BCCAN media release 6.3
Over 50 people attended Bass Coast Climate Action Network’s Forum ‘Coast’ at the Bass Coast Adult Learning Centre on Saturday 18th February to find out more about what the Council is doing about their Climate Action Plan since declaring a Climate Emergency in August 2019 – the only Shire in Gippsland to do so.
Speakers included Joey Thompson, Newhaven College student and School Strike for Climate advocate, Zoe Geyer, Coordinator of Totally Renewable Phillip Island and Christian Slattery, Bass Coast Shire Council Climate Emergency Project Officer. The forum was chaired by Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan. Attendees were given an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns about local climate-related issues such as urban sprawl, public transport, Landcare and energy efficiency, followed by break-out groups.
Mayor Michael Whelan commented “A very successful event and congratulations to BCCAN for its initiative. The range of community groups involved and the energy in the room bodes well for the Council community partnership to achieve net zero emissions by 2030”. Prior to the event, The Energy Innovation Co-op launched of 14W of solar panels at BCAL which were funded by COPower and Southern CORE Fund. See pic in the article attached.
Break-out Groups
The Cosy Homes group resulted in an exchange of information about solar installation, saving money on bills and keeping the cold out of old Wonthaggi homes. Re-furbishing the energy kits available at the libraries is a priority for Cosy Homes. School Striker Joey Thompson lead a fruitful discussion about how to convince NAB to stop funding coal mines. See below to find out how to get involved. Ten people joined Christian Slattery and Harry Freeman in a workshop to discuss how the community can be encouraged to participate in the council’s plan. There is now an intention to form a group which will meet regularly to take our ideas further and help the council’s officer develop a toolkit to show the public different ways in which they can become involved.
To join the Bass Coast Climate Action Network mailing list, please email basscoastcan@gmail.com