Category: Newsletters

  • Newsletter early-September 2014

    Newsletter early-September 2014

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    Environment Victoria have released a new report, Sun Blocks and Wind Breaks – 25 attacks on clean energy by the Baillieu and Napthine Governments. It got a great run in The Age. The Coalition government argue that it’s the Federal Government’s job to reduce emissions and behind the scenes they have been campaigning for the weakening of the federal Renewable Energy Target. Environment Victoria have already sent a list of election questions to the major political parties and are awaiting replies.    » Read more.

    A big welcome to four new Victorian on-the ground GetUp! organisers campaigning in Prahran (three-way contest between Liberals, Labor and Greens) and Albert Park; Frankston, and other bayside seats (marginal Labor/Liberals); Geelong seats (marginal Labor/Liberals) and the universities.

    Environment Victoria and GetUp! are funding a series of advertisements and billboards like this one:

    EV_billboard_concept_3.0


    Climate science postcards. climate science postcardUnfortunately many climate science guides, encourage the view that we can still keep on burning fossil fuels for a decade or two.  The VCAN Science Sign-on working group has been meeting looking at ways of disseminating the message that we have zero carbon budget remaining. The climate graph postcard is off to be printed tomorrow and is available for groups to order. Contact DarebinCAN@gmail.com.
     

    Warburton Renewable Energy Target review. no confidence in the RET reviewThe Warburton review report is now released and the federal government is going to take a month to consider their recommendations. The review was stacked with fossil fuel interests and was under pressure from Abbott to finish off the RET. They have obligingly come up with two alternatives –close the RET to new entrants or close the RET to new entrants unless electricity demand increases (currently falling). »


    Monster Climate Petition. Liz and petitionThe Monster Climate Petition was initiated by Judith Brett and the Victorian Women’s Trust. It has been taken up by grassroots groups including the Climate Guardian Angels.  The name of the petition is a reference to the Monster Petition in support of voting rights for women, presented to federal parliament in 1891, which is on display inside Parliament House. The organisers glued sheets bearing about 30,000 signatures onto a 260-metre-long roll of fabric that they carried into parliament on a cardboard spindle. The Monster Climate Petition is a paper and pen petition in a format which allows it to be tabled in parliament, unlike all the on-line petitions. It will be presented at the time of the G20 meeting in November as a way of putting additional pressure on the Abbott government to drop their opposition to addressing climate change at the G20 meeting.    » Download it here


    Big Banks petition. AYCC350.org is calling on the Big Four banks to rule out funding expansion of the Abbot Point coal port and the construction of the associated Galilee Basin coal mine and rail infrastructure.  » Sign the petition

    In the past month, the Australian Youth Climate Coalition have met with 300 Westpac branch managers, and staff say they do not want their company to finance Galilee projects.   » Read more


    Transport forums. Want to have your say on public transport and the East-West Link? The Melbourne Public Transport Forum and Leader Newspapers have organised a series of town hall style forums about transport where you can meet candidates face-to-face and ask questions. Forums will be held Yarra, Darebin, Glen Eira and Frankston this week. Details in the Coming Events list below.

    transport forums

     

    Campaigning in key electorates

    Earth Relay for Climate Action - BrunswickBrunswick. Come and hear Professor Garnaut at a forum on Power to the People – reclaiming control of electricity in Victoria on Wednesday 3 September – see coming events. Street stalls with the climate science postcard in coming weeks. There will be two election forums one on 17 September organised by the Public Transport Users Association and the council on transport and one on 7 October organised by the Uniting Church. Climate Action Moreland will be asking climate questions at the forums and distributing Vote Climate scorecards in November.


    Melbourne and Richmond. Yarra Climate Action Now are working with Public Transport not Traffic and the Public Transport Users Association to oppose the East-West Link. Come to the transport forum on 8 September and make your views known. Yarra Climate Action Now will also be distributing Vote Climate scorecards in November.
     

    Northcote. Darebin Climate Action Now will soon be letter-boxing 28,000 houses with a postcard showing the graph from David Spratt’s IMG_6495presentation at the Breakthrough 2014 conference. Help appreciated. There will be a climate action election forum on 12 November.


    Prahran.  GetUp! held a well-attended launch of their climate campaign in Prahran with 45 potential volunteers attending. GetUp! organiser in Prahran, Anthony Mockler, has experience working on Obama’s campaign team. This week, there’s a volunteer phonebank on Wednesday night, a campaign brainstorming session on Saturday afternoon and a Letters to the Editor party on Sunday afternoon. If you would like to help out in a seat which is a three way contest between the sitting Liberal member and the ALP and the Greens, contact Anthony on 0466 955236.


    Frankston Shaw billboardFrankston and bayside. Door-knocking, street stalls and film nights continue with lots of action around the Frankston Enviro-Hub shop-front. The dates are below in the coming events listings. For bayside events contact Jane Stabb at jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.auor new bayside GetUp! Organiser, Claire Boland Claire@getup.org.au .Frankston Climate Action Group now have a Facebook page. Environment Victoria have been campaigning hard to get Geoff Shaw to support the retention of the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target, including this great sign.


    Forest Hills and eastern Melbourne and the west. The Environment Victoria Eastside team has held two doorknocks in the last month, and got 50 people to pledge for the environment in two days. They are starting to hold street stalls in the Forest Hill electorate, and have their first one planned for at Brentford Square on Saturday, September 13.There will be fortnightly door knocking in Forest Hills in coming weeks and stalls in the western suburbs (Altona, Seddon, Point Cook). Contact Claire vanHerpen claire.vanherpen@environmentvictoria.org.au.  Eastern Climate Action Melbourne are holding a candidates’ forum on 30 September. For these events and lots more, check the list of events below.


