The final Meeting of the Benalla Sustainable Future Group for 2019 will be on Thursday November 28th at the Uniting Church, Carrier Street Benalla, opposite the Coles car park.

To finish the year we are screening the film Point Of No Return http://pointofnoreturndoc.com/, the story of the round the world flight by Solar Impulse the solar powered aircraft piloted by Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg who in 2016 succeeded in flying 40,000 km around the world without using a drop of fuel.

This is a free screening.  All welcome, bring along a friend.

In the words of Bertrand Piccard, Pilot and project initiator “Our goal is not to transport passengers.  Our goal is to transport a message”. And from director Quinn Kanaly, “At its core, this film is about the perseverance and courage it takes to make difficult decisions when everything is on the line. When we look at the daunting challenge of the global climate crisis, this story of innovation and collaboration offers hope.”

The Solar Impulse Foundation is promoting The Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label which “seeks to bridge the gap between ecology and economy, bringing together protection of the environment and financial viability to show that these solutions are not expensive fixes to problems, but rather opportunities for clean economic growth”, https://solarimpulse.com/.
 
Time: 7.15 for a 7.30 start.  Prior to the film BSFG president Peter Holmes will update the meeting on local initiatives to declare a climate emergency.  The film runs for 1hr 35minutes leaving time for supper after the film.

Although it is not necessary to register your attendance, doing so will assist setting up for the night, in particular the room we use for the screening at the Uniting Church.  Register by contacting Peter by Wednesday November 27th; email peter_maddock@iprimus.com.au or sms 0418 135 330.  Or submit the online form below the Solar Impulse photo below.
Download the flyer.
Peter Maddock
Secretary BSFG Inc.
0418 135 330

The next meeting of the Benalla Local Food Network Action Group is at 5.15pm, Wednesday November 6th at The Farmers Basket Cafe, Nun Street Benalla. 
More details Kathryn McQualter 03 5761 4500.
Linking local food to local people.
Download November Flyer

There are few events coming on our calendar which you may be interested in attending and possibly assist us with.

1. Next Friday November 1st Bob Brown will be launching the Convoy Film and Book Tour in Albury.  Details about this event here, https://www.facebook.com/events/547486569413548/.  It may be possible that a later event can be organised at Benalla/Swanpool however this would not be attended by Bob Brown.

2. The Benalla Festival Day in the Gardens is on Sunday November 10 from 9am-3pm.  We have booked our stall for this event and would like some assistance on the stall.  If you have some time to spare please reply to this email and let me know a time you would be available to assist us.

3. Our final General Meeting for 2019 is on Thursday November 28.  The committee have decided to have a more social ending to the year by having a Food and Film night.  The film we are going to screen is Point Of No Return, http://pointofnoreturndoc.com/ which promises to be an inspiring film about “the perseverance and courage it takes to make difficult decisions when everything is on the line.  When we look at the daunting challenge of the global climate crisis, this story of innovation and collaboration offers hope”, Quinn Kanaly, Director.  More details to follow.

A reminder about the final session of Renewable Energy Benalla’s 2019 Energy Efficiency workshops which is on tomorrow night, Monday 14 October, at the Benalla Uniting Church, opposite the Coles car park from 7.30pm until 9.30pm.

This workshop on Energy Monitoring, Solar Power & Batteries will be presented by Kevin Smith.  We didn’t get to cover this topic last year so I am also including some people who attended our workshops in 2018.

We will also be mentioning an Energy Efficient Hot Water Bulk Buy.  Renewable Energy Benalla and Indigo Power are partnering to offer two best price energy efficient hot water systems.

Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump – 315 litre
Standard installation with rebates - $2000 - $2200
Normal price fully installed approx. $4700            
​
Apricus Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water – 315 litre
Standard installation with rebates – $3000
Normal price fully installed approx. $5600
 
For more information, contact Peter Maddock  0418 135 330

BSFG President Peter Holmes recently emailed The Honourable Michael Gunner Chief Minister of the Northern Territory about Proposed Fracking in the Northern Territory.  Peter was inspired to write this letter after hearing a young girl speak at Katherine in the students Strike for Climate Action while he and Christine were travelling in the Territory.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Christine and Peter Holmes
Sent: Thursday, 3 October 2019 10:35 PM
To: 'chief.minister@nt.gov.au'
Subject: Proposed Fracking in the Northern Territory
 
The Honourable Michael Gunner
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
 
Dear Sir
 
On Friday 20th September, my wife and I were privileged to participate with students from Katherine Secondary schools in the students Strike for Climate Action. We were passing through Katherine on our return journey to Victoria.
 
