Victorian Climate Action Network

Author: Mik Aidt

  • Movement-wide climate petition collaboration

    Movement-wide climate petition collaboration

    movementwide-top-photo560

    • Get wider exposure for your own petitions: add them to the list
    Whenever you launch a new petition or ready-to-send email campaign, add it to the embeddable list here: www.climatesafety.info/newpetition

    • Help other climate groups reach more people: embed the list on your website
    Copy and paste an iframe code into your own website to embed the petition list on your own site. You won’t need to worry about updating the list – that will happen automatically every time a new petition is added to the central petition list on Google Drive.

    To receive the code, contact info@climatesafety.info or admin@corenafund.org.au

    Or, simply link to the list at one of the following pages

    See how it works on
    • www.vcan.net.au/petitions,
    • www.climatesafety.info/petitions or
    • www.corenafund.org.au/petitions

    Embeddable list of current climate petitions – for everyone to share!
    The list is reserved for climate-related petitions. They can be global, national, state or local.


    Banner

    Here is a banner you can post on any page, while making it clickable to the petitions page – like this:

    petitions-banner560px



  • Which way forward for the climate movement?

    Write-up of the Climate Forum which was held on 17 February 2016 in Melbourne: Which way forward for the climate movement?

    Green Left Weekly hosted a forum on 17 February 2016, entitled: ‘After the Paris Climate Talks: Which way forward for the climate movement?’, with three speakers:
    • John Englart – citizen journalist, observer at Paris Talks
    • David Spratt – climate policy analyst, People’s Climate March organiser, and
    • Andrea Bunting – Socialist Alliance and grassroots climate activist

    Under the headline How can climate activists best organise to win?, Andrea Bunting wrote up the forum on www.greenleft.org.au

    John Englart also wrote up his talk, on www.takvera.blogspot.com.au


  • Invitation to the Geelong Act on Climate Festival

    Invitation to the Geelong Act on Climate Festival

    ActOnClimate_560

    Build a better, safer, future for all

    The Geelong Act on Climate Festival official program has been released!

    This year between 20th and 23rd November, Geelong is hosting a community festival to empower people with ways they can act on climate change. The event will showcase positive solutions that encourage our community to Act on Climate and help build a better, safer, future for all. The festival is an initiative of Geelong Sustainability and is supported by local government, business and community.

    See the action packed events lineup below:

    1. October Green Drinks & Program Launch

    2. Opening Night and Keynote Address

    3. Market Day

    4. Run Geelong – Act on Climate Team

    5. ‘This Changes Everything’ Film Premier

    View the Event Program Online

    OR

    Download the Event Flyer and Program here

    October Green Drinks & Program Launch

    Matching Climate Goals With Climate Reality

    Guest Speaker:  Author Philip Sutton, Author of Striking Targets and Climate Code Red

    Plus Events Program Launch: A run down of all the Act on Climate Festival events happening in November.

    What: October Green Drinks – The Restoration of a Safe Climate

    When: 5:30pm, Wednesday 28th October 2015

    Where: Beav’s Bar, 77 Lt Malop Street, Geelong

    RSVP & More Info: www.actonclimatefestival.org/green_drinks

    Opening Night and Keynote Address

    A thought provoking and inspiring evening where together we focus on how our community can Act on Climate and build a better, safety future for all. The evening will feature keynote speeches from prominent experts in the fields of climate change, renewable energy, and economics. Followed by a discussion panel with keynote speakers and local climate change representatives.

    Climate Change, Crisis and Opportunity – Prof David Karoly, Professor of Atmospheric Science, University of Melbourne

    The Economics of Climate Change – Bob Welsh, Executive Director Sustainability Advisers, former CEO of VIC Super

    Climate Justice and the Role of Community – Victoria McKenzie-McHarg, Climate Manager at Australian Conservation Foundation

    Pathways to a Low Carbon Future – How Australia can build a prosperous clean economy – Adam Majcher, Engagement Manager at ClimateWorks

    The evening will conclude with tea, coffee and finger food and an opportunity to network with the community.

    RSVP required, entry via gold coin donation

    What: Opening Night of the Act on Climate Festival

    When: 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Friday 20th November 2015

    Where: Simonds Stadium – Captains Room in the Premiership Stand, South Geelong

    RSVP & More Info: www.actonclimatefestival.org/opening_night

    marketday-FBmeme560

    Act on Climate Festival – Market Day

    On Saturday the 21st of November, Geelong Sustainability is running a Community Market Day as part of the Act on Climate Festival. This event will showcase positive solutions that encourage our community to Act on Climate – to build a better, safer, future for all.

    Market Day is a family fun event with market stalls, information, music, activities, and places for the general public to sit and relax. Located on the Geelong waterfront at Steampacket Gardens, the event is ideally located for a family outing.

    What: Act on Climate Festival – Market Day

    Where: Steampacket Gardens, Eastern Beach, Geelong

    When: 10:00am – 2:00pm, Saturday 21st November 2015

    RSVP & More Info: www.actonclimatefestival.org/market

    We are currently booking exhibitor spots for the market day – be part of this exciting event!

