|
|
|
 - Matthew Nott, Juklia Mayo-Ramsay and Chris Kowal attend the 2009 Eureka awards with Pilippa Rowland and Prue Kelly, to hear that we would be an unsuccessful finalist for the third year in a row.
4/08/2009 8:04:00 AM Bega District NewsIT MAY be a case of third time lucky for Clean Energy for Eternity as once again the group has been short listed in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
Presented annually by the Australian Museum, the award rewards excellence in the fields of scientific research and innovation, science leadership, school science and science journalism and communication.
The group is nominated in the DECC Eureka Prize for Innovative Solutions to Climate Change.
Last year the group was runner up in the same category.
Clean Energy for Eternity founder Matthew Nott said for the first two years CEFE was the only non-funded group in the running for the award.
“We are a group that isn’t paid to do what we are doing,” he said.
“To my knowledge were the only unfunded group to be represented as a finalist.
“Being short listed really is a tribute to a large group of people who have been working tirelessly with CEFE for the last three years.
“It’s also a tribute to the support we have got from local communities.”
Mr Nott said a win this year would further promote the group and give it even more credibility and substance.
“We are always hoping to win and it is a privilege to be short listed as a finalist,” he said.
“We would love to win a national award like this as it demonstrates we are a respectable mainstream community group.
“Taking out the award would give us more weight in talking to politicians and it would strengthen the South East’s position on climate change in demonstrating the economic opportunities afforded by being pro-active about climate change in regional communities.”
However, just by being a finalist in the awards provides opportunities.
“In the first year we had a long talk with Malcolm Turnbull and last year we were able to meet Peter Garrett,” Mr Nott said.
“CEFE is a community group looking at climate change and is different in that we are a mainstream, respectable organisation looking at it in a dispassionate way as opposed to a passionate and alarmist view ... we stick to the facts and the science. “We’re all about the economics of climate change and politicians are interested in that,” Mr Nott said.
Winning an award will no doubt give the group more national exposure.
However not winning the award won’t deter the members from the group’s main objectives.
“We will continue on with our three main aims, that is, to increase awareness of climate change; continue with the group’s involvement in the lifesaving club’s energy campaign; and make further progress on the solar farm initiative.
“We will also continue to push the 50/50 by 2020 target adopted by the Eden-Monaro region, which showcases our belief that climate change is all about opportunities.”
The recent solar bulk buy deal offered across SE NSW is such an example.
“1200 households signed up for this and as a result of the deal 20 x two kWatt community installations will be up and running within the next nine months.
“This is how we communicate with local groups, by actually showing them the advantages of renewable energy.”
 - Philippa Rowland accepting the Award
Climate change group, Clean Energy For Eternity (CEFE), has won the Environment and Landcare category for the 2008 NSW/ACT Regional Achievement & Community Awards announced in Coffs Harbour on 8th November 2008.
The award marks a watershed week, just four days after Federal funding was confirmed for CEFE’s feasibility study into Australia’s first community solar farm.
The Award, sponsored by Prime Television and the Commonwealth Bank, acknowledges individuals and organisations that show a proven passion and dedication to reducing environmental impacts in rural and regional areas.
Award judges recognised CEFE for its catalytic role in inspiring community action on climate change.
The organization has demonstrated a commitment to pursuing innovative local solutions to a global challenge now recognized as a major risk to the security of people around the world.
CEFE founder Dr Matthew Nott, received the award saying; “This recognition is a great reminder of what local communities can achieve in Australia if they take courage and exercise leadership.
“Climate change is a priority issue in our rural Shires, where major economic keystones are tourism and agriculture.
“Our local community in south-east New South Wales was stirred into action because we realised that normal, everyday people could make a difference to the threat that climate change poses to our livelihoods and those of future generations.”
Five Shires across regional NSW (Bega, Cooma-Monaro, Eurobodalla, Palerang and Snowy River) and two Sydney suburbs (Mosman and Manly) have committed to CEFE’s ambitious but achievable community target of 50/50 by 2020 – to reduce energy consumption by 50% and produce 50% of our energy from clean renewable sources by the year 2020.