    South Barwon, Geelong and western Victoria. Yes2Renewables and the Australian Wind Alliance held a standing-room –only forum on renewable energy and jobs at Portland. Read more here.

    dambrosio-crowd Portland

    john-hewsonGreg Barber

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Yes2Renewables and Geelong groups are continuing kitchen table conversations about the Geelong region’s energy future.   » Find out more

    Corangamite (Geelong region) may be the location for the next of the marginal seats events being conducted by the Solar Council in protest against the threat to the RET. This campaign has already riled Greg Hunt, who has been trading insults with the head of the Council.

    Dynamic local campaigner, Dan Cowdell has been recruited as GetUp! organiser in the Geelong region and recently held a successful Climate Change Brainstorm to Action there. The local team are working on taking the message of climate change and renewables out to the general public. » Read more

    Macedon windThree years ago Premier Ted Baillieu imposed a blanket ban on wind energy in Macedon. The laws killed off a community wind farm near Woodend – on the other side of the electorate from community-owned Hepburn Wind Farm. This photo was taken at the border between the ‘go’ and ‘no go’ zones. Yes 2 Renewables and partners, the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, are conducting a survey on Macedon’s energy future. Riddles Creek and the Macedon Ranges area are holding a film night and community conversation about the region’s energy future on Thursday 11 September. Details in coming events list.

    A liberal Party MP, representing state energy minister Russell Northe at the Portland forum, indicated that the Coalition may be open to allowing wind farms with strong community support to proceed. Yes 2 Renewables are seeking confirmation that this is official government policy. Will be interesting to see if this is confirmed.

     


    Events in September

    Tuesday 2 September, 6:00pm – 7:30pm. Super Switch Launch. Organised by 350.org Australia and Market Forces at the Deakin Edge, Federation Square. Book here.

    Wednesday 3 September from 6:30pm (drinks) to 9:00 pm in Brunswick. Power to the People – reclaiming control of electricity in Victoria. Merri Creek Residents Group and the Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) forum with Prof. Ross Garnaut and other speakers. Register to attend here. At Brunswick Town Hall, Sydney Rd (corner Glenlyon Road), Brunswick.

    Wednesday 3 September. GetUp! volunteer phone-banking in Prahran. Contact anthony@getup.org.au.

    Wednesday 3 September. Korumburra unconventional gas information night.

    Open LaborThursday 4 September. Prof Tim Flannery with OpenLabor and LEAN: What now for the climate campaign? A frank and full discussion on the future of the campaign to halt climate change in Australia and around the world. City of Melbourne Bowls Club, Flagstaff Gardens. Free but please book.

    Friday 5 September, 5.30pm – 6.30pm in Wangaratta. Grassroots democracy in the US – Denis Ginnivan. Office of Cathy McGowan, 117 Murphy Street, Wangaratta. RSVP on 1300 131791 or email cathy.mcgowan.mp@aph.gov.au.

    Saturday 6 September, 10am – 1pm.  Environment Victoria door knocking in Burwood East and Frankston. For bayside events contact Jane Stabb at jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au or new bayside GetUp! Organiser, Claire Boland at Claire@getup.org.au .For Burwood East contact EV’s Claireclaire.vanherpen@environmentvictoria.org.au.

    Saturday 6 September. GetUp! Prahran campaign brainstorming session. Contact anthony@getup.org.au.

    Sunday 7 September 2.00pm – 5.00pm. Frankston door knocking. Meet at EnviroHub. Contact jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au .

    Sunday 7 September. Letters to the editor party in Prahran. Contact anthony@getup.org.au.

    Sunday 7 September. Disruption – a climate change film launches. Free premieres. http://vimeo.com/104429713

    Monday 8 September, 6.00pm-7.30pm.   People and Climate Change: Science from Europe – Public Forum. The University of Melbourne’s recently established European Union Centre on Shared Complex Challenges is holding a public forum to mark Climate Day, a joint day of climate action by the governments of the United Kingdom, Germany and France. Climate Day in Europe celebrates global efforts around the world in preparation for an ambitious, achievable and sustainable global deal on climate at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in Paris in November 2015. At Woodward Conference Centre, Level 10, Melbourne Law School, 185 Pelham Street. Please register to attend this free event.

    Monday 8 September, 7.00 pm-8.15 pm. Yarra Transport Forum. Collingwood Town Hall, 140 Hoddle St, Abbotsford. Speakers: Jenny Mikakos, ALP MLC Northern Metro, Craig Ondarchie, Liberal MLC Northern Metro, Kathleen Maltzahn, Greens candidate for Richmond (speaking for Greg Barber MLC).

    Tuesday 9 September, 7.00 pm-8.15 pm. Darebin Transport Forum.  Northcote Town Hall, 189 High St, Northcote. Speakers: Fiona Richardson, ALP MLA for Northcote, Cr Trent McCarthy, Greens candidate for Northcote, Liberal speaker TBC.

    Wednesday 10 September, 7.00 pm-8.15 pm. Glen Eira Transport Forum. Glen Eira Town Hall, 416-428 Glen Eira Rd, Caulfield. Speakers: David Southwick, Liberal MLA for Caulfield, Nick Staikos, ALP candidate for Bentleigh, Sean Mulcahy, Greens candidate for Bentleigh.

