Our new Prime Minister has called an election for 21 August and this week announced a climate policy with its primary plank – a citizen’s assembly. Funds from the Solar Flagship program, set up for major renewable infrastructure will also be diverted into rebates to trade-ins on old cars for new less emitting cars. The only serious low emission car is an electric car fully charged by renewable energy which is not yet feasible. We head into this election with both major parties having climate policies that fall short of serious action on climate change and that Oxfam say risks condemning the world’s poorest to continuing climate crises.

Call Maxine McKew’s office this week on 9868 1399 and leave a message telling her you think these policies are a backwards step and put Australia even further from cutting needed emissions.

WHAT KIND OF CLIMATE POLICIES DO WE NEED?

Ross Gittins, Economics Editor with the Sydney Morning Herald writes that just about every economist would agree that the key to reducing emissions is to put a price on carbon. Read more http://www.theage.com.au/business/economists-struggle-to-reach-consensus-in-debate-over-pollution-reduction-20100718-10g00.html

PLAYING GAMES WITH THE CLIMATE

To let both major political parties know we think they are playing games with climate policy, we are playing a giant snakes and ladders game at key locations in the electorate . On Saturday we were at Eastwood Mall, where passers- by enjoyed the fun.  See pictures of playing games with climate change.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Coal mining expansion: The state government is planning an expansion of coal mining on the Liverpool Plains. This threatens to destroy prime agricultural land and divert needed water. Print and send this letter – PDF version of letter or Word version of letter.

Coal-fired power: The NSW government is also about to decide on a new power station and expected to opt to build another coal- fired power station, despite viable alternatives. We are joining other climate groups to call 8 ministers offices every day until the end of September on this issue. We need 35 people who are prepared to join a roster to make 8 calls on a day of your choosing between now and the end of September. If you can help, contact us and we will send you the link to add your name to the roster and send you the contact information and suggested talking points.

WHAT’S ON ?

See Forthcoming Events for upcoming Climate Change activities where you can show your support and meet up with us.

100% Renewable Energy Campaign Launch – this Sunday 2 May, at Gladesville Skate Park, cnr Victoria Rd & Crown St, Gladesville at 3.30pm. Join our group photo claiming Gladesville as an suburb that supports 100% renewable power!!! More info @: http://www.100percent.org.au/

Meeting with state MP

This week, members of the Ryde Gladesville Climate Change Action Group met with the local state government member for Ryde, Victor Dominello. He indicated that he believed that climate change was occurring though is not convinced that it is all due to human action.

He also suggested that he supported increased use of renewable energy but would not commit to opposing the building of two new coal fired power stations being proposed by the NSW state government. These power stations are predicted to increase NSW emissions by 15%. To find out more http://www.greenpeace.org.au/climate/GI-nswcoal.html

Global Issues: NASA GISS -

Goddard Institute for Space Studies – have some interesting articles on climate change. The website can be viewed at: http://www.giss.nasa.gov/

Australian Issues: CSIRO – BOM – Drought Exception Circumstances Report.

Read an assessment & impact of climate change on the nature & frequency of exceptional climatic events at: http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/national_review_of_drought_policy/climatic_assessment/drought-impact-report

Local Issues

National Permaculture Day – Saturday 1 May, 10am – 12pm

Open gardens at 12 Farnell St, Hunters Hill and 8/6-8 Donald Ave, Epping (urban home gardens with vegetables, solar and water systems). Also open permaculture garden and workshops at Ryde TAFE, Parkes St, Ryde 12 midday to 4pm www.permacultureday.info

Recycling in Ryde

City of Ryde Council has a comprehensive list of how to Recycle household waste from aerosols to white goods including e-waste & mobile phones. Have a look at: http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/wastedisposal

Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in Hunters Hill – can be found @: http://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=170

…& while you’re there…Hunters Hill’s Sustainability Plan is worth a look…http://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Page/page.asp?Page_Id=303&h=0

…& just for good measure, over at Lane Cove they have composting & worm farms at http://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Council%20Services/Waste%20Management/Compost%20Bins%20and%20Worm%20Farms/CompostBinsandWormFarms.htm

A date for your diary

Windy Day in Ryde on World Environment Day Sat 5 June 2010 at Buffalo Creek Reserve for a family fun filled arvo! More info soon!

Next meeting:

Wednesday 5 May, 2010 at 7.30 pm.  Contact us for more details.

If you are concerned about this (and you should be) write to your State MP to let the Government know that you are strongly opposed to such action.

Contact us if you would like us to send you a draft letter that you can sign and post.

Read this fact sheet for more information about the impact of such new coal-fired power stations.

Now is the time for us all to call on the Government to cease such environmentally destructive policies and your voice, more than ever, is needed.