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The community group Clean Energy For Eternity was created in May 2006, with the formation of a human sign on Tathra Beach. 10% of the Bega Valley Shire turned up. On that day, about 10 people stepped forward to offer help, and a community group was formed.
Most of those people are still working hard today as members of CEFE to help raise awareness about climate change, and look at achievable solutions.
Our message is simple. We want to set up SE NSW as a centre of excellence for renewable energy, and as a region showing leadership when it comes to tackling climate change. The advantages of doing so are enormous. This campaign aims to provide investment opportunity, attract jobs and business, and bring in tourists at a time when we are going to need it most.
We are about to get hotter and drier, and petrol is about to get a whole lot more expensive. This is going to have a profound impact on the two biggest industries in SE NSW, tourism and agriculture.
Being proactive about tackling climate change is all about regional reguvination. Many people are starting to realise this, and a social movement has started.
Bega CEFE
 - Something very strange is going on here.
Excitement builds for Bega festivalTHE first Bega Valley Festival is taking shape quickly.
Business and community groups from around the region are rallying to be involved in events as diverse as a football team tug-o-war to the latest in solar energy options, recognised speakers, artisan and producer stands.
The event will be sponsored by the Sapphire Coast Producers Associ-ation (SCPA), Clean Energy for Eternity and Austcom Web Network.
Festival co-ordinator Prue Kelly said the theme of Communities in Transition is gaining broad support.
“The most exciting aspect of festival planning so far is that communities and individuals throughout the Bega Valley are responding to our concept of bringing together the abundance of knowledge, skills and creativity in our midst to achieve our goals,” she said.
“The festival is an opportunity to learn, celebrate and socialise all at the same time.
“This is capturing imaginations everywhere.”
Ms Kelly said the festival is the fabric of the communities in transition.
“The excitement is there because we have already been doing things to build a low-carbon economy and our lifestyle is improving,” she said.
“Part of our role is to also honour our elders and how we came to be here, and also to recognise the recent migration to the area from the cities and how we plan for the future, which is a transition we can all make together.”
SCPA president John Champagne said the SCPA Field Day at
the festival exhibits in Littleton Gardens is filling up fast.
“Exhibits booked so far reflect the many areas that match SCPA’s objectives of promoting sustainable land use and lifestyle,” he said.
“From local food, building a cob pizza oven and blacksmithing displays to getting organic soil fertility advice, it’s all covered.
“SCPA is proud to be involved in this first Bega Valley Festival and playing a significant role in the transition to a local food growing culture.”
The Bega Town Hall will play host to the Clean Energy Expo.
Dr Matthew Nott said the hall will be full of renewable energy solutions.
“We face challenging times,” he said.
“The threat of climate change is complex and its impact on our region is uncertain.
“What is certain is our region’s ability to react to the challenges ahead.
“These are the most exciting of times, as we watch and participate in a huge economic shift away from 20th century thinking, and move into a new era.
“That is what Comm-unities in Transition is all about.”
The festival is free to the public other than a gold coin donation at St John’s Anglican Hall to listen to keynote speakers and for the Heartsong Choir.
Exhibit places are still available at both the SCPA Field Days and Clean Energy Expo.
Those interested in promoting their products or services can contact Ms Kelly on 0418 161 547 or visit www.begavalleyfestival.com.au  - Tathra water tower painted April 2009
5 shires in SE NSW have now adopted a 50/50 by 2020 target. This target, driven by strong community support, has had bipartisan government support at local, state and federal levels. We are the first region in Australia to set a challenging emissions reduction target, with Mike Kelly setting an aspirational 50/50 by 2020 target for the electorate of Eden-Monaro. That puts our region into a position of leadership.It hasn't always been easy for local government to support a target, but there is growing realisation that leadership on climate change presents SE NSW with enormous economic opportunity.