    Thursday 11 September, 7.00 pm-8.15 pm. Frankston Transport Forum, Mechanics Institute, 1N Plowman Pl, Frankston. Speakers: Sean Armistead, Liberal candidate for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke, ALP candidate for Frankston Nina Springle, Greens candidate for South-Eastern Metro.

    farmland not gaslandThursday 11 September, 6.30pm. Farmland not Gaslands Film Launch + Gaslands II Melbourne Premiere. Kino Cinemas, Collins Place, 45 Collins St Melbourne. Book here.

    Thursday 11 September. Riddells Creek and the Macedon Ranges area. Film night and community conversation about the region’s energy future. RSVP here.

    Friday 12 September, 7.30pm. Portland Arts Centre. Richard Franklin and Friends in Concert. Coal and Gas-free Communities benefit concert. Tickets are on sale from Petals Florist, Portland for $15. Only 140 seats available so get your tickets early. Contact: John Coverdale jonco55@hotmail.com.

    Saturday 13 September, 6.30pm, Sale. Farmland not Gaslands, Sale Cinema, 50 Cunninghame St, Sale.   Book your tickets now to make sure you don’t miss out.

    Saturday 13 September, 9:30am – 1.00pm – Environment Victoria Campaign skills training (field campaigning) held in conjunction with the VTHC, Victorian Trades Hall Building, 54 Victoria St, Carlton. . Contact Jane Stabb at jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au.

    Saturday 13 September. Street stall in Forest Hills electorate at Brentford Square. Contact claire.vanherpen@environmentvictoria.org.au.

    Saturday 13 September. Environment Victoria sStall at the mayor’s picnic Carrum Downs. All day – two shifts. Contact jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au.

    Saturday 13 September. Smarter Living Expo at GPAC.  This event will have three Al Gore-team Climate presentations and a councillor talk about fossil fuels and renewables, among other things. Find out more.

    Solomon-Islands-Warriors-1024x681Saturday 13 September – Sunday 14 September. 350og and Nicola Paris are running a two-day non-violent direct action training at Common Ground for people who would like to participate in peaceful solidarity actions in cities across Australia when the Pacific Climate Warriors arrive in October. They will tell the fossil fuel industry in person to stop their radical plans that are destroying their island homes. The training registration page is here.

    Sunday 14 September. 10.00am – 1.00pm. VCAN meeting. Including report back on Climate Movement Strategy Project meeting on August 17. NB. There is no meeting on 31 August or 21 September – just 14 September! At RMIT building 80, 445 Swanston St. Meeting room 2, level 7. This will be chaired by Morgana Russell and all agenda requests should be sent to her at morgana.russell@aycc.org.au.

    Sunday 14 September, 1.00pm–5.30pm including afternoon tea. Divestment Leaders Training organised by 350.org.RMIT, Room 15, Level 3, Building 80. In the same building as the VCAN meeting, so you can go to both. Register here.

    Sunday 14 September, 2.00pm – 5.00pm. Environment Victoria Campaign Tactics and Persuasive Conversations Training, 60 Leicester St, Carlton. Contact jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au.

    Sunday 14 September, 8:00am – 10:30am in Grovedale (near Geelong). Climate Reality + Pizza at 353 Surf Coast Hwy. Find out more.

    Sunday 14 September, 2.00pm. Moriac and Fresh Water Creek Gasfield Free Community Declaration Day. Newling Reserve, Hendy Main Rd, Moriac. Come help the communities of Moriac, Mt Moriac, Paraparap and Freshwater Creek celebrate their gasfield free declaration. Contact Alison Marchant 0407 875123.

    Sunday 14 September, 2.00pm-4.00pm in Morwell. Public meeting to discuss the recommendations from the Hazelwood inquiry organised by Voices of the Valley. Speakers include Nick Aberle from EV on recommendations that relate to mine rehabilitation. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the community with an opportunity to vote on what it sees as the priorities from the inquiry. At the Italo-Australian Social Club, 499-501 Princes Drive.

    Tuesday 16 September–Wednesday 17 September. 24 Hours of Reality: 24 Reasons for Hope. This day-long event will highlight the growing momentum for solutions to global warming, and kick off 12 months of concerted climate action.

    Wednesday 17 September, 7.00pm-10.00pm. Fundraising dinner for Australian Religious Response to Climate Change, in South Melbourne at Shakahari restaurant. www.arrcc.org.au/news-a-events/event/details/220

    Thursday 18 September 7pm, Torquay. Unconventional Gas Information Night at Surf World, Surf City Plaza, Beach Road, Torquay. Contact Liz Packett 0414 891766.

    Thursday 18 September 7:00pm–9:00pm in Geelong. GAS RUSH – Information night – a public meeting about onshore gas extraction in the City of Greater Geelong. Free admission. At Manifold Heights Baptist Church. Corner Shannon Ave and Volum St. Manifold Heights. Come and ask questions to a panel of independent authorities about onshore gas. Includes a short film which focuses on why communities in Gippsland are opposing gas. www.climatesafety.info/gasland.

    Saturday 20 September. Doorknocking in east and Frankston. Contact jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au. For bayside events contact Jane Stabb at jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au or new bayside GetUp! Organiser, Claire Boland Claire@getup.org.au .For the eastern suburbs contact EV’s Claire – claire.vanherpen@environmentvictoria.org.au.

    Friday 19 September – Sunday 21 September. Australian Climate Summit in Brisbane www.climatesummit.org.au/.

    Saturday 20 September. Door Knocks in Frankston and Vermont South, 10am – 1pm. For bayside events contact  jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au. For eastern suburbs claire.vanherpen@environmentvictoria.org.au.

