Council auditing emissions

Good news for everyone concerned about Brimbank Council’s own greenhouse gas emissions.

The Council is auditing its GHG emissions reduction plan, which is a long time coming.  After being a council that trialled the Sustainable Cities program, which has proved to be successful, it failed to do more about greenhouse gas emissions.

Hopefully with talented people like Geraldine Brooks on Brimbank City Council we will see the council do more to tackle it’s own emissions and assist local residents and business with reducing their emissions too.

Less cars more bikes

Cutting down on the amount of private transport (ie cars, trucks, utes) use in Brimbank will go a long way to Brimbank cutting it’s greenhouse gas emissions.  So how can we cut down our private transport use?  One way is by dusting off the bicycle and riding to the shops, to school, to work or even to places like Brimbank Park.  We’re blessed to have access to range of great rides. But getting to these on your bike is made less safe and more difficult by not having clearly marked bicycle lanes.

Bicycle lanes provide a designated place for cyclists to ride.  The lanes make it clear to drivers and cyclists about space on the roads.  It can greatly improve the safety for cyclists using our very busy urban roads and thoroughfares.  Safer roads means kids will be safer riding around our neighbourhoods and to and from school.  Also means it’s safer for the family to ride to the park or for people to get to and from work. 

One of the initiatives from the local Greens on council has been marking out bicycle lanes.  This was something that finally made it into last year’s budget process.  However, whether this work is carried out is another matter altogether.

BrimbankCAN thinks less cars more bikes is the way to go!  It helps reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and improves our health at the same time.  And we certainly support the work undertaken by the Brimbank Bicycle Users Group (BrimBUG) in promoting cycling and organizing rides and activities.

We certainly urge you to take up the issue with your local councillor to make sure we get clearly marked bicycle lanes.

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.

Brimbank CAN cut emissions in 2009

BrimbankCAN would like to extend a very happy new year to everyone that lives, works and visits Brimbank.  We sure hope that you have a safe and green 2009.

BrimbankCAN believes Brimbank CAN reduce its emissions in 2009.

There can be doubt that private vehicle use is one of the major causes of greenhouse gas emissions in Brimbank.  And there is also the emissions from homes and small business.  We also think the big steel and aluminium manufacturers in Brimbank can do more to go green in 2009.

With the Christmas festivities behind us for another 9 or so months, what are you going to do with all that wrapping and tinsel?  And how can you make 2009 a cleaner and greener new year?

So what can we do in 2009?

Here’s a quick list of things you can do:

1. Make sure lights are off in rooms not being used.  And turn off those appliances you don’t use when you go to bed!
2. Replace all your remaining house lights with CFLs.
3. Turn off all your non-essential appliances (ie fridge/freezer) on the first night of each month for 60 minutes.