Sustainable Cities - Introducing the Mount Alexander Sustainability Group!

Posted in Uncategorized by fedwards on December 17th, 2007

The Mount Alexander Sustainability Group Inc. (MASG) , http://masg.org.au/, is a community-based, charity and non-government organisation, based in Castlemaine, central Victoria. MASG has over 500 members taking action to combat climate change. Members include householders and local schools, businesses, and community organisations. MASG staff and dozens of volunteers are working on positive responses to climate change and peak oil; and are seeking ways to get renewable energy systems in place in this region. Castlemaine is close to the centre of Mount Alexander Shire, home to around 18,000 people and 120km north west of Melbourne. Their initial focus is on reducing our carbon emissions through improving energy efficiency and increasing the supply of renewable energy.

For a sample of the MASG weekly newsletter see below. Alternatively visit the MASG website at http://masg.org.au/.

Mount Alexander Sustainability Group Weekly News Digest
Thursday, 13th December 2007

MASG NEWS AND EVENTS - For more info see http://masg.org.au/

Excess of fruit and veg? Any surplus this summer can be distributed through local networks. Please let Ian know about any produce after 14 January.

MASG office closed on 24th December and re-opens on January 2nd. All welcome at our MASG barbeque, Friday 21st December from 1-3pm at the Botanical Gardens, Castlemaine.

MASG congratulates Cr. Alan Elliot on his election as Mayor of Mt Alexander Shire Council and thanks outgoing Mayor Cr. Jim Norris for his leadership and support to the community in tackling the climate change crisis.

Carbon Trading Surveys: Apologies if you had trouble opening the carbon trading survey. It seems to it work on some systems and not on others. If you have had a problem, you can either come into MASG to complete it or try another computer. The carbon trading survey is at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=SqdsTQiwI_2f5sHm0ZF_2fuQwQ_3d_3d

Here is a second and also-important survey: Hepburn Community Wind Park is Australia’s first community-owned wind farm, which has passed all approval processes. It will produce enough electricity to power more than 2,000 homes. Co-operative ownership of wind farms has been common in Europe for decades, but Hepburn Wind is the first such project in Australia. This 3 minute survey is important. It will help the Co-operative gauge interest in the project and provide information for the final public offer. It will also greatly assist the cause of community-owned renewable energy projects within Australia. You can complete the survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=hw049vqjBQjimDtnGd679O%2fdW4XOm16mQ4×7d8JE5bM%3d .
Please forward this email to anyone you know who is interested in renewable energy and a ‘cleaner, greener’ world. More info at: www.hepburnwind.com.au.

Dealing with Stuff this Xmas: from Jane, MASG’s Low CO2 officer. The silly season of consumption is upon us again, providing a wonderful opportunity to reduce our footprint through thoughtful action. When thinking about climate change we often focus on our daily energy use and can forget the impact of our consumer choices. ‘The Story of Stuff’ is a great introduction to the topic: http://www.storyofstuff.com/index.html. For those in need of fresh ideas about how to create a low impact celebration, try visiting the following site for some tips: http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=1553 - check out links from there

Christmas lights on renewable energy: Are your lights sustainably powered? Origin Energy and the Sustainability Group are sponsoring a $200 prize for the best Christmas lights display powered by Renewable Energy. Nominate any renewable energy powered displays to the Midland Express (5472 1788) or at the MASG office (5470 6978). Most importantly if you’re out viewing the lights ask if the display is renewably-powered, and if it isn’t, suggest how they might want to use GreenPower. MASG can help householders if they need advice.

Tags: climate change, energy, networks, Resource
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