[Pil-pc-oceania] Future Directions in Bega

Wed Oct 17 10:08:41 EST 2007

Thanks John and hello list members

Thanks for the news about radio.  

Just for your info, here is my work's latest e-news.  It comes out weekly, and can be
seen on http://masg.org.au <http://masg.org.au/>   ; although half of it is fairly
local, the other half is a general digest of sustainability news

I can also put anyone on our e-mailing list if you like.  Email me at ian at masg.org.au

Ian Lillington

*****

Mount Alexander Sustainability Group Weekly News Digest 

Thursday 18th October 2007

MASG spring calendar event summary:  More details below, and on the website
http://masg.org.au <http://masg.org.au/>  .  

19th & 20th October  Finding Our Power - community forum;

9th November         Dr Mark Diesendorf, Mayor Jim Norris - evening talk

9th & 10th Nov        Renewables Expo - with as keynote;

11 November         Walk Against Warming - MASG goes to Melbourne;

3rd - 11th Nov Castlemaine Garden Festival - MASG Garden open;

16th November       Movie Fundraiser - The Bicycle Thief;

MASG NEWS

100 cyclists and many walkers joined this year's ride and walk to work/school day in
central Castlemaine this morning.  Mayor, Jim Norris announced that Council will buy a
fleet of bikes for staff and councillors to use between the Town Hall, Halford St and
other work places.  Many schools arranged their own cycle journeys: Campbells Creek
school had a supervised 'cycle bus' picking up at all intersections along the highway.
Winters Flat and Castlemaine Steiner School students, parents and staff joined the
breakfast at Victory Park and then cycled on to work/school.  

Certificates were presented to local sponsors and dozens of cooked breakfasts were
served.  A big thankyou to all our helpers and sponsors. Sponsors are listed on the MASG
website http://masg.org.au <http://masg.org.au/> 

Renewable Energy Expo: MASG is very excited to have Dr Mark Diesendorf speak at the
opening of our Renewables Expo on Friday 9th November.  Dr Diesendorf is sought out for
expert comment by the ABC and many other respected sources.  We would like at least 200
people to attend Friday night presentation at Campbells Creek Community Centre.  Show
your support for MASG work and support the call for Renewable Energy in our area.
Please RSVP to Jayson at masg.org.au and tell how many people you will be bringing with
you. Spread the word, we need at least 200, and will be publicising the tally each week
as we count down.  Some of Mark's latest visionary work is available at: 

http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/australia/resources/reports/climate-change/paths-t
o-a-low-carbon-future.pdf

An interesting game about your carbon footprint - Consumer Consequences asks you a
series of questions about your lifestyle, and as you play, shows you how many "Earths"
of natural resources it would take to sustain all 6.6 billion humans. if everyone lived
like you.  <http://sustainability.publicradio.org/consumerconsequences/>
http://sustainability.publicradio.org/consumerconsequences/

Great links on local food production:  Sydney Food Fairness Alliance -
www.sydneyfoodfairness.org.au/discussion/syd_basin_ag.pdf , and Russ Grayson's website
www.pacific-edge.info/journalism in relation to: "Urban farming on way to extinction"
and "Drought makes urban food production more than a good idea."

Good news on wind from The Australian.  Denmark producing enough wind power to export to
other countries, even though it is less windy than in southern Australia

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22500426-30417,00.html

Solar takes off with US power supply deal - Two of America's biggest power utilities
unveil plans for a multi-billion-dollar expansion of solar power supply, showing that
solar energy can become a viable alternative to coal.  The technology developed by Dr
Mills already exists here in Australia, at pilot plants attached to the Liddell
coal-fired power station in the Hunter Valley.  Dr Mark Diesendorf says the huge US
investment into solar make talk of clean coal and nuclear as solutions to climate change
redundant.  ". the solar thermal technology will be on the ground, certainly in the
United States and many other countries long before so-called clean coal and nuclear
power," he said. By Matt Peacock, Tue Oct 2, 2007.  You'll probably need broadband to
watch the following link:
<http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/730report/av/podcast/20071001-730-solar_video4.wmv> Video:
Australian technology to revolutionise clean electricity (ABC News) 

Last week, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Al Gore and the United Nations'
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for their work to raise awareness about the
threat of global warming.  With his passion and hard work, Al Gore has demonstrated that
committed citizens can make a difference. He has inspired millions to stand together
against one of the biggest challenges of our time.

Water - valuable website by Prof Mike Young in Adelaide: each of his 'droplets' covers a
different aspect of water policy.  What features would a new planning, entitlement and
register system have to have to be deemed future proof?  Droplet #9 and earlier droplets
plus many reports related to water policy can be downloaded from  www.myoung.net.au
<blocked::http://www.myoung.net.au/> 

Dr David Suzuki, live via video conference from Canada: "Can We Avoid the Looming
Ecological Armageddon?"  Thursday 25 October, 2007 at 12.30pm, McKay Lecture Theatre &
Circular Lecture Theatre.  La Trobe University, Edwards Rd, Bendigo, RSVP essential -
Bendigo: Edwards Rd Bendigo - McKay Lecture Theatre and Circular Lecture RSVP is
ESSENTIAL as places are limited - Jennifer Benmasaud  Phone: 5444 7744
j.benmasaud at latrobe.edu.au  

MASG on Stateline last Friday - repeated tonight (Thursday).  The ABC team did a great
job.  Transcript: http://www.abc.net.au/stateline/vic/content/2006/s2058434.htm

Walk Against Warming - Sunday, 11th November. Let's make sure Mount Alexander is well
represented at this year's Walk Against Warming event in Melbourne.  Join fellow
Australians in calling for urgent government action on climate change and be the voice
for our environment and our children's future. The next election will be too late.  More
information: www.walkagainstwarming.org <http://www.walkagainstwarming.org/>  and local
info from Heather Barrett on 0409 327791, and in this newsletter next week

WANTED: old mobile phones.  Please drop them at the MASG office.  We will receive
$5/phone from EnviroFone.  Phones will be recycled: less toxic waste to landfill....and
clean out your cupboard too!  Proceeds to MASG's Solar-on-Public-Buildings Fund.

Cycling's Big Night Out

Tickets now on sale for "The Bicycle Thief" - Theatre Royal, Fri 16th Nov., 7.30pm.

It is widely agreed that The Bicycle Thief is one of the best films ever made. Plus
Castlemaine's own Ministry of Delight, comedy acts, and Justin Shortal. Tickets are
available from Fergus Frog in Barker St. $20 and $16 concession. Enquiries:  Neil
Barrett 5472 3094

OTHER NEWS and EVENTS NOT ENDORSED BY MASG

Oxfam Walk against Want, Sunday October 28 starting between 11.00am and 1.00pm,
Castlemaine Botanical Gardens. Walk, run or cycle 5 or 10 km along bush roads to the
north of the Gardens, or walk around Lake Joanna. Dogs welcome. The donkeys will again
be walking from Maldon. Lots of entertainment from 10.30, with local singers,
unicyclists and circus performers.  Bring a picnic lunch if you like. Judy Tregear 5470
5747 for a sponsor book or just turn up on the day, make a donation and enjoy the Walk.
An easy and enjoyable way to make a difference.

Second hand books wanted - reduce/reuse/recycle - for Steiner School Fair: 10 Nov.
Leave books c/- Ian at the MASG office, thanks.  

Quote:

"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human
race."

-H. G. Wells, 1904

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