    Become an exhibitor: Let us know you’d like to become an exhibitor here

    Run Geelong – Act on Climate Team

    “Join me in the run to help save our future while supporting two awesome causes at the same time. It’s all about coming together and having a bit of a laugh and fun on the way. We have a voice and together we will use it to get Geelong to Act on Climate” says 14-year-old Act On Climate Team Ambassador Jack Nyhof from Geelong High School.

    We have established a team as part of Run Geelong. The ‘Act on Climate Team’ will join in on the 6Km Run / Walk at Run Geelong.

    What: Run Geelong – Act on Climate Team

    Where: 9:00am, Sunday 22nd November

    When: Eastern Park Circuit, Geelong

    RSVP & More Info: www.actonclimatefestival.org/run_geelong

    ‘This Changes Everything’ Geelong Film Premier 

    JOIN US FOR THE GEELONG FILM PREMIER OF THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING

    What if confronting the climate crisis is the best chance we’ll ever get to build a better world?

    Filmed over 211 shoot days in nine countries and five continents over four years, This Changes Everything is an epic attempt to re-imagine the vast challenge of climate change.

    Directed by Avi Lewis, and inspired by Naomi Klein’s international non-fiction bestseller This Changes Everything, the film presents seven powerful portraits of communities on the front lines, from Montana’s Powder River Basin to the Alberta Tar Sands, from the coast of South India to Beijing and beyond.

    Tea, coffee and finger food will be provided after the film screening.

    Tickets are selling quick – Book now to avoid disappointment.

    Ticket price is $15

    What: ‘This Changes Everything’ Film Premier

    Where: 7:00pm- 9:00pm, Monday 23rd November 2015

    When: Courthouse Youth Arts, 60 Little Malop Street, Geelong

    Tickets & More Info: www.actonclimatefestival.org/this_changes_everything

     

    More Information

    The Act on Climate Festival is an initiative of Geelong Sustainability and is supported by Future Proofing Geelong, Sustainability Victoria, local business and the community.

    The Festival is occurring at the same time as a number of global campaigns, events and initiatives in the lead up to the United Nations Climate Summit in Paris.

    Event program and more information – www.ActOnClimateFestival.org

    Act on Climate Festival on Facebook – www.facebook.com/ActOnClimateFestival

    Download the event flyer

    For more information please contact Event Organiser Dan Cowdell on 0428 944 929 or daniel@cowdell.id.au

    Copyright © 2015 Geelong Sustainability Group, All rights reserved.

  • Events leading up to the UN Summit in Paris

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    28-29 October: The Australian Climate Security Panel (Canberra)

    • Australia and its neighbours are on the frontline of climate change. Soaring temperatures, rising sea levels and increases in extreme weather events will play a role in raising the risk of conflict, increasing the displacement of people and worsening the extent of destruction caused by extreme weather events in our region. Climate change exposes Australian soldiers, sailors and airmen, as well as Australia more broadly, to considerable strategic risk and uncertainty.
    • UNSW Canberra has partnered with the Climate Council to host The Australian Climate Security Panel. Hosted by UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy, this panel will bring together world renowned Defence leaders and a scientific expert to discuss climate change, its security implications and the steps being taken by the US and UK militaries to be prepared.
    • To register your attendance and for further information, please click here.

    1 Nov – UNFCCC compilation report of INDCs

    • The secretariat is set to release its synthesis report on the aggregate effect of the INDCs communicated by Parties. (Parties’ submissions published here.)
    • Further to the negotiations under the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP), the Conference of the Parties (COP) invited all Parties to initiate or intensify domestic preparations for their Intended National Determined Contributions (INDCs) towards achieving the objective of the Convention, without prejudice to the legal nature of the contributions, in the context of adopting a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention applicable to all Parties.
    • The COP invited all Parties to communicate to the secretariat their INDCs well in advance of COP 21 (by the first quarter of 2015 by those Parties ready to do so) in a manner that facilitates the clarity, transparency and understanding of the INDC. The COP also invited all Parties to consider communicating their undertakings in adaptation planning or consider including an adaptation component in their intended nationally determined contributions.

    10 Nov –  Release of IEA’s World Energy Outlook

    12 Nov – IEA World Energy Outlook 2015 Launch (Belgium)

    • The global climate negotiations leading up to December’s Paris conference, along with the precipitous fall in oil prices, and conflicts and instability in the Middle East are all making energy markets around the world more volatile than ever. What are the economic, environmental and security implications of so much uncertainty for Europe?
    • The event will start with the presentation of the latest IEA flagship publication by Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, followed by a high-level panel debate, moderated by Chris Burns, Strategic Adviser at Friends of Europe.
    • More information and registration here.

    13 & 14 Nov – Live Earth & 24 Hours of Reality

    • Climate Reality’s fifth-annual 24 Hours of Reality wiill be a live, 24-hour event broadcast from eight key countries around the world and include appearances and commentary from Climate Reality Chairman Al Gore, and feature musical performances.
    • It aims to give a voice to people across the globe, allowing viewers online access to the best climate science, solutions and stories of progress in the climate fight. Together with partners all over the world the event will call on all citizens to demand a strong emissions reductions agreement when the world’s leaders gather in Paris this December to shape a new global climate agreement at COP21.

