Transforming Victoria
There is an urgent climate imperative to transform our democratic, economic, energy and food systems.
In the midst of the climate crisis, inequality is also on the rise. In September 700,000 people across Australia were out of work, and underemployment rates are on the rise.
Earlier this year, we released an initial document outlining the beginnings of a vision to #TransformVIC with a focus on Creating Jobs while Cutting Emissions.
After consulting with a broad spectrum of allies, the latest version of the Transforming Victoria report is live, and incorporates additional elements of a just transitions framework which goes beyond jobs, and begins to look to alternative models of powering and structuring our communities to be resilient to the far-reaching implications of climate impacts here in Victoria.
There is extra information available here.
Walk This Way!
Beginning at CERES Community Environment Park, and journeying along Melbourne's Merri Creek Trail to hear some of Melbourne's transformative community stories, we will finish up with a community picnic at Abbotsford Convent.
Sign up, or find a friend to donate to, here!
Every dollar you raise will support Friends of the Earth campaigning for urgent system change in the face of the climate crisis!
We know that where governments have fallen behind, communities have the power to transform Victoria, so on Saturday November 9th we're excited to share just some of the creative and inspiring local solutions taking the lead.
Check out the latest episode of Friends of the Earth's Dirt Radio for more news on the event!
Facebook event here.
Its time to defend the gas drilling moratorium
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, and will expire on June 30, 2020.
We now need to make it clear to the Victorian government that the time for new fossil fuel development is over and that they should #ExtendtheMoratorium.
Here are some quick actions you can take to get the message across.
Spring rebellion is over. What’s next?
The ‘Spring Rebellion’ called by Extinction Rebellion (XR) mobilised thousands of people around the country to get involved in actions to demand that government declare a climate emergency.
Friends of the Earth understands why the community is so angry about government inaction and why they are joining XR. Given the comprehensive failure of multiple governments to act on climate, it was inevitable and necessary for a movement like XR to emerge. We support the right of communities to engage in peaceful direct action in defence of the environment.
With the rebellion over, our campaigns continue at full pace, and we would welcome your involvement. Here is what we’re up to in Victoria.
Get Inside the Hong Kong Protests!
Bonnie Leung is the outgoing vice-Convenor of the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) and a District Councillor. The CHRF organised all the multi-million person marches in Hong Kong. She is in Australia to participate in a global gathering of city activists at Sydney University, and we are lucky to have her in Melbourne for one night only!
Bonnie will tell the story of how the Hong Kong protest movement grew, the different elements of the movement, how they organise online and offline, and how it’s changed over four months. She will also explain the escalating crackdown and now state of emergency, and how international support is needed more than ever.
She will be joined by Amanda Tattersall from ChangeMakers Podcast and University of Sydney. Amanda has been to Hong Kong reporting on the movement. She will explain some of the deeper history to the movement and explore what lessons from Hong Kong can be adapted by progressive campaigners in Australia today.
Make a submission about the nuclear dump
The Department is calling for submissions and says these will be "one of the factors the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia may take into account when determining broad community support for the Facility."
If you live outside the ballot area, a submission is the only way to have your say! Here are some of the reasons why it is important that you do:
· This is Australia's waste and a national issue. The burden of responsibility shouldn't fall on small, regional and remote communities.
· Communities along the transport route have not been consulted by the government at all, yet they will be affected
· Flinders Ranges and Kimba communities have been divided by the flawed process and really need the support of people from all over the country.
Have your say - Make a submission!
Submissions can be made by:
Email: [email protected]
Post: The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science
National Radioactive Waste Section
GPO Box 2013, Canberra ACT 2601
Please write your own submission or use our online proforma here.
To find out what else you can do go to www.foe.org.au/have_your_say
More Anti-Nuclear News
* Check out this new, inspiring short video about Traditional Owner-led campaigns against nuclear waste dumping in SA.
* Over 50 groups signed a joint statement opposing nuclear power ‒ trade union, public health, Indigenous, environment, faith and environmental and climate action groups. The level of support from trade unions was extraordinary, including the ACTU, peak union bodies at state/territory level, and key national unions.
* FoE has been contributing to parliamentary inquiries into nuclear power - our detailed submission to the federal inquiry is here, and here's the link for the transcript of the public hearing where we spoke to the Committee along with the Medical Association for the Prevention of War, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and the Australian Conservation Foundation. We've also put in a submission to the NSW Parliament's inquiry into nuclear power ... and before the end of the year, there will be an inquiry in Victoria as well.
* Please have a look at a new joint-NGO initiative ‒ the dont-nuke-the-climate.org.au website. It has a bunch of useful resources including FoE's statement on nuclear power and climate change.
* If you can donate to support our anti-nuclear campaign work, please visit the FoE website.
Insect Armageddon
More attention has recently come to light about the decline of insect species around the world. FoE's pesticides, spokesperson, Anthony Amis, will be presenting an hour-long presentation which was recently presented to the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. The presentation hopes to encourage people to take a greater interest in the issue and learn more about the main drivers of insect declines.
