Geelong Sustainability | Community
Geelong Sustainability
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25.01.2022 The national day is happening now #shd2020
25.01.2022 This is a great EV, let Tim Pallas know that we want a green recovery through energy efficiency initiatives.
24.01.2022 Almost at lockup with an all-electric house build and my daughter and I need to let the electrician know the name of an energy provider quick sticks - to establish power to the meter. Our current provider in a rental is Globird. They offer good rates, but don't as yet offer Green Energy plans. We plan to have up to 8kWs of solar panels. Any advice on providers? Trying to compare providers and rates and offerings and make sense of what is a foreign language quickly does an old head in :) Any advice? Has anyone experienced Powershop or other of the Green Energy companies. We don't want higher bills, but want to do the right thing environmentally.
23.01.2022 This is inexcusable. Take a stand for koalas. Sign the petition put together by our friends at Nature NSW to call on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to stop habitat destruction now >> nature.org.au/protect-koala-habitat/
22.01.2022 Irrefutable logic - how cool are these young Aussies!
21.01.2022 It was good to see Libby Coker MP at Geelong's School Strike 4 Climate #ss4c today and to know that's she's wants NO NEW GAS OR COAL. There's a big battle currently within the Australian Labor Party as the right faction is PRO GAS ie. Liberal Lite. Our politicians must listen to the science and stop playing games. We're beside you, Libby all the way! We don't need more gas there are better, cheaper solutions here now. #GetOffGas #renewableenergy
21.01.2022 What are your thoughts on hydrogen?
21.01.2022 Let’s keep the CEFC clean and independent! Right now the Clean Energy Finance Corporation is under threat. This publicly funded agency should continue to champion advances in green technology - not prop up fossil fuels. If you are able, please head to the ACF website and donate to help stop this disastrous bill from polluting the CEFC. www.acf.org.au/protectCEFC... **words and image taken from ACF website, with thanks for the fantastic work they continue to do @ausconservation #australianconservationfoundation #climatechampions #greentechnology #cleanenergyfinance #motherearth #noplanetb #nofossilfuels #cleanenergy #cleanenergyfuture
21.01.2022 Amidst the battle over whether we're going to run out of gas is this important government mechanism that ensures domestic gas security. Both AEMO and the ACCC have confirmed there's sufficient supply in the east coast gas market. THere's no cause for panic ~ supply is OK. So let's address the key issue ~ DEMAND. If we are serious about addressing the climate emergency then we need to rapidly #GetOffGas. As Tim Forcey - Home Energy Advisor explained at our #ClimateAction meeting last night - 60% of gas is used in heating of homes and industry - heat pump technology is a cost effective solution. Homeowners can seek practical advice at My Efficient Electric Home. Local businesses can connect with our social enterprise, GreenLight.
18.01.2022 ACT drivers to access free rego and zero interest loans for electric cars! Please, please Victoria can we follow suit? https://thedriven.io//act-drivers-to-access-free-rego-and/
18.01.2022 Our old growth Forrests in East Gippsland are still under threat. If you are able, please donate to this worthy campaign!
17.01.2022 Show your support for the school kids striking this Friday from 10am! Geelong school students and climate activists will mobilise under the banner Fund Our Future Not Gas in the first major protest since lock-down. It will include interactive chanting and singing, a virtual march and guest speakers from among Geelongs leading youth climate activists. You can sign up to participate in the virtual Geelong strike by sending an email to [email protected] #ss4c #climatractionnow
17.01.2022 Lets get behind our farmers calling for emissions reduction targets. While we think Australia must aim for net zero by 2040 setting a national quantitative target that fits with our Paris commitment would be a breakthrough worth celebrating. #ClimateActionNow #auspol
17.01.2022 Do you have an older style electric hot water system (HWS) installed outside? If YES, then youre eligible for a free upgrade to a heat pump HWS! Really, check out this VIC gov't scheme - VIC Hot Water Upgrades. Sadly it doesn't apply to existing gas or solar systems. #reduce #energy
16.01.2022 Despite the economic shutdown this year, Earth Overshoot Day was August 22. This marks the date when humanitys demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year.