One of the student speakers at the rally was an incredibly erudite 15 year old girl (unfortunately, I do not recall her name), who spoke with the clarity of message and urgency one would expect of someone many years her senior. She spoke of her concerns for the future of the Northern Territory in particular, and of course the Earth in general, if your Government were to proceed with proposals to open up the Territory to gas exploration and fracking.
 
Chief Minister, you need to heed the concerns of your young (and older) citizens, as well as the scientists, who are all telling us that we have very few years left to take urgent action to combat the worst effects of climate change. If you were to approve fracking in the Territory, your Government would be complicit in contributing to an impending global disaster. Fracking has been found to have extremely adverse effects on subterranean water supplies, not only because of the huge volumes of water required in each drilling operation, but because of the chemical contamination of groundwater. It has caused many serious human and animal health issues in communities close to fracking operations, and also releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. At this point in history, we need to be drastically reducing our reliance on fossil fuels – not approving projects which condemn our young people to a bleak future.
 
I write, as President, on behalf of all the members and supporters of Benalla Sustainable Future Group, urging you to refrain from approving fracking in the Northern Territory. Any short-term financial profit that these companies, or your Government, may realise from such activity, will very soon pale into insignificance, compared to the costs associated with repair bills from weather related disasters caused by the escalating carbon dioxide levels the fracking has contributed to, and the costs associated with the health issues the communities will need to address.
 
For the sake of that 15 year old girl and all her fellow students who are showing courage and leadership in speaking out about their concerns, we as responsible citizens must make wise decisions, even if they may seem to be politically unpopular. There are many other options available to us right now to provide energy and transport into the future, so why not pursue these options as an investment in the future well-being of your young people.
 
Yours faithfully
 
Peter Holmes
President – Benalla Sustainable Future Group
PO Box 642, Benalla, Vic, 3672

There will be a School Strike for Climate event in Wangaratta, at the King George Gardens, at 12 noon on Friday.
 
The King George Gardens are in the centre of Wangaratta opposite the CoStore and Cinema. .

The Age reports that the state government is allowing public servants to take time out to attend climate rallies and is also supportive of students attending rallies. 

John Lloyd
​Renewable Energy Benalla Action Group Convenor

​The next General Meeting of the Benalla Sustainable Future Group will be held on Thursday September 26th, 7.30pm until 9.30pm at the Benalla Uniting Church, Carrier Street Benalla.

Our guest speaker is Fiona Roberts, a member of the Hume Renewable Energy Roadmap project team and a program officer in Community and Partnerships, DELWP, based in Benalla.  Fiona will be speaking about the Hume Renewable Energy Roadmap.

The Hume Renewable Energy Roadmap has engaged thousands of people from communities, business and government to hear their views and vision for the future of renewable energy in the region.

The Roadmap identifies regional opportunities for renewable energy in Hume which includes a coalition of community energy groups working to deliver localised energy generation and distribution for community benefit.

Hume also has significant pumped hydro energy storage development potential as well as quality solar resources which have been attracting investment interest. Bioenergy resources are also abundant in Hume with a number of biogas generators operating in the region.

Fiona Roberts has previously worked in the Commonwealth government as a senior policy analyst on a variety of projects including ecological sustainable development and natural resource management for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Fiona says, "The Hume Renewable Energy Roadmap report brings together what we heard and uncovered and tells our region’s renewable energy story – the past, the exciting things happening now and what the future might hold."

Hear about this Renewable Energy Roadmap and learn about the possibilities for a renewable energy future for our region.

Following the presentation about the Renewable Energy Roadmap there will be a short presentation from John Lloyd about the activities of Renewable Energy Benalla and the role it could play in the energy future for Benalla.

The minutes of our previous meeting held on Thursday July 25th 2019 are attached below.

Supper will be available after the meeting.

Peter Maddock
Secretary
0418 135 330

Long term Benalla Local Food Network Action Group members Kathryn McQualter, Peter Maddock and Callum Morrison shared lots of news and discussed many ideas relating to local food networks at their meeting on September 4th.  

