Environment group Friends of the Earth expresses solidarity with the 350 Altona oil refinery workers whose jobs are now at risk following news that global fossil fuels giant ExxonMobil is set to shut the facility.

The decision to convert the oil refinery into an import terminal is a missed opportunity to repurpose the Altona site for action on climate change.

"The refinery could be converted to produce renewable hydrogen, which would see the Altona workforce retain their jobs and incomes while using their skills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the manufacturing, transport and energy sectors" said Pat Simons, Friends of the Earth's Yes2Renewables Coordinator.

50 years ago today, the international treaty for the protection of internationally significant wetlands came into effect. The RAMSAR convention was to support populations of migratory birds, endangered species, purify drinking water, and sink carbon. 

Take Action Today to support wetlands!

The Latrobe Valley has undergone major changes in recent years. The closure of the Hazelwood power station and subsequent creation of the Latrobe Valley Authority has seen the beginning of a transformation of the Valley. It needs new jobs and investment. However, it should not be forced to accept any and all development. It needs the right to have a say over what gets approved. 

It would appear that a ‘Secondary Lead Smelter’ proposed for Hazelwood North in the Latrobe Valley has been fast tracked by the planning minister. This proposal is being strongly opposed by many in the local community, on public health grounds.

The current VicForest Timber Release Plan shows logging of native forests in the Central Highlands is scheduled to occur in areas very close to recreational roads and tracks where people regularly enjoy hiking, horse riding, cycling and four-wheel driving.

These will impact on a large number of areas, including Kinglake, Narbethong, Warburton, The Acheron Way between Narbethong and Warburton, a section of The Bicentennial National Trail near Toolangi, Black Range Tourist Drive between Toolangi and Murrindindi, Snobs Creek Road in Rubicon, and Big Pats Creek.

The Central Highlands rely on nature based tourism for much of its economic activity and local employment. Visitors are not interested in walking or riding through a logging coupe.

Thanks to all our members and supporters for their wonderful support during a tough year.

It's been a huge year for our co-op and cafe and the campaigns team. There is a summary of some of our wins and plans for 2021 available here.

Our food co-op and café is trading normal hours until the evening of December 24.

We will be closing from Xmas Day and then reopening on Saturday 2nd January at normal hours (generally 10am – 5pm, and Sunday from 11am until 4.30pm).

Please keep an eye on the co-op facebook page for extra details.

We hope you have a wonderful summer break with friends, family and community. Here’s to more justice, sustainability and community in 2021.

2020 is not the year that any of us wanted, and for many, it's one we would prefer to forget. A dry winter and warm spring led to an awful fire season that devastated huge sections of East Gippsland, the mountains, and north east Victoria. The human and ecological costs of these fires will take years to heal.

Then we had the coronavirus, and the double lock down of Melbourne and the regions. Isolation, separation from loved ones, and economic impacts all put a heavy toll on many people.

In spite of all this, Friends of the Earth had a remarkably productive year, with some of our long running campaigns securing significant wins, some of which have been years in the making. 

Here is a summary of what we achieved in 2020, and what’s in store for 2021.

MEDIA RELEASE: 10 December 2020

Momentum builds for ambitious climate targets after Andrews govt delivers a record cut in electricity emissions

Victoria’s latest greenhouse gas performance data, released today, shows the Andrews government has delivered a record cut in emissions from the electricity sector.

Friends of the Earth say the nationally-significant achievement builds momentum for the state government to set science-based Emissions Reduction Targets for 2025 and '30. A decision on the targets is imminent after it was deferred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Andrews government’s renewable energy leadership has delivered a record cut in electricity sector emissions while creating thousands of jobs," said Leigh Ewbank, Friends of the Earth campaigns coordinator.

"The accelerating pace of emissions cuts in Victoria shows that Premier Dan Andrews can afford to set bold and ambitious Emissions Reduction Targets."

An exciting short term contract to work with Friends of the Earth to build the resistance to coastal gas developments in South West VIC has come up. Applications close 5th January.

After a year like no other where Victorians faced catastrophic bushfires over summer and then stared down the outbreak of Covid-19, how can we build back better as the post-Covid economic recovery gets underway? 

The Victorian government's most recent budget marks a significant shift for renewable energy and climate action in the state, after the Andrews government announced a massive $1.6 billion in funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades, as well as increased for funding public transport projects.  Thge budget will see billions of dollars spent delivering home energy efficiency upgrades, accelerating rooftop solar and batteries, beginning construction on stage one of the Suburban Rail Loop and building new, energy efficient public housing stock. These are all very welcome announcements that will have a positive impact on people’s living standards, and create jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These are exactly the kinds of announcements we need to see more of if we’re going to have a chance of acting on the climate crisis.

As momentum builds towards more climate change solutions, Friends of the Earth Melbourne's Yes 2 Renewables collective is putting the spotlight on five of the top clean energy projects for a renewables-led recovery in Victoria.

NSW Border Rivers is the first valley in NSW where floodplain harvesting will be licensed. Follow our table of questions and answers to get your submission in.

Make a submission by midnight, Monday November 30!