    14 Nov – 2015 Clean Air Summit (Melbourne)

    • Environmental Justice Australia are convening the 2015 Clean Air Summit – an opportunity for clean air advocates to share experience, sharpen our analysis and plan for cooperative action.
    • In air pollution hotspots around Australia, communities are suffering the brunt of air pollution that is poorly regulated and increasing year by year. Particle pollution from coal mines has doubled in the last 5 years and trebled in the last 10. Toxic emissions from power stations and fracking are of concern in many communities. Our emission standards for wood heaters and motor vehicles are outdated, and there is a strong case for much stricter national ambient air pollution standards. Environment ministers are expected to adopt new standards this December.
    • More information to come.

    14 Nov – Stop Funding Fossils day of action

    • The Stop Funding Fossils Day of Action will highlight the urgent need to end financial support for fossil fuel exploration, extraction and production. It will not only press governments to take immediate steps to follow up their pledges to end fossil fuel subsidies, but also put them on notice of a sustained global campaign targeting a complete phase out of financial support for fossil fuels.
    • More information here. Have your organisation endorse it here.

    15-16 Nov – G20 Leaders Summit in (Turkey)

    • In 2014 climate change emerged as a key issue at the G20 meetings, despite host nation Australia obstructing that process. The G20 presidency shifts from Australia to Turkey this year with this year’s meetings taking place in Antalya.
    • The leaders summit will be preceded by: 1-3 Sept Energy sustainability working group; 3-4 Sept Finance and Central bank deputies meetings; 4-5 Sept Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings; 1 Oct High Level conference on access to energy in SS Africa; 2 Oct G20 Energy Ministers meeting; 5-6 Oct Trade Ministers meeting; 8 Oxt Finance Ministers and Central Bank governors dinner; and 13-14 Nov Sherpa meeting.
    • The official landing page for the G20 Meetings in Paris can be found here.

    19 Nov – BHP Billiton AGM (Perth)

    20-23 Nov – Act on Climate Festival in Geelong

    27 Nov – The People’s Climate March in Melbourne

    26-27 Nov – UNESCO conference on indigenous people & climate change (France)

    • UNESCO will sponsor an international conference on “Resilience in a Time of Uncertainty: Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change,” the organization recently announced. This conference will be held in Paris on 26-27 November, ahead of COP21.
    • More information here.

    30 Nov – 9 Dec – COP21 (France)

    • The 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC is expected to be an opportunity for the world’s governments to agree to steps that progress the world towards a pathway for containing global carbon emissions to levels that help limit the worst consequences of climate change.
    • The official landing page for COP 21 can be found here.

    4 Dec – “Pathway to Paris” Concert (France)

    • Pathway to Paris is an initiative in partnership with 350.org that brings together musicians, artists, activists, academics, politicians and innovators to participate in a series of events and dialogues to help raise consciousness around the urgency of climate action and the importance of establishing an ambitious, global, legally binding agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris in December 2015.
    • The final Pathway to Paris concert will take place December 4th 2015 in Paris and will include speakers and musicians such as Bill Mckibben, Naomi Klein, Vandana Shiva, Patti smith, Thom Yorke, Flea, Dhani Harrison, Tenzin Choegyal, Jesse Paris Smith, Rebecca Foon ad more.
    • Find more information at www.pathwaytoparis.com.

    4 Dec – Climate Summit for Local Leaders (France)

  • ‘Striking Targets’ – a strategy paper

    How can we enable societies to rise to the climate challenge as it confronts us in 2015? Philip Sutton’s recently published paper ‘Striking Targets’ – Matching climate goals with climate reality addresses the scale and speed of change needed, at the 11th hour, to provide the maximum possible protection for the world’s people, species and ecosystems.  

    » Read more about ‘Striking Targets’ on www.breakthroughonline.org.au 

    “Those climate goals our politicians keep talking about don’t match with the climate reality. There is a huge gap between what the world needs for climate restoration, and where we are heading. At best, Paris will deliver commitments that will lead to over 3°C degrees of warming.”


    » Centre for Climate Safety:
    Houston, we have… a huge gap!

  • Peoples Climate March in November

    Peoples Climate March in November

    On the last weekend of November, will you help create the biggest climate march the world has ever seen?

    As our world leaders meet in Paris for the United Nations climate summit, COP21, we will gather in Australian cities and walk alongside millions of people in hundreds of major cities around the world.

    By coming together we are demonstrating that our political leaders are out of step with the Australian community and the rest of the world.

    We are marching because we want our leaders listen to our communities and help us build a brighter and fairer future for all.

    We are marching because we want a just transition to 100% clean energy and an end to fossil fuels.

    We are marching because from here on in, we’re all in.


    » Peoples Climate March website:
    www.peoplesclimate.org.au

    » Peoples Climate March – Melbourne | Facebook event page
    www.facebook.com/events/831280543646087


    » Climate Action Network Australia:
    www.cana.net.au


    On 28 September 2015, Nick Roberts from Environment Victoria wrote:

    When 1.3 billion people move, the world takes notice.

    Last Friday Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China, the world’s most populous country and biggest carbon emitter, will introduce a national emissions trading scheme in 2017.[1]

    The news came just days after Pope Francis addressed the US White House and spoke of our moral obligation to take urgent action on climate change.[2] And last month President Obama himself announced landmark pollution standards that should close dozens of coal power stations in the US.

