By cutting your greenhouse gas emissions, you make a small positive difference to the planet, and you set an important example to those around you. But using your political influence can be even more effective. The climate must remain a top 5 voting issue.
A major obstacle to progress is the influence of denialist journalists, particularly radio shockjocks. In March 2011, MediaWatch exposed their ploy of interviewing only the few Australian scientists that deny the consensus. The only way to counter this is for all of us to complain - the more the better. Here's how.
Know where they stand when you vote on March 26th 2011
As the 2011 NSW election approaches, we have asked each Balmain candidate where he or she stands on Climate Change and Renewable Energy.
By the deadline we set, two candidates (Jamie Parker - Greens, and Verity Firth - ALP) had responded in full, while James Falk (Liberal) advised that his party's policy had not yet been announced. Later we received a response from one independent (Maire Sheehan) which we've now added to this chart. Here is a summary of their short answers. Fuller answers are shown in the detailed table following this summary.
|
SUMMARY COMPARISON |
JAMIE PARKER |
VERITY FIRTH |
MAIRE SHEEHAN |
|
|
Greens |
Australian Labor Party |
Independent |
|
RENEWABLE ENERGY Do you agree that there is a need to phase out the use of fossil fuels for power generation in favour of renewable energy sources, (Y/N) |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
If so, what targets would you set for this change |
40% renewables by 2020 and 80% 2050 based on 1990 levels |
As part of the NSW State Plan, we have committed to a target of 20% use of renewable energy by 2020. |
Ideally 40% by 2020 based on 1990 |
|
COAL MINES In the context of state and federal carbon abatement programs, do you feel that the NSW government expenditure on a large new open-cut coal mine near Cobbora is the best use of public funds? (Y/N) |
NO |
Without a carbon price, coal is always going to be the most affordable way to get baseload power. I support the urgent and immediate introduction of a carbon price so we can move to a coal-free future. |
NO |
|
Will you support or oppose the mine's development? |
OPPOSE |
No answer supplied |
OPPOSE |
|
COAL POWER Would you support a moratorium on approval or construction of all new coal-fired power stations in NSW? (Y/N) |
YES |
NO |
YES |
|
LEADERSHIP Do you agree that innovation in the renewable energy sector can provide significant employment growth? (Y/N) |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
Do you see an opportunity for NSW to become a leader in this sector? (Y/N) |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
Should the NSW Government work with, or pressure, the Federal Government to develop international leadership in Climate Change policy? (Y/N) |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
HOUSEHOLDS Is the new domestic feed-in tariff at 20c/kWh at the right level? (Y/N) |
NO far too low! |
YES |
see detailed answer below |
Here are the full answers received by our deadline.
But first, some general remarks
JAMIE PARKER - GREENS
Thanks for sending the questions. I am not sure when you are going to release this information. This is our current policy but we are launching our energy policy next week so will be able to provide more details. Obviously our policy will not be watered down(!) but we have a few other announcements. If you will be releasing it after the 28th I can include the policy launch information.
VERITY FIRTH - LABOR
Thank you for your questions. Let me first say that climate change is the key issue of the 21st century. It is real, it is happening and urgent action is needed.
As a crucial first step we must establish a price on carbon, whether through a market based mechanism or via a carbon tax.
I believe the method matters less than the achievement of a price that properly prices coal so as to recognise the carbon pollution it creates when used as an energy source. Until this happens, a lot of the issues raised below cannot be properly addressed.
JAMES FALK - LIBERAL
As you may be aware, the NSW Liberal & National Parties have not yet released their Climate Change policy, other than the announcements of 20 February where the NSW Liberals & Nationals announced a commitment to reviving the renewable energy sector in NSW, through:
- A Solar Summit to determine the true cost of Labor's bungled solar bonus scheme, and establish a sustainable future for the NSW solar industry.
- Appointing a Parliamentary Secretary for Renewable Energy.
- Developing a 2020 NSW Renewable Energy Plan to aim for a 20% renewable energy target by 2020.
I will be in a position to respond to your survey after the NSW Liberal & National Parties release their Climate Change policy.
JANE WARD - INDEPENDENT
Please start by reading my Domain site www.janeward.info
JON SHAPIRO - INDEPENDENT
[Heavily edited]
It's all well and good having views on various issues, but what do we do once we have formed them? We will always be frustrated in our ambitions on [climate change] while we have our current system of government; the solution is not to think about which individual politicians or governments will do the best on this or the other issue, but why endure a system where good ideas are dismissed for political or other irrelevant reasons?
