A cleaner Cowra

Cowra Guardian
Friday 19/10/2007 Page: 3

Locals are keen on renewable energy but when it comes to nuclear energy, we don't want it in or anywhere near our backyards. The newly formed Cowra Local Emissions Action Network (CLEAN) received these responses when they sought local opinions on climate change recently. Answers to the survey were broken down into student responses and adult answers, with 321 replies received. CLEAN found that there were no major difference between the attitudes of children and adults surveyed.

Sixty per cent of respondents believe temperature, droughts, bushfires, severe storms, the cost of living and risks to health will increase with a changing climate. The most startling figure was that 60 per cent of the students surveyed felt that business opportunities would decline. Most of the respondents felt that there was a need for a new source of power and the overwhelming majority of respondents wanted renewable energy sources to be utilised. Ninety-seven per cent of those surveyed wanted to see solar power utilised, and 93 per cent wanted to see wind energy used. One quarter of those who responded wanted to see nuclear energy explored further as an option. Approximately 80 per cent said they would not want to see nuclear waste pass though this region.

CLEAN is currently in the process of organising a clean food week for January next year, during which the group will encourage locals to eat food produced locally. Organiser, Gordon Refshauge said he believed the response to the survey indicated a keen interest in environmental issues. He said most people who responded considered themselves well informed. CLEAN will be having a meeting today, Friday, October 19 from 7:30pm at the Library multi purpose room. New members are keenly sought.