    Global momentum to address climate change is building – so let’s seize on it! Please join us for Melbourne’s biggest-ever climate rally at 5:30pm on Friday 27 November at the State Library. RSVP here.

    Meanwhile, Australia has a new Prime Minister and Cabinet, but we’re left wondering whether the federal Coalition can really change its spots on climate change.

    Malcolm Turnbull needs to know that the Australian community is sick of their government supporting big polluters who create dangerous global warming, leading to hotter summers, longer droughts and more dangerous bushfires.

    We have to raise the bar for what our government must do to reduce pollution, and we now have the perfect opportunity to do it – the upcoming UN climate talks held in Paris in November and December.

    We’re seizing this moment to show the new Turnbull Government that the people can’t be ignored – we want serious action on climate change, right now.

    Join the Melbourne People’s Climate March on 27 November – part of the largest mobilisation for the climate that the world has ever seen. Click here >>

    This event will be big and diverse. More than 50 organisations are bringing their members along.

    Working people will be there with their unions. Business people will be there. Health workers, Indigenous people and young people will be there. People of faith will be there.

    Can you come along as well?

    Yes, I’ll be there too!

    Together, we will show our politicians ahead of the Paris UN meeting and the next election that they must make a choice. They can either protect our families, communities and environment from dangerous climate change, or they can protect the vested interests of a handful of big polluting energy companies.

    Let’s keep up the momentum. Please RSVP to this massive, united show of support for action on climate change >>

    See you in the crowd,

    Nick Roberts

    Campaigns Director at Environment Victoria

    [1] http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/1861561/china-confirms-2017-launch-national-emission-trading

    [2] http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/23/pope-francis-climate-change-white-house-speech


     

     
    | A4 poster for download | 

    – – – NEWSLETTER – – – 8 OCTOBER 2015 – – –

    People’s Climate March Melbourne  Mobilising update #3

    5.30pm Friday 27 November, State Library, cnr Swanston and Latrobe Sts, City

    PRINTED MATERIALS: Tell us what you need…

    Flyers and posters for the People’s Climate March are at the printers and will be distributed early next week! Posters will be A3 and A4, flyers will be DL size (1/3rd of A4).  How many do you need? We will get them to you! Submit your request here.

    It won’t take more than a minute, and then your organisation will be all set to go, whether it be leafleting local events, street stalls, community noticeboards, libraries and neighbourhood houses, or asking local shopkeepers to display a poster in their window.

    Simply order now, and we will get them to you as soon as they are ready. If you want to print your own, please find the print ready DLs and A4 posters attached.

    What’s New

    A huge welcome to all the new partners who have signed up to be part of the PCM, including PLAN International, Healesville Environment Watch Inc, Baw Baw Sustainability Network, Climate Warrior, Communities Combating Climate Crisis, LIVE, Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, RAW Energy, All Saints Anglican Church Mitcham, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Public Health Association of Australia, Melbourne Eritrean United Community, Communication Workers Union, Geelong Trades Hall, My Environment, Tree Preservation Australia, United Firefighters Union and the Future Business Council.

    See the list and sign on at peoplesclimate.org.au or view the list of Victorian partners in the attached PDF.

    Key dates
    Monday 19 October: Film screening of This Changes Everything at Hoyts Melbourne Central. Reserve your ticket here.   Check the full list of screenings.

    Sunday 7 November. 9.30-12.30am. People’s Climate March partners meeting.  Venue t.b.a.  Final arrangements for the march, organising mass leafleting of public transport for the final week, thinking about 2106 after the March.

    Sunday 14 November: Australia’s biggest ever door-knock day, two weeks before the marches. More info soon.
    Friday 27 November: Melbourne People’s Climate March.

    Links

    The new People’s Climate March website goes live on 13 October: peoplesclimate.org.au

    Victorian organising committee & hub coordinators
    Victoria McKenzie-McHarg (Australian Conservation Foundation): Lead organisation
    Jane Stabb (Environment Victoria): Community organising working group/ small conservation groups
    Colin Long (National Tertiary Education Union): Unions working group
    Sarah Rogan (Oxfam): Development sector working group
    Corina Ritchie (SEED): Indigenous sector working group
    Liv Metter  (AYCC): Youth and students working group
    Grace Fitzgerald (Climate and Health Alliance): Health sector working group
    Ben Courtice (VCAN): Grassroots working group
    David Spratt (VCAN): Grassroots working group
    Ben Parry (350): Community organising working group/Youth/students working group

    Cath James (Uniting Church): Faith sector working group

    Rally coordinator

    Maggie Riddington (Australian Conservation Foundation)
    9345 1212

    0477 440 075

    m.riddington@acfonline.org.au

  • Pre-election newsletter late-November 2014

          Victorian Climate Action Network
     NEWS
        Late-November 2014



    Victorian election countdown – two days to go

    Great effort everyone!

    Between us we have had thousands of conversations, collected thousands of pledges and tens of thousands of climate petition signatures, run dozens of forums and hundreds of street stalls, distributed hundreds of house signs and tens of thousands of scorecards, and got plenty of press coverage. This inspiring door-knock video from Geelong Sustainability and GetUp! has already had 34,000 views!

