Hi all,
there will be a meeting for all ORCA members on Monday 17th May at Marrar Woorn at 7.00pm.
Time to catch up and hear re: details of next guest speaker, progress with the school and consider future actions.
Look forward to catching up,
Matt
Happy New Year!
ORCA Committee Meeting, Monday 18th Jan
When: Monday 18th January 2010, 7pm
Where: Marrar Woorn Community House.
What: Brainstorming opportunity for 2010 projects
Some suggested 2010 projects:
- Apollo Bay Tip Shop
- Biodigester for Apollo Bay Transfer Station and Waste Management Facility to produce energy for the town from methane.
Guest Speaker: Liz Hamilton, DPI Senior Bioenergy Industry Officer, to discuss Biodigesters.
Bushfire Awareness Day, 15th/16th Jan Apollo Bay
Bushfire Awareness Day postcards
Making Your House More Sustainable, 9th Feb Lorne
Yellowstone Doco Screening, 2nd Mar Lorne
News Items
Copenhagen: Bad COP, good COP?
Who dunnit? Replying to ‘A Climate Con’, by David Spratt and Damien Lawson
Outcomes from Copenhagen: Alan AtKisson comments on the changes in how we govern the planet
Merry Christmas & a safe New Year
Next ORCA Meeting
Monday 18th January 7pm
Marrar Woorn Community House, Pengilly Ave Apollo Bay
Everyone is welcome. See you then and enjoy the festivities!
News Items
Hope against Hope in Copenhagen – An Update on procedures from Peter Christoff 17th Dec
Run or a Safe Climate thanks ORCA for their help, see videos
Local Events
ORCA-SOLN Xmas Party, Tuesday 15th Dec 6pm
ORCA AGM & Meeting Minutes 30th September 2009
ORCA 2010 Committee Meeting, Monday 18th January 7pm
News/ Events
Road to Copenhagen: A carbon-neutral farming community
ACF News: No more hot air! We want action at Copenhagen
Helpful information to pass onto Sceptics
Four reasons for concern about adaptation to climate change, Adger & Barnett 2009
Shaping Australia’s Resilience Conference, Canberra 19th feb
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ORCA –SOLN Xmas Party!
With “Diamond Jim and the Tufftones” Blues Band
When: Tuesday 15th December, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Landcare Support Centre & Nursery, Montrose Ave, Apollo Bay (passed the Industrial Estate, look for sign)
BYO Drinks, food provided
RSVP is a MUST by Thursday 10th December 5237 6904/solnanna@vicnet.net.au
N.B. Limited Parking onsite please carpool where possible
SOLN’s pest plant and animal officer Luke Hynes plays double bass for Diamond Jim and the Tufftones and describes the band as following: The Tuff Tones play music that is eclectic and superbly chosen representing the genres they love-everything from dirty blues to dark voodoo beats. As a live act they deliver a ridiculously raucous good time and visually splendiferous to boot with a fashion sense that is part voodoo priest meets Route 66.
So put the date in your diary, dust off your dancing shoes and come and celebrate a busy year for ORCA.
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Apologies: Cate Cousland, Pat Williams, Denise Hooke, Stephen Hart, Peter Geekie, Vanessa Swighton, Janice Kennedy (paid)
Present: Matt Armstrong, Rob Wertheimer, Tony Webber (paid), John Spencer (paid), Peter Bourke (paid), Magaer Lennox (paid), Allan Hokin (paid), Anna O’Brien, Simon Pockley (paid)
Chair: Matt Armstrong
The past year, has it been worth it? Many achievements.