The 50/50 by 2020 target is achievable. A solar bulk buy deal currently in operation, will see up to 1 MegaWatt of solar panels put onto roof tops by the end of the year. That's a good start. We will have Australia's largest community solar farm built by 2010. It will power about half the houses in a town the size of Bega. It will hopefully be the first of many community owned power stations that get built across the region in the next 10 years. Community solar farms will work, because investment in renewable energy makes sense, and it makes money. They also open the door for strong rural/urban partnerships, and that is already starting to happen.
With the proposed wind farm on the Monaro, the Cooma-Monaro and Bombala councils will probably be the first shires in the southeast to produce more electricity than they use. That is an exciting concept! Snowy-Hydro contiues to pump renewable energy into the grid, year after year.
These are exciting times. We are turning the threat of climate change into opportunity. We are off to a flying start with the 50/50 by 2020 target, and we haven't even began to look at wave and biomass energy. Eden-Monaro could become a net exporter of renewable energy by 2030!
Matthew Nott
Clean Energy For Eternity
 - Derek Povel and Matthew Nott, extremely disappointed in the solar rebates being scrapped 3 weeks early
Community to suffer as rebate scrappedSteve Strevens 12/6/09
THE abrupt end to the solar panel rebate has caused “extreme disappointment” in the local region.
Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) spokes-man Matthew Nott and Pyramid Power’s Derek Povel said the decision by Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett to end the $8000 rebate on Tuesday could have a serious effect on climate change as well as jobs in the South East.
Although households who want solar panels will be able to apply for a new rebate which will be part of the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme, it will only be about half the current amount.
However, the details of the RET scheme and
the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) are
yet to pass through Parliament.
Mr Povel said the rebate was supposed to run until June 30 and many people in the region were still in the process of finishing their paperwork when it was discarded.
“Everyone knew there was a June 30 deadline and were working towards it,” he said.
“But now, without any warning, everything has been thrown into chaos.”
Mr Povel said that while most of the households that had applied for the rebate through the company were “in the pipeline” the problem was that 16 of the community groups who were expecting free solar panels on their buildings would now be looking at substantially less money to do the job.
The deal arranged between Pyramid Power and CEFE was that for every 30 households that signed up, a free 2-kilowatt system would be installed on a community building.
“We had 32 buildings from fire stations to schools to churches and 16 of them could now suffer because of this decision,” he said.
Mr Povel said that under the new scheme, the amount of money would only allow for about a 1.5-kilowatt system.
“This means there will be an added expense to Pyramid Power of around $100,000 added to the $400,000 we have already committed.
“We could pass that on but we have made a commitment and we will install at least a 1.5kw system at no cost to them.
“It’s a big expense but we are committed to the program.”
Mr Nott said the solar panel deal had been “very exciting for the community”.
“We knew it would change attitudes and set us as a leader in this region,” he said.
“Now our position has been weakened and is another blow at a political level.
“We have been trying to get this happening and (Federal Member) Mike Kelly has known about this bulk buy deal so why did no one tell us?
“I think it’s disgraceful and I am very unhappy with Minister Garrett.”
Mr Povel said it was like “Minister Garret has just got up from the table without saying thank you”.
“For him to say we have known about this for three weeks is nonsense,” he said.
“We are a smart company and we follow this pretty closely but no one knew about this until it was dropped on us.
“We had an industry-based press release at 10am Tuesday saying it was off.
“There are people who have missed out because they thought they had time and some are really upset.”
Mr Povel said as a company “we are now very nervous”.
“Last year they put a means test cap on the rebates and now this,” he said.
“It makes us nervous to plan and how can we be confident in anything they say?
“We have over 40 people employed now and could have over 80 by Christmas, what are we going to do?”
Mr Nott said he was “extremely disappointed with the politicians”.
“It’s a betrayal,” he said.
“The Rudd government was elected partially on its proposed action on climate change and the response has been extremely disappointing so far.
“We are struggling as a region to be leader on climate change and we will do it with or without government support, and at the moment we are doing without.”
Responding to the claims, Mr Kelly said the rebate system had been “hugely successful”.
“It was budgeted at $150 million and has blown out to $700 million, but it was unsustainable at that level,” he said.
“But it was not related to the whole process of climate change and renewable energy and the new REC system that began on Wednesday will do exactly that.”