    It’s been difficult, though, with Labor and Liberals sticking resolutely to their ‘small target’ strategy on climate, renewables and fossil fuels despite community support for action. Labor came through with some last minute funding for Yackandandah and Newstead, two towns which have set their own targets for a fast transition to 100% renewable energy, and announced a reduced exclusion zone around wind farms. The Greens have announced a plan to close down the dirtiest coal fired power stations. Even the Liberal Party shifted an inch or two, opening the door to possibly allowing some small community-owned wind projects to proceed.

    The Labor Party’s four paragraph climate policy released in the week before election day is bold in aspiration, but short on details. They describe climate change as “one of the most critical issues facing Victoria and say they “want to restore Victoria’s status as a model for every other state”. But their $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund to encourage investment in the renewables sector is tiny, and unlikely to do much while uncertainty continues at the federal level, with new attacks on the federal Renewable Energy Target, and no sign of support for a Victorian RET from Labor. State Labor promises to “review legislation and programs to commit to an achievable carbon emissions reduction target”. An achievable target? How about one based on science.

    “While Labor’s climate policy contains one sound move, the rest is symbolism and delusion,” commented ClimateSpectator’s Tristan Edis who estimated that, “if they’re lucky, the policy might just reduce Australia’s greenhouse emissions by maybe less than one per cent.”

    The question of a Great Forest National Park and the future of the Leadbeaters possum will be referred to a committee if Labor wins, while the Coalition has said it will not establish any new national parks.

    Is it that climate campaigning in the inner city marginal Labor/Greens seat has not been sufficiently strong to produce a result? Or has Labor accepted the likelihood of some losses and stopped fighting for the inner city vote? Do they think that things have turned around given their current opposition to the East West Link? Have they not noticed the campaigns in the sandbelt and other key ALP/Coalition marginals?

    Election night and the commentary afterwards will be one indication of our success or otherwise. However, regardless of the election outcome, many of us feel that the grassroots campaigning and the improved collaboration between groups is the start of something big. And Tony Abbott certainly seems to have been a help in mobilizing the willingness of ordinary people to step up and make a change!



    Scorecards and ratings

    Just released, is a great scorecard from Environment Victoria, which is being distributed by EV and GetUp. It links to a comprehensive analysis of the policies of the major parties at EV’s Promise Watch.

    Yes 2 Renewables and Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group have produced a stylish scorecard for Macedon electorate.

    Grassroots climate groups’ Vote Climate website includes evaluations of the policies of all parties large and small against a climate emergency agenda. The ratings provided the basis for scorecards distributed in Melbourne, Richmond, Northcote and Bendigo electorates.

    Friends of the Earth’s MP Watch provides information on what individual members of parliament have said in state parliament on coal, gas and wind as well as party ratings.

    Geelong Sustainability and GetUp! Geelong have produced a South-Western Victoria Clean Energy scorecard covering Geelong, Bellarine snf South Barwon electorates. It is based on a candidates’ questionnaire with 13 climate and clean energy questions.



    In other news

    Tony Abbott was ‘shirt-fronted’ on climate at the G20. And the Climate Guardian Angels got great media coverage blockading the entrance to the talks. Bill Shorten came out to talk to them, possibly signalling an increased willingness to engage on the issue of climate action.

    The Queensland government offered to step in with infrastructure support in an attempt to save an Adani Galilee Basin coal project.

    And Beyond Zero Emissions have launched two new reports – Land Use: Agriculture and Forestry, and A Fossil Economy in a Changing World.

    What’s on in November and December?

     

    The election – and then a bit of a break? 

    Saturday 29 November – Victorian election. Will Victorians see climate as one of the decisive issues?

    Sunday 7 December from 11am to 2pm in Melbourne, venue TBC, VCAN post-election celebratory lunch. Please RSVP to pam.french@optusnet.com.au so we can gauge whether there is energy to go forward with this event.

     

    Coming up in the new year

     

    Sustainable Living Festival from 7 to 28 February 2015 in Melbourne & beyond. www.slf.org.au

     

     

     

  • Newsletter early-November 2014

    Newsletter early-November 2014

    Will Victorians see climate as one of the decisive issues in this election?

    Victorian election countdown – 22 days to go

    Come to an election forum. Come to several!

    It’s a great opportunity to ask the important questions, push for commitments and show that we care.

    Sunday 9 November – Portland Candidates Forum (Premier Napthine’s seat). Fawthrop Community Centre, 2pm.

    Monday 10 November – Carlton Candidates Forum. Church of All Nations, 180 Palmerston Street, Carlton (cnr Drummond St). 7pm.