· Human Sign at the Apollo Bay School
· Apollo Bay School renewable energy retrofit and audit
· The Future Scenarios Workshop with local Community Leaders – now known as Otway Futures
· Local Biofuel research
· Numerous press releases and radio interviews
· 350 (parts per million) Action at the Apollo Bay Market
· Solar Hot Water Education Evening
· The Apollo Bay Community Garden
· Household Energy Auditing Training: 16 ORCA members are now household energy assessors
· Eco-Living grant application submitted, now sitting with Sustainability Victoria (awaiting announcement pre Xmas)
· Political representation to local Member, Darren Cheeseman, Greg Hunt Senator Ronaldson and Sarah Henderson
· Run for a Safe Climate Fundraising BBQ
Presented Itemised Balance Sheet. Our main asset is our bank account.
$5,663.64 income including $5k grant from RMIT. Current Balance: $3,820.38
Rob Wertheimer: Moved that Treasurer’s Report be accepted seconded Allan. Carried.
Office bearers stood down.
John Spencer took over the Chair and congratulated ORCA on its continued presence.
· Magaer nominated both Matt and Simon as Co-Chairs. Elected.
· Allen nominated Anna as Secretary. Elected.
· Anna nominated Rob as Treasurer. Elected
Motion: That ORCA establish an annual membership fees for individuals of $5.00.
General Business:
· Senator Ronaldson Greg Hunt, Sarah Henderson visit:
· Clean Energy Coast idea was considered productive. Call to the community for membership of a steering committee. Simon nominated. Carried.
· Run for a Safe Climate: Media Release. Leading to agreed Actions
· Walk for Warming. 15th December volunteers. Matt, Rob, Magaer
· $23 million for Greenhouse gas reduction from Vic Govt. Anna to look into it.
· Anna led discussion about energy audits. My Home My Climate light bulb details.
· Xmas barbecue 15th December combined with SOLN. RSVP. Rob + 2, Magaer, Tony, Peter Bourne + 2. Hokins, Matt.
· Invitation to Eco Living Launch Wed 9th December.
· Rob W. discussed the change in the way that Climate Change was presented. No camp is ramping up wedge politics with support form coal lobby. What actions can we best do?
Possibility of methane digestor. Invite Liz Hamilton to present her findings.
Next meeting: Monday 18th January. 7:00pm
Meeting closed at 8:30pm
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2010 ORCA Committee Meeting, Monday 18th Jan
When: Monday 18th January 7pm
Where: Marrar Woorn Community House.
What: Brainstorming opportunity for 2010 projects, so bring some ideas and an open mind.
Some suggested 2010 projects:
- Apollo Bay Tip Shop
- Bio-digester for Apollo Bay Transfer Station and Waste Management Facility to produce energy for the town from methane.
Guest Speaker: Liz Hamilton, DPI Senior Bioenergy Industry Officer, to discuss Bio-digesters.
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Otway Ranges Climate Action Annual General Meeting
When: Monday 30th November 7pm
Where: Marrar Woorn Community House, Pengilly Ave Apollo Bay
Everyone is Welcome. All positions will be open for election. Please forward all nominations prior to the meeting to Anna: solnanna@vicnet.net.au
Motion for AGM: That ORCA establish an annual membership fee of $5. Moved Anna, seconded Allen.
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Otway Ranges Climate Action
Steering Committee Meeting
26th October 2009 6.30pm
Minutes
Chair: Matt Armstrong
Present: Matt Armstrong, David Webley, Pat Williamson, Allen & Trish Hokin, John Spencer, Rob Wertheimer, Magaer Lennox, Llewellyn Johns, Craig Philp, Tony Webber and Anna O’Brien.
Apologies: Simon Pockley and Rob Wertheimer.
Actions from Meeting
Motion for AGM: That ORCA establish an annual membership fee of $5. Moved Anna, seconded Allen.
1. Treasurer’s
What need to be done before next AGM? Rob reported that nothing needs to be done as he sends the annual treasurer’s report to VFF FTLA (who ORCA is incorporated under). Rob is also handling letter from the Tax department.
