A new climate network for Darebin groups and residents is off to a flying start. Thirty six locals, representing over 25 local groups, came together recently in an online meeting hosted by Darebin Climate Action Now. The main item on the table was to look at how groups can support and amplify each others' work on climate related issues. Those attending the meeting expressed excitement about the opportunity to bring diverse groups together, share skills and resources and promote each others’ events and projects. The network is open to all local groups and individuals who would like to connect with like-minded groups and get support for their work on climate. If you would like to know more about the aims of the network please contact [email protected].  

Come on a tour of an all electric house

Treat yourself to a virtual tour of this all-electric, solar-powered townhouse belonging to one of our most active members. Built with recycled materials, this beautifully designed, energy-efficient home is completely powered by renewable energy through solar, batteries and all-electric appliances. Take the tour

DCAN's 20/21 Annual Report is now available.  The report, tabled at DCAN's Annual General Meeting in October, describes the huge range of activities the group was involved in over the past year despite Covid restrictions. Activities include some very creative mural painting, weeding parties, pavement chalking and talking, singing in the climate choir, the production of a new climate emergency sign and 'What is Climate Change?' poster.  This was in addition to the ongoing work with Darebin Council, lobbying local MPs and submission writing. Please take the time to read our report.  If you like what you read contact us at [email protected] to get more involved.  We would love to have you on board!

The Coalition, supported by Labor, has passed legislation in Parliament to provide at least $50m subsidised funding for new fossil fuel projects, including fracking in the Northern Territory. The government’s five basins gas plan would lead to expanding emissions, the equivalent of more than 80 average-sized Australian coal-fired plants! On October 19th a second Disallowance Motion will be put to the Senate by the Greens to try to halt government funding to gas companies to support unconventional gas exploration in the environmentally sensitive Beetaloo Basin. DCAN is urging Labor MPs to support the Greens' disallowance motion in the Senate. Here is some background information to help you write your letter or make an urgent phone call to Federal Labor MPs. Remember we have till just the 19th October to make our feelings known to Labor MPs. Click here for more background info and resources

DCAN is excited to announce its partnership with the newly funded Metro Community Power Hub (MCPH). As Victoria’s first metropolitan Community Power Hub, the MCPH is a forward-looking network of energy practitioners, climate action groups such as DCAN, social enterprises, councils, businesses and residents - all committed to accelerating Melbourne’s transition to renewable energy.

Funded by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government, the Hub will work with metropolitan communities as a "one stop shop" to support, develop and deliver local, cost-effective renewable energy projects and solutions. 

The Hub will focus on practical steps we can all take for a zero-carbon future, including:

• A solar PV program with vetted suppliers offering up to 20% discount on retail prices;
• Advice and quotes on replacing gas appliances as we work towards the all-electric
  home;
• Energy literacy to help communities reduce their gas and electricity bills;
• Local events, workshops and information sessions on community energy initiatives;
• Feasibility work on supporting and developing community proposals for flagship
  projects, such as installing solar panels on your local sporting club rooms or scoping
  for a community battery.

We’ll be covering Hub news regularly but if you want to learn more or get involved now, please visit https://www.yef.org.au/mcph/

Darebin Council has taken a lead role in the successful coming together of 46 Victorian Councils who have agreed to buy their power through Red Energy from two Victorian wind farms - the Dundonnell (near Mortlake) and Murra Warra (near Horsham).

Darebin Council staff recently outlined this exciting breakthrough initiative at a DCAN webinar. Called the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) it represents the largest emissions reduction project in the local government sector in the whole of Australia. Equivalent to taking 90,000 cars off the road each year, Darebin Council also estimates a 30% saving in energy bills which will be ploughed back into other community programs. 

Council staff explained how the length of the contract period provides stability for the wind generators which in turn supports further investment in renewables, creates jobs and contributes to the electricity grid as whole.  If you would like to hear more about this exciting project you can watch the webinar recording here or visit the VECO website.

Thanks to the persistence of DCAN supporters, climate emergency is upfront and centre of Darebin Council’s new 20 year Vision and 2021-2025 Plan.  With unanimous support from all Councillors, continued action on the climate emergency is one of the top 10 Big Actions in the Plan.  The Plan explains why addressing climate change is a key responsibility of Local Government under Victorian legislation and outlines Darebin City Council’s proud history of leadership in this area. 

DCAN looks forward to working with Council in the development of a new Climate Emergency plan to reach zero emissions by 2030 and the implementation of the new and continuing projects outlined in the Plan.  Thank you to all DCAN supporters who contacted their local councillor, wrote submissions and participated in the consultation process.

DCAN is deeply concerned at the lack of reference to climate emergency action in Darebin Council's draft planning documents which spell out Council's priorities for the next four years.  The plans are due to be finalised at the Council meeting on 28 June 2021.

Darebin Council’s support for the declaration of a climate emergency in 2016 elevated understanding about the serious nature of the threat, prompting a national, then a global movement with 100 Councils around Australia declaring a climate emergency and 2000 governments internationally. All newly elected Councillors either pledged or repledged their support for climate emergency action in the Council elections last year.

DCAN is disappointed, therefore, to find that the draft 2041 Community Vision statement, the Big Action Items, the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan and the Four Year Plan all need strengthening to show the community that Councillors remain committed to taking a climate emergency approach.  

DCAN understands the need for Council to provide support to businesses and residents to help with the impact of COVID-19 but we simply can’t allow our Councillors to drop their focus on the climate emergency. The effects of the climate crisis continue to bear down on us and the window of opportunity to avert its worst impacts is closing fast.  

It is vital that Council continues to take a strong leadership role in reducing Darebin’s carbon emissions and advocating to all levels of government for strong action.  We believe that the right policy and economic measures can both enable recovery from the pandemic and drive down emissions.  Read DCAN's full submission on Council's draft Four Year Plan here. Contact your local councillor and let them know that you want to see a continued priority on climate emergency action in the 2041 Community Vision Statement and the Four Year Plan. 

They reflected that their friends already have information from social media about climate change which is causing stress and anxiety. Lumina and Thomas encouraged us as parents, grandparents, guardians and teachers to fully engage with young people in discussions about climate change and, most importantly, to talk with them about the solutions. We can empower young people through giving them the information they need and by helping them to find ways to take positive actions in line with their concerns. 

For Lumina and Thomas, taking action has been the best antidote to their fear and anxiety - a lesson we can all benefit from. 

The slides from Professor Sansons' presentation are available through this link and you can find additional resources here.