According to Mr Kelly, the effect of the rebate had been to reduce the price of solar panels so that while anyone applying for discounts under the new system would receive less money, the actual offset on the cost of installation would be similar.
“Under the new system there is no need to apply for rebates and it has no means test,” he said.
• Mr Nott’s CEFE column on this page was written before any knowledge of the rebate being dropped. It clearly shows the excitement in the project that has now changed significantly. The Member for Bega Andrew Constance has congratulated Clean Energy for Eternity for their initiative to roll out solar power systems in partnership with Pyramid Power.
“Any initiative to make renewable energy more affordable to local householders is to be applauded and will assist greatly in achieving the Shire’s 50/50 by 2020 energy target,” Mr Constance said.
“To offer solar energy installation through a bulk purchase initiative will bring terrific outcomes for the environment and a reduction in household carbon footprints in the Valley.
Many families have expressed concern about the impact of climate change and at the same time are unsure how they can assist combat it.
“Clean Energy for Eternity have done a fantastic job in raising awareness about the issue and are well truly down the path of finding local grass root solutions to meeting the challenges of climate change,” Mr Constance said.
“This initiative enables a community group or individual to organise 30 people to participate in a bulk purchase.
“There are a number of conditions, however I would urge people to start talking to their neighbours and local community groups about what is possible.
“There are a number of suppliers of solar energy throughout the region and they are all doing a fantastic job at promoting renewable energy,” Mr Constance said.
“I would urge all householders to weigh up solar power and become part of the ‘solar Shire’.
“The cost savings to the householder in the long run are significant, particularly given the sharp electricity price hikes that the NSW Government has approved this year,” he said.
“I am advised that one kilowatt of solar energy produced from the $990 installation will return approximately $350 per year in energy savings,” he said.
“I also want to acknowledge Pyramid Power for their generosity to assist local families,” Mr Constance said.
 - Members of the Tathra Rural Fire Service at a public meeting in Tathra to discuss the solar bulk buy deal. The Tathra RFS station is first in line for a 2kw solar panel system.
Steve Strevens Bega District News 9/4/09
ANYONE who has been thinking of putting solar electricity on their house now has a great opportunity.
Local climate action group Clean Energy For Eternity (CEFE) has entered into a partnership with local business Pyramid Power to come up with a deal that they hope will see 1000 houses connected to solar panels by Christmas this year.
Spokesman for CEFE Matthew Nott said the idea was initiated by Prue Kelly, a CEFE member in Bermagui, and it “progressed from there”.
“Pyramid Power came up with a terrific offer and we are being flooded with interest from locals all around the region,” he said.
Basically, according to Pyramid Power project co-ordinator Andrew Nagle, if people join one of the solar energy bulk buying groups forming now in townships around the shire and your combined family income is less than $100,000 (a federal solar rebate condition) then you can access a 1kilowatt solar energy system installed from as little as $990.
It could save homeowners around $350 a year in electricity bills, according to Mr Nott, which was “considerable”.
Mr Nott said installing a system on his home some three years ago cost him about $14,000, so “this is a really wonderful offer”.
There needs to be 30 people who are within 30 kilometres of the nominated town centre to qualify for the offer, with the added bonus of the free installation of a 2 kilowatt system on a community building of the organiser’s choice.
“When we have 30 people in Tathra for instance the local fire station will be fitted out,” Mr Nott said.
Mr Nagle said that when a community group or individual organises for 30 people to agree to install solar energy in their area, they
fill in the forms, pay a deposit and once the rebate applications are lodged
and approved, installation begins.
Mr Nott said it was “fantastic to work with Pyramid Power who are a local company employing over 25 people and who will employ another 10 because of this offer”.
Pyramid Power CEO Stephen Garrett said the Bega Valley was already known for its “strong community leadership on climate change”.
“We already have 10 per cent of households running on some form of renewable solar energy,” he said.
“And this offer is aimed at making solar energy more affordable for our community, as well as a direct bid to assist the community in reaching the shire’s 50/50 by 2020 energy targets.”