“With the current volatility of the markets and financial instability it’s tough for many individuals and families, particularly in regional areas where ongoing drought and decreasing supplies of water are taking their toll on farming communities and regional centres.
“It is exciting to see CEFE moving forward into a new phase, one that will bring new investment, training and employment opportunities into our region,” said Dr Nott.
Last Wednesday’s signing of the Funding Agreement with the Federal Government’s Green Precincts’ Program marks the formal beginning of the solar farm project.
“After twelve months solid work by a committed band of volunteers, it’s exciting to get the funding and get cracking on the research,” said interim Project Manager and CEFE’s Public Officer, Philippa Rowland.
“It’s a great step forward for the Bega community. Since our aim is to develop a replicable model, the project will also assist other communities throughout Australia interested in the transition to renewable energy.
“We already have a solar group in Jindabyne hot on our heels and keen to develop Australia’s second solar farm.
“The Bega and Mosman CEFE groups are working together in an urban-rural partnership to bring this solar project into fruition. It’s a unique chance to use our country’s solar resource to create sustainable regional development for the future.
“We are starting a renewable energy revolution. Seeing the opportunities and finding practical solutions are close at hand helps to overcome paralysis and turns apathy into inspiration.
“This race against time is a race worth winning – for all of us!”
Tathra Beach on the NSW South Coast has won the Community Action and Environmental Innovation awards at the Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beaches Awards, announced in Sydney last night.
Tathra, a close knit coastal village of just over 1500 people, has a long history of community based action to protect and enhance its magnificent coastal environment. Tathra Beach, one of the Shires premier tourist beaches, is backed by an extensive coastal reserve system for its entire length.
Local and district residents flock to Tathra year round, to take advantage of the diversity of coastal ecosystems and reserve facilities. The beach environment ranges from natural dune systems and remnant vegetation communities, to developed recreational areas, surf club and a caravan park.
According to the Australian Clean Beaches Judge, Chris Tola, “The Bega area is well known for community activity and Tathra Beach is cared for by many active and dedicated community groups and individuals. Their long-term commitment guarantees innovation and a shared responsibility to the coast and wider local environment earned them the Community Action award.”
Tathra is also the birth place of the ‘Clean Energy for Eternity’ group whose focus is community based climate change mitigation actions. Beginning with a 3000 person human sign on Tathra Beach spelling out “Clean Energy for Eternity”, the group has now expanded with chapters in four neighbouring Councils and in Mosman (Sydney) and Victoria. This initiative won Tathra the Environmental Innovation award. Dr Matthew Nott, a driving force behind the initiative, also received the Dame Phyllis Frost Individual Award.
Bruce Hopkins (Hoppo) Waverley Council Lifeguard Coordinator and star of Channel 10’s ‘Bondi Rescue’ attended the national awards presentation and congratulated all participants for their efforts:
"Working as a lifeguard for over 17 years I have seen first hand how rubbish can damage our beautiful beaches. I have always been very supportive and proud of 'Keep Australia Beautiful' and I would like to congratulate all the participants on a fantastic job in keeping the beaches clean. Keep up the great work!"
Tathra Beach was also highly commended in the Community Partnership and Protection of the Environment categories, whilst Townsville’s The Strand won the overall Clean Beaches national title for 2008.
Australia’s favourite premium spring water Mount Franklin, is celebrating individual, local and community sustainability efforts by sponsoring the Australian Clean Beaches Awards 2008.
Further information about the Australian Clean Beaches Awards can be found at www.kab.org.au
Keep Australia Beautiful, Australian Clean Beaches, Award Recipients 2008
Australia’s Cleanest Beach
The Strand – QLD
Community Action
Tathra Beach – NSW
Heritage and Culture
Frankston – VIC
Environmental Innovation
Tathra Beach – NSW
Environmental Innovation Water
The Strand – QLD
Litter Prevention
Scarborough Beach – WA
Resource Recovery
Scarborough Beach – WA
Community Partnership
Freers Beach – TAS
Protection of the Environment
The Strand – QLD
Young Legends
Kingston, South East – SA
Dame Phyllis Frost Award
Dr Matthew Nott
Clean Energy Group, Tathra Beach – NSW
Full details for each entrant in the Australian Clean Beaches Awards 2008 can be found at www.kab.org.au/beaches
The community-based climate change group, Clean Energy For Eternity (CEFE), was a finalist in the 2008 Eureka Prize for Innovative Solutions to Climate Change held in Sydney on 19 August.