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    Sunday 21 September. People’s Climate March – global event. Join millions of people in a global day of climate action. Over 1,450 (and counting) climate marches, rallies and events around the planet. So far 77 events are registered in Australia, six in Victoria:

    Melbourne: Meet at State Library, 328 Swanston St, at 11am, before a march through the city.

    Geelong: Geelong Wants Climate Action: Meet at Yarra St 1 – the waterfront – at 11am
    www.geelongsustainability.org.au/event-1726528 and www.facebook.com/events/827137233983333
    www.climatesafety.info/geelong-gets-up-for-climate-action

    Castlemaine: Castlemaine Climate Mobilisation – 11:00am Castlemaine Market Building and Victory Park Mostyn St, Castlemaine

    Bengigo: Global People’s Climate March – 11:00am Rosiland Park, Bendigo Rosiland Park, Pall Mal, Bendigo

    Lower Plenty: Climate Talk – 7:30pm Lower Plenty Scout Hall Maskell Cres, Lower Plenty 3093

    These marches are in support the People’s Climate Mobilisation at the United Nations Global Climate Summit in New York where almost 950 NGOs are collaborating about what is expected to be come the largest climate action rally in history.
    www.secure.avaaz.org/en/join_to_change_everything.
    The message is simple: Action, Not Words.

    350.org RSVP www.act.350.org/event/peoples_climate/7675/signup.
    More info: www.act.350.org/event/peoples_climate/

    See also: www.peoplesclimate.org/australia/

    Warm-up trailer: See video
     

    climate-walk

    Sunday 21 September to 20 October. Climate walk to Canberra with a petition to parliament asking for real action on climate change. » www.climatewalk.org.au

    Monday September 22, 7.30pm. ALP panel discussion: energy transition to a low carbon economy. Kew Library.

    Wednesday September 24. Lighter Footprints meeting.  Ken Coghill speaking.

    Saturday 27 September. Door knocking in Frankston and EV Street Stall outside Kmart Main Entrance, in Burwood East, 9am – 12pm. For bayside event contact Jane Stabb at jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au. For the eastern suburbs contact EV’s Claire – claire.vanherpen@environmentvictoria.org.au.

    Sunday 28 September. NEW DATE for Whittlesea Transport Forum.

    Monday 29 September. Moreland Transport Forum.

    Tuesday 30 September. Eastern Climate Action Melbourne State Election Environment Forum, Waratah Room, Whitehorse Centre, 397 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading, 7pm – 9pm. Moderator: Rob Gell.  Candidates: Neil Angus MP, Liberal Party, Pauline Richards, Australian Labor Party, Brewis Atkinson, Australian Greens
    R.S.V.P. and questions: ecam.enquiries@gmail.com. See https://www.facebook.com/easterncag.

    Events in October

    Wednesday 1 October.   Western suburbs Transport Forum.

    Thursday 2 October.   Melbourne Transport Forum.

    Saturday 4 October. EV Campaign skills training (field campaigning) held in conjunction with the VTHC, Victorian Trades Hall Building, 54 Victoria St, Carlton, 9:30am – 1pm.Contact  jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au.

    Saturday  4 October 7pm, Deans Marsh. Dance for Lock the Gate. Concert and Fundraiser with Mountain Grey & Rondo. At Deans Marsh Memorial Hall, Pennyroyal Valley Rd, Deans Marsh. Contact Seona Gunn (03) 5236 3384.

    Sunday 5 October. Rock 4 Renewables Fundraiser with Empat Lima, Alysia Manceau, Danny Walsh Banned, Nun of the Tongue and others. Plus DJ Emma Peel (PBS) & DJ Knave Knixx (Shack Shakers). Gasometer, 484 Smith St, Collingwood.

    Sunday 5 October.  Nelson Unconventional Gas Information Night. Contact Leila leila.huebner@exemail.com.au.

    Friday 10 October. TEDx  Melbourne Conference Off the Grid. Find out more about speakers: www.tedxmelbourne.com/speakers. Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (Plenary 1).

    Saturday 11 October. Global Frackdown Day. Watch for local events. http://www.globalfrackdown.org/events-2014/

    Sunday 12 October. EV Campaigns Communication and Personal Narrative Training, 60 Leicester St, Carlton, 1pm – 4pm. Contact  jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au.

    Sunday 12 October. Run with Doctors for the Environment Australia  in the Melbourne Marathon Festival.Everybody from new runners to seasoned experts welcome. Find more information and register here.

    Friday 17 October. Pascoe Vale Uniting Church (Mel 17 B6) Q & A “What kind of Infrastructure for Victoria?” with Tony Morton (Public Transport Users Association), Carolyn Whitzman (Professor in Urban Planning, University of Melbourne), Andrea Sharam (former Moreland City councillor and affordable housing advocate).

    Divestment daySaturday 18 October. Divestment Day. Market Forces and 350.org are calling on thousands of customers of ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac to turn out and publicly close their accounts if the banks fail to rule out further support for the dirty fossil fuel industry. Sign up at http://www.marketforces.org.au/divestmentday

    Saturday 18 October. The Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group pro-wind mountain bike ride – a Ride for Renewables. The ride planned offers options for the semi-serious mountain-biker as well as those that are interested in a leisurely 13K ride through the pine forest. Starting at 10.30 (staggered start), riding to the site of the proposed community owned wind turbine and through surrounding forest. You can go to https://register.canbook.me/r4r-2014 and book your tickets. See www.mrsgonline.org.au or email  R4R@mrsgonline.org.au.