    Tuesday 11 November – Bendigo Election Forum on Climate. St Pauls Cathedral Hall, 8 Myers Street, Bendigo, 7pm. » www.facebook.com/events

    Wednesday 12 November – Public Climate Forum: ‘Does Government Matter?’ Hawthorn Arts Centre (formerly Town Hall), 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn. 6:30pm. » www.facebook.com/events

    Wednesday 12 November – Climate Q&Afor Northcote electorate and Northern Metro, organised by Darebin Climate Action Now. Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote. 6:30pm.
    » www.facebook.com/events

    Wednesday 12 November – State Election & Elwood Flood Forum. Question candidates about flooding in Elwood. At Elwood/St Kilda Learning Centre. 7pm. » Flyer: EFLAGCF.pdf | Read more

    Friday 14 November – State Election Forum for the seat of Brunswick. Brunswick Uniting Church, 212-214 Sydney Rd Brunswick. 7pm.
    »  www.facebook.com/events

    Friday 14 November – Geelong Clean Jobs Forum and film night – with local candidates, Mark Diesendorf and other speakers. Geelong Performing Arts Centre. Forum: 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Film screening: 6:30pm to 8:15pm.
    » Free but email to book: info@geelongsustainability.org.au

    Sunday 16 November – Growth and Election Forum. ‘Growth! Is Bigger Better’ has Ian Lowe, David Karoly, and Geoff Carr presenting, along with local candidates. Quicksilver Auditorium, 27 Baines Crs, Torquay. Organised by Surf Coast Energy Group. At 2pm » www.facebook.com/events

    Monday 17 November at 7pm. Climate Change & the Victorian Election at Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street. A climate change forum for Moreland citizens. Candidates standing in Brunswick, Broadmeadows and Pascoe Vale are invited. Organised by Climate Action Moreland. Endorsed by Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Moreland Bicycle Users Group, 350 Melbourne, Moreland Community Against the East West Tunnel and MEFL. » Details: MORELAND.pdf | Read more | www.facebook.com/events

    Help out in key electorates

    There are events on in the key electorates every weekend, and some week-nights, all the way through to the election. The groups campaigning in these seats need help from everyone who has a spare moment.

    Inner city – Labor/Greens marginal seats:Inner city groups need help with letter-boxing Vote Climate scorecards 8 November till 16 November, candidates’ forums, house signs, street stalls and door-knocking.
    » Contact DarebinCAN@gmail.com to help letter box 27,000 scorecards in Northcote, or go door-knocking to place house signs in prime locations.
    » Contact climateactionmoreland@gmail.comto help in in Brunswick, or Yarra Climate Action Now www.ycan.org.au/get-involved/sign-up to help in Melbourne and Richmond.
    YCAN are holding a Vote Climate stall at Carlton Farmers Market, Carlton PS, Rathdowne St, from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 15 November. They will also have Vote Climate material for letter boxing Vote Climate house signs.

    Prahran:  This week GetUp members in Prahran passed two amazing milestones. They now knocked over 3,500 doors and collected more than 1,000 pledges from people in Prahran. With less than a month to go, they’re aiming to have another 1,000 persuasive conversations with neighbours before election day. Join them on Sunday at 2pm at Depo8, 39-41 Mount St Prahran.
    » More info on www.field.getup.org.au.
    The picture below shows GetUp members about to sit down for a chat with Labor candidate for Prahran Neil Pharaoh.

    Sandbelt and Forest Hills: Help Environment Victoria, GetUp and Eastern Climate Action Melbourne collect election pledges at street stalls and door knocking events. Stalls at train stations whenever anyone puts their name down, and every day of the week leading up to the election.
    » If you want to help along the Sandbelt, get in touch with Jane:jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au.
    » If you want to help in Forest Hill, Blackburn South, Burwood East and Vermont South, get in touch with Claire: claire.vanherpen@environmentvictoria.org.au
    Every Tuesday and Wednesday evening till the election, come and help with  phone banking at the Environment Victoria Carlton office, 60 Leicester St, Door knocks along the Sandbelt: Every Saturday from now until election: 8 and 15 Nov. Doorknock in Forest Hill Sunday 16 Nov.

    Geelong: Over the last two weeks GetUp members have met with local candidates Lisa Neville, Andy Richards and Andrew Katos. The meetings were positive but in all cases they found the lack of certainty on policy to be disappointing. Weekend door knocking continues – they now have knocked over 1,000 doors in the Greater Geelong area. Overwhelmingly greater than 70 per cent of people they talk to support action on climate and renewables and are willing to sign the pledge to ‘vote clean’ this election. The picture shows the team at last Sunday’s door knock in Torquay. There will be door-knocking in Geelong and surrounding areas each Saturday, phone banking at the GetUp! Geelong office each Thursday till the election and a GetUp! dinner on Tuesday 11 November. More details in the What’s On listings below. » RSVP and more info on:field.getup.org.au/geelong

    Macedon (home of Hepburn Wind) and Portland (Premier Napthine’s seat) = two key renewables seats: Leigh Ewbank and the Yes 2 Renewables team have all sorts of things on the go. Liberal candidate for the hotly-contested seat of Macedon, Donna Petrovich, has shifted her position on wind energy as a result of a community campaign. And now says she will investigate exemptions from Napthine’s restrictive wind farm laws for community wind farm projects. Today, Labor and Greens candidates joined Yes 2 Renewables at the Hepburn Wind farm to launch Y2R’s Macedon Energy Futures Survey. The report will be publicly available tomorrow. Stand by for more… » See www.facebook.com/Yes2Renewables

    Please publicise these election information sources: 

    Grassroots climate groups’ ‘Vote Climate’: see how the parties – large and small – compare, rated on policies for a climate emergency transition at www.VoteClimate.net.au.

