DCAN plans for 2026

DCAN is off to a great start for 2026 thanks to the 20 plus people who took part in our planning session on Saturday 7th Feb. Key focus areas for the year include:

• stopping new coal and gas approvals
• phasing out fossil fuel exports
• stopping subsidies to fossil fuel companies
• keeping local council on track (implementing the Climate Emergency Plan)
• electing climate friendly candidates in the state election
• ensuring that all our work includes a just transition and takes into account cost of living pressures
• building community connections
• increasing community knowledge on climate issues
• urban greening
• campaigning against deforestation

There is a lot to do and we need your help. Our working groups are where we get things done. Even if you can only commit a couple of hours a month, that would make a huge difference. If you would like to be involved, let us know at [email protected]

Albanese government pours more fuel on the fires

We are devastated to hear that the government has approved an expansion to the Middlemount Coal Mine in Queensland, extending the mine's life out to 2044. The burning of the coal exported from this expansion will equal more than half of Australia’s annual domestic emissions.

Australia is experiencing its hottest summer ever, with temperatures hotter than any other place on the planet, but the government is pouring petrol on the fire by approving new coal mining projects that will heat the planet even faster. With every new coal mine they approve, the Albanese government is burning our future and burning their own credibility. The government must commit to a clear plan and a timeline for the phase-out of fossil fuels, including exports.

This year DCAN will be leafleting busy areas like train stations and markets to let residents know each time a coal or gas project is approved/extended. Contact us at [email protected] if you would like to be part of the action.

Want to help end fossil fuel subsidies? Join a Small Action Group

A recent report from The Australia Institute reveals that fossil fuel companies received an estimated $14.9 billion in government spending and tax breaks in 2024–25 — from both Federal and State governments.

Even more concerning, subsidies projected across the forward estimates total $65 billion — around 14 times larger than the national Disaster Response Fund.

At a time when communities are facing escalating climate impacts, many are questioning why public funds continue to support industries driving those risks.

If you’re interested in being part of a small group focused on advocating to end fossil fuel subsidies, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Linda Bradburn to get involved.

Strong start to 2026: DCAN makes its voice heard

DCAN’s submission writing group has kicked off 2026 with energy and impact.

In January, we lodged detailed submissions on the first two draft Environmental Standards released under the reformed Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act — Matters of National Environmental Significance and Environmental Offsets. These standards will underpin the operation of the updated Act, so it’s crucial they are robust. Our submissions argued that the proposed standards must be strengthened and explicitly incorporate climate considerations.

This month, the group is preparing a submission opposing the release of new offshore gas exploration areas off the Victorian coast. We argue that no new gas developments are needed and highlight the serious climate and environmental risks associated with further fossil fuel expansion.

You can read all our submissions on the DCAN website's Resources page.

New Darebin Energy Upgrades Program

Congratulations to Darebin Council on the new Energy Upgrades program. This is an initiative close to DCAN's heart and one we have been campaigning for on behalf of Darebin residents. The new program offers free, independent advice to residents wanting to switch to an all-electric home. From insultation, draught proofing to split systems, hot water systems, solar, batteries and more!

It also connects households with trusted installers and provides rebates for those who need support with upfront costs. This is the kind of local climate action that helps people cut emissions and lower their energy bills at the same time. Find out more here.

Save energy, money & the climate!

Electrify Your Home & Life at these free events! Learn how to lower energy bills, create a comfortable home andreduce your carbon footprint. The events are being held at Reservoir Library on 24 February or Preston Library on 12 March from 6 - 7:30pm. Supported by Sustainability Victoria’s Community Electrification Engagement Program. Find out more or register here.

Let's name dangerous heatwaves

Independent MP Dr Monique Ryan argues in The New Daily that Australia must rethink how it talks about heatwaves, beginning with how they are named. She notes that extreme heat is now the nation’s deadliest climate hazard — killing more people than floods, bushfires and storms combined — yet it is often downplayed as a mere “warm spell.”

Heatwaves worsen heart, respiratory and metabolic conditions and hit hardest those most at risk: older people, children, outdoor workers and residents of poorly insulated homes. The impacts include rising hospital admissions, increased ambulance demand, lost productivity and pressure on infrastructure.

Ryan proposes formally naming heatwaves, as we do cyclones, using a severity scale linked to health outcomes rather than temperature alone. If overseen by the Bureau of Meteorology and a health agency, this could strengthen public awareness and preparedness. Provocatively, she suggests naming severe events after major fossil fuel companies to highlight climate accountability and shift social norms.

You can sign Monique’s petition here.

Encouraging signs from COP30 in Brazil

There has been some welcome progress at COP30 in Brazil. Eighty countries have signed a roadmap committing to a transition away from fossil fuels — an important signal that momentum for global climate action continues to build.