Mr Nott said the deal was good for all in the Valley.
“Not only will it mean people can make great savings, it means we will employ more people who will spend their money in the area,” he said.
“This is really a win-win for the Bega Valley.”
Almost 200 people have already signed up for the deal and Mr Nott said he anticipated many more once the word spread through the community.
Anyone interested in the offer should visit www.cefe.net.au or call into Pyramid Power in Carp Street, Bega.
 - Click this image to find 'Shine On' documents
Click this image to access the most recent documents for the 'Shine On' special offer.
 - Matthew Nott, Mayor Tony Allen, and the Bega business chambers Robert Hayson at the launch of 'Shine On' in Bega
 - Matthew Nott, Steve Garrett, Prue Kelly, Derek Povel Tony Brown and Robert Hayson
THE Tathra water tower at the entrance to town will soon appear differently, with a sign advocating 50/50 by 20/20 painted on it.
At the Bega Valley Shire Council meeting last week, the sign received council approval, something the Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) group has been seeking for quite some time.
In May last year, when CEFE first applied to council to paint the sign on the tower, council said that unless it could be deemed a “community sign” then it would need an approved development application (DA).
However, if it was a community sign a DA was not required.
When a recommendation to approve the sign was put to the meeting, councillor Paul Pincini asked whether approval would “open a can of worms” with applications from any other organisations with groups putting up signs on council property.
“I’m not against it, I support the concept, but are we encouraging this by allowing it to happen?” he said.
Council’s group manager of Infrastructure Waste and Water Doug Mein said that should other requests arise, it would be necessary to look at them on a case by case basis.
Mr Mein said the tower was a council asset and therefore the sign would be a council sign promoting a community group aspiration (50/50 by 2020) that was supported by council.
“This project will serve to consolidate our community position as leaders in climate change awareness and supporters of local action to effect positive change,” Mr Mein said.
The recommendation was passed unanimously subject to all costs being met by CEFE and a satisfactory works schedule including Occupational Health and Safety strategies.
After the meeting CEFE spokesman Matthew Nott said council’s decision was “excellent, absolutely fantastic”.
“I think it demonstrates that our council has the ability to think a little bit outside the square,” he said.
“This is a very unusual request put to them by the community and this decision demonstrates they are prepared to listen to the community, listen to our concerns and jump on board something that has universal community support.”
Mr Nott said that as soon as they could have scaffolding and the painter organised to do it, then work would start.
“Council has said the job must be done properly with all mandatory requirements met – which, of course, is what we want as well – and as soon as we can get everything organised we will start.
“Hopefully it will be completed in the next few weeks.” 4. Signage – Tathra water storage tower
Clean Energy For Eternity seeks Council endorsement for their plan to place the CEFE logo 50/50 by 2020 on the Council water tower at the western entrance to Tathra on Bega Street. This report recommends approval.
Group Manager, Infrastructure Waste & Water
BACKGROUND
Council has previously considered a request from CEFE to place the logo and responded advising unless the signage could be deemed "a community sign" a DA would be required. That was in May 2008. Since that time and following further discussion with CEFE and council staff and a recent presentation to Council by Dr Matthew Nott of CEFE, the need for a DA has been reconsidered.
ISSUES
If it is a Council sign, it is exempt from development consent requirement. If it not a Council sign, it is prohibited in the zone. This applies at Tathra but should other sites become requested it will be necessary to look at them on a case by case basis to check zoning against the LEP and exempt development provisions, signage SEPP, etc. to ensure compliance and consistency.
Asset
From an asset owner/manager perspective the tower on which the logo is to be placed is a Council asset and therefore the sign would be a Council sign. The attachment to the water tower of a logo promoting a community group aspiration (50/50 by 2020) that is supported by Council lends support to that logic.
The attachment and on-going maintenance of the sign can be the subject of an agreement between council and CEFE thus removing from council any capital or recurrent costs associated with the signage. The process of attachment /maintenance will also require a schedule detailing work method statements with particular reference to OH & S requirements.
