NSW Government thinks you’re an idiot. A bill forwarded by the Greens on 13 August in the NSW upper house for a moratorium on CSG was defeated by the Coalition and the Shooters Party. If you want to know what the coalition really thinks about you, the people in the State who are concerned about climate change and dangers of coal and CSG, we suggest you have a look at Hansard and read page 17, in particular the comments by Peter Phelps, the Liberal party whip. There are a number of facts that are wrong in his and Richard Colless’s (Nationals) speech. Then share the link http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/hanstrans.nsf/V3ByKey/LC20150813/$File/LC20150813.pdf
Australia’s inadequate 26%. The Federal Government’s target of 26% reduction in emissions is inadequate (in fact it’s really 19% because the government fiddled with the figures) and shows how it is not really interested in doing our fair share in tackling climate change. The Climate Council has put together some information for you to understand why we should be doing more http://www.climatecouncil.org.au/what-you-need-to-know-about-today-s-emission-reduction-targets-announcement
Also, you can read the Climate Council’s recent report http://www.climatecouncil.org.au/climate-change-2015-growing-risks-critical-choices
A supporter is currently in USA. She has said that in Texas (the oil state) there are huge numbers of wind turbines and that she saw the Ivan Pah solar thermal plant in the Mohave Desert in California – three enormous towers lit like lighthouses from the reflectors.
People’s March With the Paris Climate Conference in December, there will be a worldwide People’s March to let the politicians know we want real action on climate change. We strongly urge you to keep the weekend of 28-29 November free and come to a rally. A large turnout will show the government we expect Australia to do better. Tell your friends, family, work colleagues, anyone who cares to come. This will be the most important thing you can do for the climate this year. For details go to www.action.org.au/Peoples-climate-march
Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) Haven’t hear of it? No wonder, it’s a free trade deal being discussed behind closed doors with 12 countries including Australia and US. There are many things that are wrong with it. In relation to the environment, it will allow multinational corporations to take legal action against governments, whose laws protect the environment, when the corporation feels its profits will be affected. It is happening in Canada and other countries already. The Federal Government supports the deal. Talks have stalled. Tell the government to walk away like two other countries already have. For more information and to sign the petition go to www.getup.org.au/tpp
Representative government? While Indian coal giant Adani had our PM and Deputy PM as his guests at the wedding of his daughter, others of us struggle for sight of our elected representatives. Our supporters list is now almost 700 people strong yet we have not yet been able to get a meeting with local state MP and Minister for Resources and Energy, Anthony Roberts, despite trying since 15 June. Un returned email, followed by numerous phone calls finally landed us an appointment on 17 August which was cancelled on the day. Now electorate staff are once again unable to say when the MP could possibly be available. The excuses keep coming. Don’t hold your breath.
Newcastle Council divests Newcastle City Council on 25 August voted to divest from fossil fuels. Read the article http://www.smh.com.au/business/mining-and-resources/newcastle-home-of-coal-joins-divestment-push-20150826-gj7xz1.html
Defend urban sanctuaries The Total Environment Centre (TEC) is running a campaign asking Rob Stokes for greater protection of green spaces http://www.tec.org.au/urban-sanctuary.html
Wellcome Trust – divestment? There is a campaign by health professionals to ask Wellcome Trust, a medical charity, to divest its investments out of fossil fuel industries and you can join in the campaign which has been launched in the Guardian newspaper. Go to http://www.theguardian.com/environment/ng-interactive/2015/aug/14/health-professionals-urge-wellcome-trust-end-fossil-fuel-investments-letter?CMP=ema-60
New vision for Commbank? Now that Commbank has stepped away from the Adani project, join the call for it to have a new, community based operation. mycommunitybank.org.au
Nature Conservancy Photo competition Nature Conservancy Australia recently held a competition for photography. Have a look at the winning photos http://www.natureaustralia.org.au/photo/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Photo+Competition+Winners+Annoucement&utm_content=Photo+Competition+Winners+Annoucement+CID_1eddd9244921e897d0a0b50684f84e04&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_term=View%20the%2013%20winning%20photos%20here
Recycling Wondering if it’s possible to recycle those things that can’t go into the recycling bin? Go to the Planet Ark’s website and you may be pleasantly surprised at what you can recycle. http://planetark.org/
Our land our water our future The Our Land Our Water Our Future group which was set up 18 months ago to help raise awareness of the dangers of CSG and coal mining, particularly in our water catchment areas, needs your help to continue lobbying NSW State ministers and raise awareness in the community. They’ve had great success but there’s still work to be done. If you want to donate money go to https://natureorg.nationbuilder.com/urgent
Politics of Climate Change There was a discussion at Sydney Town Hall on 25 August with speakers including Connie Hedegaard (Danish convenor of Climate Change Conferences), Larissa Waters, Mark Butler and John Hewson about the Paris talks and what needs to happen. You can listen to the podcast on the City of Sydney website. The Coalition deemed it unworthy of attending. http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/council/news-and-updates/videos-podcasts
Community solar projects Do you know a local non-profit community-serving organisation that would like to reduce their carbon footprint? CORENA (Citizens Own Renewable Energy Network Australia Inc) is a group that provides interest-free loans of up to $20,000 to fund Quick Win Projects (energy efficiency measures, solar PV, and/or solar hot water) at the premises of non-profit community organisations anywhere in Australia. To see what they’ve done and for more information go to http://corenafund.org.au/quick-win-project-applications/
What’s On
Photography competition The Australian Marine Conservation Society is running a photography competition to celebrate the society’s 50th birthday. Entries close 27 September. To enter go to http://www.marineconservation.org.au/pages/our-work.html
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 12 September at 9.30am at the Field of Mars Environmental Centre, entrance off Pittwater Road. For more information contact Cathy on 9817 4935
North Sydney Eco House Find out how the owners of this house renovated it to make it sustainable. Talk will be on 10 September at Ros Crichton Pavilion, 200 Miller St, North Sydney 7-8.30pm. Free but you need to book http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=149346
Then, if you want to tour the house, you can do so on 13 September. There are two sessions, each taking an hour. Bookings essential. For the 10am session go to http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=149349
For the 2pm tour http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=149350
For more information phone 99368100 or email sustainabilityeducation@northsydney.nsw.gov.au
Sustainable Eating Come and learn about purchasing sustainable foods on 17 September. Free but bookings essential. At Mosman Art Gallery & Community Centre, Corner Art Gallery Way & Myahgah Road, Mosman. 6.00pm – 8.00pm. Free event. Bookings essential online at:https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sustainable-eating-tickets-17841732101. Phone Loani 9978 4024.
National Parks walks The National Parks Association has lots of interesting walks you can go on to enjoy our amazing parks in NSW and in the Sydney area. Go to activities@npansw.org.au