For details of my vision for constitutional reform, please read my paper, Democracy Without Politics, accessible at: www.myspace.com/dwop98
- how can we make it easy for all citizens to participate meaningfully in decisions which affect them; and
- how can we guarantee that as much as possible laws and policies are made only on their merits?
MAIRE SHEEHAN - INDEPENDENT
The whole sustainable agenda is at risk because of the threat of the conservative controlling both houses of parliament. It is critical that the Greens and Labour advise people to do more than 'vote 1' and if they do not we seriously run the risk of going backwards.
And here is how they answered our questions (with answers truncated where responses ran over the 150 word limit we specified.)
|
DETAILED COMPARISON |
JAMIE PARKER - Greens |
VERITY FIRTH - ALP |
MAIRE SHEEHAN- Independent |
|
1. RENEWABLE ENERGY Do you agree that there is a need to phase out the use of fossil fuels for power generation in favour of renewable energy sources, |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
If so, what targets would you set for this change |
40% renewables by 2020 and 80% 2050 based on 1990 levels |
As part of the NSW State Plan, we have committed to a target of 20% use of renewable energy by 2020. |
Ideally 40% by 2020 based on 1990 |
|
2. What would you do to ENCOURAGE the DEVELOPMENT of renewable energy solutions in NSW? |
The Greens have a detailed plan to drive the equitable transition to a low carbon economy through a range of market-regulatory mechanisms reflecting the real costs of greenhouse gas emissions including legislated, binding targets that increase over time as a fraction of the state's electricity generated; Specifically The Greens seek to implement
|
Renewable Energy Precincts have been established across NSW. These precincts are designed to fast track new renewable energy projects. The nature of some forms of renewable energy means that the point of generation is often in a remote location. Renewable energy precincts mean you can connect the precinct to the grid with just one set of infrastructure. The Government has also pledged $120 million to support NSW solar projects bidding for funding through Commonwealth's $1.5 billion Solar Flagships Program - the strongest commitment of any state. We recently approved the State's first commercial solar farm. The Government has already approved more than 1,500 megawatts of wind farm projects and 5,000 megawatts are currently in various stages of development - a significant increase in renewable energy. The Renewable Energy Development Program provides funding to projects that demonstrate new technologies or ways of commercialising existing technologies. $24.8m in projects approved thus far |
Greenpower rising to rising to 50% within four years, or directly install renewable energy capacity on their buildings. Ø statewide targets for renewable energy in all public buildings and for co-generation for all industrial power Ø a price on carbon Ø support the development of an alternative renewable energy market Ø support emerging alternatives and skills development to ensure the new market has the skills base it need to thrive.
|
|
DETAILED COMPARISON |
JAMIE PARKER - Greens |
VERITY FIRTH - ALP |
MAIRE SHEEHAN- Independent |
|
3. COAL MINES There are plans for a large new open-cut coal mine near Cobbora to feed the power generation industry in NSW. In the context of state and federal carbon abatement programs, do you feel that the NSW government expenditure involved is the best use of public funds? |
No |
|
No |
|
Will you support or oppose the mine's development? |
Oppose |
No answer supplied |
Oppose |
|
4. COAL POWER Would you support a moratorium on approval or construction of all new coal-fired power stations in NSW? |
Yes |
No |
Yes, until we can have a referendum |
|
5. TRANSITION Many countries are now moving rapidly towards a renewable energy economy and yet the Australian continues to rely heavily on coal exports. What long-term plans should a NSW government have in place to find new employment for people in the coal industry, as the international market for coal shrinks? |
A just transition to a low carbon economy will require a focus on re- skilling and investing in 'green skills'. The ACF report "Growing the Green Collar Economy" highlights the important steps that need to be made. The Greens draw their focus from this evidence: Co-ordinate local state and Federal government in order to co-ordinate skills development and local/regional/state/national transition plans Identify and stimulate and invest in 'green skills' with incentives and targets Support a jobs 'guarantee' for sectors specifically impacted by transition Engage TAFE and the training sector to advance skills required for the low carbon economy Support the development of 'green teams' in businesses to promote environmental sustainability, products and services |
The NSW Department of Planning is in the process of co-ordinating a multi-agency strategy to meet these and other challenges presented by the mining industry in NSW, the NSW Coal and Gas Strategy. A Scoping Paper has been released for public comment, and series of public consultations has recently begun. I look forward to the findings of these consultations. In my capacity of NSW Minister for Education and Training, I am proud that NSW TAFE has a tradition of working closely with industry stakeholders on re-skilling, up-skilling, and addressing areas of skills shortage. The Department has already held consultations with the NSW Business Chamber and individual TAFE Institutes in areas where the mining industry is a major employer remain in close contact with stakeholders to develop ongoing strategies. The NSW Government has given specific commitments to increasing participation and training in Green Skills areas by 2015. |
develop an alternative economic development plan for the renewable energy industry and target the workers and towns that depend on the polluting industries invest in renewable ideas and work with the federal parliament on a national approach sell out expertise overseas so Australia becomes a leader in the field instead of our inventors and entrepreneurs having to go overseas for investment harness the eduction and training systems to ensure our people are being trained for the jobs of the future not the past. |