A photograph of the water tower has been digitally manipulated to show the proposed logo and will be on display in the chamber.
Social / Cultural
CEFE and Council have developed an excellent relationship in regard to raising awareness in our local community and in the broader population of climate change issues including adaptation and mitigation strategies.
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23 FINANCE AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE 24 March 2009
Financial
No cost to Council.
CONCLUSION
This project will serve to consolidate our community position as leaders in climate change awareness and supporters of local action to effect positive change. The project has no financial burden to council and serves to assist a well supported community group to continue their efforts to be part of a sustainable future.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council approve the attachment of the Clean Energy For Eternity logo 50/50 by 2020 to the exterior wall of the water storage tower at Tathra subject to:
(a) All costs to be met by CEFE;
(b) A satisfactory works schedule being provided which includes details of OH & S strategies in relation to attachment and maintenance.
PAGE
 - A work in progress. Stay tuned for another classic CEFE shot
7/11/2008
CLEAN Energy for Eternity’s renewable energy expo at the Bega RSL Club on Wednesday afternoon attracted a lot of people interested in doing their bit to save the planet.
Around the club’s auditorium various firms and groups had set up stalls to show off their energy-saving products. Many of them were the firms that installed solar water heating and solar systems attached to the grid.Their staff was able to show visitors exactly what was entailed in installing solar power on roofs or on the property, and the costs involved. Firms with waste water systems and environmentally friendly lavatories were also there to show off their goods and explain how it all works.Energy imaging had new thermal imaging equipment to use to find out where heat escapes from your house in winter. Other methods of maximising energy efficiency were on display, and if not the products themselves, there were plenty of pamphlets to collect so that any home owner or prospective home owner could take them home and work out just how they could save energy in their home. The Parkers, Sam and Cymmon, were there with EPAC, the electric power pack for bicycles which, if correctly installed, can transform a standard bike frame into one of the most efficient, cost effective and environmentally fri-endly form of transport available. Lots of small solar powered lights and torches were on sale, as were environmentally friendly cl-eaning materials.
The Expo was a great chance for people to learn how to save money and do their bit for the environment.
Bega District News
Federal Member for Eden-Monato Mike Kelly has announced the Federal Government will fund a scoping study up to $100 000 for a solar farm in the Bega Valley area.
Mr Kelly, on behalf of the Minister for Climate Change and Water and Penny Wong and Minister for Environment Peter Garrett, announced the funding in a presentation on the government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme at the climate change forum in Bega on Wednesday night (5/11/08).
:I am proud to announce the government has acted on another election promise and will fund a feasibility study into a solar farm in Eden-Monaro, and I hope this will be a first step in getting a solar farm on the South Coast" Mr Kelly said.
The funding comes from the Federal Government's Green Precincts Fund which supports local communities to better manage water and energy use for current and future generations.
"Before the election I made a cmmitment that the government would fund a feasibility study with the aim of establishing a 1-2 megawatt solar farm on the South Coast", Mr Kelly said.
"A solar farm here could provide enough energy to power 1000 homes and provide a working example of green energy working for a regional community
"Clean Energy For Eternity has been working with me to make this project happen and it is great news the government is putting $100 000 towards the feasibility of a solar farm in the Bega Valley.
"Should the project go ahead, the government will consider up to an additional $1 million in matching funds to support the construction of the solar farm."
Mr Kelly also said he would continue to work hard with a number of community projects to reduce carbon pollution and increase the renewable energy use in the region.
Bega District News
 - A $10000 cheque presented to the Tathra primary school for a wind turbine after the Bega River LifeSaving Energy Big Swim.It looks as if we will have a 400 Watt Soma wind turbine installed by September
 - Luke Hamilton, Mark Canaider, Sascha Sacharov, Matthew Nott, Grant Prowse, Giles Ellingworth and Rob Gordijn before the Bega River LifeSaving Energy Big Swim on 8/6/08. Almost $10000 was made for a wind turbine for the Tathra primary school.Photo by Lewis Nott Click on photo to view gallery Go to the video page to view movie
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