16.01.2022 Were hiring Community Solar Farm Project Coordinator. Geelong Sustainability is seeking a capable project coordinator to undertake a scoping study that will explore the viability of a 1 to 5 MW Community Solar Farm within the City of Greater Geelong region. Learn more here - https://www.geelongsustainability.org.au//were-hiring-com/
13.01.2022 A clever innovation towards a circular economy developed in #Geelong by Austeng.
13.01.2022 Deakin University are looking for Geelong households to participate in an energy optimisation pilot study. Is electricity the primary source of energy at your house? Is your electricity consumption very high? Do you want to get the best out of your solar panels? Do you want to reduce your carbon footprint and make the world greener? Then this energy optimisation project offers you an effective solution by optimising appliance operation to reduce electricity consumption and e...nergy costs. If you are interested to participate in the pilot study, please fill in this pre-screening questionnaire: https://forms.gle/WPYW4o7k6h3eZJ6P8 More information - Your electricity bill not only depends on how much electricity you are consuming, but when you are consuming it. Even if you install solar panels at your home, you may not be properly utilising the solar energy if your electricity consumption time does not coincide with the peak solar generation time. Moreover, the price of electricity naturally varies over the day and Retailers now offer discounted costs to reflect this. If you can control your appliance electricity consumption in such a way that the peak usage time coincides with the peak solar generation time as well as the time when electricity price is low, there is a significant potential to reduce your electricity bill. A small device will be deployed inside your home to communicate with compatible high usage devices and schedule appliances within constraints you define around your lifestyle. The aim is to inform the optimum times to use these appliances. You do not need to provide any financial contribution to participate but will need to match criteria for this pilot as well as have an open and enthusiastic attitude. If you are interested to participate in the pilot study, please fill in this pre-screening questionnaire: https://forms.gle/WPYW4o7k6h3eZJ6P8 Deakin University will communicate with you regarding further details through the email address you have provided in your response.
13.01.2022 Can you sign this petition to continue the fight to stop Coke and Lion from being in control of our container recycling scheme when it eventually comes in!? Every signature counts and could be the just that tips this fight in our favour. Please sign and share
12.01.2022 Yesterday's webinar from The Australian Institute, 'Electricying Our Roads: Norways Way' was excellent. It offered the facts and the rebuttals to the stock-standard, nonsensical arguments our government dishes up to us. In Norway, the land of long and winding roads, the EV industry has overcome most of the obstacles put in its way. The Norwegian EV statistics say a lot of their success so far : Its population of 5.433 million, boasts 200,000 electric vehicles on the roads. W...hat a contrast to Australia's approx 2200 EVs in a population of 25.5 million people. Pathetic aren't we? A video showed an EV towing a caravan. It was part of a 2,000 km tour. An EV couldn't pull the skin off a custard was what our Coalition candidates implied before the last Federal election. The Norwegian government is on track to phase out non-EVs within a couple of years - Although they too are an oil producing country, they are actively working to lower emissions on every front. Watch the video if you missed it. See more
12.01.2022 Only 6 days to go before this special event, show up for our First Nation People.
12.01.2022 An important initiative that will enable the Sunshine State to change its energy paradigm and become a renewables powerhouse. #ClimateActionNow #BuildBackBetter
11.01.2022 You can now explore homes opening around Australia on Renew's Sustainable House Day and register for themed webinars. #sustainableliving #passivesolar #design
10.01.2022 This quiz really helps you understand the impact you can make simply by making a different choice.
10.01.2022 Last night we launched our 2020 Sustainable House Day program for Geelong and Surrounds!
09.01.2022 Real leadership was on show in Canberra today from our independent politicians. Zali Steggall tabled the Climate Change Bill and it was seconded by Helen Haines MP. Our PM rightly states that we should decide our path. The evidence is clear - Australia has more to lose from climate change than any other developed country. 2020 has shown us how much change is possible. Now its the right moment in history to dissolve the climate wars, restore faith in our democracy and pivot on this critical issue. Let's legislate national carbon neutrality by 2050 and advance the transformation to a clean energy superpower! #auspol Scott Morrison (ScoMo), Senator Sarah Henderson
09.01.2022 A very important community webinar coming up about why we need a renewable led recovery for our climate, health and our economy. Organised by PECAN, GECAN & BECAN.