|
DETAILED COMPARISON |
JAMIE PARKER - Greens |
VERITY FIRTH - ALP |
MAIRE SHEEHAN- Independent |
|
6. LEADERSHIP Do you agree that innovation in the renewable energy sector can provide significant employment growth? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes if it is planned and supported |
|
Do you see an opportunity for NSW to become a leader in this sector? |
Yes |
Yes |
YES if we can get out act together to invest for people and if our political parties work for the community and not their own advancement which is destructive and of no value to the people of NSW. |
|
Should the NSW Government work with, or pressure, the Federal Government to develop international leadership in Climate Change policy? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
If yes, how would you pursue these goals? |
Co-ordinate and campaign with Greens representatives in local, state, national and other national parliaments to drive a climate leadership position Support and promote grass roots activism and advocacy that highlight the importance of action on transition to a low carbon economy Work with community organisations, trade unions and business organisations to promote the science and immediate action on climate change Introduce policies as described above to drive innovation in the renewable energy sector |
Renewable energy will be a significant driver of employment and investment opportunities in this state. Some initiatives in this area are outlined in the answer to Question 5. I believe NSW is already a leader in this sector. Labor, in 1997, created GreenPower - one of the first and most comprehensive voluntary renewable energy accreditation programs in the world - and has since lead by example by mandating a minimum 6% GreenPower purchasing by budget dependent agencies. In 2003, the Government introduced the world's first mandatory emissions trading scheme, the NSW Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme (GGAS). We were also the world's first jurisdiction to recognise carbon rights, today the basis of the multi-million dollar carbon offset market. We have continued to maintain our commitment to a steady transition to a renewable energy future. I believe in working co-operatively the Commonwealth. I do understand that there is some disappointment at the pace of change at a Commonwealth level, particularly over the introduction of a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS. |
I would: work with the progressive independents and progressive members of all parties support direct community action and grass roots campaigning support referenda on critical national and state so people can truly have a say
|
|
DETAILED COMPARISON |
JAMIE PARKER - Greens |
VERITY FIRTH - ALP |
MAIRE SHEEHAN- Independent |
|
7. TRANSPORT What steps would you take to encourage sustainable transport alternatives in NSW, and to reduce our dependence on oil as a transport fuel source? |
The Greens have a detailed transport policy committing us to
|
Recent statistics show that NSW has the nation's highest proportion of commuters who walk, ride or catch public transport to work or study. I will continue my strong and vocal support of public transport. I was delighted at the recent approval of the extension of the Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill Light Rail Interchange. The pedestrian/cycling GreenWay that accompanies this development will further encourage sustainable transport options in my electorate. I have been proud to be involved in the formation of the NSW Bike Plan, the largest program of support and infrastructure for cyclists in the history of the state. Under the Metropolitan Transport Plan, the government will buy 200 new buses this year alone. We have already spent $275m on replacing older buses with low emissions vehicles, which now make up nearly 50% of the fleet. We are also currently trialling the use of new diesel/electric hybrid buses. |
So who was the person who went tot he government in the 1960s and said have we got a deal for you! It was first large scale user pays plan and now we are choking on the results. The ideas was this get people out of the carriages make them buy their own carriages, then pay tax to drive them and then pay a fee for permission to drive them and then pay for using the new shiny tracks for their carriages (freeways, motorways, tunnels). Pretty neat trick. At first it worked as people who could afford it zipped around in their private carriages. Now of course it is just one more pressure with road rage, traffic jams, rising costs, getting up in the middle of the night to get to work....Governments of course are so addicted that they cannot let go! - And the RTA is the joker in the pack. <cut at 150 wds> |
|
DETAILED COMPARISON |
JAMIE PARKER - Greens |
VERITY FIRTH - ALP |
MAIRE SHEEHAN - Independent |
|
8. HOUSEHOLDS What measures would you support to encourage households and businesses to install renewable energy sources such as solar cells and solar hot water systems? |
Commit to a significantly increased feed in tariff for domestic and industry sectors Extending the feed in tariff solar scheme until 2023, guaranteeing access to the tariff rate for seven years regardless of when in that time connection of solar panels was made, and Guaranteeing those generating a credit on their account would be paid cash instead of a credit being held by the retailer. Augment and extend BASIX for both householders and business to reduce energy consumption The skill development and renewable industry incentives will drive down costs support the development of the sector
|
One of my proudest achievements while NSW Minister for Climate Change and Environment was the introduction of the $150m Energy Efficiency Strategy. Encouraging more sustainable patterns of energy consumption is an easy way of effecting lasting changes at a grassroots level. The Strategy includes:
We are well on the way to achieving our target of saving 4,000GwH of electricity annually by 2014. To date under the wider Climate Change Fund, $301m has been allocated or paid to help households, businesses and communities save an estimated: 18 billion litres of water, 724,000 megawatt hours of electricity, 795,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, 75,000 kilowatts peak demand, and $141 million in water and power bills a year.
