Djap Wurrung Embassy Update
On Tuesday, Victoria Police were at the Djap Wurrung Embassy threatening Traditional Custodians and supporters with removal and arrest. They shut down the roads leading to the embassy, and are attempted to begin work on the Western Highway expansion that threatens land of cultural significance, including over 260 sacred trees.
Donate to the embassy here
Thanks to a strong community response, an injunction is now in place until Monday 25th March; the camp is still calling for immediate support on the ground, but for those unable to be there, it is imperative that we make our voices heard where it counts.
Join us in calling on Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Major Projects Jacinta Allan, Planning Minister Richard Wynne, and Minister for Roads Jaala Pulford, to immediately stop work on the expansion and call off the Victoria Police.
FoE’s Radical Renos
This year, FoE’s meeting space has been getting a face lift. Thanks to a grant, and to our generous supporters like you, we’ve been able to have some much needed work done - repairing floors and stairs, fixing up wiring, upgrading our kitchen.
But... much of the space hasn’t been touched for two decades, so we’ve blown our budget! We need your help to get us back on track, so we can continue to provide a functional space for our 13 collectives, many volunteers, and others in the local community.
Please donate to help us reach $10,000 to finish the first stage of renovations!
150,000 students strike for climate action around Australia!
What an amazing day. Last Friday, more than 150,000 people attended over 60 events across Australia to demand governments take serious action to address climate change. Globally there were actions in more than 120 countries.
The students are clear in their demands: Stop the Adani coal mine, and rapidly transition away from fossil fuels and into renewables.
FoE was proud to support the strike, through the behind the scenes work of our national project Tipping Point and the efforts of many staff and volunteers. While the strike is driven and led by students, many groups like FoE support their efforts.
You can read a summary of the day here.
#Recycling2Parliament
Community members put their weekly recycling on the steps of parliament to highlight government inaction on the issue and demand change.
In recent weeks, the cracks in the Australian recycling system have been exposed. China ceased taking our recycling in July 2018, resulting in a major loss of market. Without markets to sell to, recycling companies are stockpiling, leading to dangerous conditions and possible fire hazards. Two major recycling locations were closed by the EPA on 21 February, and a third closed voluntarily shortly after, resulting in 27 councils around Melbourne sending recycling to landfill. Short term solutions have been found for some of these councils, but several are still having to resort to binning our recycling.
Star of the South
Victoria could soon be home to the world’s largest offshore wind farm, with the 2,000MW Star of the South, proposed off Victoria’s Gippsland coast. We keep saying it will be a gamechanger for Victoria. And its true: the Yallourn coal fired power station in the Latrobe Valley has a capacity of 1,480MW. This landmark project promises to deliver clean renewable energy to 1.2 million homes, creating an estimated 12,000 jobs and avoiding up to 10 million tonnes of polluting greenhouse gas emissions.
The Star of the South requires both state and federal planning approval, but has been held up by the federal Coalition government for more than 18 months for unknown reasons. With a federal election getting closer by the day, we can’t waste anymore time. Once the election writs are issued, the minister won’t be able to sign off on the approval.
Please sign our petition calling on energy minister Angus Taylor to get on with the Approvals.
When the Rivers Run Dry...
River Country has been back to Menindee this month with new ideas in the works.
We've sampled the stagnant pools on the Lower Darling and stood alongside the community in the "When the Rivers Run Dry" Day of action organised by the NSW Land Council.
Keep an eye out for our follow up work, the towns throughout NSW have dwindling drinking water supplies so we will be asking Scott Morrison where the bloody hell is the Prime Minister. The is a national emergency.
Follow our Facebook for more updates
Upcoming Events
Insect Armageddon. A Discussion about Pesticides
Researchers around the world widely acknowledge that insect populations are in decline, with some experts linking the crisis to widespread pesticide use. According to a recent scientific review the world’s insects are hurtling down the path to extinction, threatening a catastrophic collapse of nature’s ecosystems.
Anthony Amis - Friends of the Earth’s Pesticide Free Campaigner - will lead a discussion and present his latest research regarding pesticide use in Australia and their link to the ‘Insect Armageddon’.
When: 7pm This Thursday (March 21)
Where: Friends of the Earth in Collingwood.
RSVP and full details here.
Community Discussion: What can we learn from the Green New Deal?
Friends of the Earth Melbourne invite community members from all walks of life to meet for a forum discussing what the Green New Deal means for action on climate change here in Australia.
- What can Australian campaigners learn from the push for a Green New Deal? Are there signs one is already taking shape?
- What are the limitations, if any, of applying concepts from the US in our own backyard?
- Are there historical equivalents in Australia's history that campaigners can draw to create new forms of climate activism?
All are welcome to attend this public event, entry by donation, snacks and beverages will be provided.
When: March 21, 2019 at 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Swanston Academic Building, 445 Swanston St
(RMIT University, Building 80, Level 3, Room 6)
Sustainable Cities Trivia Night
> When was the first tram rolling along the streets of Melbourne?
> How much money does CityLink tolls make for Transurban each year?
> Where did newest trams for Melbourne get built?
> How many kilometers of railway does Melbourne have?
> What's the name of the most popular bike path in Melbourne?
> Why is our government investing in more diesel v/line train vehicles...? Wait...
When: Wed 10th April, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: The Clyde Hotel
Nab a ticket ASAP and it may be your night to shine.
We'll have a whole SET of GAMES AND PRIZES going on all night!
All money raised goes towards the Sustainable Cities campaign, fighting for better public transport in Melbourne!
Maralinga Pieces - Forever on Country Art Auction
This auction will celebrate decades of nuclear resistance, while raising vital funds for our national nuclear-free campaign work.
For forty years we've been an important part of a passionate national and international alliance that's working at all stages of the nuclear chain to protect country and community from this toxic industry.
Currently much of our work involves supporting Traditional Owners and local communities in the firing line for a national nuclear waste dump in South Australia, and fighting to stop the development of uranium mines in Western Australia.
When: Friday, April 12, 2019 at 06:00 PM
Where: Arena Project Space in Fitzroy, Australia
More Info
Get Involved in the Climate Big Sing!
Join in the chorus that proclaims vital Climate Messages to the general community!
That is, come and participate in SOUL's Choir, SOULISTAS* as we sing about The Climate Change Crises, The Environment, Human Rights and Social Justice!
This is for SOULISTAS participation into CLIMATE BIG SING on Sunday June 2
Join SOUL's Choir to rehearse
When: April 29, May 6, 13, 20 & 27, 6.50 for 7-9pm
Where: Uniting Church, 85 Gillies Street, Fairfield.
*SOUL Theatre Inc. has partnered with FoE since 2010 with SOUL's Climamania Project, raising further education re. The Climate Change Crises before it is even further way too late!
So join us on April 29 to establish this event to a newer audience!