Group extends its reach into Sydney

Milton Ulladulla Times
Wednesday 24/10/2007 Page: 18

A GROUP of environmentally passionate and concerned Sydney residents and business owners have taken a regional NSW initiative (Clean Energy for Eternity) and formed a metropolitan chapter,the first one in Sydney. Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) was conceived by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Matthew Nott who - inspired by Tim Flannery's book The Weather Makers'- decided to act on his instincts and involve his local community of Bega in addressing the climate change issue.

Since its inception in April 2006, the CEFE movement has quickly gained traction currently operating within five regions of South East NSW including Bega, Bermagui, Cooma/Monaro, Snowy Mountains and Shoalhaven. Convenor for the Sydney Mosman Chapter of CEFE, Mr Warren Yates, says the organisation's aim - to reduce energy consumption by 50 percent while undertaking a 50 per cent production of energy from renewable resources by the year 2020 (50/50 by 2020) - is ambitious, but achievable.

"We have learned a lot from our regional cousins and we are equally enthusiastic in having the metropolitan chapter become the springboard for other similar grass roots organisations throughout Sydney and other major capital cities in Australia. "The CEFE groups are making communities aware of climate change while at the same time continually nipping at the heels of government total, state and federal - to urge them to improve public transport, construct cycle ways and conduct feasibility studies into the use of renewable energies." The group is intending to gain support at a public launch in Mosman this month at which Mr Nott, other members of CEFE, climate change experts and local businesses that are already employing green technology, w l talk.

According to Dr Nott, business owners especially need to realise that climate change is not all doom and gloom. "Smart operators are seeing climate change as a business opportunity starting with the implementation of simple energy efficiencies. Finding climate change solutions will become core business for many organisations and while many businesses are currently burdened by red tape, there will be growing concerns about 'green tape' as the government looks towards introducing environmental legislation. "The Sydney Mosman CEFE initiative is a positive sign that the community is taking steps to become environmentally pro-active.

"If the people of Mosman support the 50/50 by 2020 program, I can see it growing to other regions within Sydney. The dream would be to see CEFE chapters eventually springing up all over the country!" More information about the Shoalhaven branch of Clean Energy for Eternity is available by phoning Kim on 4454 3696 or Julie on 4455 7194.