Clean Energy action plan released

Bega District News
Friday 2/3/2007 Page: 2

THE community targets of 50 per cent reduction in energy consumption and 50 per cent adoption of renewable energy by 2020 have moved a step closer to reality in the Bega Valley Shire with the release of the Clean Energy Action Plan.

The report was commissioned by the community meeting in Bega last August at which more than 300 people voted unanimously to adopt the community targets of 50/50 by 2020 and called for a working group to be established.

The members are Bill Caldicott, David Hede, Sue Norman, Derek Povel, Philippa Rowland and Rodger Ubrihien. The Bega Clean Energy Working Group has now released its report to the community for feedback and endorsement.

The report makes 12 urgent recommendations to the community that range from practical suggestions for action on energy efficiency and renewable energy generation, through to opportunities for pilot projects in agriculture, education and other sectors.. Energy efficiency gains in the home or business are potentially the greatest single contribution a family or individual can make towards mitigating global warming.

These include simple changes such as switching off appliances, buying compact fluorescent light globes and using common sense to retrofit existing houses, saving money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions at the same time.

The report says Bega Valley Shire has a history of leading the way in energy supply - being the first in the colony to have a municipal gasworks as early as 1885 and with the construction of the Brown Mountain Hydro station in 1943, and can be innovative again.

"Recent media attention has highlighted the need for urgent action to mitigate climate change and this report does not avoid the potentially disastrous effects of global warming. "The Bega Valley Shire cannot on its own turn climate change around. However with some support from our community, Bega Valley Shire can take a leading role in proving that ordinary citizens can tackle climate change and provide a national model of collective commitment and hope for other regional areas and the rest of the nation.

"The renewable energy industry is going to experience massive-growth, as recognition of the implications of climate change take hold. With commitment and ingenuity, 50/50 by 2020 has the potential to help rejuvenate our regional economy through renewable energy and energy efficiency projects." The Clean Energy Working Group hope the action plant will inspire and stimulate the community, business and government into action on climate change and help the shire meet these targets. "We hope this report motivates you to participate in 50/51J by 2020," they said.

For more information about the working group and copies of the report go to www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au or collect one from your nearest Bega Valley Shire Council office or library.

Public meetings will be held to seek feedback and gather the community support needed for the next steps. The Bega meeting will be held at 6.30pm on Thursday, March 15, at the Bega RSL Club.