in any of these areas: -media releases/ management -website development -data organisation And……… “….Perhaps local climate action groups will exert sufficient political pressure to move contenders in the coming elections to adopt effective policies instead of diversions and delaying tactics.” Sydney Morning Herald, Feb 6 – 2007 (www.smh.com.au:80/articles/2007/02/05/1170524025000.html ) Dr Mark Diesendorf researches and teaches sustainable development and greenhouse response strategies at the Institute of Environmental Studies, Also……… “Twice as many customers overall are now buying clean Green Power in And Lastly……… If you like what we’re doing and have friends who you think would be interested in this newsletter please feel free to forward it on. Or…..if you have any feedback or ideas contact us at ccbrmail@aapt.net.au Or…. if you would like to unsubscribe please let us know at ccbrmail@aapt.net.au For more info, check out our website www.climatechangebr.org. For other Climate Action Groups (CAGs) in Supporters Newsletter # 8 - February 2007 Dear supporters, welcome to our first newsletter for 2007. There are only 7 weeks to go before our state election (March 24) and the topic of Climate Change is buzzing in everyone’s ears. The subject continues to dominate headlines again with last week’s release of the UN’s IPCC report in At last the message seems to be filtering through that it’s time to stop burning coal for electricity and it is beginning to hit home that the only way to move forward for the world’s future, is to kick the coal habit. This country has a great track record for innovation and enthusiasm for the ‘new’, with good leadership we could hold our heads high within a global community, looking towards a future powered by clean renewable energy. Or alternatively we could head towards a certain pariah status, being remembered as the country that continued to make a buck exporting fuel for 19th century technologies instead of moving to embrace a clean energy future!!! What will we have to tell our children in 20 years? What will we have lost to tell our children’s children about in 40!? The future is in our hands. The time to act is now – Firstly, look into swapping to green energy from your own energy provider – all it takes is one phone call – our experience is, for around 10kWh per day it costs around $3 extra a week for 100% solar energy. (a small price to pay for peace of mind and it’s sending a clear unequivocal message to our leaders). Check out http://www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au for comparisons on providers. Secondly pass this newsletter on to a friend in the area – yes do it – urge them to sign on for the monthly newsletter, the more people signed up to receive our newsletter the more notice those politicians will be taking on these issues – we need to let them know that it’s not just the ‘greenies’ and environment groups that are worried! It’s all of us, regardless of our political leanings. There is always more, but for starters, if everyone did those 2 things alone we will have achieved something valuable. For more ideas go to our website www.climatechangebr.org. For other Climate Action Groups (CAGs) in Contents 1. What’s news… 2. What’s coming up… 3. What you can do… 4. Be Heard – Write a Letter… 1. What’s News… ● CCBR meets the politicians On Nov 30 – 2006, some members of Climate Change Balmain Rozelle met with the candidates of the 3 major parties in O’Connor Reserve, Rozelle: Peter Shmigel – Liberal * Verity Firth – Labor * Rochelle Porteus – Greens We encourage all CCBR supporters to find out from these politicians, where they stand on these issues and let them know what your concerns are. Send an email, give them a call – leave a message. We have also compiled some questions that we would like to pose to all candidates so that we can deliver a “Report Card” on their responses in the next newsletter. This way you will be able to compare directly on key issues. Feedback and suggestions from you as to the questions we should be asking would be great (questions that require yes/no responses are best) write to ccbrmail@aapt.net.au Q.1: Do you support legislated greenhouse emissions reduction targets of 40% by 2020 for NSW? Y/N Q.2: Do you support legislated renewable energy targets for NSW? Y/N Q.3: Do you support legislated targets to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy demand in NSW? Y/N Q.4: Would you support an independent inquiry into the cumulative impacts of the NSW coal industry, and the options available to NSW for alternative industries to coal? Y/N Q.5: Would you support a moratorium on approval or construction of new coal-fired power stations in NSW, pending the results of the aforementioned independent inquiry? Y/N Q.6: Would you support a moratorium on all coal mines, including at Anvil Hill, Moolarben and Bickham, pending the results of the independent inquiry? Y/N Q.7: Do you believe that Carbon Capture and Storage of coal emissions can make a significant contribution to the deep, swift reductions in greenhouse pollution that are required to avoid dangerous climate change? Y/N Q.8: Do you believe that public investment in CCS should be continued or do you think NSW Government resources should be directed towards demand reduction, energy efficiency and renewable energy development? Yes, maintain public investment in CCS / No, shift investment to renewables and energy efficiency. ● United Nations - IPCC tables report in “The world has been delivered it’s strongest warning yet that human actions are causing global warming and that greenhouse gas emissions must be reined in by 2020 if humanity wants a chance to avoid catastrophic climate change” SMH Feb 3-4, 2007. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released it’s 1200p report the work of 2500 scientists over 6 years. For a 21 page summary go to http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM2feb07.pdf ● Tim Flannery is ‘Australian of the Year’ On the Eve of Jan 26, 2007 it was announced that Tim Flannery was awarded Australian of the year. Described by Sir David Attenborough as being in the league of all-time great explorers such as David Livingstone – this award adds weight and power to his ability to reach many. The Weather Makers certainly had an impact on the formation of this group. Congratulations Tim Flannery from CCBR. For more see www.australianoftheyear.gov.au
● Peter Garrett goes head to head with Malcolm Turnbull ‘The Green War Has Begun’ SMH 27 Jan 07. Pete Garrett has called for action on Climate Change after a decade of inaction Mr Turnbull described Mr Garrett’s attack as ill-informed and simplistic. This debate is only going to go the way of our planet – hotter! See www.petergarrett.com.au and for Malcolm Turnbull see www.environment.gov.au/minister/env ● Iemma approves power line upgrade As appears on NSW Dept Planning website, Sartor has approved a new 330kV power line that is the first stage to establish a new coal-fired power station at Ulan in Central West NSW. *For the latest on the proposed Anvil hill mine go to: www.anvilhill.org.au V ● CCBR Kilowatt Challenge At last count we were up to 100 participants in the Challenge – it’s not too late to join up if you have your bills from late last year! How much can you reduce your usage?? With great prizes to be won contact Alison at kc@climatechangebr.org or check out the challenge at www.climatechangebr.org/page11.htm. What would you answer if someone asked you how many kilowatts your household uses a day? 2. What’s coming up………. ● Protest Flotilla at The climate action group Rising Tide based in “The People’s Occupation of the World’s For more info http://www.risingtide.org.au/flotilla - go to ‘events’. Come along, CCBR will be there, to organise transport ring Jenny on 0405 031 781 ● Climate Action Day Bondi – Feb 10 For something a little closer to home the climate action group CAB based in Bondi have organised a day packed full of activities for Feb 10. Check it out at www.climateactionbondi.com ● Banner over CCBR have had a large banner made “COAL = CLIMATE CHANGE CHAOS”. We would like to display it over Victoria Road to catch the attention of peak hour traffic to raise the profile of Climate Change in the weeks leading up to the election. This is not an illegal activity if the banner is physically held. Would anyone like to spend an hour doing this? Please call Jenny on 0405 031 781 or contact us at ccbrmail@aapt.net.au ● CCBR’s ‘cut the power and kick up your heels’ Fundraiser We’re planning a great night out with some fabulous live entertainment, a speaker or two and a little fundraising. So mark it in your diary and be prepared for a fun evening. When: Sat 31st March Where: Writers Centre, ● ‘Getup’ e-initiative This is a great way to let your local candidates know how many people in their constituency put a high priority on dealing with climate change. The Getup campaign has now been running for over 3 months and if you haven’t already, we urge you to add your signature to the growing number of people who have (presently 72,656 – target 250,000). www.GetUp.org.au Sign-on to the Climate Action Map if you agree with - “I want my government to take sweeping action to dramatically cut greenhouse pollution, shift to clean energy and solve the climate crisis now”. And….tell a friend. ● Street Stalls We’re hitting the streets once more. At the stalls we: • discuss options for individual action • distribute bumper stickers: “Climate Change the election issue” Dates and places: Feb 17 – outside Rozelle Markets Feb 24 – outside Orange Grove Markets March – To Be Advised And you may even see us on the odd afternoon in Balmain!! 