Support the Solar Citizens survey.
Rookie Victorian senator Ricky Muir’s statement that he had been “a great supporter of renewable energy for a long time” suggests he is likely to vote in favour of keeping our best solar policy, the Renewable Energy Target – but we don’t know for sure. This, together with Clive Palmer’s announcement that key Palmer United senators would block any changes to the Target, means that for now, the chances of major changes to our most important solar program are less likely to happen.
But a day really is a long time in politics (let alone a few weeks!) and right now there is an urgent need to make sure the politicians that hold the balance of power in the Senate – including Victorian Senators Ricky Muir and John Madigan – speak up for solar.
That’s why Solar Citizens are launching a “Great Solar Power Poll” – a rapid response survey of the community on what they think about Senator Muir and Madigan’s positions on solar.
Solar Citizens will take the results to the senators before they next sitting of parliament in August. The goal is to get a minimum of 200 surveys completed in each senator’s area.
» Please complete the online form.
A small win for Yes 2 Renewables and wind power
Friends of the Earth’s Yes 2 Renewables campaign has had a modest win. After months building up the pressure, the Victorian government will take the first step to fix the state’s onerous restrictions on wind farms. It will amend planning laws to allow already-approved wind farms to update permits and use the best-available technology. The move signifies a shift of policy from the government and illustrates that our efforts are paying off. We have a chance to build on this momentum, but only if we demonstrate strong public support for further action to fix the state’s wind farm laws. Here’s how you can help:
- Email Planning Minister Matthew Guy to thank him for acting and encourage further action to restore fair wind farm laws at www.melbourne.foe.org.au/e-letters_guy
- ‘Like’ and share the Y2R Facebook post http://ow.ly/zt2Q7
- Send a letter to the editor: letters@theweeklytimes.com.au
- Tweet a message to @MatthewGuyMP or retweet the recent @Yes2Renewables tweets.
Yarra and Moreland Councils to take legal action against East-West Link
The Yarra Council voted this week to join Moreland Council in taking legal action against the East-West toll road. Yarra Climate Action Now have been campaigning hard against this polluting, expensive and unpopular toll road – including lobbying Yarra Council – so they are delighted with this outcome.
South Barwon campaigning
Yes2Renewables partnered with Surf Coast Energy Group and the Geelong Sustainability Group to issue an open letter to South Barwon candidates, asking them to support renewable energy. The Greens support fair laws for wind farms and endorse the call for a Victorian Renewable Energy Target. They are still waiting for incumbent Andrew Katos – Liberal for South Barwon and Andy Richards for South Barwon to respond. Great story in the local paper!
Coming events
Friday 25 July 1pm, outside ANZ corner Collins and Exhibition Streets.
#StandWithJono
Jonathan Moylan who wrote a hoax letter on behalf of the ANZ announcing they were no longer funding the coal mine at Maules Creek, faced court for sentencing on Friday 11 July. Submissions were heard and sentencing was deferred until Friday 25th July. Supporters will gather outside the Supreme Court in Sydney from 1pm and also outside the ANZ bank in Melbourne. It is a significant moment for the climate movement and the struggle against coal and gas. In the face of government inaction, citizens will need to continue to take bold action and we need to support them when they do. RSVP and please invite your friends.
Saturday 26th July 11.00am-1.00pm
Yarragon Declaration Day
Another huge Lock the Gate survey is complete and Yarragon (in Gippsland) wants to remain gasfield free. Declaration Day for Yarragon will be celebrated at the Uniting Church, Campbell Street, Yarragon.
See www.sustainabilitygippsland.com
» For more details email makeyarragoncsgfree@gmail.com
Saturday 26 July, 9.30am -1.00pm at Victorian Trades Hall
Campaigning Skills Training
RSVP jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au
Saturday 26 July, morning
Environment Victoria door-knocking in Carrum
RSVP jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au
Sunday 27 July, 7.00pm
Hugh Venables from BZE is presenting: ‘Fed up with rising energy bills? Find out how to reduce them. Zero is achievable.’
A public information night organised by Transition Towns Maroondah at East Ringwood Community Hall, Knaith Road, Ringwood East. RSVP events@ttm.org.au
Wednesday 30 July, 7 for 7.30pm
Lighter Footprints Meeting
“Local Government and Sustainability”
What’s going on and what can we do. At Guide Hall – 1 Faversham Rd Canterbury. Speakers from Boroondara Council.
Wednesday 30 July, 7:30am till 8:30am at Richmond Station
Public Transport not Traffic will be distributing postcards against the East-West toll road and calling on state Labor MPs to provide a better public transport plan for our state.
