No New Gas in Victoria
From 2011 until 2017, the Victorian community, especially regional communities in the south of the state, campaigned hard to win the ban on fracking and the moratorium on onshore conventional gas drilling.
While fracking (unconventional gas drilling) was banned permanently, a moratorium was placed on onshore conventional exploration and drilling. This has been in force since 2014, has been extended once, and will expire on June 30, 2020.
Having a ban and moratorium has given certainty to farming communities, who can feel safe from the negative threats of local gas production. It has also stopped new fossil fuels from being developed in a time where climate science makes it abundantly clear that the time for new coal, gas and oil is over.
Now the community faces the prospect of the moratorium being lifted and exploration and conventional gas drilling starting again.
Energy Justice Vic
At our recent screening of 'The Bentley Effect' Energy Justice Victoria called on the Premier Daniel Andrews government to stand with communities and a safe climate, and commit to no new fossil fuel projects in Victoria.
‘The Bentley Effect tells the inspirational story of the Northern Rivers communities fight against powerful gas companies and pro-fossil fuel politicians. Right now across Victoria people are fighting new fossil fuel projects that have been approved by Premier Andrews government.
In Victoria’s south west, communities are opposing planned oil and gas exploration in the Otway Basin. In the south east, locals are working to stop an experimental coal-to-hydrogen production facility and associated waste-carbon injection project off the beautiful Ninety Mile Beach. And in Westernport people are opposing AGL’s new gas import facility and associated pipelines.
We have better, cleaner alternatives to new fossil fuel projects that destroy land, pollute water, and fuel the climate crisis. Communities are calling for solutions that do not destroy their health and environment, and it’s time Premier Andrews stands with them.
Is Nuclear Power a Solution to Climate Change?
Event by the Friends of the Earth Melbourne Nuclear-Free Collective
When: Wednesday 28th August, 6.30 - 8pm
Where: Yami Lester room, upstairs at Friends of the Earth Melbourne
312 Smith St, Collingwood
Speakers: Prof. Tilman Ruff, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Australia and Medical Association for Prevention of War
Dr Jim Green, Friends of the Earth
+ short films about Chernobyl and other less-known nuclear accidents
+ Q&A
The Federal Government has announced an inquiry into nuclear power and conservative ideologues are promoting nuclear power. At this event, Prof. Tilman Ruff and Dr Jim Green will bust some of the myths around nuclear power and we’ll show some short films about Chernobyl and other less-known nuclear accidents. Come along with your questions about nuclear power and enjoy free soup and hot drinks!
RSVP: https://www.melbournefoe.org.au/nuclear_power_film_night
Contact: [email protected], 0417 318 368
Read the recent report on nuclear power and climate change by FoE Australia's Dr Jim Green
Nuclear power enters the culture wars
In this week’s episode of Dirt Radio on 3CR, Friends of the Earth’s Jim Green speaks with Em Gayfer to bust some myths about nuclear power.
Read Friends of the Earth Australia's new statement on Nuclear Power – No Solution to Climate Change.
Read a FoE article about the silly conservative ideologues promoting nuclear power (which was featured in a good ABC Media Watch segment).
FoE has also produced a briefing paper on nuclear power's economic crisis.
Tuesday 20th August marked one year since the government's ballot to gauge support for the waste dump was due to commence. The ballot was stalled by opposition from the Barngarla Traditional Owners (BDAC). The case was recently dismissed and BDAC have appealed the decision. While this legal challenge continues, as does a legal challenge initiated by the Adnyamathanha people, it seems the ballot will be held this year regardless.
Minister Canavan is visiting the affected communities of Kimba and the Flinders Ranges this week. No matter where you are in Australia, you can still have your say by sending a submission to the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. The site selection process remains fundamentally flawed and Friends of the Earth will continue to say NO to a radioactive waste facility in South Australia.
Don't Dump on SA Update
Tuesday 20th August marked one year since the government's ballot to gauge support for the waste dump was due to commence. The ballot was stalled by opposition from the Barngarla Traditional Owners (BDAC). The case was recently dismissed and BDAC has appealed the decision.