In addition, participating nations agreed to halt native forest clearing, recognising the critical role forests play in absorbing carbon and protecting biodiversity.

While some stronger climate decisions were stalled by the COP’s consensus rules, a “coalition of the willing” has emerged — a group of countries prepared to move ahead with more ambitious action. Australia is among the signatories, signalling its intention to be part of this forward-leaning group.

For more background, you can listen to the 22 January 2026 episode of the podcast Outrage and Optimism, which features an interview with COP30 CEO Ana Toni discussing the outcomes and next steps.

Rethinking the Carbon Tax

The 12 February 2026 edition of ABC Radio National’s The Economy, Stupid asks whether it’s time for Australia to revisit carbon pricing — not only as climate policy, but as economic reform. With government spending outpacing revenue and Australia off track to meet its 2030, 2035 and 2050 emissions targets, the question is gaining urgency.

Guests Ingrid Burford (Superpower Institute) and Ben Potter (The Energy) outline a revamped carbon pricing model designed to cut emissions while strengthening the economy. They argue carbon pricing should be reframed as a market signal that drives cleaner investment and innovation, rather than as a punitive environmental tax. Crucially, they propose returning half the revenue raised directly to citizens as cash payments to offset higher fuel costs.

Although carbon pricing was rejected more than a decade ago, Burford and Potter contend that economic pressures and growing climate impacts have shifted the debate. Making major polluters pay, they argue, could help repair the budget and put Australia back on track to meet its climate goals.

Click here to listen.

Solar Access at Risk in Melbourne’s New Activity Centres

A resident of Darebin has brought it to our attention that homes in Melbourne’s 60 proposed Activity Centres risk losing protection for rooftop solar panels under new planning rules. Many affected properties are currently zoned General Residential (GRZ) or Neighbourhood Residential (NRZ), where setback requirements help protect existing solar systems from being overshadowed by neighbouring developments.

As these areas are rezoned to Housing Choice and Transport Zones (HCTZ), those solar access protections no longer apply. This has already occurred around the Preston High Street Activity Centre, where residents in HCTZ1 and HCTZ2 zones can no longer object to new apartment buildings overshadowing their panels.

Concerned residents are encouraged to contact their State MPs (Kat Theophanous and Nathan Lambert) and the Victorian Planning Minister to ask for solar access protections to be reinstated in HCTZ zones and maintained in GRZ and NRZ areas.

Outside Activity Centres, protections apply only if panels are installed before a planning permit is lodged — so early installation may help safeguard your access to renewable energy. For advice on reducing emissions and electrifying your home fill out our form for a free consultation with Graham Moore, DCAN’s home electrification advisor.

Yarra Environmental Film Festival

During March and April Yarra City Council, in partnership with Environmental Films Australia and Yarra Libraries, is hosting a film festival featuring moving short films followed by discussions with inspiring change makers.

Click here to see the full program.

Northern Suburbs Parents for Climate meetup

Being a parent in the midst of climate change can be hard, but it’s always easier when you’re part of a community. Parents for Climate are building a local network of families who care deeply about a safe climate for kids. They would love parents, grandparents and carers in the northern areas of Melbourne to be part of this network.

To kick things off they’re holding a casual playground gathering next Wednesday to connect with like-minded people, to feel supported and motivated through sharing ideas and actions.

• When: Wednesday February 25th, 6:45-8pm
• Where: Penders Park playground, 48A Pender Street, Thornbury
• Who: Everyone who wants a safe climate for our kids to thrive
• The vibe: Low pressure and kid-friendly. Drop in for five minutes or for the whole time
• What to bring: Just yourselves, a water bottle and a plate to share if you're feeling inspired (no pressure).

For more information and to RSVP click here.

Support our work in 2026 and beyond

Help DCAN Grow on Social Media!

Exciting news! DCAN is now on Instagram and Bluesky in addition to Facebook, and we’d love you to join us there. By following and engaging with our posts, you help spread the word about climate action in our community.

Instagram – See inspiring photos, event updates, and climate tips. darebin_climate_action

Bluesky – Join the conversation on policies, actions, and solutions. @darebincan.bsky.social

Facebook – Keep up to date with DCAN activities and climate news. www.facebook.com/DarebinCAN

Every like, comment, and share helps amplify our impact. Follow us today and be part of the movement for a greener future! Please email us if you would like to join the DCAN social media team.

Want to know more about DCAN?

Why not come along to one of our monthly meetings? We usually meet on the second Thursday of each month at 7.00pm at the Bridge Preston. Please drop us an email at [email protected] to let us know if you are coming so that we can make sure to welcome you and give you an agenda ahead of the meeting.

Our next meeting will be at 7:00 pm on March 12th, 2026 in the Waratah Room at the Bridge, 261 High, Preston.