July 2015 newsletter

Goodbye to fossil fuels The G7 Summit has committed to get the world global economy off fossil fuels forever. This is a great step towards moving towards definitive agreement at the Paris conference at the end of the year to move to renewable energy. http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/06/08/g7-summit-idINKBN0OO25120150608

$135 billion dollars That’s how much has been loaned to the fossil fuel industry in Australia since 2008 with the major four Australian banks contributing significantly to that amount. Read the report Fueling the Fire http://www.marketforces.org.au/revealed-billions-loaned-to-fossil-fuels-by-the-big-banks/ and look at the interactive map that show which projects banks supported http://www.marketforces.org.au/banks/map/

Changing planning to support the environment?   Sign this petition to support the NSW Environment Minister’s plan to change the process for mine approval by giving greater weight to the environmental and community considerations. You will need to do it by 20 July. http://www.nature.org.au/get-involved/take-action/mining-sepp-changes/

Report back from meeting with Victor Dominello On 15 June we met with local state MP Victor Dominello.  No small feat as the meeting took 7 months, 6 phone calls and a very pointed letter to secure.  In our 14 minute meeting we raised concerns about Coal Seam Gas , in particular PEL 2 the license which covers 3 water catchment areas, the government’s decision to allow the township of Bulga to be consumed by the Warkworth coal mine; and the proposed container deposit scheme. Mr Dominello was polite and courteous, told us that we should really be speaking to the Member for Lane Cove rather than him, that the problems with Coal Seam Gas were all left by the previous Labor government, as was the issue of Bulga.  Isn’t it nice to know we are being so well represented?  What’s next? We have been trying to set up a meeting with Anthony Roberts since June.

Solar panels in Darling Harbour You can own a solar panel on the new International Convention Centre by buying a share in community purchase scheme before the end of 2015. For details go to http://www.sydneyrenewable.com/

Good news – PEL2 Licence AGL has announced it will sell back 3 of its CSG licences to NSW Government that covered the Sydney water catchment area and the Broke-Fordwich wine area of the Hunter Valley. However, it still holds a CSG licence for the Gloucester area (but has written down the value of that project which is also good news)

Community renewable energy projects in Australia The web based news site theconversation.com has published an article full of links to Australian community renewable energy projects.  http://theconversation.com/search?q=communities+are+taking+renewable+power+into+their+own+hands
Also, the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology in Sydney has published a

report on community based renewable energy projects http://c4ce.net.au/nces/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Appendix-C_CIA-Final-Report_FINAL.pdf

Who supports climate change action? Pope Francis’s environmental encyclical calls for the need to tackle climate change http://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article.aspx?aeid=45065
Prince Charles has supported the Guardian’s “Keep it in the Ground” campaign calling for a halt to fossil fuel mining and the need for renewable energy http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jul/02/prince-charles-climate-change-rewire-global-economy?CMP=ema-60

Unbankable. That’s what the Queensland Treasury said about the Adani plan for the Carmichael Mine in the Galilee Basin but the Newman Government ignored that advice. The current Labor Queensland Government is being pressured to fast track approvals for the mine and coal loaders despite the UN keeping the Great Barrier Reef on the international watch list. Tell Commonwealth Bank that supporting this project is irresponsible. Write on their Facebook wall now and call on them not to invest in Reef destruction. Read the article  http://www.smh.com.au/business/mining-and-resources/adanis-carmichael-mine-is-unbankable-says-queensland-treasury-20150630-gi1l37.html

Party with a purpose. From 18-24 July Solar Citizens is planning a party and you’re invited to participate. This s the week leading up to the ALP conference so this is a chance for you to show you want action and support for solar. It can be as big or small as you wish. Contact them for details and assistance. http://www.standupforsolar.org.au/shindig?utm_campaign=shindig_ret_lau&utm_medium=email&utm_source=solarcitizens

Energy Quiz. Try NASA’s Global Climate Change and Global Warming Energy Quiz http://climate.nasa.gov/quizzes/quiz-energy/

What’s On

Biosecurity talk. The Ryde Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society is holding a talk about animal and plant pests, diseases and weeds that can have a devastating effect on the environment and economy. It will be held on 18 July at 9.30am at the Field of Mars Environmental Centre, entrance off Pittwater Road. For more information contact Cathy on 9817 4935

Nature Conservancy Photo competition. Like to photograph of nature? Then enter this competiton. Entries close 24 July. Go to http://www.natureaustralia.org.au/photo/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Photo+Competition+Opens+Supporter+Version&utm_content=Photo+Competition+Opens+Supporter+Version+CID_31a95dff24a80b81ad4de06561464ec2&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_term=enter%20today

“Earth, Endless Growth. Are they compatible?” Multifaith forum organised by the Columban Institute on 23 July in the city.  Keynote speaker is Dr Haydn Washington, Institute of Environmental Studies, UNSW. There will be responses from the Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. Free but register online  hannahcifuentes@columban.org.au or 02 9352 8031

Costa and soil. Costa from ABC TV will be at Kimbricki Resource Recovery Centre on 5 August from 7pm to 9.30 pm to talk about soil and what you can do to help put carbon dioxide back into the soil. Free but you’ll need to book. www.ecohouseandgarden.com.au

Moocooboola Yes, we’ll be there again this year so come and say hello. We have an activity for the kids, a letter to write for the adults and an electric car to admire. It’s on 2 August at Boronia Park, Hunters Hill, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

Non violent direct action. 350 is running a course on non-violent direct action on 8 August at UTS meeting room from 9.30am-4.30pm. Course covers your legal rights and how to stay safe. Cost includes lunch. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/frontline-non-violent-direct-action-training-tickets-17631606610