MASG news May 11th
Posted on 14 May 2007 by e-news
When it rains….and how it rains
The future of water and heritage landscapes in a changing climate. Thursday 17th May 7.30-9.30pm Entry by gold coin donation @ MASG offices, 233 Barker St, Castlemaine. Part of the Mount Alexander Shire Heritage Festival. Local Author (see below !!) Ian Lillington will discuss the probable local impacts of climate change on our water supplies and possible interactions with heritage landscapes (gardens etc). A discussion on ways we can adapt to these changes will conclude the evening.
MASG and CSIRO road show to Melbourne
Dean and Sean Rooney of the CSIRO will be in Melbourne this Wednesday the 16th to meet with representatives of Sustainability Victoria (SV). We will be seeing how we can work together in a project that aims to increase the security of energy supply and dramatically decrease the greenhouse pollution in the Mount Alexander Shire in partnership with our major local industries.
Members
MASG welcomes the Castlemaine Fruit Supply and Tonks Bros as new members and we look forward to continuing our work with our local businesses.
MASG presentations and displays
IAN”S Book launch. Although not strictly a MASG event we are very proud to announce that Project Officer Ian Lillington’s book “A holistic Life” will be launched by Robyn Annear at Stoneman’s Bookroom this Saturday the 12th at 11am. All welcome to buy a copy hot off the press and have it signed by Ian.
Volunteers needed….Raising the profile of Sustainability and MASG
*PUBLIC SPEAKING. MASG is forming a speakers group to assist us spread the word about our work and sustainability. We are getting numerous requests to speak to various public gatherings and organisations and wish to be able to help where we can but need more representatives to spread the workload.
If you are interested in being in the speakers group the Sustainability Group is organising subsidized training in public speaking which will start in early June. The training will cost $60 for 4x5hour sessions. If the cost of the subsidized training is an issue please let us know. To join the speakers group or for further details contact Dean in the office on 54 706978.
*MARKET DISPLAYS
MASG wishes to have a presence at the Central Victorian Farmers Market (1st Sunday of Month) and regularly at Wesley Hill (every Saturday). If you are available to help us raise our profile please contact the office.
OTHER NEWS, not endorsed by MASG
*Put yourself in the Picture
Is a photographic exhibition that celebrates the contributions of community volunteers and organisations in the Mount Alexander Shire. The launch is Monday 14 May – 11am @ Castlemaine Community House, School of Mines Lyttleton Street, Castlemaine. Come and see photos of all those MASG volunteers hard at work.
*Agribusiness Summit: Managing Farming Systems in a Changing Climate
The VFF is running a summit on 19/20th July in Ballarat focussing on actions and adaptations needed to address the climate change crisis in our agribusiness sector. Contact Laurie Norman 53 43 2555 or www.chaf.org.au
*Feedback on proposed Mostyn St Pedestrian Safety Plans
The Mostyn St Traders have suggested an amendment to the Council proposal to improve pedestrian safety in Mostyn St and are gathering support for their proposal.
The Mostyn St Traders plan advocates maintaining or increasing centre road parking, reducing bus & taxi parking and reopening the laneway between the Market Building and the RSL to bus (and other?) traffic which is currently a pedestrian only pathway. It is open to interpretation if this would increase pedestrian safety or promote more sustainable transport options.
If you wish to comment contact the Council on 5471 1700.
*Sustainability Building…profitable…and staff are also winners
ANZ last week said it would build the largest green building in Australia on its Collins Street site. The 10-storey tower will use solar cells and wind power to cut reliance on fossil fuel-generated power by 70 per cent, while recycling will reduce use of mains water by 60 per cent. While some of the renewable energy technologies to be used, such as six wind turbines, have a pay-back period as short as two years, a key reason for seeking a 6 Star rating was to improve the work environment for the 5500 staff who will move in after 2009. “It’s going to boost productivity of our people,” said Jane Hamilton, ANZ’s global head of property. “It’s going to be a much healthier building and a much more enjoyable building to work in.” For more examples see the Green Building Council website.
*Rupert Murdoch and News Corp….climate change advocates at last.
From Murdoch turning his empire green by Mark Coultan, New York in The Age
May 10, 2007
RUPERT Murdoch has got the message, and he wants the rest of us to get it, too.
He has become a convert to concerns about global warming and climate change, even recently buying a hybrid car for himself. He also announced that his worldwide media company, News Corp, intends to reduce its own net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2010.
He said the company would install energy efficient light bulbs, buy energy from renewable sources and purchase hybrid cars.
But Mr Murdoch made it clear the company’s goal was much larger — to reach out to its vast audience and influence them to change their behaviour.
For the full article search the Age.
Final Word
“… Climate change poses clear, catastrophic threats. We may not agree on the extent, but we certainly can’t afford the risk of inaction,”
Rupert Murdoch
May 10th 2007
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