While this legal challenge continues, as does a legal challenge initiated by the Adnyamathanha people, it seems the ballot will be held this year regardless. Minister Canavan is visiting the affected communities of Kimba and the Flinders Ranges this week.
No matter where you are in Australia, you can still have your say by sending a submission to the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. The site selection process remains fundamentally flawed and Friends of the Earth will continue to say NO to a radioactive waste facility in South Australia.
Transform Waste
In the last few weeks Transform Waste has been actively campaigning for the implementation of a 10c refund for cans and bottles in Victoria. Transform Waste Coordinator Anine gave a passionate speech on the steps of Parliament calling on the Andrews’ Government to implement the scheme ASAP, and we are confident of a breakthrough soon!
Over the next few months we will continue to mobilise our team to ramp up the pressure to make this happen. Expect a flurry of social media activity and a big turn out to Spring Clean the City, as well as the first-ever Transform Waste stall at the Zero Waste Festival in October.
Find out more at https://transformwaste.org.au/ or come along to a meeting 6pm every Wednesday at FoE Melbourne.
Darlings for our Darling
River Country is at it again.
Last year we got the rivers on the front page during the Broken Heel Festival in Broken Hill, with a drag show on the rapidly degrading Darling River. This year we will put on a show on the river bed, to take creative action and bring a smile to communities deeply suffering.
Energy Efficiency & Hydrogen with Tim Forcey
Tim Forcey is an energy expert who has trained as a chemical engineer and worked in the energy sector, with expertise in two current hot topics: energy efficiency and the upcoming hydrogen economy.
The use of simple energy efficiency measures are an easy way to save electricity and reduce power bills in the household. For people who are interested in saving money and reducing their carbon footprint energy efficiency is a quick and easy option.
Check out the Facebook event for more info
Y2R Info Night Thurs 29th August: 'Putting Victoria on the road to 100% Renewables'
While the recently elected Morrison government continues to fail the country on the climate crisis, states like Victoria can show true leadership by stepping up ambition on renewable energy, sustainable transport and more. Join us for a Yes 2 Renewables info night to learn about our vision for putting the state on the road to 100% Renewable Energy, and how to get involved, step up and help make it a reality.
Click here for more details and to RSVP
From building the country's first offshore wind farm Star of the South, powering Melbourne's train network with renewable energy and paving the way for a just transition out of fossil fuel dependence, Victoria has all the tools at hand to transform the economy, create thousands of climate jobs and cut polluting greenhouse gas emissions.
With a state renewable energy target written into law, now is the time to show greater ambition and put Victoria on the road to 100% renewables.
Webinar: Lobbying your MP to Show Climate Leadership
WILL YOUR LOCAL MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT LEAD THE DRIVE FOR LESS THAN 1.5°C?
We are hosting another webinar for those who couldn’t make it to the last one.
Join us for a briefing on our strategy to get Labor MPs championing climate action in Victoria and skills share session on persuasive conversations.
WHAT’S AT STAKE:
We are facing a climate crisis... Australia's emissions are rising due to the Federal Coalition's failure to act on climate. And this failure leaves Victorian communities exposed to intensifying impacts such as heatwaves, droughts, bushfires, extreme weather, and rising sea levels.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
Victoria has an opportunity to put the country back on track... For the first time, the Andrews government is about to set an Emissions Reduction Target for 2025.
Climate Strike Crafternoon
The School Strike 4 Climate has gone global... And if we're going to help make the September 20 Climate Strike the biggest in history then we need everyone.
Friends of the Earth's Act on Climate collective are proud to back our mates. We'd like to invite you to join us for an afternoon of banner painting to prepare for the Climate Strike.
We have paint and calico, but you're welcome to bring your own. The crafternoon to be accompanied by good snacks, good tunes, and good people.
Movie Night - The Incredible Legacy of John Trudell
A benefit to help stop mining on the lands of indigenous people in Ecuador. The night will feature a documentary and short films about the life and times of renowned Native American activist, poet and musician, John Trudell.
Trudell was possibly one of the most influential thinkers of the late 20th century/early 21st century. His legacy and wisdom will endure. Support FoE and Melbourne Rainforest Action Group