The Insurance Australia Group (IAG) sponsors this prestigious prize to provide a focus on climate change as one of the major risks to the security of people around the world.
Presented annually by the Australian Museum, the Eureka Prizes reward excellence in the fields of scientific research and innovation, science leadership, school science and science journalism and communication.
Eureka Prize judges said CEFE demonstrated a commitment to pursuing innovative solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.
Dr Matthew Nott, founder of CEFE said being recognized as a finalist is a great reminder of what local communities can achieve in Australia if they exercise leadership and put their nose to the grindstone”.
“Our local community was stirred into action because we realized that normal, everyday people could make a difference to the threat that climate change poses to our livelihoods and those of future generations”.
“We have agreed on an ambitious but achievable target – to reduce energy consumption by 50% and increase the generation of energy from clean renewable sources by 50% by the year 2020.”
1. Brief Description of work undertaken by Clean Energy for Eternity
Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) is a not-for-profit community group based in SE NSW acting as a positive catalyst to inspire practical local initiatives to address climate change. CEFE sees its key role as creating pathways to action and developing high profile models that encourage communities to seize the opportunity to create a sustainable future. Communities in four shires (Bega, Cooma-Monaro, Eurobodalla and Snowy River) and in the Sydney suburbs of Mosman and Manly have committed to CEFE's target of 50% reduction of energy use and 50% renewable energy by 2020. Potential impacts of climate change are very real for the 50/50 by 2020 rural Shires, where major economic keystones are tourism and agriculture.
Objectives
CEFE Mission Statement
Our role is to show leadership and inspire immediate practical action on climate change.
CEFE Objectives
1. AWARENESS: ensure everyone in the 50/50 by 2020 Shires/Suburbs is aware of what we can do to address climate change the value of efficient use of clean, renewable energy
2. INFORMATION: raise the level of community knowledge & enable access to reliable information about energy efficiencies, clean renewable energy and climate change issues
3. ACTION: to promote & stimulate tangible local community, industry and government actions to reduce energy use and develop local clean energy generation/sustainability projects
4. INFLUENCE: to ensure that voters are well informed on energy and climate change policies and participate actively in national climate change debates and networks.
Results to date
LifeSaving Energy – In January 2007 CEFE launched LifeSaving Energy, installing solar PV, solar hot water and a wind turbine on the roof of the Tathra Surf Lifesaving Club. This project is actively increasing the credibility of grid interactive renewable energy as part of the solution to climate change. It is now being picked up as a national project by SLSA as part of their EcoSurf program, with the aim of having micro renewable energy installed on all 305 Australian surf clubs within two years. Iconic surf clubs around the country will then act as a point of information on grid interactive micro renewable energy for thousands of beach goers on a daily basis.
LifeSaving Energy Big Swim Series
Enthusiastic local support for the Big Swim series has now secured approx. $70,000, sufficient funding to get renewable energy up and running on 7 local SE NSW clubs by Christmas 2008. The March swim in Lake Jindabyne raised nearly $20,000, enough to install 2kW solar panels and 400W wind turbine on the Yabbies surf club with much fanfare on 3rd May 2008. The 7 km Narooma swim on the 20th April pulled in sponsorship for the Narooma and Bermagui surf clubs, with a modest entry fee of $15 and solar panel powered live music at the finish. On 10th May another 7 km swim in the Moruya River and associated surf boat race will raise money for the Broulee and Moruya surf clubs. A cold water swim in the Bega River on the June long weekend will raise additional money for the Tathra School wind turbine, with entries limited to 10 swimmers(and 5 swimmers already booked in).
The LifeSaving Energy concept has spread to church groups and emergency services.