2. 350 Day of actions
Hand painting at the market went really well. Tony reported that it was harder to get older people to do it. Matt thought the involvement was very random, some were really keen and others didn’t want a bar of it. But it was a fantastic activity to do to raise ORCA’s profile in the community. Visit 350.org website for the photos from different places around the globe. 5200 actions happened around the world, making it the most wide spread environmental campaign ever.
Thanks to Peter Bourne, Tony Webber, Magaer Lennox, Anna O’Brien, Simon and Rob Wertheimer for helping organise the event.
Action: Rob to be reimbursed Tony for cost of market place – $5 from treasury
3. Otways Futures Workshop
This workshop was facilitated by RMIT on the weekend. People were invited to attend from a wide range of the community, including Matt, Simon, Tony and Anna, Rob Small (COS CEO) and Patrick Shaw (DSE rep).
Different groups brainstormed and explored future scenarios and required actions for the following 4 scenarios:
What came out of it was that each group seemed to agree on what actions were required and how to go forward.
Next the Otways Futures will meet again 26th Nov to develop an agreed vision and then take it to the Shire and the community. Hope to start with a small action – Tony suggested the tip shop.
4. Household Energy Audits
16 people were trained. So far, no-one done any assessments other than their own. We are hoping the auditors trained will get on with it SOON!
For each audit completed, My Home My Climate gives $35 to the assessor and $5 to ORCA.
They will pay the money directly into the ORCA account at the end of each month and ORCA pays the assessor. Rob and Anna discussed how to pay assessors – the best is to direct debit into their accounts. So once they complete some audits, auditors will need to pass on their account details to Rob.
5. Light Globe exchange
Allen noted that the Bendigo Bank were about half way to reach their target. They have now included local businesses and the time has been extended to the end of November.
Tony queried whether the globes will be recycled. The organisers from the Campaign said they can be recycled however the shire have since said they can’t be.
Matt feels we should focus on the positive of these campaigns, the old lights have a 2% efficiency compared to the new ones replacing them. If people are upset that they go to landfill they’re missing the massive saving in greenhouse gas emissions.
Allen noted that according to the experts the amount of mercury in the energy saving globes is the size of a pinhead.
6. ORCA AGM
The AGM will be carried out at the November ORCA Meeting.
Action: Anna to advertise AGM 21 days before and any motions. Email/post every member AGM notification and agenda.
Motion for AGM: That ORCA establish an annual membership fee of $5. Moved Anna, seconded Allen.
7. ORCA XMAS BBQ
To join with SOLN at the Landcare Project Support Centre, Montrose Ave. Date to be advised.
Action: Anna to ask SOLN committee if they’re happy to combine SOLN and ORCA Xmas parties and confirm date.
8. Run for a Safe Climate
We need volunteers to man a BBQ. Pat offered – 5237 6203. And maybe Magaer can help. Any others?? Trish suggested the fire brigade volunteers may help. Anna to pass on the details of the day once received to other members.
Matt thought we should invite the Otway Futures members to the BBQ and encourage them to listen to the speakers. The group thought it would be best to use the BBQs that exist already if possible.
9. 2009 Green Light Report
DSE report on public opinion. Current CO2 levels is 385ppm. Good read
10. Castlemaine Behaviour Change Pilot Program
Another good read
11. Landline
Magaer spoke of a recent episode and was happy to see farmers already into no-till carbon storage techniques and using methane from manure to run electricity system on the farm. Many farmers are already forward thinking and looking at capturing their own carbon voluntary.
Next Meeting
Formal Committee Meeting & AGM
Monday 30th November, 7pm
Marrar Woorn
Meeting closed 7.30pm
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Free Household Energy Audits
16 ORCA members are now qualified to provide free household energy audits to local residents. If you want to learn how you can save energy and money in your home contact your preferred Auditor listed below.
