Dear CCBR supporters,
Lots of things afoot and it’s just going to get crazier from here!!
Much to our disgust the NSW State Government has just approved the huge Moolarben mine that will provide 10 million tonnes of export coal, every year for 21 years. Not surprisingly, the approval was given late - on the eve of APEC! (an event which proved to be gloriously aspirational.)
So, can it be true that the coalition have set a target (-albeit nowhere near high enough at 15%, but a target nevertheless) and did we really hear the State Minister for Climate Change, Philip Koperberg, express the opinion that the term “clean coal” is an oxymoron. Very encouraging news indeed!
This month you’ll also find some great examples of different types of activism; from a click of the mouse to pledge support for new legislation, to traveling up to Newcastle in November to join the Rising Tide Protest. From ideas on how to cut your power bill, to a letter to the Federal Minister for Environment to stop the Moolarben mine from proceeding….oodles of relevant info….
Contents:
1. What’s news…
2. What’s coming up…
3. From you - what CCBR supporters are doing…
4. What you can do…
5. Be Heard – Write a letter or make a phone call…
1. What’s News…
● Moolarben Mine Approved
Prior to this mine’s approval there were protests of outrage that the findings of the IHAP Report (Independent Hearing and Panel) had not been released to the general public. It has now been released.
The report illustrates this government’s willingness to approve new coal mines (and their ability to do so) in the face of overwhelming evidence of the long term damage it will cause.
Unfortunately to date a mine cannot be rejected on the basis of promoting greenhouse gas emissions but other stated areas of concern that are already law within this country are overlooked and ignored it seems when up against the approval of a mine!
“…This huge new coal mine has been approved despite independent expert advice and most recent monitoring data, clearly indicating that it will fracture sandstone aquifers and depressurise an important groundwater system connected to the Goulburn River. The statistics are frightening: this mine will intercept many millions of litres of groundwater every day of mining; comes within 120m of the Goulburn River bed; risks the stability and safe access to magnificent sandstone gorges; and will produce a staggering amount of greenhouse gases, equal to 168 million cars on the road.
The Planning Minister Sartor with breathtaking short term vision has chosen to sacrifice this river system for short term economic gain – in the so called public interest.
Rather than taking a proactive approach to protecting our water resources the Planning Department has chosen to monitor the decline and undermine the resilience of this river system. On the basis that if we don’t do it somebody else will.
There is huge gap between government rhetoric and their actions.” Julie Imrie Local resident of the Goulburn River.
For an in depth study of the disproportionate amount of political influence that the coal industry wields in the corridors of power, have a look at the recently published book: Turning up The Heat by Guy Pearce
● The Federal Election CCBR ‘Report Card’
So far the Report Card Questions are shaping up as follows:
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If you have any comments on these or other ideas we would love to hear them:
ccbrmail@aapt.net.au
To date we know of two candidates:
Jenny Leong – Greens and the incumbent Tanya Plibersek – Labor
If you are aware of any others, could you let us know.
● Update: The Climate Protection Bill (for Federal politics)
A coalition of Climate Action Groups similar to our own are urgently is seeking support.
In the lead up to the Federal Election and beyond this Bill is a valuable tool in telling those pollies what we expect from our leaders. We are encouraging you all to pledge your support.
Go to www.climatemovement.org.au and scroll down to ‘Climate Protection Act Now’
For a comprehensive overview of the inspiring UK ‘Big Ask’ campaign go to: www.foe.co.uk/resource/newsletters/cyw_66_sep_oct.pdf
● Update: Anvil Hill
Have to write a short update – court case unsuccessful and Xtrata buying the rights from Centnnial
Greenpeace has an excellent page on Anvil Hill where you can find lots of info:
www.greenpeace.org/australia/issues/climate-change/our-work/save-anvil-hill
Other relevant sites: www.anvilhill.org.au , www.savethedrip.com , and www.risingtide.org.au .
Why is it so important to stop mining coal? Go to www.climatechangebr.org/page7.htm
● The Climate Futures Bill (for State politics)
Should we add a bit in here encouraging people to do the fax thing or do you think we should leave it for another month (no wonder JK didn’t think it would be tabled at this sitting did you hear how pressed for time they were?)
2. What’s coming up……….
● CCBR meetings
Next meeting: 7.30pm Thursday Oct 18, location yet to be finalized so please let us know if you are interested in attending. Contact us at ccbrmail@aapt.net.au . All welcome.