Kathryn reported on the launch of the North East Local Food Strategy 2018-2022. It is available at  http://beechworthhealthservice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/NE-Local-Food-Strategy_2018_2022_Final.pdf 

Kathryn was very positive about both the process involved in creating the report and the final product and highlighted its great potential as a resource for community members and groups applying for funding to introduce or expand innovative local food strategies in the North East.

Next meeting Kathryn will report back on a meeting she is attending at Gateway Health on September 17th with Serenity Hill from Open Food Network. Serenity has funding through the Open Food Network to host an event in Wangaratta before July 2020 to ‘connect food producers and eaters, strengthen networks that help connect producers with consumers.’ Other BSFG members are welcome to attend.

Other topics discussed included Kathryn's bountiful garden beds at Benalla Health and the continuing popularity of the Grow Free cart where people can swap their home grown fruit, vegetables and seedlings. The cart is located at the Ray Sweeney Centre 45 Coster St Benalla.  The innovative and highly valued 'wicking bed' project was also discussed - Kathryn mentioned that it will soon be time for the annual sharing of seeds and celebration of the wicking garden project at Waminda,

Kathryn is a member of the Benalla Health and Wellbeing group.  Kathryn is concerned to ensure that the role a healthy diet,  fresh foods and  the activity of gardening can have on both physical and mental health, is incorporated in their discussions.

Local good news stories were shared.  Kathryn shared information about Good Vibes Wholefoods Benalla's 'Fruit and Veggie Box'.  The box, which costs $35, will contain seasonal fresh produce every week.  The list will be posted on Facebook @goodvibesbenalla and orders can be confirmed on 0426828788,  Main Street Cafe was commended on publishing a list of its local and regional suppliers - not only demonstrating support for local businesses, but a great way to reduce food miles travelled.

The group enjoys catching up and sharing news and views on a bimonthly basis at the Farmers Basket Cafe.  They are looking for more action group members particularly in agriculture or environment sector - Kathryn will link with anyone who is unable to attend in person.

The next Benalla Local Food Network meeting will be the Wed 6th Nov 5:15 at Farmers Basket Café Benalla--all welcome

Contact Person: 
Kathryn McQualter
​Coordinator Benalla Local Food Network Action Group
Dietitian Benalla Health  0357612219  
Kathryn.McQualter@benallahealth.org.au


Beverley Lee
BSFG Member/Web Team 

"​Greetings to all from Broome, and probably by the time you read this newsletter, the AWC property, Mornington, off the Gibb River road, NE of Derby.

After having travelled nearly 4,000 km to get here, I am now starting to feel a bit guilty about burning all that diesel to power our trip! (Just as well we planted lots of trees before we left!) After being (blissfully) out of mobile reception for several days,

I was brought back to earth with a jolt by the plethora of emails from all the various conservation and activist organisations we subscribe to - headlines screaming at me that the ‘Arctic is Burning’, our Pacific neighbours are drowning as seawaters rise, large-scale solar investment is about to ‘fall off the cliff’ because of government policies, etc.

In the past few days, I have learned of two stories, which left me shocked and somewhat angered, by the ignorance and greed displayed in each case. Firstly, at Geikie Gorge, near Fitzroy Crossing, we were told by the Park Ranger that cattle from the neighbouring station had been allowed to invade the National Park to drink from the river, and in the process destroyed the habitat of the critically endangered Purple-crowned Fairy-wren, virtually wiping out the entire local population.

Secondly, we heard that Gina Reinhardt, and other wealthy landholders, were proposing a scheme to use water from the Fitzroy River basin for a large-scale irrigation project - this, in spite of the fact that water levels in this basin are at their lowest in living memory, having endured two very dry ‘wet’ seasons in a row (last year, Fitzroy Crossing had 60mm of rain over the ‘wet’ months instead of the average 600mm). Vast areas of this region are suffering through reduced water table levels, so schemes such as this proposal will further weaken the resilience of the local flora and fauna.

On a positive note, I read, with awe and admiration, the email relating the story of the people of the Negros Occidental province of the Philippines, and their struggles to keep their province coal-mine and coalpower free. I was also encouraged by the plan that Holley and Fin have to encourage people to plant as many trees as possible to absorb atmospheric CO2.

