MASG August Enews
A warm welcome to new members, and thanks to all of our returning members! It is absolutely true to say that MASG could not exist without the ongoing support from the Mount Alexander Shire community.
It is an inspiring time for our region as we see a ground swell of local sustainability initiatives including
MASG's Zero Net Emissions Projects,
Newstead's 100% renewables, and The Hub Foundation's
More Australian Solar Homes (MASH) program.
Initiatives like the
Big Give, are one way to get behind great local projects, with MASG's
Wash Against Waste, Next Generation campaign in its final days.
MASG are launching a round of
direct consultations with landholders interested in small, medium or large scale solar projects.
The
Hub Foundation Launch their next round of
Solar Info Meetings this week.
And Divest Central Vic are working on the next stage of the their regional divestment project, and encouraging Central Victorians to sign the diverstment charter as they extend the divestment message to councils and campanies across the region.
Growing Abundance host their fundraiser 'The Verge' at the Theatre Royal this Saturday, so get on down to support and celebrate Spring!
Wanted: Landholders interested in Solar Projects
Representatives from MASG’s Medium and Large Scale Solar Working Group Mick Lewin, Taryn Lane, David Woodgrove, Deane Belfield
MASG is launching another exciting opportunity to progress the Zero Net Emissions goal, which comes in response to the
Victorian State government's recent announcement regarding reverse auctions - similar to a tendering process - for large scale renewable energy projects.
MASG is encouraging Mount Alexander Shire farmers to get in contact, and will support landholders in meeting with developers that are keen to investigate solar farm developments in our shire. The community may also have the opportunity to invest in these and MASG will seek facilitate this.
‘We would like to see local energy needs met by local energy providers. We want to support local people and local landholders to benefit from large scale renewable energy projects.’ Says MASG Chair Mick Lewin.
‘Reverse auctions have been used widely in Europe and in the last few years in the ACT. MASG has followed this process closely, and the best way to be competitive, is for farmers to ‘pair-up’ with experienced solar developers who have a good track record and can fast track developments.’ Says MASG Project Consultant David Woodgrove.
‘Initial estimates show that our shire would require around 150MW of renewable generation to replace the transport, gas and electrical energy we now use from fossil fuels,’ explains David.
‘MASG aims to support a number of Mount Alexander projects to be ready for the reverse auction bids, and they would compete with others from around Victoria. For this reason, the more bids that we have coming from our Shire, the better. Ideally a mix such as: one large project over 100MW, several in the 10 to 100MW scale, and even some under 10 MW.’
As more information is released from the state government, MASG will post it on its website:
www.masg.org.au
An information session will be held in the coming months to further inform landholders about the necessary characteristics for a good solar farm.
MASG encourages landholders to contact
info@masg.org.au to express their interest and to be included in further planning.
Give Big on September 1st to help MASG take Wash Against Waste to 'The Next Generation.'
MASG Chair Mick Lewin with volunteer Helen Kaptein washing against waste at a local event.
MASG joined the Community Foundation for Central Victoria’s Big Give crowdfunding campaign earlier this month and has since received overwhelming support from our community.
Since the beginning of August, MASG has been seeking donations to take our Wash Against Waste project to ‘The Next Generation’. Thanks to some wonderful supporters, we have now raised over $2,500. But with only 3 days left in the campaign, we need your help to reach our target!
MASG is now calling on local residents and businesses to donate on Big Give Day on Thursday 1 September, the final day of our campaign. If we receive sufficient donations on the day, we will go in the pool to win prizes.
Funds raised will be used to create an education kit developed in consultation with local primary schools. Using the trailer as one example, the kit will include information for both schools and community groups on water use, waste reduction, compost and grey water processes, as well as providing an introduction to solar and renewable energy.
MASG also intends to develop a handbook, discussing trailer set-up/pack-up and volunteer engagement. Furthermore, we will work with regional Councils to provide broader licensed operator training, in turn creating paid work on the trailer.
For further information and to donate, visit chuffed.org/project/washagainstwaste.
Solar and Battery Info sessions for the Mount Alexander Shire.
'The Verge', Growing Abundance Fun(d)raiser, Sat 3 September
Join us and world renowned Formidable Vegetable Sound System to dance in the Spring and be inspired on the dance floor...into a brighter future...
The Verge will be a solar and fish n chip powered event!!...that's right...the future is now, the band will travel in a vehicle powered by used fish n chip oil, and The Germinate Project will power the event in an exciting collaboration of alternative technologies.
The Verge is for everyone...we know that The Growing Abundance Project includes the whole spectrum of community...families, older folk, and everyone in between so we've designed this gig for you! Come early and grab a meal, some freshly squeezed juice...closely followed by dancing...and more dancing....and more...
When: Saturday 3rd September 6pm to 11pm
Where: Theatre Royal - Castlemaine
Tickets: Starting at $10 - a range of prices to suit everyone...
Booking: Tickets on sale soon! Book early to avoid disappointment...
For more info contact:
hello@growingabundance.org.au
Your Money: Positive or Polluting? A message from Central Vic Divest
One of the most practical and strategic actions you can take on climate change as we work towards the renewable economy is to join the growing global divestment movement by making a public pledge to divest from Fossil Fuels and - communicating this to decision makers.
That’s why we created the
Central Victorian Fossil Fuel Free Charter - with resources to help you to divest.
What: Sign the Charter anytime at
centralvicdivest.org
Event: Come along to Sustainability in the Pub
When: Monday, 12 September, 6 pm Dinner, 7 pm Presentation & Q&A
Where: Queen’s Arms Hotel,Quarry Hill, 25 Russell St
Information: Contact Bernard on 0459 472 558
This event is part of the "Central Victoria Fossil Fuel Free Charter Project - Bendigo Focus" auspiced by MASG and created through the efforts of the local 350.org group, with Bernard Tonkin as the project worker.
The purpose of the project is to help realise the vision of spreading the divestment charter throughout Central Victoria - shifting our day to day business away from the polluting economy and advocating speeding the transition to the clean economy.
Get Behind Your Local Sustainability Group
