Eurobodalla Labor for Council’s team today unanimously endorsed the citizen’s alliance Beyond Zero Future for South East NSW’s (ZeroSE) plans to help residents, businesses and farmers create local jobs while ensuring a healthy environment for the future.
Labor’s mayoral candidate David Grace and councillor candidate Jack Egan said ZeroSE is to be commended for its evidence-based research showing the shire’s residents and businesses how they could transition to a low carbon economy to ensure Australia meets its emission target.
“We support the aims of many residents in Eurobodalla who are already doing their bit to meet the Paris climate goals,” said Mr Grace, a long-time Broulee resident. “Sensible investment in climate solutions today more than pays off in local business opportunities, jobs, a healthy environment and a safer climate into the future; it’s a win for all of us.”
Climate solution opportunities are outlined in bite-sized fact sheets available online, tailored specifically to Eurobodalla’s profile.
“The ZeroSE project will be officially released on 21 September by former Liberal leader Dr John Hewson detailing the work of this comprehensive alliance of individuals and community groups across south east NSW who have researched the evidence in our region,” said Mr Egan, who is also a ZeroSE co-convenor. “People who participate in the online launch will be able to pitch in, further build the evidence base and use it to strengthen their advocacy for local climate action.”
Eurobodalla Labor for Council believes that among the emerging opportunities identified by ZeroSE are a number of sensible options Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) should consider, such as:
- Encouraging rooftop solar on new residential, commercial and industrial buildings
- Encouraging wiring for EV chargers in new residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
- Promoting solar and retrofit energy efficiency benefits
- Local energy generation
- Identifying and zoning suitable local land for renewable energy generation
- Leasing ESC-owned land for the construction of community renewable power projects
- Implementing and/or supporting solar bulk-buy-and-install programs for residents (Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance has successfully operated programs)
- Purchasing locally produced renewable energy from community generation such as the Tathra sewerage farm (which buys power from Clean Energy for Eternity)
- Expanding use of electric vehicles in the ESC fleet
- Extending Eurobodalla’s ‘active transport’ network to foster safe and pleasant zero emissions commuting, or promoting exercise by foot, pushbike or e-bike.
“While the move away from fossil fuels to zero emission energy sources and the adoption of major changes in our land management will result in modifications to our lifestyle, Labor believes the impact of these changes must be just and equitable,” Mr Grace said. “We must, as a priority, provide good employment opportunities for all.“
“ZeroSE’s work identifies economic activities that will enable a measured and supported transition to a beyond zero emission economy. It estimates employment, economic, social and environmental benefits and the key elements of the policy environment needed to enable this.
“Community consultation and education are key to achieving the possible, and Labor is very supportive of this terrific initiative from ZeroSE.
“All of Labor’s candidates in the 4 December council elections — Maureen Searson in Batehaven, Matthew Findlay in Batemans Bay, Claire McAsh in Moruya, Deirdre Russack in Narooma and Jack Egan in Rosedale – want to commend the citizen-based groups which have contributed to ZeroSE’s excellent body of work on climate solutions for the Eurobodalla,” Mr Grace added.