    Sunday 19 October – Whitehorse Spring Festival – EV Market Stall, Nunawading, 11am – 4pm

    Our water our future conferenceFriday October 24- Monday 27 October. BEYOND COAL & GAS: Protecting our Heritage, Embracing the Futureat Ivory’s Rock, near Ipswich Queensland. The website and registration here.

    Events in November

    Friday 7 November. Seat of Pascoe Vale Candidate Forum – Coburg Uniting Church commencing at 7.30pm.

    Saturday 8 November – due date for Monster Climate Petition.

    Sunday 9 November. EV Building and Maintaining Effective Teams Training, 60 Leicester St, Carlton, 1pm – 4pm.

    Wednesday 12 November 7.00pm-9.30pm. Lighter Footprints candidates’ forum.Q&A panel and breakout groups for candidates from Kew Hawthorn Burwood and Box Hill. At Hawthorn Arts Centre (formerly Town Hall), Burwood Rd Hawthorn.

    Wednesday November 12, 6.30pm for a at 7pm start. Darebin Climate Action Now Northcote Candidate Forum Northcote Town Hall.

    Friday 14 November, Brunswick Candidate Forum, Brunswick Uniting Church commencing at 7.30pm.

    Friday 15 November – Saturday 16 November in Brisbane. G20 summit.

    Saturday 29 November. Victorian election.

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  • Newsletter mid-August 2014

    Newsletter mid-August 2014

    Campaigning in key electorates

    Brunswick. Merri Creek Residents Group and the Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) have organised a forum on Power to the People – reclaiming control of electricity in Victoria on Wednesday 3 September – see coming events. CAM and 350.org have collected hundreds of signatures on a petition calling on Moreland Council to divest from fossil fuels and this was recently presented to council. There will be a protest at the council meeting tonight about cuts to the climate action budget. Moreland Community against the East West Tunnel (MCAT) and Climate Action Moreland have been active in opposing the East-West Link.

    Melbourne and Richmond. Yarra Climate Action Now are working with Public Transport not Traffic and the Public transport Users Association to oppose the East-West Link.

    Northcote. Darebin Climate Action Now will soon be letter-boxing 30,000 houses with a postcard showing the graph from David Spratt’s presentation at the Breakthrough 2014 conference. Help appreciated. There will be a climate action election forum on 12 November.

    Prahran. Lock the Gate Melbourne have been doorknocking and holding street stalls in Prahran and held a well attended film screening.Lock the Gate Melbourne

    Frankston, eastern Melbourne, western Melbourne and bayside. The Environment Victoria Frankston Enviro-hub is abuzz with activity – door-knocking, street stalls, and film nights. The dates are below in the coming events listings. There will be an extra-big door-knocking event in Frankston on Saturday 30 August from 11am till 2pm when Public Transport not Traffic head bayside for a special one-day effort. Forest Hills fortnightly door knocking and stalls in western suburbs (Altona, Seddon, Point Cook) contact Claire.vanherpen@environmentvictoria.org.au

    Yes 2 Renewables and partners, the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, are conducting a survey on Macedon’s energy future.  Labor candidate Mary-Anne Thomas dropped by to say hello at the Woodend Farmers Market last weekend. Hoping that the Liberal and Greens candidates will stop by at the stall in Kyneton.


    South Barwon, Geelong and western Victoria. Yes 2 Renewables and local groups have started a series of kitchen table conversations Napthine04about the Geelong region’s energy future.  Find out more http://ow.ly/zwpIO. And campaigning already seems to be having an effect with the Liberal member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson coming out in support of the Renewable Energy Target and acknowledging the importance of local renewable energy jobs – although she did not specify her support for a particular level of RET.
    Around 700 attended a rally and march in Anglesea last Sunday as part of the Shut it Down campaign to close Anglesea coal-fired power station.
    Napthine met with locals opposed to CSG at the office of a local MP and they presented several Lock the Gate gasfield-free communities declarations to him. He made a promise not to allow fracking if it threatened prime farmland but did not support the Victorian Farmers Federation demand that farmers have right of veto over mining on their land.

     

    Campaigning inside the ALP

    Labor Environment Action Network (LEAN) have been working hard inside the ALP. They have had some recent wins, with NSW and Tasmanian ALP committing to a 19% emissions reduction target. They also held a very successful forum in Lalor with Mark Butler MP Federal Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Andrew Giles MP, Victorian Member for Scullin and Lily D’Ambrosio MP Victorian Shadow Minister for Energy, Member for Mill Park. It was standing room only with a lot of support for renewable energy and jobs, some recognition that it is necessary to be clear on the problem as well as the solutions, and acceptance that the selling of the Clean Energy Future package wasn’t done well. Mark Butler acknowledged that the planet has a limited carbon budget and that the methane vents opening up in the Arctic indicate that two degrees may not be a safe target.

     

    Victorian election candidates and commentary

    Save the Planet is a political party formed specifically to raise awareness of and take action on the climate emergency. Save the Planet is seeking new members who are eligible Victorian voters to enable Save the Planet to register as a political party before the election. See www.voteplanet.net/join.html.
    Save the Planet is commencing its leafleting and door knocking campaign in the state seats of Brunswick and Northcote. If you are interested in helping please email Adrian Whitehead, voteplanet@gmail.com.

    Peter Gardner will be standing as a climate emergency independent in East Gippsland. He will announce his candidature early September. There may be a similar candidate in Gippsland South.

