Local Climate Change activist group, Green Coast Catalysts, in conjunction with Don Page, Member for Ballina, are working 
together to present a public forum focusing on renewable energy options on the morning of Sunday 1 August in the Bangalow A&I Hall.
“The idea of holding this event is to explore renewable energy options available now, and what’s coming soon,” explained Chris Sanderson, from Green Coast Catalysts. “We’ll start by presenting an overview of the situation we are faced with now, as Climate Change converges with Peak Oil. Then we’ll filter down to what forms of Renewable Energy are actually available to the people of Bangalow and the Byron Shire right now, followed by our wish list for future possibilities.”
The event, running from 9.30am to 1pm, including a tea break, will be hosted by local journalist, Mick O’Regan. Mick will introduce a series of speakers, starting with the University of Wollongong’s Dr Adam Lucas, who will talk on ‘The Big Picture’. Geothermal energy will be discussed by Alex Atrens, from the University of Queensland, while local company Nickel Energy will present the solar energy options currently available.
From Grafton, the Regional Manager for Country Energy, Richard Wake, will explain such matters as Feed-in Tariffs, and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS), and no doubt respond to questions about price increases, while other speakers have been invited to cover other forms of energy from wind to tidal wave technology.
Speaking for the Australian Association for the Study of Peak Oil and Gas (ASPO) will be David Warrilow, who will discuss Peak Oil and the likely consequences for the local population.
Robert Rosen will discuss mooted Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle initiatives, including local electric vehicle hire, fast charging facilities, and possible linkages with the Brunswick Heads Community Economic Transition Plan, local tourism accommodation providers, and renewable energy installers.
Electrifying the electorate
Local State MP Don Page, Member for Ballina (which includes the Byron Shire), who ‘starred’ as the (hypothetical) Premier of NSW in the very successful Green Coast Catalysts’ ‘Climate Change Hypothetical’ event held at the A&I Hall in 2007, was delighted to be involved in another such stimulating event. “All over the electorate people are asking me what they can do now to cut down their energy use, and how they can increase energy efficiency in their homes,” he said. “First, they are concerned about the scale of the problem globally. Then they want to know specifically what they can do right now. We hope this event will offer some clear answers.”
In the outer hall, information booths will give detailed information on such matters as public transport, with TOOT (Trains on our Tracks) manning a stand. Local political party, ‘Our Sustainable Future’, will have Lismore Shire Councillor Simon Clough and former Byron Shire Councillor Hugh Ermacora providing information on its policies. It is anticipated that other stands will provide information on local biochar projects, as well as solar heating, and energy financing, subsidies and grants.
For further information, contact Green Coast Catalysts’ Chris Sanderson on (02) 6687 2244, or Don Page’s office on (02) 6686 7522. Christobel Munson
Facilitator Mick O’Regan
Photograph courtesy of Nickel Energy