Clean Energy group meets with Peter Garrett and Mike Kelly

Narooma News
08/08/2007 Page: 7

Clean Energy for Eternity groups from the Shoalhaven to the Snowy River had an opportunity to sit down and talk with Shadow Minister for the Environment and the Arts, Peter Garrett and ALP candidate for Eden-Monaro, Mike Kelly. It was a timely meeting, as CEFE is in the final stages of preparing a hard-hitting questionnaire for all candidates, seeking concise information on promises, policies and personal views related to their response to climate change.

CEFE is very clearly a non-aligned community group with no affiliation with any political party. However, it is part of our community responsibility to engage political representatives and learn how they can assist us in meeting our collective targets of 50/50 by 2020. We will value the opportunity to talk with Malcolm Turnbull whenever possible and will be making further contact with his office.

We were glad to quiz Peter Garrett on what he'd do if in Government. Garrett mentioned the proposed revolving fund of $10,000 for greenhouse retrofitting of existing homes, but stated the ALP will reveal more detail on its climate policies in the lead up to the election. The lack of detail particularly on the MRET target is delaying investment in the renewable energy industry. The sooner these national targets are in the public domain, the quicker industry can activate millions of dollars worth of investment in tangible solutions to climate change.

Peter Garrett and Mike Kelly showed interest in the concept of CEFE setting up a `centre of excellence' in climate change, though Garrett pointed out that while we are `ahead of the game' there are several regions moving fast on climate change.

Garrett left the meeting inspired by the passionate response our community has had to climate change and encouraging us to continue our efforts to engage practical action at the grass roots. He was impressed by CEFE's ability to take our positive message on climate action out to a wide audience, empowering ordinary people to participate in developing solutions to this global crisis.

CEFE will continue to engage in open dialogue with politicians in the lead-up to the Federal election and push for genuine leadership and a comprehensive national strategy on climate change.