Supporters Newsletter # 16 – November 2007
Election time – what a joy!! Have you had enough of it yet? We are endeavoring to make the process as painless as possible at least in relation to where the pollies stand on Climate Change. Last week we met with The Greens candidate Jennifer Leong and over the next two weeks look forward to gathering responses to our questions from the remaining candidates.
In the meantime, some members of our group have made a very successful bid to raise the pre-election profile of Climate Change, featuring on the front page of the 30.10.07 edition of the Inner West Courier. Those displaced polar bears did a great job of driving the message home!
See: http://digitaledition.innerwestcourier.com.au/ - put "polar bears" in the search engine (back issue).
Once all the craziness of the election is over we will be getting back to the business of helping locals to reduce their CO2 emissions and raising awareness on Demand Management within our community.
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…
● CCBR Joint Declaration to Howard and Rudd
CCBR has been busy putting together a Declaration and then have invited Climate Action Groups like ours from all over Australia to undersign. 60 groups, constituting over 6,000 members and supporters Australia wide, have joined their name with ours to try to get the message through to these major parties. The policies they are proposing do not go anywhere near close to what is required by our government to seriously combat Climate Change.
For a copy of the Joint Declaration, see the att. with this newsletter.
● CCBR’s Federal Election Strategy
We’ll be sending out our report card in an Election Newsflash prior to the election. In the meantime these are the candidates listed for the seat of Sydney:
The House of Representatives - 7 Candidates listed:
1. Georgina ANDERSON – Lib
2. Adrian FORD – Citizens Electoral Council
3. Jenny LEONG – The Greens
4. John LEE - Christ Democrats (Fred Nile Group)
5. Jane WARD – Independent
6. Tanya PLIBERSEK – Labor
7. Mayo MATERAZZO – Democrats
For current information on how the parties compare on Climate change, here are a few sites:
http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=1439&eid=679 , http://voteclimate.org.au:80/FED07-Policy-rankings or www.changeclimatechange.org.au
The Senate: When voting on the Senate you are voting for candidates from all over the State. If you put a “1” above the line for a party you will be voting according to their preferences.
All the party’s preferences are now available to see online - go to: http://www.aec.gov.au/pdf/elections/2007/gvt/NSW_2007_gvt.pdf
● We’re confused! State Labor and the Climate Futures Bill
We’ve had a very colourful month in terms of the various correspondence received by our state Labor politicians. Our incumbent State government is busy making policies and decisions that are taking us inexorably down an unethical path full of coal fired power and export coal dollars. We have attached 4 different pieces of correspondence from last month for your information.
The decision to include them with this newsletter is designed to underline the war that is raging within the party on this issue. It is clear why groups like ours are so important – we can help to support those in favour of swift radical change towards renewables – they need all the help they can get!!!
Firstly: Oct 07 - A letter from Ms Firth to CCBR
A Letter from Ms Firth (some of the content would be familiar to those of you who recently received a response from her.)
Secondly: Tony Kelly’s speech
The parliamentary speech from Tony Kelly sent to us by Hon. Greg Donelly MLC (a Labor member of the Legislative of Assembly) This speech was sent to us in response to our request for support of the Climate Futures Bill. It is a chilling reminder of State Labor’s cynicism regarding Climate Change.
Thirdly: Oct 07 - A letter from CCBR to Hon. Greg Donnelly MLC
Lastly: Oct 07 - A letter from CCBR to Ms Firth
Our response to Verity outlining our confusion with these conflicting messages from two members of the same party!!!
All these letters appear as separate attachments to this Newsletter.
● Leichhardt Council takes a stand on new coal mines
The Hunter Valley coal industry and in particular Anvil Hill Coal Mine were the hot topics of discussion at the Local Government Association (LGA) conference in Coffs Harbour last week.
The annual policy making event, held over 4 days, attracted more than 600 delegates from 74 Sydney metropolitan and country councils.
Perhaps the most controversial items on the LGA agenda was the motion put forward by Leichhardt Municipal Council to ban new coal mines in the Hunter Valley and to express opposition to the development of the recently approved Anvil Hill coal mine. We congratulate Council for it’s actions.
The LGA rejected Leichhardt’s proposal for a moratorium on all new coal mines, but delegates did agree to call on the NSW Government to help the Hunter Valley and Central Coast regions when it comes to a transition phase from coal to renewable technologies.
● Newcastle Harbour Protest
Last Saturday’s protest was a fantastic show of community determination to take action against Australia's biggest contribution to climate change. Rising Tide have estimated that about 400 people attended the protest. As well as being a powerful and symbolic action, the protest succeeded in disrupting coal exports from Newcastle Harbour “As Ben Pearson from Greenpeace told the crowd gathered at the beach on Saturday, it is an historic moment when coal ships now need a police escort through Newcastle Harbour. Clearly, the social licence to export coal is being withdrawn.”