The Anglican Synod of Canberra and Goulburn is supportive of a renewable energy trial for two churches, St John’s Reid and St John’s Bega, pending resolution of heritage approvals, aesthetics and rapidly changing technology. One of five planks in the international Anglican constitution calls for appropriate preservation and stewardship of the earth.
Assistant Commissioner for the NSW Fire Brigade approved a Lifesaving Energy pilot on three stations in late 2007. The Merimbula Fire Station underwent a renewable energy transformation in February 2008, with a grid connected solar system saving almost five tonnes of CO2 emissions & generating $500 annually. (http://www.nswfb.nsw.gov.au/news.php?news=731 )
Community Solar Farm
Analysis showed far more than micro generation is needed to achieve the 50/50 by 2020 target and CEFE resolved to bring a 1-2MW “Community Owned Solar Farm” into the Bega Valley. The group secured $100,000 for a feasibility study under the Federal Government’s Green Precincts Program, with a further $1 million if viable. The project will provide a highly visible example of the potential for the region to shift to renewable energy. It will also develop a macro solar investment model that could substitute for, or complement, the existing present Australian Government Photovoltaic Rebate Program and accelerate the roll-out of renewable energy generation capacity in Australia - thus markedly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A solar farm provides opportunities for community members to take the initiative and have a direct stake in the development of renewable energy in the region. Any individual could invest in the project and receive a dividend from the sale of electricity generated There is already an active group in Jindabyne keen to sponsor and build a second solar farm in Snowy River Shire.
Energy Efficiency Gains
Progress towards achieving the 50% reduction of energy consumption in CEFE targets is being undertaken via a series of projects, awareness raising articles and public meetings in individual CEFE areas. One example of CEFE energy efficiency work is the energy audit of the Cooma-Monaro Crisis Accommodation, designed to save both energy and money currently spent on heating and cooling buildings. Plans are afoot to run energy audit training sessions across three of the 50/50 Shires.
Working with local Councils –CEFE is collaborating with the three local Councils supportive of the 50/50 by 2020 community targets. Each shire is committed to developing strategies within their borders with the spin off benefits of localised investment, job opportunities and training and improved environmental outcomes. In addition, CEFE is on the Steering Committee for a $2 million 3 year Urban Sustainability Project run by SERRROC (the South East Resource Recovery Regional Organisations of Councils, comprising Bega, Bombala Eurobodalla, Cooma-Monaro, Snowy River, Palerang, Queanbeyan, Yass Valley, Upper Lachlan, Harden, Boorowa and Young Council areas). One of several project objectives is ‘to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions’.
Brief description of how Clean Energy for Eternity’s work addresses:
Innovation
In what way is the work and/or its results innovative?
Urban-Rural Partnerships - A unique aspect of the solar farm project is the strong link forged between the Sydney Municipality of Mosman, where there is high interest in renewable energy, but little opportunity for implementing macro systems, and the Bega Shire, where land is readily available. This link is at both mayoral and community level and is underpinned by close ties between local CEFE groups.
Examples of CEFE harnessing community creativity and turning it into renewable energy include:
Art auction of local work at the Solar Farm project launch in April raised funds towards installing a wind turbine on Tathra Primary School, which had expressed a desire to have a wind turbine to generate electricity and act as a demonstration to educate the public on climate change solutions.
Atmosphere of Hope art exhibition was created by 13 artists from the local WildArt group as a response to the issue of global warming. The exhibition toured successfully from the Spiral Arm Gallery in Bega up to the ACT Legislative Assembly and back through rural NSW.
A mural created by Bega high school students adorning the local swimming pool wall used materials funded by ‘The Udder Film Festival’. The creation of this Short Film Festival was a unique project that ultimately involved 9 different organizations across the community and revealed the deep commitment our region has to tackling climate change. It was a great hit and will be run again next year, with another funding target.
Add an element of creative zany flair to some powerful symbolism:
the Eternity Cyclone on Jellat Jellat flats was created on New Year’s Day 2007 out of 1000 discarded washing machines, showing both the embedded energy we throw away and the potential impacts of unmitigated climate change. This massive landscape sculpture was transformed into the CEFE slogan of 50/50 by 2020 on the day that LifeSaving Energy was launched.