Please email Danae at info@ptnt.org
Wednesday 30 July
Branxholme Western Victoria Unconventional Gas Information Night
– launching the gasfield-free campaign in this area. Find out more: chloe.aldenhoven@foe.org.au
Thursday 31 July and other Thursdays
Regular Environment Victoria stalls at the Frankston farmers market.
Also: Environment Victoria Frankston film nights coming in August.
RSVP and check dates and details: jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au .
Friday 1 August – Thursday 14 August
Solar Citizens surveying in the electorates of Victorian Senators Ricky Muir (East Gippsland?) and John Madigan (Ballarat) – see above.
Saturday 2 August (Western Metro) and Sunday 3 August (Western Victoria)
Voices for the West candidate selection forums
All members of Voice for the West will be eligible to attend the appropriate Selection Forum and choose parliamentary candidates.
To become a member go to www.voiceforthewest.org.au/join
Saturday 2 August morning
Environment Victoria door-knocking in Blackburn South
RSVP jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au
Sunday 3 August. 10am – 4pm at RMIT – room to be confirmed
VCAN planning and discussion day focussing on organising issues for the smaller groups and what help (if any) we would like from the larger groups. Outcomes from this day will feed into the national Climate Movement Strategy Project.
Tuesday 5 August – Heywood, Western Victoria
Unconventional Gas Community Consultation
– another state government consultation event www.naturalgasinfo.vic.gov.au/community-engagement/upcoming-events
Wednesday 6 August. Yes2Renewables Geelong
Kitchen table conversations start.
As the world shifts towards clean, renewable energy sources, the Victorian government has put on the brakes. Wind farms are banned in parts of the state. We don’t even have a renewable energy target. What vision do communities in the Geelong Region have for our energy future? JOIN US for the first ‘Kitchen Table Conversation’ event to take part in this exciting community research project.
RSVP ow.ly/zwpIO
Thursday 7 August, 7.00 pm
‘Empowering Moreland – Community Climate Action Forum’
Presented by Climate Action Moreland and 350.org Melbourne. At Coburg Concert Hall, 90 Bell St, Coburg. See Facebook event www.facebook.com/events/678219255546437/
Saturday 9 August, morning
Environment Victoria door-knocking in Mordialloc.
RSVP jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au
Sunday 10 August, 11am
Surf Coast Air Action is planning a rally and march. Meet at the Anglesea Skate Park. Unfortunately it seems that there are five companies seriously looking at buying the dirty and decrepit Anglesea coal fired power station. At least two of the companies are said to be Asian backed and, with the Victorian Government desperate to develop a brown coal export industry, the Port of Geelong being deepened and a complete lack of community consultation and transparency, local groups we fear the worst. Please come!
www.facebook.com/events/656556291088786
Wednesday 13 August – Bessibelle, Western Victoria
Unconventional Gas Information Night
– launching the gasfield-free campaign in this area. Find out more: chloe.aldenhoven@foe.org.au
Thursday 21 August – Henty, Western Victoria
Unconventional Gas Information Night
For more info email eloise1026@gmail.com
Friday 22 August, 7-10pm. Clayton Town Hall, 264 Clayton Rd, Clayton
Pacific Climate Warriors Benefit
This year, a team of Pacific Climate Warriors are coming to Australia to put a spotlight on how Australia’s fossil fuel exports directly impact the Pacific. This event will raise funds for the tour. An exciting night of Pasifika food, dance and music. Tickets: Full $20/Concession $15/Under 12s by donation. You can buy your tickets here or on the door. For more information, visit the website here, join the Facebook event here, download the poster by clicking here, or email at vicky@350.org. Volunteers needed for postering etc.
Saturday 30 August from 11am till 2pm
Public Transport Not Traffic door-knocking in Frankston
As the government hangs on by a thread, there is nothing more important that face-to-face conversations with voters right now. Public Transport not Traffic will be asking voters what they’d rather spend $18 billion on – a toll road or how about better public transport, hospitals and schools? This is our opportunity to influence the future of the East-West toll road in the days leading up to Geoff Shaw’s return to Parliament. Please RSVP.
Sunday August 31
March in Australia (March in March) event.
www.facebook.com/MarchInMarchMelbourne2014
September 19-21. Australian climate summit in Brisbane
climatesummit.org.au
Submissions for the program just closed but it might not be too late if you hurry.
September 20-21
People’s Climate Mobilisation at the United Nations Global Climate Summit in New York and around the world.
secure.avaaz.org
October 24-27
Beyond Coal and Gas: Protecting our Heritage, Embracing the Future gathering at Ivory’s Rock, near Ipswich Queensland. The website and registration are live for this year’s national movement gathering.
Secure your place now! Discounted early bird registration is available until Friday August 22.
November 15-16 in Brisbane
G20 summit
November 29
Victorian election
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