● CCBR Saturday stalls
Stalls for October are:
October 6: Rozelle Markets
October 13: Orange Grove Markets
October 20: Rozelle Markets
October 27: Orange Grove Markets
If you’d like to come along and give it a go! Contact Corinne: ccbrmail@aapt.net.au
●The Walk Against Warming
“Let’s make Climate Change history” – This year’s Walk Against Warming 2007 will be on a Sunday, two weeks before the Federal Election (exact date to be advised).
The election is thought to be some time between October 20 and November 17 which means that WAW could be as early as October 14.
For more info visit www.walkagainstwarming.org
●Leichardt Council – Eco Renovations Workshop
When: Saturday 24th November
Where: Balmain Town Hall. 9am-5pm
Registration essential limited numbers only. Contact Judi Illes 9367 9051or judii@lmc.nsw.gov.au
The workshop will cover: passive heating and cooling, eco freindly home design, water harvesting, ecological materials and lots more.
● Newcastle Protests Peacefully
“The People’s Blockade of the World’s Biggest Coal Port” will be the third time that Rising Tide have organised a flotilla to protest against the expansion of the coal industry. Make a day of it and travel up to Newcastle to join them.
When: Saturday, 3rd November, 2007. Where: Newcastle Harbour
More info at www.risingtide.org.au (check out the photos of the last one in Feb this year)
3. From you - what CCBR supporters are doing…
● CCBR Kilowatt Challenge – how did they do it!
As you know we recently wrapped up our Kilowatt Challenge and announced the winners.
Here is how they did it, simple, conscientious actions made all the difference.
First Prize, John McGill
The main change that reduced electricity use was by switching off the under floor and column heaters. Throughout the whole 9 months my wife and I were also very careful to only use necessary lights and the dishwasher was only put through when it was completely full. Washing was always hung out on the line to dry and the drier used as little as possible. Later in the competition we had 27 light globes replaced with the new energy efficient globes.
Second Prize, Trish O'Rourke
The challenge was a most interesting experience simply because it hardly meant doing much more than being aware! Firstly, Leichhardt council changed (nearly) all my lightbulbs. Secondly, I turned off all standbys (but still don't crawl under my computer desk for the bank under there - naughty!)
Thirdly, I was born in the 1940's (thanks mum and dad!) which means being frugal is no big deal...
Lastly, I mostly turn on lights only in rooms I'm in.
My congratulations go to those who came third with teenagers. Now that's worth hearing about....
Third prize, Jill McElroy
We changed the light globes around the house (except 2) for the environmentally friendly ones and turned off the computers and printers at the wall when not in use. I ran around turning the TV off (not at the wall though) when not in use (can't stand the way kids leave the TV on and then go out of the room and start using the computer in another room!!!). We cut down on shower times.
I turned off the washing machine when not in use and basically tried to do the same for most things.
The refrigerator had to be on and my husband would not let me turn off the DVD/TV or electric clock.
We had insulation installed in the ceiling(that helped in summer).
This winter we bought a gas heater, so used little electric heating.
I made curtains to cover windows at night and had a supply of blankets and doonas in the room where we watch television. All pretty easy actually
We also saved a stack of water (shorter showers), so in the long run, we saved power, water and money!
● Local with professional knowledge offers free energy audits
Once again this month we are offering the services of David Eckstein, a local who has been working on the BASIX team for the last few years.
He will visit the home of anyone who would like a 'walk through audit' to identify simple and cost-effective things that you can do to cut your energy consumption, and thus reduce your GHGs.
This is a very generous offer from a supporter with expertise. We urge you to take him up on it!!
Contact David at deckstein@iprimus.com.au or phone: 9810 8671 mob: 0424 329 935
● A new idea to promote 100% green power!!
It seems from your responses that quite a few of you pay that little bit extra for green power or are generating your own. One of our supporters has come up with an idea to let others know that your house is running on 100% green power. A small sticker or sign for a front window!
Down the track it could lead on to a competition to find the greenest local street, then we may be able to get periodic updates into the Glebe or Village Voice. All great awareness raising stuff!
Would you put one in your window? Let us know your thoughts ccbrmail@aapt.net.au
● Suggested sites/links from supporters:
• For an informative appraisel of the effects of a 15% renewable energy target go to: http://climatemovement.org.au/component/option,com_fabrik/Itemid,436/
• Ever seen the likes of this – for something a bit out there: http://www.peterrussell.dreamhosters.com/Odds/WorldClock.php
• How do we rate in terms of consumption – have a look at the Australian Conservation Foundation’ Consumption Atlas: http://www.acfonline.org.au/consumptionatlas/
• Compare policies from the major parties at a glance: www.VoteClimate.org.au
• For a great grassroots Australia wide email campaign on Climate Change. This organisation responds to media as it happens with letters to pollies etc. look at www.climatecampaign.info:80/
• Want to know more about the environmental impact of mines on rivers? Go to: www.youtube.com then “Rivers SOS” in the search engine.