A highly successful Clean Energy Expo was held in Bega two weeks before the Federal election in November 2007, showcasing local and national renewable energy options. The event culminated in a Pollie Forum where four candidates for Eden-Monaro stood in front of four washing machines and explained their intentions to tackle climate change to prospective constituents via a public debate. It was a success and possibly one of the first examples of climate change becoming a vote winner and central to the voters decision making process.
To what extent has the work developed or extended techniques or methods not normally used?
Human Signs have become a hallmark for Clean Energy for Eternity, with over forty carried out to date. They create a great starting point for discussions and future action about climate change. The Combined Schools Human Sign Project saw more than 5000 school children from over 20 primary and secondary schools gather on school ovals across SE NSW and the ACT to express their concern over climate change. This event drew widespread media attention and gave the opportunity for the children who will inherit our reaction to the threat of climate change to express themselves on the issue. CEFE worked with the Manly council and the three Manly based Surf Clubs to host Australia’s largest Human Sign in an event involving over 6,000 people that coincided with Ocean’s Day on North Steyne Beach.
George Bass Surf Boat Marathon - CEFE was granted branding rights to this iconic annual race, after an anonymous donor, keen on saving the 2008 George Bass Marathon from financial ruin and encouraging action on climate change donated $30,000 allowing CEFE to maximise its public exposure and educate the public an what can be done to tackle climate change at the grass roots. CEFE made as much as possible out of this opportunity. In the Xmas New Years’ break CEFE partnered the outstandingly efficient Potato Point Holiday Park in hosting a human sign that spelt out the target 50/50 by 2020.
Impact
Demonstrate commitment to pursuing solutions to the challenge of climate change?
Importantly, CEFE develops high profile pilots that can provide a viable model for other communities. The intent of the CEFE projects is to demonstrate how community owned solutions can provide an economically realistic means for individuals and communities to engage directly in reducing our reliance on fossil fuel generated power.
The rapid progress of this group since 2006 has been made through the commitment and intense personal efforts of Dr Matthew Nott and a band of committed companions across the seven CEFE Chapters.
What particular challenge of climate change is addressed by the work?
CEFE tackles all aspects of the climate challenge from mitigation to adaptation, and from energy efficiency via individual and household behaviour change right through to inspiring collective support for macro renewable installations. Consideration is being given to the potential of a biogas plant to transform methane emissions from the local dairy industry into co generated heat and power.
What is, or is likely to be, the impact of the work of this challenge?
Commitment was made by our local member, Dr Mike Kelly during his maiden speech in parliament, to transform the electorate of Eden Monaro into a 50/50 by 2020 electorate. This endorsement of the federal member is innovative and hopefully it will not only extend the 50/50 by 2020 campaign across the region but also provide an additional springboard into national discussions on climate change solutions. Like many climate groups, CEFE has contributed submissions to the Garnaut Report and the PM’s 2020 Summit and will lobby strongly for a national feed-in tariff and other pro-active policies to reduce carbon emissions, but the key impact of CEFE’s work really lies in its engagement with the wider community.
How has the work been effectively communicated to appropriate audiences?
CEFE is highly effective in getting its message out to the local community and beyond, through:
Capturing the imagination of the community and the media – the continuous stream of high profile lively events hosted by CEFE has generated vibrant discussions and debate in grass roots campaigns that encourage action at the personal, community and political level. CEFE recognises that none of us individually can turn the situation around, but collectively we are very powerful. CEFE’s most significant tool has been community engagement and providing pathways to action so that members of the general public feel they can be involved in making a difference.
Rapidly evolving website hosted by AUSTCOM, a national network of community websites providing community groups, businesses and individuals access to open source technologies including e commerce, database and email based communication tools (www.cleanenergyforeternity.net.au ).
