This week’s signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) extended the partnership between Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) and Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) to 2025, heralding a roll-out of solar panels on fire sheds and council facilities.
It shows that communities in Eden-Monaro can lead the way on community renewable energy projects and is a model that could be replicated throughout the electorate and indeed the country.
Above: photo at Moon Bay with candidate and colleagues stripping off for one of CEFE's many NOW signs
Greens candidate for Eden-Monaro Cathy Griff said today “the solar panel partnership between CEFE and BVSC is a grand win for community leadership on climate action. The Greens salute the Climate Council, which has united councils, including Bega Valley and Eurobodalla and highlighted local climate action. Unfortunately, the federal and state governments have hardly supported the efforts of Australians transitioning to renewable energy, regardless of lackadaisical political leadership.
“The LNP and ALP flounder on climate policy in an effort to placate their coal and fossil fuel
industry donors, while communities are pursuing a vital goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030. Those parties pay lip service to climate change while overtly supporting gas and allowing development of vast coal ventures such as Adani.”
Community feedback has consistently identified urgent response to climate change as essential following Black Summer, with benefits for health and well-being through reducing carbon emissions.
CEFE founder Dr Matthew Nott said “People have lost their houses in the bushfires, and their jobs because of COVID-19. More than ever, now is the time for us to work together to look for ways to stimulate our regional economy. There has never been a more important time to look at strong partnerships between government and community. Leadership in a time of crisis gives people hope, and the sense that we are all in this together will help people to get through these extraordinary times.”
“As a Bega Shire Councillor, I have worked closely with CEFE and Dr Mathew Nott. Organisations like CEFE are vital in raising community awareness and putting runs on the board with renewable energy generation. This MoU is a win for community action, and The Greens want see more of these projects across the region,” Cathy went on to say.
“The Greens take heed of climate action science. Our Climate Action and Energy Policies reflect the urgency of what we need to do to adequately restrict global warming. We see community-owned renewables as an invaluable part of our energy mix. We have a vision for increased government assistance for Solar Partnerships across the Eden-Monaro, in contrast to the current situation of wealthy overseas corporations extracting profits from an essential service,” Cathy Griff concluded.