Any good websites – let us know ccbrmail@aapt.net.au
4. What you can do………
● Pledge your support for the Climate Protection bill
We believe that this Bill is a valuable tool in the lead up to the Federal Election and we are encouraging you to pledge your support. To find out more go to www.climatemovement.org.au
● Switch to green power
For a great explanation on how to switch to green energy – a step by step guide that we have put together. Go to www.climatechangebr.org/page5.htm
● Register on ‘The Big Switch’
“The Big Switch” is a really exciting national campaign that has been created by a collective of NGOs (eg NSW Nature Conservation Council). Similar to CCBR’s mission, it aims to help normal citizens take simple, effective action on Climate Change.
This website is a great resource for all members of the family.
To see how different politicians rate, find out info on Climate Change, use the “Action List”- your first step is signing The Big Switch pledge of action.
Definitely take the time to check it out: www.thebigswitch.org.au
● Support the Climate Futures Bill (for State politics)
We are encouraging all CCBR supporters to get on the phone and request that State MPs get behind the Climate Futures Bill when it is voted on in Parliament. See below “5 Be Heard” for instructions and prompts on what questions to ask. Have a chat with an MP! For a copy of the Bill see: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/nswbills.nsf/0/1DFC32CC69298DD2CA2572D6007F3AD6 >then scroll down to the PDF of the Bill.
Please give us feedback on this if you give it a go – ccbrmail@aapt.net.au
5. Be Heard – write a letter…
This month a letter to Malcolm Turnbull.
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Malcolm Turnbull, M.P.
P.O Box 1840
Bondi Junction
NSW 2022
Re: Moolarben Coal Project, Felix Resources
Dear Mr Turnbull,
Currently awaiting your consent under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC 1999) is NSW’s largest coal mine, the Moolarben coal mine on the upper reaches of the Goulburn River.
If approved by you, it will commit Australia to between 25 and 30 million tonnes of CO2 pollution per annum.
As we enter another hot, dry summer in NSW, the impacts of global warming become more palpable to more people; the consequences of Australia’s role in fuelling coal-fired electricity generation is becoming more clear, and immoral!
I urge you to deny this mine consent.
In terms of the Act it will impact on the following endangered species
o Yellow box, Stringybarks, Orchids, ground covers
o Bats, parrots, honey eaters and the Tiger Quoll
The mine will also jeopardise
o Aboriginal Sites, significant as a traditional meeting place for Wiradjuri, Wonnarua, Darkinung and Kamilaroi peoples (http://www.nsw.nationaltrust.org.au/files/goulburnriver.pdf )
o the opportunity for families to enjoy the “Drip”, “given the fragile nature of some of the overhanging cliff lines, these movements could generate rockfalls.”( MOOLARBEN COAL PROJECT – ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REPORT, SUBSIDENCE IMPACTS, Pells Sullivan Meynink Pty Ltd Engineering Consultants Rock-Soil-Water, Oct 2006).
o “very substantial impact on the groundwater pressures...” (ibid)
I ask you to show leadership on this issue and demonstrate your commitment to addressing the global warming emergency in the most effective way – that is by denying consent to this coal mine.
Yours Faithfully,
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Please note: If you cannot cut and paste from this PDF document, this letter appears as a separate att. to this newsletter.
Also bear in mind that the only way to make absolutely sure that your letter is read is if it is hand written.
And………
“ ‘Progress’ is impossible without change;
and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything”
George Bernard Shaw
And Lastly………
History has shown that it is grassroots voices like CCBR that can instigate change. With your support we can make a difference – let your friends know about the good work we are doing and suggest they sign up to our e-newsletter. The larger our supporter base the louder our voice becomes…..
Let’s really tell our politicians en masse that a future with coal must end sooner rather than later.
Or…..if you have any feedback or ideas contact us at ccbrmail@aapt.net.au
Or…. if you would like to unsubscribe please let us know at ccbrmail@aapt.net.au
For more info, check out our website www.climatechangebr.org.
For more info on other groups like ours around Australia www.climatemovement.org.au
