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In this edition:
Trivia Night
When: Friday, 16 March 2012,
Where: Majura Hall, Rosevear St Dickson
To book, email: info@consact.org.au or call: 6229 3208
It's on again! Conservation Council's Annual Trivia Night!
Book your tickets before 1 March and get the early bird rate of $20 per person!! Hurry and get in quick because tickets always sell out fast!
If you can't make it, why not consider making a donation instead?
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In memory of John Hibberd
Former Executive Director, John Hibberd passed away from lymphoma on 21 January, 2012. It is with much sadness that the Conservation Council ACT Region farewells its former Executive Director, John Hibberd. For the full tribute please click here
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Sustainable Times
Our biannual newsletter is now out. You can download here. To join the Sustainable Times newsletter mailing list, please send an email to info@consact.org.au with SUBSCRIBE SUSTAINABLE TIMES in the subejct line.
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Gungahlin strategic offsets package
The Conservation Council and other member groups were surprised to find about a Gungahlin Strategic Offsets Package that the ACT Government is about to finalise. The reference appeared in EPBC referral documents for environmental approvals for a new school in Throsby in late December.
The Offsets package is described as a “comprehensive environmental assessment for the whole district of Gungahlin … its purpose is to provide the ACT and the Commonwealth the most comprehensive context within which to assess environmental impact from proposed development”.
North Gungahlin is home to hectares of endangered yellow-box red-gum woodlands, as well habitat for a range of species of National Environmental Significance including the superb parrot. It is unacceptable that such a significant environmental assessment has been taking place behind closed doors and seemingly will be finalised without scope for public input and independent scientific scrutiny.
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Weathering the Change Draft Action Plan #2 is out for public comment
The Government's Weather the Change Action Plan Two is now out for comment. The Conservation Council encourages all members groups and individuals to have a say and send comments to climatechange@act.gov.au (and cc the Conservation Council info@consact.org.au).
The Council recommends the following initiatives should be put in place by the government while community feedback on Action Plan #2 occurs and the Government forms its response.
- Introduction and passage of proposed legislation to require energy retailers to deliver a certain target of energy efficiency measures to their customers – priority is often given to low income households.
- Release of the ACT’s Government's own plan for how it will be carbon neutral by 2020. This plan, as well as delivering reductions in GHG emissions from ACT government operations, will provide a local model and leadership for other Canberra institutions, businesses and the community. The Legislative Assembly shows what can be achieved with a 25% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions over the last three years.
- Setting an energy efficiency target as required under the greenhouse gas reduction targets legislation. Energy efficiency is the win-win option – once measures are adopted they reduce emissions and also save money in the long run.
- Publish a detailed final report on the 43 measures in Weathering the Change Action Plan #1. Were the measures started and have they all been completed, what did they achieve (including their impact on our greenhouse gas emissions), how has the Government used the various commissioned reports to add to our understanding of climate change mitigation and adaptation and when will it publish the reports?
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Conservation Council comments on Action Plan #2
The Conservation Council will be making a submission on Action Plan #2. Although we have not formed a final position, there are several issues that require attention.
- It is not clear that burning municipal waste to generate energy will be a good environmental outcome overall, given that highly dangerous pollutants such as dioxins are inevitable from such processes.
- Gas-fired electricity is a transitory arrangement where a lot of money would need to be spent for a technology that still produces significant greenhouse gas emissions. While it may be cheaper in the short term, it does not lead us to the longer objective of being carbon neutral by 2060.
- All of the Government’s pathways should include significant transport initiatives including the start of long-term development of an urban transit system such as light rail. The government should have a transport strategy that has clear achievable paths to achieve 40 per cent reductions in the transport sector by 2020.
- Two of the proposed 'pathways” don't even include the 'low hanging fruit' of energy efficient buildings.
- Carbon offsets should be a last resort because we as a community have to reduce our emissions first, rather than buy our way out of responsibility for reckless energy use.
- The only renewable energy option considered is one large regional wind farm. There could be more support for other renewable energy as there are opportunities for genuine community involvement in a mosaic of local renewable energy generation combined with a smart distribution grid. Alternatively, we could simply require our energy retailers to gradually increase their purchase of Greenpower.
- It is not clear how the government will monitor and report on Action Plan #2 and whether the ACT community will be informed of progress. When Action Plan #1 commenced there was good information for a short period with newsletters and web content which then diminished to a near silence. If we really are going to make the big change to build a sustainable Canberra with smarter transport, cleaner energy and better buildings the community needs to be actively involved to make it happen.
Please take time to comment about the Weathering the Change Action Plan #2, short or long, to climatechange@act.gov.au. and remember to cc the Conservation Council info@consact.org.au).
Submissions end 2 March 2012.
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Weathering the Change Draft Action Plan #2 Community Consultation
Next Tuesday 14 February the ACT Government will be holding a public consultation on the draft Weathering the Change Action Plan#2. The Conservation Council and members groups Canberra Loves 40%, See-Change, will be attending. We want to ensure the Government's action plan is ambitious and realistic yet sets us on a path to achieve our 40% greenhouse gas reduction target by 2020 as well as to achieve the goal of a carbon neutral Canberra by 2060. We encourage you to attend as well.
When: 12-3pm, Tuesday 14 February 2012
Where: Legislative Assembly Reception Room, public entrance, London Circuit
RSVP: climatechange@act.gov.au or call Debra Grogan on 6205 2946 by Friday 10 Feb. A light lunch will be served.
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100% Renewable Communities Program
Conservation Council member group, SEE-Change, is applying for project support from the 100% Renewable Communities program to undertake both energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Canberra and they need your help.
To be able to apply, SEE-Change need to show that at least 100 people in our community would be interested in an energy assessment of their residence or business. An energy assessment is very useful - it measures your current energy use and gives you recommendations to improve your energy efficiency which, when actioned, can save you money on your electricity bills.
So if you are interested please take a few seconds today to click the following link and enter your details: Energy Efficiency Assessment - Expression of Interest.
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North Gunghalin Rim appeal
The Conservation Council is currently working on a Gungahlin Rim Proposal. The Conservation Council wants to address the current piecemeal urban development of northern Gungahlin – suburb by suburb, development by development, with a keen eye on making sure that biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and the heritage of our Bush Capital are preserved.
We want to make sure that urban planning in the ACT takes into account major environmental values and that there are opportunities to achieve good long-term biodiversity outcomes.
In order to achieve these ambitious plans the Conservation Council needs your help. If you would like to make a donation to help protect and preserve biodiversity, ecological connectivity, and the heritage of our Bush Capital please call us on 6229 3200 or donate online.
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Battery and printer toner recycling
If you have any used batteries or printer toner remember they can be recycled however can’t go into your recycle bin. The Conservation Council is happy to collect these for you and to take them to the recycling collection point. Just drop them off at the Conservation Council offices between 9.30 and 4.30 Mon-Friday. The Council offices are located at 17 Childers Street (next door to the Street Theatre).
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