News May 2018
A message from our President:
The release of the 2018 Federal budget this month was astounding, because climate change did not even rate a mention. Yet it’s clear that we need to accelerate climate action. Because despite the government’s denial, the reality of climate change is starting to bite. More extreme weather conditions are real, and they are happening across the globe. Action is needed to prevent the situation becoming much worse.
That’s why CCA is engaged in three campaigns this year, as we head towards the NSW State election in March 2019, and the Federal election due to be held sometime before November 2019. We’ll be ramping up our public actions and events. Are you interested in getting involved in the planning of these events? If so, please contact the relevant lead organiser/s to offer your time and skills:
- Campaigning for more renewables and better renewable policies at all levels of government: contact Harry on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Drusi on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Campaigning for no new coal mines or expansion of existing coal mines: contact Mick on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Campaigning for an end to deforestation: contact Frank on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
We look forward to your continued involvement in stopping fossil fuels and building 100% renewable.
Kerri-ann Jones
President, CCA (Hastings)
CCA Dinner:
This is your last chance to get your ticket/s to our 'Time2Choose' Dinner. Registrations must be received by Wednesday 23rd May. Come along and enjoy a 3-course, candle-lit, vegetarian meal. We'll be entertained by our very own Lauren Edwards, we'll show a couple of short videos (e.g. about the Galilee Blockade), there will be lucky door prizes, and so on.
Bookings essential - please RSVP here: CCA Hastings Time2Choose Dinner
When: 6:30 pm, Saturday 26th May
Where: Rotary Community Centre, Hastings River Drive (just west of Harvey Norman)
Cost: $30pp
Who: Everyone is welcome - bring your family & friends.
BYO all drinks
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Bill McKibben Livestreaming evening:
6 people joined us at the Lion’s Club earlier this month to listen to Bill McKibben talk about why it’s time to stop coal, oil and gas at the source, move money out of the fossil fuels industry, and repower our country with renewable energy. Here are a couple of snaps from the evening:
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The 2018 Budget: Climate Change? What Climate Change?
If a government’s budget is a measure of its beliefs and priorities, then clearly the Turnbull government still thinks climate change is not real and we need more carbon. Read Jonathan Moylan’s analysis in New Matilda: https://newmatilda.com/2018/05/10/climate-change-climate-change-2018-budget/__________________________________________________________________________
Petition to help ban all new offshore oil and gas projects:
Did you know that Australia is almost giving away the oil and gas from new offshore projects, and in doing so is allowing mostly foreign-owned oil and gas companies to put the world at greater climate risk than we already are? New offshore oil/gas projects pay no state royalties, will pay no Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT) for a decade or more, and PRRT 'credits' are likely to mean they also pay no income tax - see image below. Want to do something about this? Then please sign the petition at: https://www.cedamia.org/offshore-nmbi-sign/
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CCA T-shirts for sale:
We have a selection of Climate Change Australia T shirts for sale. There are 3 styles: classic, long-sleeved and women’s slim fit. Full price is $25 for classic and long-sleeved in sizes S, M or L. We also have a few older shirts that are now on sale for $20. They range in size from XL or XXL or women’s slim fit (sizes M or L). Want one? Please email CCA Committee member, Drusi, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
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Senate Committee Report on Climate Change:
The Senate Committee Report - Implications of climate change for Australia's national security - came out this week. The committee was chaired by a Labor Senator and included Greens and Liberals members, with no dissent from the committee's view that climate change poses an existential risk. Here's a story from The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/18/climate-change-an-existential-security-risk-to-australia-senate-inquiry-says
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Local Council Climate Actions:
Beyond Zero Emissions, Ironbark Sustainability and ICLEI recently released a review of climate activities at the local council level. The review is the result of a comprehensive local government and climate change survey of Australian councils and communities. It found that local governments and their communities are leading the way on climate action, completing energy efficiency and renewable projects across the landcountry, which align with the latest climate science and international agreements. The review includes key findings, a series of recommendations for councils, local government groups and associations. Steps that communities can take to drive and accelerate climate action in their local area are also included. You can download the review here: http://bze.org.au/zero-carbon-communities/
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Renewables alternative option for Narrabri:
Twelve per cent of NSW's electricity demand could be supplied by solar and wind farms in northwest NSW by 2030, a new report has found. The Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney prepared the report. It estimates that 500 lasting jobs could be created, and surplus energy could be exported from Narrabri to the national electricity market, even under a modest renewable energy development scenario. Click here to Check out this infographic which sums up just how much better renewables will be for Narrabri than CSG and share it widely with your friends and family online.
You can also read more here: https://au.news.yahoo.com/renewables-alternative-option-narrabri-173204338--spt.html
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Another two solar farms join NSW and Queensland grids
The solar rush continues, with two new solar farms at Longreach in Queensland and Manildra in NSW start exporting to the grid. Read more in RenewEconomy: https://reneweconomy.com.au/another-two-solar-farms-join-nsw-and-queensland-grids-42867/
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No surprise emissions keep going up - there's no price on carbon
The only thing close to climate change policy is the national energy guarantee. It’s not enough. Last week the Federal government released the latest data on greenhouse gas emissions and, as has been the case since the ending of the carbon price, they show emissions are increasing. Read Greg Jerico’s analysis in the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2018/may/15/its-no-surprise-emissions-keep-going-up-theres-no-price-on-carbon
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It’s membership renewal time:
Membership fees remain unchanged from last year:
- Individual: $20
- Household (two adults): $30
- Concession (student, pensioner): $10
- Concession Household (two concession adults): $15
To pay your membership/renewal, you can:
- make an EFT transfer to BSB 721 000, account number 117114. Please put your name as the reference,
- make an In-person deposit at the bank: just go into the Holiday Coast Credit Union and make a deposit to BSB 721 000, account number 117114. Please ask the teller to put your name on the deposit.
- post a cheque and the membership form to: CCA, PO Box 2389, Port Macquarie. NSW 2444
Not a member yet? The membership form is available here: http://climatechangehastings.org.au/pdf_files/Members_form_03-18.pdf