SUSTAIN is a full colour quarterly local journal for the South East region combining input from three peak community groups: AUSTCOM, Clean Energy For Eternity and The Sapphire Coast Producers Association. Over 10,000 copies are distributed free of charge to business and selected outlets throughout the region from Eden to Jindabyne, Cooma, Canberra, Braidwood, Bega. The first two editions have been received extremely well by the general public. This high quality local magazine is a conduit to local action, sharing practical ideas about building sustainable communities and providing the tools, information and contacts for anyone to take act on climate change. (See sustain.org.au)
Weekly articles in the local newspapers for over two years
Regular media coverage in major dailies (SMH, CT, Age), the full range local paper (Bega District News, Eden Magnet, Bay Times, Cooma Express etc) and even a double page spread in tabloid magazine ‘That’s Life’. Frequent and extensive radio coverage on local ABC Regional Radio, with interviews also recorded with ABC Radio National and the full range of commercial radio stations. CEFE was featured in Catalyst for its LifeSaving Energy work on micro renewable generation. CEFE members were also interviewed for an independent European documentary on the environment as an issue for Australian voters, put to air in Germany and France on the day of the recent Federal election.
Over 16,000 bumper stickers advertising the 50/50by2020 community target have been distributed across participating shire areas and the volume of car traffic willing to demonstrate their support for the concept is illuminating. People recognise that community based approaches to climate change provide long lasting solutions through local investment, job creation and training opportunities.
Links with tertiary institutions – Proposals for Tertiary studies on CEFE projects include an ANU Engineering Honours student, a Professional Engineer undertaking a Masters degree in renewable energy at RMIT and a PhD student from ANU’s Fenner School. At present, local renewable energy students must carry out coursework by correspondence. There is growing interest in the potential of tertiary education modules and CEFE is looking to build a local centre of excellence.
 - Andrew Denton and friends promote 50/50 by 2020 at the Eureka Awards
 - Matthew Nott, Malcolm Turnbull, Philippa Rowland and Nick Graham-Higgs
Clean Energy For Eternity are runners up in the IAG Eureka award for innovative solutions to climate change. It was a great honour to be there, and a tribute to the communities of SE NSW that have supported the 50/50 by 2020 campaign.
There is no doubt that being shortlisted for a Eureka prize increases net working ability. We met with Malcolm Turnbull, the Federal Environment Minister. He had no idea who we were, but now has an understanding of what is happening in SE NSW when it comes to climate change. We met with Phil Koperburgh, the NSW Minister for Climate Change and Water, who expressed an interest in meeting formally with us. Andrew denton and Robin Williams, (the abc science show presenter) were happy to be photographed holding a 50/50 by 2020 bumper sticker.
It was the meetings that Clean Energy For Eternity had before the Eureka awards that were most productive. First was a meeting with the Manly Council. They are most enthusiastic about the LifeSaving Energy concept, and want to help launch the project as a national campaign with a human sign on Manly beach on 2 Dec, to coincide with Ocean Day. They hope to have at least one of their 3 surf clubs up and running with a wind turbine and solar panels by the launch day.
Next was a meetng with the Mosman Council. Mosman has had some bad press lately, with a recent Sydney Morning Herald front page headline talking about the high carbon footprint of Mosman residents. There seems to be quite a lot of interest in turning that footprint around. The Mosman Mayor wants Clean Energy For Eternity to help host a 50/50 by 2020 target meeting for Mosman in October. 50/50 by 2020 is quite achievable in a rural environment, but in an urban setting there will be different challenges. Population density means that macro renewable projects are more difficult. We will need to look at widespread uptake of micro generation, ie solar hot water, and solar photovoltaic cells. Mosman has the highest rate of ownership of 4WD cars in the country, but also the highest rate of ownership of hybrid cars.
Lots of exciting challenges ahead.
For most inspiring climate change group in NSW 2007
 - John Watrkins, Matthew Nott, Joe Tripodi
 - Derek Povel, Matthew Nott, Julia Mayo-Ramsay
Winner of the Energy Champion (individual) for Matthew Nott and Clean Energy For Eternity (NSW)
Dr Matthew Nott awarded Bega Valley dual citizen of the year for 2008
|
|