09.01.2022 Let's make #Geelong a manufacturing centre again ... for renewables and recycling innovations for a circular economy #BuildBackBetter #GreenRecovery
08.01.2022 NAIDOC Week celebrations are normally held across Australia each July but in 2020 we're celebrating in November the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The week is a great opportunity to participate in a range of activities and to support your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. NAIDOC originally stood for ‘Nati...onal Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself. Find out more about the origins and history of NAIDOC Week. Each year, there is a different focus city for the National NAIDOC Awards Ceremony. The focus city, National NAIDOC Poster Competition and the NAIDOC Awards recipients are selected by the National NAIDOC Committee. Local community celebrations during NAIDOC Week are encouraged and often organised by communities, government agencies, local councils, schools and workplaces. Have you thought about organising a NAIDOC event in your area? A few suggestions about how you can celebrate NAIDOC can be found on this website. Please note that permission is not required to fly either the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander flag. However, if you want to reproduce either flag (for example, on a flyer or poster), you will need to seek permission. More information about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags including contact details to gain permissions is available on this site. For many years, the Australian Government has supported national NAIDOC celebrations as well as providing funding grants through the Regional Network to fund local celebrations. Wherever you live, you can take part in NAIDOC Week celebrations. To find out about NAIDOC Week activities in your area, contact your nearest Regional Office. 2020 National NAIDOC Logo For more information about events head to their website: https://www.naidoc.org.au/about/naidoc-week
08.01.2022 Excellent leadership from ALDI Australia. We think #Geelong can become a Renewables Powerhouse but we must set ambitious targets and work together to rapidly increase the uptake of renewable energy in our businesses and households. #ClimateActionNow #RenewableEnergy
07.01.2022 Climate action to achieve the globally agreed Paris goal is a key priority for US President-Elect, Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. We urge PM Scott Morrison to work with them and us. 2020 has heralded unprecedented change, we’ve all learned it’s OK to change policies to respond to current situations.
06.01.2022 Let's get behind the Climate Council to stop this travesty.
06.01.2022 Even during a pandemic, we cannot allow the Coalitions arrogant disregard for our democratic systems to go unchallenged. Our conservative politicians are cutting green tape rather fulfilling their duties to conserve our countrys unique wildlife! In our lifetime koalas will disappear from our bush. Is this what we want? Are we destined to only see them in sanctuaries? Not good enough Sarah M Henderson and Scott Morrison (ScoMo). Youve made a mockery of the EPBCA Act and everyone including us who responded fully to its much needed review. #auspol #ACF
06.01.2022 Folks, During this Covid 19 pandemic, besides masking up whenever we're out of our own front door, out of the car, in a school, childcare centre, kindergarten, picture theatre - wherever; and besides doing the 'Covid Waltz' in the street, on the walking track, in the supermarket aisles, in the school classroom we need to consciously think before we purchase. We can change shopping habits - Even online wherever possible choose LOCAL instead of adding to Amazon's Jeff Bezos' ...Continue reading
05.01.2022 GreenLight, our new social enterprise is looking for a Delivery Partner to help implement its solar system and battery storage bulk buy program - see below for more information:
05.01.2022 Here’s some much needed good news!
05.01.2022 Reduce, Reuse and Recycle! The City of Greater Geelong's guidelines on ways to reduce your household waste and the best ways to dispose of unwanted items. https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/recycling/default.aspx
05.01.2022 One by one Aussie businesses are moving to renewables. Amongst the supermarkets, ALDI Australia and now Woolworths have made announcements recently. Coles your turn next? #renewables # climate action
05.01.2022 So much for trying to keep global warming below 1.5C by 2050, in the latest climate report by BOM and CSIRO, they have found that Australia has already warmed by 1.4C! The politicalisation of climate change in our federal parliament is beyond disgraceful! Little wonder people have lost trust in our democracy. Citizens who accept the science are quite terrified. The economic and environmental impacts will be catastrophic. It’s so frustrating when Australia could be seizing the opportunity to become a global energy superpower. #auspol Scott Morrison (ScoMo) Senator Sarah Henderson Richard Marles MP Libby Coker MP
