It is timely reminder mining companies and governments in Australia are seeking to have developments, particularly those for fossil fuels, on Australia’s First Nation’s land without the agreement of the traditional landowners. That we need to continue opposing projects such as Adani’s Carmichael mine, Origin fracking in the NT, Clive Palmer’s Waratah Mine and Santos gas mining in Narrabri.
Rio Tinto’s demolition of a 46,000-year-old site in the Pilbara is further evidence of the dismissal by large companies of the importance of Aboriginal culture and history. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-05/rio-tinto-knew-6-years-ago-about-46000yo-rock-caves-it-blasted/12319334
WHAT’S ON
Webinars A number of environmental groups are running webinars on their work and topical subjects. You can register by going to their websites. They include Australia Wildlife Conservancy https://www.australianwildlife.org/awc-in-conversation/ and NCC https://www.nature.org.au/blog/2020/05/join-us-for-cocktails-and-conservation/
The Australia Institute is also doing webinars entitled Economics of a Pandemic covering a wide range of economic and social justice issues. https://nb.tai.org.au/pandemic_economics
Getting kids excited about native animals. Bush Heritage, an organisation that protects habitats and native animals, has an on-line club for children 6-12 years old where they can learn more about our native animals. For details go to https://www.bushheritage.org.au/get-involved/bush-buddies
WHAT WE’VE BEEN DOING
Signed petition asking NSW government not to allow coal mining in our water catchment areas
Sent a letter to John Alexander about climate change and the unprecedented fires of 2019-20
Became a signatory to a submision by NCC and Australian Forests Climate Alliance to ARENA saying forest derived biomass (ie burning of wood) should not be allowed as part of the current and future energy mix.
Made a submission to NSW government on Sustainability of Energy Supply and Resources inquiry
NEWS AND EVENTS
Australia can become green out of Covid-19 We have the technology – just no political will. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2020/may/14/seizing-the-moment-how-australia-can-build-a-green-economy-from-the-covid-19-wreckage
Our government is intent on a gas-led recovery. https://reneweconomy.com.au/covid-commission-ignores-conflict-of-interest-issues-of-pro-gas-taskforce-73855/
that will leave us stranded https://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/banking-on-gas-will-leave-us-stranded-20200603-p54yy6.html
Sign the letter calling for renewables investment, not gas https://fossilfuelwatch.good.do/stopthegas-firedrecovery/fossilfuelwatch/
Logging exacerbates bushfires Scientists have said logging in native forests has been detrimental https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/06/compelling-evidence-logging-native-forests-has-worsened-australian-bushfires-scientists-warn
Then sign the submission asking ARENA not to consider allowing wood from forests to be burned for electricity. https://www.facebook.com/login.php
Marsh Insurance Marsh Insurance is still considering whether to help Adani. StopAdani is asking you take a selfie with a sign asking Marsh not to go ahead and send it to StopAdani so they can forward it to Marsh executives. https://www.stopadani.com/marshselfie
Protecting Sydney’s water The NSW government still supports coal mining in our water catchment areas. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-04/woronora-mine-water-debate/12319712 Sign the petition to say you are opposed to this decision.https://act.greenpeace.org.au/nswmining
Corporate giants abandoning coal without fanfare during Covid-19
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/while-the-world-looked-the-other-way-corporate-giants-abandoned-coal-20200514-p54ssj.html
Covid-19 has hastened the peak for oil, gas and coal demand. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/jun/04/coronavirus-crisis-collapse-fossil-fuels-demand
Meet the young Queenslanders taking Clive Palmer to court over his Waratah Mine. https://www.facebook.com/stopadani/videos/296811077990732/
Coal seam gas moritorium bill This passed the NSW Upper House 4 June and is now due to be debated in the lower house. https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/berejiklian-government-rushes-to-defeat-csg-moratorium-bill-20200604-p54zgw.html Contact your local MP and ask them to support this bill. Find your MP here https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/members/Pages/all-members.aspx
PricewaterhouseCoopers is a consulting firm that is a member of the Minerals Council. Use this guide to send a note to PwC asking them to cut ties with the Minerals Council. Due date 22 June. Details for letter writing at
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oeJxsZpZj69JjBjsTCWJUGBLN45oJUn8HhsVdjvFqco/edit
Barka-Darling River Total mismanagement by governments has resulted in the tragedy that is the Murray-Darling-Barka River system. Sign the petition asking water ministers to buy back more water to save it. https://www.nature.org.au/get-involved/take-action/time-is-running-out-our-rivers-are-dying/
Protecting our environment Sign the petition asking the Federal Government to strengthen our environmental laws. https://greens.org.au/campaigns/protecting-our-environment
Rooftop Recovery Solar Citizens has done a report saying ramping up PV installations will provide employment, lower electricity prices and put more money into the economy. Read the report and then send an email to Matt Keane, NSW energy minister.
https://www.solarcitizens.org.au/rooftop_recovery_report_email_energy_minister
ARENA Watch this video about what it does and why its continued funding is so vital. https://www.facebook.com/361491373921077/videos/375903639981817/ then sign the petition to supercharge ARENA http://solarcitizens.org.au/arena
Federal court rules to protect Victorian Central highlands from logging This now protects the habitat of the Leadbeater’s Possum and Greater Glider. The ruling may have huge ramifications for logging done in other states including NSW. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/04/calls-for-review-of-forestry-exemption-laws-after-vicforests-conservation-breaches
Vickery Extension Coal mine Do a submission using this simple guideline to oppose the expansion of this mine. Organised by Lock the Gate. Closing date 10 July. https://www.lockthegate.org.au/vickery_ipc_hearing
Concentrated thermal project A concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) has been in operation since 2018 at Jemalong near Forbes.
https://www.forbesadvocate.com.au/story/6429602/jemalong-solar-project-wins-international-award-for-solar-breakthrough/
Snowy 2.0 It has been approved by NSW government. Here’s six reasons why it’s a really bad idea.https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/may/21/nsw-has-approved-snowy-20-here-are-six-reasons-why-thats-a-bad-move
Dirty Power: Burnt Country Greenpeace has made this documentary about the politics of coal and the government’s poor response to the bushfire crisis. Watch and share. https://www.greenpeace.org.au/burntcountry
NSW mining company not truthful about emissions Centennial Mine has admitted it published emissions numbers that are way lower than they actually were. How many other companies have done the same?
https://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/we-stuffed-up-coal-miner-admits-to-submitting-wrong-emissions-data-20200508-p54r6i.html
Do you have a cat? Here’s why you need to keep it indoors.
https://theconversation.com/one-cat-one-year-110-native-animals-lock-up-your-pet-its-a-killing-machine-138412