    Friends of the Earth’s ‘MP Watch’: Find out what your MP has said in state parliament on coal, gas and wind: www.mpwatch.org.

    Environment Victoria’s ‘Promise Watch’: Environment Victoria has created a ‘Promise Watch’ that lists the environment and climate change policy commitments of the major parties. Promise Watch aims to provide factual, spin-free, up-to-date information, publishing the commitments of the political parties on important issues like coal, renewable energy, sustainable homes and protecting our fragile rivers. » Promise Watch scorecard

    South-Western Victoria ‘Clean Energy’ scorecard: The Sustainable Hour on 94.7 The Pulse has circulated a questionnaire with 13 climate and clean energy questions to the 17 candidates in Geelong, Bellarine, South Barwon and Lara electorates. The scorecard with their replies will be promoted and advertised by Geelong Sustainability and GetUp Geelong from 17 November at www.geelongsustainability.org.au/scorecard, and the following three Wednesdays at 11am–12pm the candidates will be debating the questions in the radio program which is also astreamed live on the Internet and downloadable as a podcast.

    And in other news

    At Brisbane Airport, where G20 delegates will soon be arriving, a billboard featuring a farmer asking them to put climate change on the G20 agenda has been banned for being ‘too political’. Meanwhile Chevron is allowed to go ahead with its advertising for fossil fuels. The #onmyagenda billboard is part of a joint campaign by several large organisations. There are three ways you can get involved in this campaign:

    1. Host your own G20 Gathering

    2. Find a gathering near you


    What’s on in November?

    Friday 7 November at 7:30pm – Seat of Pascoe Vale Candidate Forum. Coburg Uniting Church.

    Saturday 8 November at 10am – Leopold Door Knock, Training and BBQ. Start at Getup Geelong Office.
    »  RSVP and more info on: field.getup.org.au/geelong

    Saturday 8 November from 11am to 12:30pm. Darebin Climate Action Now stall at 451 High Street Northcote outside the Uniting Church. Come and collect a bundle of scorecards for letter-boxing or order a house sign. Let DCAN know you are coming by emailing DarebinCAN@gmail.com and they will allocate you an area to letter-box.

    Saturday 8 November – Due date for Monster Climate Petition. » www.monsterclimatepetition.com.au

    Sunday 9 November at 2pm – Portland Candidates Forum (Premier Napthine’s seat). Fawthrop Community Centre.

    Sunday 9 November from 1pm to 4pm – Building and Maintaining Effective Teams Training, Environment Victoria, 60 Leicester St, Carlton.

    Sunday 9 November from 1pm to 4pm – Forest Hill Day of Action. 1pm–1:30pm: meet, pick up T-shirts and clipboards/materials and pre-brief. 1:30pm–3:30pm: door knocking. 3:30–4:00pm: wind-up and head to a nearby park to debrief and have a BBQ and drinks. There will be four simultaneous door knocks in key areas around the electorate, and at this stage, there are around 40 people taking part.

    Sunday 9 November at 2pm – Door knocking in Prahran. Meet at Depo8, 39-41 Mount St Prahran.
    » More info on www.field.getup.org.au/melbourne_9nov_doorknock

    Monday 10 November at 7pm – Carlton Candidates Forum. Church of All Nations, 180 Palmerston Street, Carlton (cnr Drummond Street).

    Tuesday 11 November at 7 pm – Bendigo Election Forum on Climate. St Pauls Cathedral Hall, 8 Myers Street, Bendigo. » www.facebook.com/events

    Tuesday 11 November at 7pm. GetUp Geelong Pot Luck Dinner, BYO drinks and a savory or sweet dish to share. At the School of Lost Arts in Newtown, Geelong. » RSVP and more info on: field.getup.org.au/geelong

    Wednesday 12 November from 10:15am to 11:30am – CommBank AGM in Melbourne. Since 2008, CommBank has loaned $5.2 billion to new coal and gas projects in Australia (second only to ANZ), so it’s time to tell them that enough is enough. Join 350 Melbourne to greet CommBank shareholders with a sea of messages from Australians calling on the Bank to get out of fossil fuels. At the Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre, 1 Convention Place, South Wharf (the AGM starts at 11am so we will meet at 10:15am sharp atThe General Assembly; if you think you’ll be late call Charlie when you arrive on 0427 485 233).
    » RSVP to Charlie Wood – charlie@350.org.au. Dress: Corporate

    Wednesday 12 November 7:00–9:30pm – Lighter Footprints candidates’ forum. ‘Does Government Matter?’  Q&A panel and breakout groups for candidates from Kew Hawthorn Burwood and Box Hill. At Hawthorn Arts Centre (formerly Town Hall), Burwood Rd. » www.facebook.com/events

    Wednesday 12 November at 6:30pm – Climate Q&A for Northcote electorate and Northern Metro, organised by Darebin Climate Action Now. Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote. 6:30pm for nibbles. Forum starts at 7pm. » www.facebook.com/events