3. What you can do……… The most direct way to ensure you make a difference is to eliminate your personal and household emissions. With a small effort, you can achieve a drastic reduction in your CO2 emissions - without a big reduction in your quality of life. A great site to visit on what you can do on the home front is the Australian Conservation Foundation’s “greenhome” site - www.acfonline.org.au/greenhome or check out our website - www.climatechangebr.org Switch to Green Power. For only a couple of dollars more a month, you can make sure that your electricity comes from renewable energy sources and is climate friendly. Green Power is government accredited clean, renewable electricity from the sun, the wind, water and waste. Only accredited Green Power guarantees that you support investments in new renewable energy capacity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The ACF has helpfully produced a clear guide to the best suppliers of green energy, Green Electricity Watch. This makes the choice very simple for you. Head to http://www.greenelectricitywatch.org.au 4. Be Heard – Write a Letter … This week I attempted my first “Letter to the Editor”. We’ve included it in this month’s newsletter to encourage you all to pick up a pen and give it a go. Let the media know what you think is important! ************************************************************************ To the editor, Re “The issue that may swing some city seats…..” Anne Davies 29/01/07 It is great to see a political writer with an ear to the ground and a realistic view reflecting what’s happening out here. Anne Davies has provided a clear roundup of a very big year for the coal industry. This industry is standing at the brink of a massive expansion. An expansion, that, will launch Twelve months ago it was largely only ‘green groups’ that were making the connection between coal – electricity – and global warming. Things have changed, now the politicians are tuning into the fact that people from all walks of life are demanding that the government act responsibly in dealing with Climate Change. Export coal and coal fired power stations are central to this. It is no longer the environmentalists that are demanding change, there is now a growing level of informed concern from a much wider demographic – from ‘soccer mums’ to GPs, from celebrities to farmers this issue affects us all. As a warning to the politicians, these people will not be fooled by jigging numbers on capping targets and the promise of dubious abatement schemes that pale in significance when compared to the millions of tonnes of CO2 that will flow annually from the coal taken from new proposed mines. The only way to move through this critical phase for the world’s future is to kick the coal habit, take a leadership role on the world stage and guide us towards a future powered by clean renewable energy. When all is said and done and our children in 20 years ask us to stand and be counted we will not be able to plead ignorance of our role played in the warming of the planet. The issue of Climate Change is now clearly a matter of conscience – unlike other issues in recent times, this is a universal moral issue that can galvanize the masses. Jenny Curtis (Address) Sent to letters@smh.com.au (Sydney Morning Herald) There’s also The Village Voice The Innerwest Courier The Glebe ************************************************************************ Please note: you cannot cut and paste from this PDF document. This letter appears as a separate att. to this newsletter. And……… “You can fool some of the people all of the time… …and you can fool all of the people some of the time… But you only need to fool the majority of the people for one day every few years… …and you’ve got a democracy.” Michael Leunig – 2007 Calendar (March). And Lastly……… If you like what we’re doing and have friends who you think would be interested in this newsletter please feel free to forward it on. It would be great to top the 500 mark in the new year. Or…..if you have any feedback or ideas contact us at ccbrmail@aapt.net.au Or…. if you would like to unsubscribe please let us know at ccbrmail@aapt.net.au Supporters Newsletter # 7 - December 2006 Dear supporters, Welcome to our December 2006 newsletter, and yet another amazing month on the road to a clean energy future. Over the past 5 weeks there have been many encouraging changes on many levels that indicate that we are gaining momentum. This will be our last newsletter for 2006 and we’d all like to take this opportunity to wish you a safe and joyful festive season. Hopefully we’ll see you at In 2007 we are planning to get some sub-committees up and running, upgrade the website, bring you html. Newsletters, and continue on with our “Solar for Schools” project. As well as doing all that we plan at a local level continue to continue to expose, inform and enable. The Kilowatt Challenge is still attracting more households, so get on board ! For the first time this month we are appealing to the membership to dip into their pockets and help us meet the running costs of this fast growing grass roots organisation. Donations would go towards postage for sending letters to politicians, printing stickers and T-Shirts, press-packs etc. If you like what we are doing please help us out with these costs by donating at Bendigo Bank Balmain/Rozelle a/c # 633000 127362408 Contents 1. What’s news… 2. What’s coming up… 3. What you can do… 4. Be Heard – Write a Letter… 1. What’s News… ● Kilowatt Challenge - It’s time to cut those kilowatts | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||