Take out your Hob Nail Boots

Greenies beware. A paradigm shift is taking place in Australia.

Over the last couple of years quiet and no so quiet changes have been taking place in many States and Federal Realms. More are planned.

Greenies need to unite and take out those boots 'mean't for walking'. Now is the time to start protesting loudly, effectively and clearly against:

1. Taxing the Sun : sign Solar Citizens Petition and email your local State and Federal Members.



2. Protest against removal of Environmental impact review by the Federal Government. See the Conversation's article here on the current patchwork of laws.
Our environment has been subjected to so much already. Watch carefully.

3. Fracking  & Coal Seam Gas - Victoria's moratorium is to be ? reviewed, ? removed? Just what will happen. A Watch and Alert notice here.

Unhappy Koala

Happy Koala

4. ACF Infographic on various environmental views held by the parties at the recent Federal election




4. National Park development : Read the Guidelines for Tourism Investment Opportunities of Significance
in Victoria's National Parks! Is Cattle Grazing considered here as well?


Time for some Halloween Candy perhaps??

July Activities

Last weekend was a busy one with plenty of unusual activity. I spend some time in the city exploring some of the Melbourne Open House buildings including the Australian Conservation Foundation's 60 litre Green Building. I have been wanting to visit this building for a while to check out its energy credentials and design features. The tour guide was frank about the buildings achievements as well as its shortcomings. Noise due to the open plan centre and hardwood (recycled wood) floors was one I thought could have been designed out with appropriate glazing. The blackwater system that became too hard to maintain was of interest.

I found the building completely different to how I had pictured it but it was good to see louvres to allow appropriate heat and air movement. A bit like some of the housing features I grew up with which are not obvious in today's buildings. Congratulations to the ACF for following their convictions and I hope we can see many more buildings that can bring green design in a cost effective fashion.
After visiting the buildings I then took in a little bit of culture later with "Love Never Dies" and was completely blown away by the set design, singing and lighting. Its been sometime since I've been to one of these blockbuster musicals but they are absolutely spectacular!
So that's been my contribution to the economy. Don't expect it too regularly as the cost of various excursions can only been maintained by economies at other times.

Solar Power Rebate ends before June 30

Whilst driving to work yesterday I heard that the $8000 solar power rebate from the Federal Government has closed 3 weeks early. I was somewhat alarmed as I have an application for pre-approval for the rebate in process. I am left wondering at what stage is my application ? Pre-approved, in the queue but still able to be pre-approved, or dead in the water. My provider will have to get back to me on this one.
I presume the ending has to do with moving from one rebate scheme to another (seemingly less generous) even though this new scheme is not yet passed through the parliament. My cynical side says the Government has decided enough money has been spent, as there has been a veritable rush of applications in the last few months.
As a mere suburban dweller I am amazed by the number of people I actually know who have applied for the rebate. So I expect to see solar panels on roofs all over Melbourne in the next 6-12 months. We currently try spotting the solar panels on new and existing homes when driving.
On reading the latest Habitat magazine (Australian Conservation Foundation) it is also interesting to hear that REC's (Renewable Energy Certificates) gained by having solar power is the subject of some debate in the process of Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme.
For myself I would hope most of the voluntary carbon reduction undertaken by concerned householders is not included with the big polluters but is "counted" separately. I would hate to see all my efforts and expenditure being claimed by someone who doesn't really give a damn,