Anna O’Brien 03 5237 6904 solnanna@vicnet.net.au (Marengo to Wongarra)
Simon Pockley 0418 575 525 simonpockley@gmail.com (Marengo to Wongarra)
Peter Geekie 03 5237 7178 mirrnyong@aapt.net.au (Wider Region, Wye River to Johanna)
Llewellyn John 03 5237 1001 johlulu@hotmail.com (Skenes Creek to Tanybryn)
Vanessa Wrighton 03 5237 7717 di_vanessa@yahoo.com.au (Marengo to Skenes Creek)
Dianne Inglis 03 5237 7717 di_vanessa@yahoo.com.au (Marengo to Skenes Creek)
Janice Kennedy 03 5237 6856 whyjan@hotmail.com.au (Marengo to Skenes Creek)
Peter Bourne 03 5237 7207 abcsignworks@gmail.com (Marengo to Skenes Creek)
Jesse Morrow 0417 289 966 jesse.morrow@hotmail.com (Wider Region, Wye River to Johanna)
Greg Denny 0433 822 600 altlynx@bigpond.com (Glenaire to Skenes Creek)
Cate Cousland 03 5237 6997 catecouland@gmail.com (Marengo to Skenes Creek)
Fern Rainbow 0425 710 380 permaculture@apollobay.org.au (Wider Region, Wye River to Johanna)
Magaer Lennox 03 5237 9248 magaer@aussiebroadband.com.au (Glenaire to Skenes Creek)
LeeAnne Koenig 03 5237 0257 wongarra_bb@iprimus.com.au (Wongarra area)
David Webley 03 5237 6222 dwebley@bigpond.com (Wild Dog Rd)
Run for a Safe Climate, through Apollo Bay
The 2009 ‘Run for a Safe Climate’ aims to highlight the impacts and solutions to global warming in a way that captures the hearts and imaginations of all Australians. Emergency workers are in the front line of dealing with extreme weather events and global warming. Go to: http://www.runforasafeclimate.org/
This November, a group of Australian emergency service workers including serving police, firefighters, paramedics, SES and military will run 6000km from Cooktown to Melbourne. Many of these emergency services workers dealt directly with the February 2009 heatwave and Black Saturday fires. The route will see runners pass through capital cities, regional centres and rural towns, engaging with all levels of these communities. In each location where they stop to rest, they will meet with local people – farmers, business people, scientists, politicians and school children – to share experiences about the local impacts of global warming, and share their own experiences and insights into climate change.
The Run will start in Cooktown on Monday 2 November and follow the coast through Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra to Albury on the Victoria/NSW border. From here it will follow the Murray River west to Mildura, then on to Adelaide and the Coorong. The final leg to Melbourne will go via Apollo Bay, Ballarat, Kilmore and the towns most affected by last summer’s devastating fires, to finish on Sunday 29 November with a family fun-run along the last two kilometers to finish at St Kilda beach.
Along their journey, the runners will draw attention to natural and agricultural assets under threat – the Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and Murray Darling ‘food bowl’ – while also bearing witness to some of the solutions to this crisis: solar, ocean, geothermal and wind energy and biochar. The Run will enable thousands of Australians to see how they can be part of the solution to global warming.
These men and women, our firefighters, paramedics, police, military and SES workers, are donating a month of their annual leave for the Run. They have chosen to volunteer for this feat of incredible endurance because they understand, more than any of us, the urgent need for wide-scale action to secure a safe climate for Australia’s future generations.
DATE in APOLLO BAY: Thurs 26th November, runners to arrive late afternoon.
FOCUS
Wind power and potential for wind to contribute to Australia’s clean energy future.
Vulnerability assessment and global warming impacts for Apollo Bay, the Otways and the Great Ocean Road.
Local climate solutions for the Apollo bay and Great Ocean Road region
SCIENTIST/SPOKESPERSON
Lane Crockett, Pacific Hydro (at Codrington)
Prof John Sherwood Deakin University – impact of climate change on the Otways and Great Ocean Road communities. (At Apollo Bay)
Climate solutions – to be announced (At Apollo Bay)