    Wednesday 12 November at 7 pm – State Election & Elwood Flood Forum. Question candidates about flooding in Elwood. At Elwood/St Kilda Learning Centre. » Flyer:EFLAGCF.pdf » Read more

    Thursday 13 November at 6:30pm  – The Future of Gas Supply
    University of Melbourne. » Details: MU Website
    The emergence of liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities in Queensland means that now for the first time eastern Australian gas is linked to the world market. This Energy Futures seminar will explore the impacts this will have on Australians that use gas in their home or business. Will there be adequate supplies now and in the future, and at what wholesale and retail prices? What can and will gas users do to reduce their use of gas, or will they to switch to other energy sources? » Read more

    Thursday 13 November at 6pm Geelong Phone Bank at Getup Geelong Office. » RSVP and more info on: field.getup.org.au/geelong

    Friday 14 November at 7 pm– State Election Forum for the seat of Brunswick. Brunswick Uniting Church, 212-214 Sydney Rd Brunswick. » www.facebook.com/events

    Friday 14 November – Geelong Clean Jobs Forum and film night – with local candidates, Mark Diesendorf and other speakers. Geelong Performing Arts Centre. Forum: 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Film screening: 6:30pm to 8:15pm. » Free but email to book: info@geelongsustainability.org.au

    Friday 14 November to Saturday 16 November in Brisbane – G20 summit. Contact Deb Hart at deborah.hart@live.org.au if you would like to be part of a Climate Guardian Angels action in Brisbane.

    Saturday 15 November from 9am to 1pm – Vote Climate stall at the Carlton Farmers Market, Carlton Primary School, Rathdowne Street. Organised by YCAN who will also have Vote Climate scorecards for letter boxing and Vote Climate house signs.

    Saturday 15 November at 10am – Barwon Heads Door Knock & BBQ.  Car pool leaving from Geelong at 9.30am sharp from the GetUp Office, 4 Gheringhap Street, and travelling to Barwon Heads Community Arts Garden, Meeting Room. » RSVP and more info on:field.getup.org.au/geelong

    Saturday 15 November – Rally4PT. A large coalition of community groups are organising a joint rally and further public transport campaign moves for the state election. Stay tuned.

    Saturday 15 November at 4pm to 10:30pm – Hepburn Wind Sleep under the stars.Australia’s first community-owned wind farm just near Daylesford is inviting you to attend ‘Sleep under the stars’. It’s a family friendly camping event, an evening of art, entertainment and clean energy. Live painting of Gusto by Ghostpatrol and team • Local music by Zebraherd, Kavisha Mazzela, Danny Spooner, the Sweet Justice Choir, and Hayley Couper. You can visit for the evening event only, or you can bring your own tent or hire a luxury tent .Tickets: $50 family pack / $25 adult / $15 members or evening only attendees / $10 kids. » Register now onEventbrite »Join the Facebook event

    Sunday 16 November from 1pm to 4pm – Door knocking in Forest Hill.

    Sunday 16 November – Growth and Election Forum. ‘Growth! Is Bigger Better’ has Ian Lowe, David Karoly, and Geoff Carr presenting, along with local candidates. Quicksilver Auditorium, 27 Baines Crs, Torquay. 2pm. Organised by Surf Coast Energy Group. www.facebook.com/events

    Monday 17 November at 7pm – Climate Change & the Victorian Election at Coburg Town Hall, 90 Bell Street. A climate change forum for Moreland citizens. Candidates standing in Brunswick, Broadmeadows and Pascoe Vale are invited. Organised by Climate Action Moreland. Endorsed by Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Moreland Bicycle Users Group, 350 Melbourne, Moreland Community Against the East West Tunnel and MEFL. » Details:MORELAND.pdf | Read more | www.facebook.com/events

    Tuesday 18 November from 6:30pm to 8:30pm – Intelligence Squared Debate: Coal-fired Power will Soon be Obsolete. Organised by Wheeler Centre. Venue: Deakin Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne. Tickets: $20 and $12 concession. » More info on:www.wheelercentre.com

    Saturday 22 November from 1pm to 4pm – Second Forest Hill Day of Action. This will be similar to the one on Sunday 9 November, but will consist of a street stall and two door knocks. Stay tuned for a pledge ‘hand-over’ event

    Thursday 20 November at 6pm – Geelong Phone Bank Getup Geelong Office (map) in Geelong. » RSVP and more info on: field.getup.org.au/geelong

    Monday–Wednesday 25-27 November – Practical Responses to Climate Change Conference in Melbourne. This conference allows engineers, policy makers, scientists, planners, academics and members of the public to present, discuss and debate the latest research and practice relating to mitigation of and adaptation to climate change. The conference will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. » Registration.

    Wednesday 27 November at 6:30pm – Climate Change: What would you do? Port Melbourne Town Hall. Sustainability Climate Action Network (SCAN) meeting is focussed on climate change and what people in our community are doing about it. Following a brief overview of the latest climate change information, we will be learning about a range of different projects that are going on in our city right now to address some of the issues. We also want to hear your ideas for addressing climate change. » Read more

    Saturday 29 November – Victorian election. Will Victorians see climate as one of the decisive issues?

    Sunday 7 December from 11am to 2pm in Melbourne, venue TBC – VCAN post-election celebratory lunch.

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