03.01.2022 Geelong Advertiser: "City vote faction fears" Article by Harrison Tippet "A majority faction of Geelong councillors has effectively seized decision-making power... at the city, voting together on all but two contested decisions over the past year. The six councillors have used their one-vote majority to push through a $2m move to rip up part of the awardwinning Green Spine, reject a climate change declaration, and form a taskforce of prominent business people to guide CBD decision-making without a comprehensive terms of reference. Of the councils 13 split votes recorded over the past year, the six councillors have voted together 85 per cent of the time breaking their unity for just two decisions. The bloc is made up of Mayor Stephanie Asher, Deputy Mayor Kylie Grzybek and councillors Anthony Aitken, Eddy Kontelj, Ron Nelson and Trent Sullivan. The remaining five councillors Bruce Harwood, Peter Murrihy, Sarah Mansfield, Pat Murnane and Jim Mason have voted together in less than half (46 per cent) of the 13 contested votes recorded since last August. A senior council source said many in the organisation were troubled by the groups seizure of decision-making power. It is very poor governance, it is not a good look, they said. The Victorian Local Governance Associations Good Governance Guide notes councillors must make impartial decisions with decisions to be made based on merit rather than vote trading between councillors. Bitterness between the bloc and the other councillors appeared to boil over this week, when the five councillors were accused of gagging an urgent motion regarding free parking. An urgent motion requires a two-thirds majority of councillors approval to be presented, with the councils six votes in favour of hearing the motion too few for it to be heard. It was a procedural gag, which is really disappointing, Cr Aitken said on Wednesday. The minority voting bloc used their numbers last night to gag the debate, so we didnt even get a chance to be able to vote for or against what wanted to be presented. The voting bloc is understood to have been behind the election of Cr Asher as mayor in September. The bloc has flexed its muscle to push through a number of controversial decisions over the past year, firstly rejecting a climate emergency declaration in September. The blocs most notorious decision came in February when it supported Cr Konteljs notice of motion to spend $2m unravelling parts of the awardwinning Malop Street Green Spine despite $8m being spent on the project in previous years. The move was passed with the blocs single-vote majority, and came despite stern warnings from Bellarine state Labor MP Lisa Neville. Ms Neville remained true to her word, with the state government notifying the city in March that it would declare the project a Designated Road Project under state control, effectively seizing control of the road." [ENDS] Alan Barlee commented: Issues of Geelong Council objectivity, balance and processes "It is both frustrating and alarming to watch how the City of Greater Geelongs council is consistently being dominated by a solid clique of councillors, whose loyalty to each other - and to their perceived support base - consistently outranks the interests of the community at large. This is not representative government: I sometimes wonder if we were better off with the administrators. The minority councillors have made great efforts to accommodate the majoritys views and biases when formulating important motions, not least with those mentioned in the piece below. However, these efforts frequently amount to little. The community is still painfully aware of the attempt by Council to scrap much of the Malop Street Green Spine expenditure, when it tried to cement the role of cars and parking in Geelongs CBD, at the expense of pedestrian access and amenity. Thankfully this irresponsible move was thwarted by your personal intervention. In like manner, in September 2019, the now mayor and her clique of supporters voted down a carefully worded motion supported by the minority group of councillors for Council to commit to declaring a climate emergency for Greater Geelong. (Many local government councils in Australia and around the world have kick-started a broad community response to climate change in this way). Instead of accepting the broadly-supported request for Council to lead the community in developing urgent joint strategies to mitigate emissions, and adapting to the climate changes that are coming at us, Council voted to focus instead on its own operations and facilities, and to emphasise sustainability measures instead. The word emergency was pointedly omitted, as was the concept of leading deep community-wide involvement. A third area of concern is the priority that this Geelong Council is giving to population density and infill in its town planning. While I recognise the reality of an expanding population in Geelong, I and many inner suburban residents are becoming concerned that inappropriate subdivisions of residential blocks, and equally inappropriate houses being built on them, are being waved through. Preserving the heritage and neighbourhood character unique to Geelong is being lost as planning schedules are quietly changed. Equally disturbing are the high-rise apartment buildings that are beginning to dominate the CBD skyline, in many cases not far from the waterfront precinct, and in South Geelong. These will compound the CBD traffic issues, as well as causing overshadowing and wind tunnel impacts, which until now Geelong has managed to avoid. The current pandemic provides a convenient smokescreen for our local government to duck the public scrutiny and accountability that its ratepayers deserve." . . . #GeelongCouncil #CouncilElections #Geelong #DeepeningDemocracy #GeelongVotes
03.01.2022 Thanks to our colleagues at The Sustainable Hour for devoting part of this week's program to Sustainable House Day Geelong #SHD2020
02.01.2022 Take note for the upcoming council elections when voting for potential new candidates.
01.01.2022 Fantastic news!