For more see: www.risingtide.org.au
2. What’s coming up…
● Walk Against Warming – this Sunday
This is our biggest chance in the calendar year to send a resounding message to our leaders that we want a clean energy future and swift real action to tackle Climate Change.
When: 1pm this Sunday, November 11. Where: The Domain
CCBR will be meeting at 12.30 by “The Boar” fountain outside Sydney Hospital on Macquarie Street.
There were 4,000 walkers in 2005*, 40,000in 2006.* – How many this year??
The walk will be starting at the Domain, then heading up Macquarie St., around half of Hyde Park via Park St, and then back down College St to the Domain again.
Can’t make the afternoon in the city? Parramatta is walking in the morning!
When: 10 – 11.30am this Sunday, November 11.
Where: Prince Alfred Park, Victoria Rd., Parramatta
* in Sydney city. For more info visit www.walkagainstwarming.org
● CCBR meetings
Next meeting: 7.30pm Thursday Nov 22, location yet to be advised 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 November are:
November 10: Balmain near CBA
November 17: Rozelle Markets
November 24: Orange Grove Markets
If you’d like to come along and give it a go! Contact Corinne: ccbrmail@aapt.net.au
● Anvil Hill Supreme Court Appeal
CCBR has donated $500 to help cover additional court costs for an appeal that Anvil Hill Project Watch Association has lodged in the Supreme Court. They are appealing Justice Stones dismissal of AHPWA’s Jurisdictional Fact arguments.
We wish them all the best – for more detailed information on this go to: 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 .
3. From you - what CCBR supporters are doing…
● Local Light Bulb Replacement Scheme
Anna Broome – Leichhardt Council’s Senior Environment Officer reports….
Over the last year Low Energy Supplies and Services (LESS) in partnership with Leichhardt Council has installed 32,890 energy efficient bulbs free of charge in 2200 homes across the Leichhardt Local Government Area. This will save 25,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over the lifetime of the bulbs. Market Research carried out by LESS with 600 households who took part showed that 95.5% of the new energy efficient bulbs installed had been retained and that 92% were satisfied with their performance. So, altogether a fantastic result for the environment. The scheme was initiated by Energy Australia to pilot and measure the impact of community demand reduction and energy efficiency measures in a defined area. They are very pleased with the results and are analysing the data to quantify the energy savings made as a result of the scheme. Hopefully this will lead to further demand management schemes of this nature for other electricity substations.
● Local with professional knowledge offers free energy audits
David Eckstein is still offering his expertise to visit the home of anyone who would like a 'walk through audit'. He will identify simple and cost-effective things that you can do to cut your energy consumption, thus reducing your GHGs. This is a very generous offer from a supporter with expertise (he has been working on the BASIX team for the last few years.)
We urge you to take him up on it!!
Contact David at deckstein@iprimus.com.au or phone: 9810 8671 mob: 0424 329 935
● Local gets creative with Renewable Energy Placards
From Richard… “I'm going to get a piece of card the size of the Greenpeace ‘I Love Clean Energy and I Vote’ signs and write some stuff on it and stick it on my front fence.
One of the messages I'm intending to write is:
Germany has 170,000 jobs in solar, Denmark has 60,000 jobs in wind power, Australia has 20,000 jobs in coal + CO2 emissions, who's the 'CLEVER' country."
Over the next 4 weeks I'll come up with some others…many people don't know these very basic facts about how far behind and out of touch Australia is….
Does anyone have any others? Contact us ccbrmail@aapt.net.au
● Suggested sites/links from supporters:
• An article about Cloncurry, Qld.– where a $7 million solar thermal power station will be generating enough electricity for about 3500 homes – SMH 5.11.07 http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/11/04/1194117879767.html
• Australian Conservation Foundation’s (ACF’s) Federal Election Scorecard http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=1439&eid=779488
• A compelling (if lengthy) argument for action vs. inaction on Climate Change http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zORv8wwiadQ
• An amazing initiative this year in the US calling for 80% by 2050 – “Step it Up” http://april.stepitup2007.org/
• Latest “Vote Climate” Analysis http://www.voteclimate.org.au/FED07-Policy-Analysis
Any good websites – let us know ccbrmail@aapt.net.au
4. What you can do………
● Walk this Sunday
If you can – get out there and do it with thousands of others – grab a placard - if you’re after an “I love clean energy and I vote” placard, drop us a line and we’ll make sure you get one. ccbrmail@aapt.net.au. For more info on the walk www.walkagainstwarming.org
● 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
● GetUp campaign to stop Senate deadlock
For the first time in Australian history, three competing parties have come together in one political ad - under the GetUp banner - with an urgent plea to all Australians: Vote to end the Coalition's rubber stamp in the Senate! For more see: www.getup.org.au/campaign/ThreePartyAd
●Adopt a Politician – Australian Youth Climate Coalition
Another great initiative. This is a campaign targeted at the younger voters in our midst. Young people are getting together and really taking it to their local politicians. http://www.adoptapolitician.org:80/
● Support the Climate Futures Bill (for State politics)
This Bill is soon to be voted on in State Parliament and groundswell of concern from the grassroots could prove very effective. We are therefore encouraging all CCBR supporters to send a fax (see below – “Be Heard”) to members of the Legislative council that will be voting on this Bill.