Check out the Facebook event and come along.
Energy Justice on the Fossil Frontlines
On Saturday the 12th of October, members of Energy Justice Victoria (EJV) launched the Fossil Frontlines Community Tour with its first stop: a visit to Seaspray hosted by Gasfield Free Seaspray.
The Seaspray community, with so many others across the state, fought hard to see unconventional gas drilling (fracking) banned permanently for the benefit of water quality, tourism and farming in the area. The campaign also saw a temporary moratorium placed on onshore conventional gas exploration.
On the 19th October, EJV embarked on the second stop of the Tour, hosted in Golden Beach by local group Ninety Mile Against Carbon Storage.
EJV members visited the area to hear local views on new proposed offshore gas in the Gippsland Basin and offshore gas storage by GB Energy, as well as a proposed waste-carbon injection project in the seabed seven kilometres offshore. The waste-carbon injection project, run by government-funded CarbonNet, is connected to a new coal project in the Latrobe Valley. Members of the local community formed Ninety Mile Against Carbon Storage and have been campaigning against the project.
Community Rally - 50th Anniversary of 1969 Transport Plan
It's 1969. Yellow Submarine has just been released, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took their first steps on the Moon, television is still black and white, and Melbourne's first Transport Plan is out.
It's 2019. Heatwaves, bushfires, and sea levels rising are ravishing our planet. Climate change is getting worse and our carbon emissions continue to rise. Yet, more and more cars are used due to efficient alternatives, and there's no new transport plan in Melbourne to guide a transition.
Feeling like times' a' changin'? Come along for the 50th Anniversary of 1969 Transport Plan!
Join the Sustainable Cities collective in planning other ways of moving around the city, for a decarbonised, better-connected, more liveable Melbourne. Let's ask for a Transport Plan which takes into account 2019's challenges, and not 1969's! With speeches, music and friendly faces!
Dress up in your best 60's outfit, let's party like it’s 1969!
Wednesday 27 Nov, 10-10.30am, Victorian Parliament Steps. RSVP here.
50% Renewables by 2030 is now law in Victoria. Here's what needs to happen next
Legislation to increase Victoria's Renewable Energy Target to 50% by 2030 passed the final hurdle in Victoria's lower house on Tuesday, and has now become law.
It's a positive step forward, and sends a good message at a time when the likes of federal Energy Minister Angus Taylor and big corporates like Energy Australia are trying to hold up climate action and prevent state governments from rolling out wind and solar.
At a time of climate crisis, we can't just stop here. Its vital we get Victoria on the path to 100% Renewables. Here's what the state government needs to do next to build on the momentum:
- Commit to bold and ambitious emissions reduction targets for 2025 and 2030.
- Roll out a second round of renewable energy auctions
- Commit to power Melbourne’s train network with renewable energy.
- Ensure landmark renewable energy proposals like the Delburn wind farm in the Latrobe Valley and the Star of the South offshore wind farm deliver for communities that rely economically on coal and gas.
- Set out a plan for community owned renewable energy that unleashes the potential of communities to lead the energy transition and provides community energy groups the certainty they need to succeed.
Delivering on this would transform the energy system and create thousands of climate jobs. Its time to get it done.
Victoria: Take the lead on community energy
Did you know that across the country, there are 105 community energy groups and 50 of these are based in Victoria? That’s why we have partnered with our friends at the Coalition 4 Community Energy (C4CE) and the Community Power Agency to ensure this sector can thrive.
While the federal Coalition buries its head in the sand on climate change, communities are leading on renewable energy at the local level. But in the absence of a federal energy policy, there are many community energy projects in development that do not have the financial or logistical support needed to reach maturity.
If Victoria is going to be the leader in community energy, it’s vital the state government provides community energy groups with the support they need to succeed.
Sign the petition for Victoria to take the lead on community-owned renewable energy.
Nature for Life Rally
Date: Thursday 28 November
Time: 12pm–2pm
Place: Parliament steps, Spring Street, Melbourne
Followed by: BYO picnic in Treasury Gardens
It’s very clear from the current state of Victoria’s environment that bold action is needed by the Andrews Government to protect the places and wildlife we love – our National Parks, forests, rivers, beaches, oceans, native plants and animals.
On Thursday 28 November, the fifth anniversary of the election of the Andrews Government, environment and community groups from across Victoria will rally together to demand real action to protect Victoria's nature. Will you join us?
Sound for Climate community concert
The coastal town of Inverloch is on the frontline of climate impacts in Victoria. The town has seen dramatic beach erosion since 2012 as rising sea levels and intensifying storm surges slam the coast. The Surf Club and nearby Bunurong Road are exposed to the elements.
Friends of the Earth and the Bass Coast Climate Action Network are holding a community concert on Sunday 1 December to sound the alarm about the climate crisis.
Join us for a FREE, all ages event in the heart of Inverloch. There will be musicians, guest speakers, food trucks, and more…