    Labor/Greens marginals. Which are the most winnable Labor/Greens marginal seats?
    Here is some analysis from Guy Rundle in Crikey.

    With polling indicating a vote heading towards 17% and the prospect of taking the balance of power in the upper house, the Victorian Greens are full of confidence about the upcoming November 29 state election, with official statements about the rising volunteer effort ahead of the campaign season proper.

    Within the party however, there has been major differences of opinion about the strategic choices that have been made by the party apparatus and endorsed by the state council — a strategy that prioritises an assault on the Liberal-held lower house seat of Prahran over a concentration of resources on an inner-northern seat such as Brunswick or Northcote…

    The most likely lower house seat to fall to the Greens will be Melbourne, currently held by Labor’s Jennifer Kanis. The Greens topped the poll in a 2012 by-election for the seat (the Liberals did not field a candidate) but were defeated by the Labor preferencing of a slew of minor parties and independents.

    Beyond that, there have been political and strategic differences about where a second seat can be won, with many suggesting that the most likely win is in Brunswick — where former Julia Gillard associate Cindy Dawes gained a 30% primary for the Greens against Labor’s Jane Garrett, on 36%. However, others believe Garrett is too strong and high-profile a member to make a win based on demographic shifts likely.

    The strategic shift to target Prahran, held by Liberal Clem Newton-Brown, has been explored, in part due to a slowing of the rate of gain in votes in the inner-northern seats, with their mix of an old Labor working-class vote and a rising class of culture/knowledge professionals, who choose between the Greens and Labor. … Crucial also was the decision of the Liberal Party in 2010 to no longer preference the Greens. “If they were going to do that,” said Greg Barber, Greens leader in the Legislative Council, “then the only thing to do was to find the best prospect to knock off a Lib. Of course whether Labor will preference us is another question.”

    Prahran is the only seat that really approaches a three-way contest in a preferential system, with Newton-Brown on 47%, Labor on 28% and the Greens on 20%. If new candidate Sam Hibbins can take a few votes from Labor, and 2-3% from the Liberals, the Greens can take second place and win with Labor preferences. Labor’s temptation to exclude the Greens would be tempered by the knowledge that many Labor voters simply would not obey the direction to preference Liberal.

    However, experienced Greens operatives in the inner-north seats are sceptical of the claims made for Prahran, arguing that the branch and existing political infrastructure aren’t sufficient to run a full-bore campaign. Following his stunning re-election victory in 2013, federal member for Melbourne Adam Bandt announced that the Napthine government’s hated east-west link would provide a rallying point whereby one big campaign could be run across the four state divisions — while also buttressing Melbourne itself and the federal seat of Batman.

    But as one Victorian Green strategist who disagreed with the Prahran push said, “Politics isn’t just numbers. You’ve got to work out what politics is, where there’s a campaign.”


    Save the RET – and the reef – and the planet

    Origin, AGL and Energy Australia have launched an attack on the Renewable Energy Target  GetUp! Has a campaign to stop them, using nemo at Greg Hunt's officeconsumer power to send a clear message. Let’s leave the Dirty Three behind and switch to better power today: www.getup.org.au/BetterPower.

    Solar Citizens are taking a petition on the RET to Canberra.
    More than 20,000 Australians have already signed our petition to keep solar strong and protect the Renewable Energy Target – will you take a minute to join them by signing on too?

    AYCC, Greenpeace, GetUp! and Nemo have been taking a message about the Carmichael and Maules Creek coal mines and the Great Barrier Reef to Greg Hunt, and to the big banks.

    Please sign the UN letter ‘Message on Climate Change to World Leaders’
    www.unsdsn.org/climate-letter
    – Share on Facebook:
    www.facebook.com/fossilfuelfreefuture/photos/a.230631413787158.1073741837.170820033101630/274962766020689/?type=3&theater
    – and retweet: www.twitter.com/SustainableHour/statuses/495487648224399360


    Candidate transport forums

    Want to have your say on public transport and the East-West Link? The Melbourne Public Transport Forum and Leader Newspapers have organised a series of town hall style forums about transport where you can meet candidates face-to-face and ask questions. Details are in the list of coming events.

     


    Coming events – second half of August

    Thursday 14 August from 6 pm. The Metropolitan Transport Forum Leader newspapers super transport forum is on at the Melbourne Town Hall – Mulder versus Hennessy. It’s not too late to RSVP, but hurry as the event is almost at capacity. The first question asked by the chair (Lord Mayor Robert Doyle) will be the highest rated question on the ‘suggest a question’ page. Check out the questions and rate them.

    Thursday 14 August, 7 pm for 7.30 pm start. How to cut your power bills big time! How to modify your house to save money and reduce emissions. An Eastern Climate Action Melbourne event. Venue: Forest Hill Uniting Church, 333a Canterbury Road., Forest Hill.  RSVP Naomi – 98774657 or Pam – pam.french@optusnet.com.au

    Thursday 14 August, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  Public lecture by Professor Dan Kahan (Yale University) Cultural Cognition, Climate Science Communication and the Measurement Problem. AtRMIT Kaleide Theatre, 360 Swanston St. Melb.