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 – send a fax…
This month a fax to Members of the NSW Legislative Council:
See below for a list of Fax numbers for all 42 members of the council
********************************************************************************
Date: …………
Name: ………..
Address: …………
Dear………..
I am an ordinary citizen, not aligned to any political party, and am deeply concerned about
global warming and believe our future is in jeopardy unless we reduce our greenhouse gases
emissions immediately.
It has come to my attention that there is a Climate Futures Bill 2007 to be presented to the
Legislative Council later this year.
In my mind the Bill acknowledges the concern of many parents and citizens that global warming
is the greatest threat to us and our children, and provides a way forward to a carbon-neutral
economy.
Could you please answer these three questions and fax your response to me on……….?
1. Are you aware of the Climate Futures Bill 2007? YES/NO
2. Will you read the Climate Futures Bill 2007? YES/NO
3. Will you vote in favour of the Climate Futures Bill 2007? YES/NO
*************************************************************
NSW Legislative Council Members 2007
Members Names Party Fax Number Email
John Ajaka Lib. unknown john.ajaka@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Robert Brown Shooters 92302613 robert.brown@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Tony Catanzariti ALP 92302889 tony.catanzariti@parliament.nsw.gov.au
David Clarke Lib. 92303501 david.clarke@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Ian Cohen Greens 92302267 ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Richard Colless Nationals 92303579 richard.colless@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Michael Costa ALP 92305699 Unknown
Cathrine Cusack Lib. 92302385 cathrine.cusack@parliament.nsw.gov.au
John Della Bosca ALP 92304392 office@smos.nsw.gov.au
Greg Donnelly ALP 92302585 greg.donnelly@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Amanda Fazio ALP 92303591 amanda.fazio@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Maria Ficarra Lib. 92302466 maria.ficarra@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Michael Gallacher Lib. 92302980 michael.gallacher@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Jenny Gardiner Nationals 92303408 jenny.gardiner@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Duncan Gay Nationals 92302923 duncan.gay@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Kayee Griffin ALP 92302766 kayee.griffin@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Sylvia Hale Greens 92302159 sylvia.hale@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Don Harwin Lib. 92303518 don.harwin@parliament.nsw.gov.au
John Hatzistergos ALP 92283600 office@hatzistergos.minister.nsw.gov.au
John Kaye Greens 92302586 john.kaye@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Tony Kelly ALP 92283988 Unknown
Trevor Khan Nationals unknown trevor.khan@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Charlie Lynn Lib. 92302396 charlie.lynn@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Ian Macdonald ALP 92283452 macdonald.office@macdonald.minister.nsw.gov.au
Matthew Mason-Cox Lib. 92303597 Unknown
Gordon Moyes Christian Dem 92302098 gordon.moyes@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Fred Nile Christian Dem 92302098 F.Nile@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Eddie Obeid ALP 92303324 edward.obeid@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Robyn Parker Lib. 92302891 Robyn.Parker@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Melinda Pavey Nationals 92302053 melinda.pavey@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Gregory Pearce Lib. 92302767 greg.pearce@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Peter Primrose ALP 92303316 peter.primrose@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Lee Rhiannon Greens 92303550 lee.rhiannon@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Christine Robertson ALP 92302160 Christine.Robertson@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Eric Roozendaal ALP 92284469 Unknown
Penny Sharpe ALP 92302589 Penny.Sharpe@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Roy Smith Shooters 92303009 roy.smith@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Henry Tsang ALP 92303535 henry.tsang@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Mick Veitch ALP 92302840 mick.veitch@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Lynda Voltz ALP 92303043 lynda.voltz@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Helen Westwood ALP 92302094 helen.westwood@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Ian West ALP 92302726 ian.west@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Further information and photographs at http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/parlment/members.nsf/V3ListCurrentLCMembers
And………
“It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness” – Chinese Proverb
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