|
I would Ø change the planning codes to make it easier for households to install solar cells and solar hot water systems Ø extend the feed in tariff scheme and maintain the tariff level so it is long term have a a higher feed in tariff for surplus to use generation. |
|
Is the new domestic feed-in tariff at 20c/kWh at the right level? |
No far too low! |
Yes |
Depends on whether it is for all power generated or for power returned to grid once the household has consumed for its needs. I would support a higher tariff for surplus |
What about when there's no election imminent?
In non-election years we need to keep the pressure on our governments by joining and supporting environmental organisations at all levels, writing to politicians and business leaders at all levels, raising awareness in the workplace, with community groups, and among family and friends.
If enough of us are motivated and proactive about halting dangerous climate change, we will move the bounds of acceptability for governments and industry, and make delay less and less viable for the few interests it serves.
The gravity of the challenge presented by climate change to this generation and those who follow us, is monstrous. CCBR is all about informing supporters in our local community about how they can make a difference. We can guide you on effective action at the level of engagement that suits you. Whether that be making small or large changes at home and at work, or, lobbying politicians to legislate for rapid change towards a clean energy future.
March 2011: The threat of "astroturfing"
Astroturfing is a new weapon in the armoury of corporations. Thousands of bloggers turn out to be small groups of people paid to generate fake identities and post comments as though from "grassroots". Both public and politicians can be deceived.
See e.g. http://www.monbiot.com/2011/02/23/robot-wars/
Coal Projects in NSW
There are 21 new coal 'projects' (i.e. mines) in the planning stage in NSW currently! (http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/asp/register.asp) From one coal project alone (Anvil Hill), Centennial Coal will extract enough coal to fill 10,000 Olympic swimming pools, every year for 18 years. Another, the Moolarben coal project on the Goulburn River, is linked to the construction of a new coal-fired power station in Ulan, in the Central West. The greenhouse gas emissions from combustion of this coal will increase the global temperature for many decades to come …
Be Heard - Write a Letter……
Proforma letter to your MP - thanks to ACF "Who On Earth Cares" campaign http://www.whoonearthcares.com/woec/home.action :
______________________________________________________________________________________
Ms T. J. Plibersek, MP
Dear Ms Plibersek,
Congratulations on being elected as my local representative. As we have seen with the recent Federal Election, climate change is an issue many Australians are deeply concerned about and want strong leadership on.
I care about climate change because I have kids and want to leave them a world that's worth inheriting. What concerns me most about this issue is that we only have a short window of time to act.
To reduce my greenhouse pollution, I have personally committed to:
- Switch my household power supply to accredited GreenPower
- Install a water efficient shower head
- Set my washing machine to wash my clothes in cold water
- Turn off computers and screens overnight at work and home
- Eat one less serve of meat a week
- Avoid one domestic air flight this year and purchase carbon offsets
- Drive 20 kilometres less each week
- Reduce my household electricity and gas usage by 20%
I want
Ordinary Australians are doing what we can, but we also need your leadership. I am really pleased that
We need to do everything in our power to make sure that global warming does not exceed 2C, otherwise we will see more droughts and bushfires, and lose our
Smarter use of energy is the quickest way for
I ask that you raise these important questions with your party and let me know your party's position on them.
Please acknowledge receipt of my letter. I look forward to receiving a prompt response to my questions.
