Weekly News Digest, 15th May 2008
Posted on 16 May 2008 by e-news
For more information call 5470 6978
MASG News and Events
Donations Reminder: Most members recently received a letter asking for donations. A huge thank you to those who have already responded. It’s greatly appreciated! We’ve got exciting plans for the next 12 months but we do need the help of our members. It’s a great time to loosen the wallet and get a tax deduction at the same time.
Transport Working Group : first meeting of the re-convened group will be at 7.30pm on Sunday 18th May, at the Theatre Royal – in the small front bar to the left of the stairs. Agenda will include vision for the shire that promotes alternatives to car transport; especially commuting, shopping journeys and discussion of future roles of the group. All welcome. More info: Ian 5470 6891, or 0488 724 176.
MASG Wind Farm Tour: To enable our community to become better informed about how a modern wind farm operates, MASG is organizing a tour of Pacific Hydro’s Challicum Hills wind farm near Ararat on Friday, 30th May. The bus will be leaving from the Castlemaine Buslines at 9.00am and returning around 4pm. Make sure you book early as there are only 25 places available. The tour costs only $5 per head and there will be stops along the way for purchasing lunch and refreshments. Please contact Jayson at MASG to register your interest – 5470 6978 or jayson@masg.org.au
MASG Solar Display roof goes on: the roof should be on the MASG display home at 17 Main Road, Campbells Creek in the next few days. Thanks to Wattworks who are providing sponsorship for their grey-water re-use system. Designed by Lifehouse and built by Maine Design and Construction, the house can be seen from the main (Daylesford) road, 2km south of Castlemaine. Pics here.
MASG Drinks at the Theatre Royal: come and join us for an almost-winter drink at the Theatre Royal on Friday 30th May from 5:30 until 7pm. Hope to see you all there. A good chance to hear all about the wind farm tour!
Events organized by other organizations
Market Square Redevelopment: Andrew Butt writes: “Options for the redevelopment of the Market Square area on Mostyn St are on display until Friday 16 May in the Market Building. MASG members are encouraged to look at the plans this week as there is a public forum on Wednesday 21 May at 6:30pm at Phee Broadway Theatre. To register for this forum, call 5471 1785. Prior to this meeting there will be a brief discussion at 6pm in the front office of the MASG building. Andrew can be emailed at a.butt@latrobe.edu.au .
Strengthening Volunteerism in the Mount Alexander Community is hosting an exhibition of a selection of images celebrating the enormous contribution volunteers make to our community. This Exhibition runs from 8th to the 21st May in the Phee Broadway Theatre Foyer, so make sure you find time to see it.
The Food Garden presents “The Future of Food” and a speaker from Gene Ethics, on 27th May and 3rd June at 6:45 pm, 61 Main Road, Campbells Creek. For further information ring Cathy on: 5410 0564
Interesting Information and Links
Solar power rebate to be means tested. The federal Government is to restrict the availability of rebates for households installing solar power, under measures in this year’s Budget. The Minister for the Environment Peter Garrett says the change is aimed at ensuring the rebates of up to $8,000 go to households that need them most. From midnight on 12 May, access to the rebates will be restricted to households with an annual taxable income of less than $100,000, which is in line with the means test on solar hot water rebates. The Government is bringing forward $25.6 million to pay for the increased use of the Solar Homes and Communities Plan, formerly known as the Photovoltaic Rebate Program.
Stand up to Climate Change: To find out what some are doing in the UK, visit the UK Environment Agency website
Good news stories from Canada: companies selling vegetable seeds to home gardeners are reporting record demand. “Enormous changes are afoot,” they say: and ‘Zero Mile Diet’ Blooms in BC – full article and comments here.
Carbon farmers links: Useful links to the value of perennials in climate change action in Australia and overseas; and here.
Energy saving tip of the week: If possible, only wash your dishes once a day.
Quote of the week:
Over-socialisation increases the probability that people will change to fit the organization rather than that people will change the organization to that it can cope with developing situations.
JG March , Organisaton Science.
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