    Friday 15 August, 7.30-9.30pm in Brunswick. Q & A event. What kind of Economy & Environment for Victoria? One of a series of Friday night Q&A public information sessions organised by the Uniting Church, featuring key-note speakers. With Tim Thornton (Research Associate in School of Social Sciences & communication at Swinburne University & economist) and Mark Wakeham (CEO Environment Victoria). At the Brunswick Uniting Church (Mel 29 G9)

    Saturday 16 August Door knocking Mordiallioc. 11am  1.30pm. RSVP jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au

    Monday 18 August, 5:30-6:30pm. Can Direct Action Work? Presentation by Mr Dan Tehan, MHR for Wannon, followed by questions. Hosted by Warrnambool Climate Action Now. Venue: The Last Coach, corner Timor and Kepler St Warrnambool. Enquiries: Margaret 5599 2130  Christina 0400 055 304

    Tuesday 19 August at 7.00pm at Selby in the Dandenongs near Belgrave. Two representatives of “Voices for Indi” will travel to Selby to share their experiences as to how they empowered their community and had their own independent candidate, Cathy McGowan, elected against all the odds.  No need to book.  Plenty of time for discussion. Light supper provided.  Gold coin donation. At Selby Community House, Minak Reserve, off Charles Street, Selby (Melways 75 K11).

    Wednesday, 20 August at 10am. Webinar: Introduction to the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network. Register here.

    Thursday 21 August – Henty, Western Victoria Unconventional Gas Information Night. For more information 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.

    Saturday 23 August, middle of the day. Possible Greenpeace event. Contact jameskremar@yahoo.com.

    Saturday 23 August (?) Date to be confirmed. Darebin Climate Action Now will be letterboxing a postcard with David Spratt’s BreakthroughBreakthrough graph Conference graph on the front. Contact darebincan@gmail.com

    Saturday 23 August, 10am-12pm. Geelong’s Climate Action Brainstorm. At Belmont Library, 163 High Street, Belmont. Organised by Dan Cowdell, GetUp’s Geelong election organiser. Contact daniel@getup.org.au

    24-31 August is #enviroweek

    Sunday, 24 August 2014 3:00pm – 4:30pm in Portland. Renewable Energy and Jobs Forum. What plans do the major political parties have to secure renewable energy jobs and investment in Victoria? Organised by Yes 2 Renewables, Australian Wind Alliance and Portland community members.  Speakers: Dr John Hewson, former leader of the Australian Liberal party; Steve Garner, Keppel Prince general manager; Wayne Barrett, Portland businessman; Portland wind workers; Lily D’Ambrosio, Labor shadow energy minister; Greg Barber, Leader of the Victorian Greens. At Fawthrop Community Centre, 1 Hood St, Portland.  Please share the event on Facebook and RSVP.

    Monday 25 August. Whitehorse Public Transport Forum  

    Tuesday 26 August. StonningtonPublic Transport Forum

    Tuesday 26 August at 7.30pm.  Film Night – “A FRACTURED COUNTRY” Bayside Climate Change Action Group presents this disturbing film about coal seam gas. Filmed in Australia and including interviews with farmers and an appearance by shock jock Alan Jones, this film exposes the risks to communities in our own “backyard” of Victoria. Everyone should see this film. Come along and bring your friends. Supper provided. See trailer here. The venue is the Sandringham Uniting Church Hall, 21 Trentham St, Sandringham.

    Thursday 28 August. Film night .  FILM NIGHT – “A FRACTURED COUNTRY” Chelsea Heights. 7.30pm -9.30pm Venue TBC. RSVP jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au

    Thursday 28 August. Moonee Valley Public Transport Forum

    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

    Late August Saturday 9.30am -1.00pm at Victorian Trades Hall. Campaigning Skills Training.

     

    Later in the year

    Wednesday, September 3, 2014 from 6:30pm (drinks) to 9:00 pm in Brunswick. Power to the People – reclaiming control of electricity in Victoria. Merri Creek Residents Group and the Moreland Energy Foundation Limited (MEFL) forum with Prof. Ross Garnaut and other speakers. Register to attend here. At Brunswick Town Hall, Sydney Rd (cnr Glenlyon Road), Brunswick, Vic 3058

    Sunday 7 September. Whittlesea Public Transport Forum

    Monday 8 September. Yarra Public Transport Forum

    Tuesday 9 September. Darebin Public Transport Forum

    Wednesday 10 September. Glen Eira Public Transport Forum

    Thursday 11 September. Frankston Public Transport Forum

    Sunday 14 September. 10am – 1pm.  VCAN meeting. Including report back on Climate Movement Strategy Project meeting on August 17.Kitchen conversations NB. There is no meeting on 31 August or 21 September – just 14 September! At RMIT building 80, 445 Swanston St. Meeting room 2, level 7. This will be chaired by Morgana Russell and all agenda requests should be sent to her at morgana.russell@aycc.org.au.

    Sunday September 14. Frack-free Moriac and Fresh Water Creek declaration day event. Contact chloe.aldenhoven@foe.org.au

    September 19-21. Australian climate summit in Brisbane www.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. https://secure.avaaz.org/en/join_to_change_everything/?bdqehab&v=41253

    September 21. People’s Climate March in Melbourne and the rest of the world.

    September 21–20 October. Climate walk to Canberra with a petition to parliament asking for real action on climate change. There are 2 people committed to the whole walk. For the project to proceed, 8 people willing to walk for a week are needed. Each day will cover around 25 km. Since we will have 4 people we can have anything from 2 to 4 actually walking. The remainder can stay with the support vehicles. This means you can walk any distance from zero to 25 km. So you don’t have to be particularly fit, just committed. www.climatewalk.nationbuilder.com

    October 17. Pascoe Vale Uniting Church (Mel 17 B6) Q & A “What kind of Infrastructure for Victoria?” with Tony Morton (Public Transport Users Association), Carolyn Whitzman (Professor in Urban Planning, University of Melbourne), Andrea Sharam (former Moreland City councillor and affordable housing advocate)

    October 18. Divestment Day. Market Forces and 350.org are calling on thousands of customers of ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac to publicly close their accounts if the banks fail to rule out further support for the dirty fossil fuel industry.