Sincerely,
______________________________________________________________________________
(Note: please change to match your electorate if you are not in SYDNEY)
In opposition to new coal projects, write to:-
The Hon. Frank SARTOR, MP Level 34 Governor Macquarie Tower 1 Farrer Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9228 4700 Fax (02) 9228 4711 office@sartor.minister.nsw.gov.au
The Hon. Morris Iemma Premier, Minister for State Development, and Minister for Citizenship Level 40 Governor Macquarie Tower 1 Farrer Place SYDNEY NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9228 5239 Fax (02) 9228 3934 thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au
Here are some previous letters we have sent : _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Sample Letter: #1
<date>
Critical Infrastructure and Special Projects
Department of Planning
GPO
This is a submission against the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group's proposed new Coal Export Terminal at Newcastle (06_0009), and Centennial Hunter's proposed Anvil Hill coal mine (06_0014).
The CET and Anvil Hill mine must not be approved.
These co-dependent projects would massively increase Hunter coal exports, and accelerate dangerous climate change, which the Premier has called NSW's greatest threat.
Approving Anvil Hill mine would be the greenhouse equivalent of doubling the number of cars on NSW roads. Approving the new Coal Export Terminal would be the equivalent of doubling NSW's coal consumption.
They would also have unacceptable localised impacts, such as destruction of habitat for over 30 threatened species of flora and fauna.
Sincerely,
<name>
<address>
__________________________________________________________________________
Sample Letter: #2
<date>
Major Development Assessments
Department of Planning
GPO
This is a submission against the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group's proposed new Coal Export Terminal at Newcastle (06_0009), and Centennial Hunter's proposed Anvil Hill coal mine (06_0014).
The CET and Anvil Hill mine must not be approved.
These co-dependent projects would massively increase Hunter coal exports, and accelerate dangerous climate change, which the Premier has called NSW's greatest threat.
Approving Anvil Hill mine would be the greenhouse equivalent of doubling the number of cars on NSW roads. Approving the new Coal Export Terminal would be the equivalent of doubling NSW's coal consumption.
They would also have unacceptable localised impacts, such as destruction of habitat for over 30 threatened species of flora and fauna.
Sincerely,
<name>
<address>
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sample Letter: #3
Dear Premier Iemma
CC: Minister Sartor.
RE: climate change impacts of Anvil Hill mine proposal must be considered
It is unacceptable that assessment of the proposed Anvil Hill mine in the NSW Hunter Valley will fail to address this mine's enormous contribution to climate change. The 10.5 million tonnes of coal per year proposed to be mined at Anvil Hill would contribute over 25 million tonnes of equivalent carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year for the life of the mine. This is more than Australia's entire annual transport emissions!
I demand that the NSW Government consider the Anvil Hill mine proposal in the context of the urgent need to cut global greenhouse pollution. Failure to do this would be reckless and irresponsible, and would condemn the world to runaway dangerous climate change.
Sincerely,
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
For more information on
Moolarben: www.savethedrip.com o Anvil Hill: www.anvilhill.org.au
The very technologies that we need to stop dangerous climate change are being starved while the climate-changing coal industry is booming… Every year about 80 million tonnes of climate-changing coal leave Newcastle.
In the next 5 years, more massive coal mines are planned to open and more coal infrastructure will be built. Ultimately, Newcastle's exports will increase by up to 50 million tonnes a year. This compares to Australia's total coal consumption of 67 million tonnes and NSW's consumption of 30 million tonnes.
If this expansion occurs, it will accelerate the onset of dangerous climate change and see NSW actively fuelling its greatest threat. At the same time, the renewable energy industry in NSW is on its last legs. Next year the Federal Government's mandatory renewable energy target (MRET) will expire. Unless other measures to promote investment are introduced, growth in the renewable energy industry will stall.
If the NSW government legislated a state renewable energy target of 15% by 2012, and 25% by 2020, it would spur up to $3 billion in investment in clean energy projects and 2,000 new jobs in NSW. Not only would this provide us with clean energy, but we could start exporting clean energy instead of climate-changing coal.
In opposition to lack of investment in renewable energy industries write to:-
Hon. Ian MACDONALD, MLC office@macdonald.minister.nsw.gov.au Minister for Natural Resources, Primary Industries & Mineral Resources Level 30 Governor Macquarie Tower 1 Farrer Place Sydney NSW 2000 Phone (02) 9228 3344 Fax (02) 9228 3452
Hon. Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister http://www.pm.gov.au/email.cfm Prime Minister Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600
Hon. Ian Campbell, Senator for Western Australia senator.ian.campbell@aph.gov.au Minister for Environment and Heritage Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Ph: (02) 6277 7640 Fax: (02) 6273 6101 Electoral office: GPO Box B58, Perth WA 6838 Ph: (08) 94211755, (08) 9325 4227 Fax: (08) 9325 6857, (08) 9325 7906