Renewable Energy Brimbank

Climate change continues to be a major issue that lacks the resources and policy direction needed to adequately combat.  Believing in the power of grassroots action, the Brimbank Climate Action Network has been working on a community proposal to take action on climate change at a local level.

The following proposal is open for discussion and feedback is encouraged.

Renewable Energy Brimbank

Renewable Energy Brimbank is a proposal to develop a community co-operative to purchase and instal solar panels and systems; and household wind turbines for members to the co-operative. The members of the co-operative would only be made up of local residents, ratepayers and small business owners, subject to being able to illustrate they are a Brimbank resident, ratepayer and small business owner.

Renewable Energy Brimbank would be operated by an administration committee (or something similar) elected by the members of the co-operative.  The administration committee would be responsible for developing means of generating income and funds, and distributing funds for systems’ purchases and member allocation.  There are different ways of doing this and requires extensive consultation amount members, community organisations, relevant local and state authorities.  In addition Renewable Energy Brimbank will seek grants from local, state and federal funds to develop education programs, purchase solar and wind systems, and equipment; and conduct research into local climate change issues and impacts.

Renewable Energy Brimbank would liaise with local community groups and organisations to educate people about living greener and cleaner lives; run workshops about alternative energy sources and installing solar and wind systems; and develop connections to grow the membership base.

Feedback, Thoughts, Suggestions

Please leave your feedback, thoughts and suggestions about Renewable Energy Brimbank as a concept.  I do intend to work this up into a proper proposal for submission.  Comments section open.

 

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Keep kool this summer

Ignoring the terrible climate change strategy announced by the Rudd Labor Government, BrimbankCAN knows that there is a lot more to be done if we’re going to make deep enough cuts in our greenhouse gas emissions to prevent losing the Great Barrier Reef or Kakadu or the Kimberleys.  We also know that it will take the continued efforts of people in communities across Australia.

Summer is going to be hot one.  And it’s likely it’s going to be really hot one.

To stay comfortable this summer without increasing your carbon footprint and pumping more greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, BrimbankCAN is offering these tips to keep kool this summer:

1. Keep blinds or curtains closed on windows that catch a lot of day time sun, especially mid to late afternoon sun.
2. Install screens on your windows so you can keep them open while you’re at home without inviting the flies and mosquitos in.
3. Use a damp cloth to mop your forehead and neck.
4. Visit your local supermarket, cinema or shopping centre.
5. Visit your local public swimming pool – Sunshine and St Albans leisure centres.
6. Keep hydrated and in the shade.
7. Drape a damp towel over a fan.

If you really need to use your air conditioner make sure you set it to 24 degrees and ensure that windows and doorway cracks closed off to prevent losing the cool air.  (Make sure you check the requirements of your air conditioner)  If you use a wall/window mounted air conditioner try to ensure that it is located in shady or has a shade made for it.

By reducing our carbon footprint we will have many more summers to come.

Climate Action Summit

What will happen at Australia’s Climate Action Summit?

Australia’s Climate Action Summit will be two days of facilitated meetings and workshops. There will be an open public program for anyone to join, and a restricted program for people from climate change groups, who will create a strategic national climate campaign and form a national grassroots network.

The weekend will be followed on the Monday by one day of dynamic training in climate campaigning skills for taking action, facilitating climate action groups, effective lobbying and more.

On Tuesday 3rd February, the first day of the 2009 Federal Parliament, we will hold a peaceful, community action of thousands of ordinary Australians demanding immediate political action for a safe climate. On the same day, the grassroots climate network will launch our national campaign at Parliament House.

Can anyone come?

Absolutely! The public program will run all weekend and is open to anyone who is interested in learning about climate change and helping to bring about action for a safe climate. There will be a range of workshops offered to broaden your knowledge of the issues and train you in skills for effective campaigning. There will also be opportunities to get involved in the grassroots climate movement and join or form your own climate action group.

Come for the Summit, or the human circle around Parliament House on Tuesday 3rd February, or both! On Monday the 2nd we’ll be holding training on taking peaceful action to exert pressure on the Government. Come along and learn how to effectively leverage the power of the people for a safe climate.

Why do we need a climate summit?

Last year, Kevin Rudd was elected to government in the world’s first climate change election. One year on, we are still waiting for the urgent action needed to peak our greenhouse gas emissions and begin this urgent transition to renewable energy. In December 2009, Kevin Rudd will meet with world leaders in Copenhagen, to set the framework and benchmarks for future global action on climate change. We need to ensure the Australian Government goes to Copenhagen with the strongest commitment to reducing greenhouse pollution and averting runaway climate change.

More info for Action Day

When: 8am, Tuesday 3rd February 2009
Where: Parliament House, Canberra

We will gather at 8am on the protest lawn in front of Parliament House. Marshals will organise people into a human circle around Parliament House. There will be speakers, entertainment and light refreshments available.

Once we have formed the human circle we will hold a press conference to put our demand for real climate action in 2009 to the Rudd Government. A helicopter will take aerial photos and then we’ll gather for lunch and a celebration of our people power in delivering this critical message to our politicians.

Let’s make this a momentous demonstration, and give force to our demand for a safe climate. Help us make our message strong by getting a group of family and friends together to stand alongside us.

A greener Christmas

The Brimbank Climate Action Network wants everyone to have a great festive period this year, and if more people have greener Christmas’ we’ll have many more to come. So to help residents and business owners in Brimbank to have a greener Christmas this year, BrimbankCAN offers these helpful hints and tips:

1. Use the wrapping paper you already have in the cupboard.

2. Buy locally grown produce for your Christmas lunch or dinner. Locally grown food stuffs means that there has been less GHG emissions produced to get the food stuffs from the farm to your dinner table.

3. Resist the temptation to set up Christmas lights.  Not only will they increase your electricity bill they are also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Think hard about the kinds of gifts you’re giving.

5. Take public transport, car pool or walk as much as you can over the festive season.

If you have any other ideas for ways residents of Brimbank can cut their greenhouse gas emissions over the festive season please include them in the comments.