    October 24-27. BEYOND COAL & GAS: Protecting our Heritage, Embracing the Future at Ivory’s Rock, near Ipswich Queensland. The IMG_6465website 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 7. Seat of Pascoe Vale Candidate Forum – Coburg Uniting Church State Election Candidate Forums commencing at 7.30pm:

    November 12. Northcote candidates forum, Northcote Town Hall.

    November 14. Brunswick Candidate Forum, Brunswick Uniting Church, commencing at 7.30pm:

    November 15-16. Brisbane. G20 summit.

    November 29. Victorian election.



    » For print or email:  This newsletter in A4 PDF-format



  • Newsletter late-July 2014

    Newsletter late-July 2014

    Support the Solar Citizens survey.

    Solar Citizens

    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

    Fair wind lawsFriends 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:

     

    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

    stand with jonoJonathan 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

    YarragonAnother 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.

    PT postcard

    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

    10473140_10152628662894714_8001692687011342319_nThursday 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
    pacific warriors
    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

     


    » Open/download this newsletter in printer-friendly PDF

     

  • Newsletter mid-July 2014

    Newsletter mid-July 2014

    NL2 feature

    All eyes are on Canberra.

    With the new Senate sitting it’s one amazing development after another. The national groups have been doing some great behind the scenes work. The Australian Conservation Foundation an amazing press conference with Clive Palmer and Al Gore in which Palmer promised to keep the Renewable Energy Target as is, and prevent the abolition of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Climate Change Authority. Then Ricky Muir promised to block the abolition of ARENA. And now, today, the Australia Institute has arranged for Clive Palmer and John Hewson to launch their new report http://www.tai.org.au/content/fighting-dirty-clean-energy . Wow!

     

    NL1 NL2 NL3

     

    AYCC did a great action on the first day of sitting. They started early with 1200 signs bearing messages from young people spelling out a message to the new Senators. Then twenty two Senators attended – almost a third of the Senate – attended a “youth senate” before the swearing in.  AYCC also asked Senators to wear badges that said “I support a safe climate future for young Australians”. Lots of Senators wore them and Mark Butler was even spotted giving them out to his colleagues! AYCC were offered a meeting with Ricky Muir, which was chaotic and brief, but they did get a good message from him on renewable energy. They also met incoming Senator Nova Peris and volunteers from Seed, the first Australian Indigenous youth climate network.

    NL4

    Lots of independents standing in Victorian election

    Voice for the West are looking for 22 candidates from the Western Metropolitan area and Western Victoria to stand election to the 22 state parliamentary seats in the lower house, and four in the upper house, in these two regions. Expressions of interest close on 31 July 2014. Voice for the West are not including any requirement for a position on climate change. They seek candidates who are “not Left or Right but positioned in the broad centre of politics” and “committed to grassroots initiatives and local solutions”. Might be worth keeping an eye out to see who they select. Applicants for selection will face a Selection Forum on Saturday 2 August (Western Metro) and Sunday 3 August (Western Victoria). All members of Voice for the West will be eligible to attend the appropriate Selection Forum and choose our parliamentary candidates. To become a member go to http://www.voiceforthewest.org.au/join   There is no cost.

    Door knocking and stalls continue in July and August

    Lock the Gate Prahran will be doorknocking on Saturday morning 12 July and Sunday afternoon 20 July. Contact hannah@lockthegate.org.au

    Public Transport not Traffic stalls in Werribee, Bentleigh, Banyule and Richmond. Please RSVP to DanaeBosler.info@ptnt.org to get involved.

    Environment Victoria have a film night tonight in Frankston with Public Transport not Traffic – showing “Urbanized” on sustainable urban design at the Enviro Hub at 6:30pm, 14 Wells St Frankston. Saturday 12 July. Door knocking is in Forest Hill 10am-12:30pm and a street stall in Frankston – meet at the Enviro Hub. RSVP to jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.aufor these events or to find out about other events in Frankston, Mordialloc, Carrum and Forest Hill.

    Next Campaign Skills Training is Saturday 23 July at Vic Trades Hall. . RSVP jane.stabb@environmentvictoria.org.au

    Coming events

    Wednesday 23 July. Green Drinks in Geelong – Keynote Topic: Community renewables – cheaper and clean electricity to all – is it possible? Meet three speakers who are saying: Why not? Learn about community energy models, and ways of saving money on your electricity while shrinking your carbon footprint to help solving the problem with global warming. Find out more at: http://geelongsustainability.org.au/event-1716660

    Sunday 27 July, 7.00 pm 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

    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 https://www.facebook.com/events/678219255546437/

    Sunday August 31. March in Australia (March in March) event. https://www.facebook.com/MarchInMarchMelbourne2014

    September 19-21. Australian climate summit in Brisbanehttp://climatesummit.org.au/ .

    September 20-21. People’s Climate Mobilisation at the United Nations Global Climate Summit in New York and around the world. https://secure.avaaz.org/en/join_to_change_everything/?bdqehab&v=41253

    October 24-27. BEYOND COAL & GAS: Protecting our Heritage, Embracing the Future in South East Queensland. Website coming soon. http://www.sunriseproject.org.au/blog/

    November 15-16 in Brisbane G20 summit.

    November 29. Victorian election.