There are many organisations within Australia which are devoting considerable energy to overcome political brick walls (or, more bluntly, plain stupidity and greed) in the fight to counter climate change, and if we support them, vocally and/or financially, they will succeed, because politicians will respond to public pressure.

We need to all start writing letters to newspapers, expressing our frustration with the unwillingness of governments to take the necessary urgent steps to counter climate change, or telephone your local member and record your displeasure with their party's policies. We cannot continue to expect that someone else will do this on our behalf.

I live in hope that common sense will prevail over greed and stupidity!

​Peter Holmes

​Source: ​ BSFG Newsletter #25 - September 2015

BSFG's September Newsletter (#25)  is now available on the website. . 

Peter Holmes, in a passionate' President's Message, emphasises the urgent and continuing need for both individual advocacy/lobbying and support for the organisations devoting considerable energy to overcome political brick walls (or, more bluntly, plain stupidity and greed) in the fight to counter climate change.  Also included - Callum Morrison's  'Fifty Years of Playing with Pipes' about his interest in hydrology; a thought provoking article on 'Emissions Levels' by Ian Herbert; a range of stimulating contributions by Peter Maddock - 'Legacy', 'Low Carbon and Loving It', 'Carbon Footprint', '2040, MiniGrids and RedGrid', and 'Another Long Walk for Climate Action' - and a report from Kathryn McQualter from BSFG's Local Food Network Action Group.

Thank you to Ian Herbert for his efforts in putting our Newsletter together.  Ian is quite busy yet manages to fit this job into a very full schedule.

The deadline for the December Newsletter is Sunday November 24th.  Plenty of time to put pen to paper.  E-mail your articles to peter_maddock@iprimus.com.au. 

​For information, please contact Peter Maddock on 0418 135 330.  

The next meeting of the Benalla Local Food Network Action Group is at 5.15pm, The Farmers Basket Cafe, Nun Street Benalla.  More details Kathryn McQualter.
Linking local food to local people.
Download Flyer

BSFG's Action Group Renewable Energy Benalla is conducting a series of free workshops on how to reduce energy bills and increase the thermal comfort of your home.
​
August 5   Understanding energy bills and getting the best rate
Electricity contracts, understanding your usage, comparing retail rates.  Bring your electricity bills to discuss
 
August 19  Draught Proofing & Insulation
Locating and fixing draughts. Insulation to improve thermal performance.
 
September 2   Lighting & Windows
Energy efficient lighting; solutions to poorly performing windows

September 16  Efficient Hot Water Systems, Heating and Cooling
Water heating is a major energy user while heating accounts for 30% of energy bills. Learn about efficient options.
 
September 30  Appliances & Cooking; Transitioning from Gas
Appliances & cooking account for 30% of energy bills.
 
October 14     Energy Monitoring, Solar Power & Batteries
Monitoring real time energy consumption.
Advantages of solar power & batteries.

These free workshops will be conducted in the meeting rooms at the Uniting Church in Carrier Street, Benalla, (opposite the Coles car park), from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
 
While attending all the workshops would provide the major benefit, some people may wish to only attend some of the sessions.
 
It is important to register to attend these workshops by emailing info@reb.org.au,  indicating the workshops you wish to attend or phone/SMS  Peter on 0418 135 330.
 
Please register by Wednesday 31st July 
​

BSFG's  Newsletter #24 July 2019 is now available to the public!

Thank you to Ian Herbert for assembling the articles and getting the Newsletter completed, and for contributing some interesting articles on Adani and the Swanpool Environmental Film Festival.

We had intended to have a June Newsletter but time constraints meant we had to make it the July Newsletter.  To some extent we were also short of contributions from members for a June deadline, however the July extension has resulted in a most readable and informative newsletter.

The deadline for the September Newsletter is Sunday 25th August so contributions are most welcome.

A reminder that membership renewals are due for 2019-20.   One-year membership is $25 per household or $20 if already a member of the Bulk Food Co-operative.   A three-year membership is $60.  We now have a $5 membership for full time students 18 years and under.

Peter Maddock
0418 135 330

The next General Meeting of the Benalla Sustainable Future Group will be held on Thursday July 25th, 7.30pm until 9.30pm at the Benalla Uniting Church, Carrier Street Benalla, opposite the Coles Car Park. 
Our Guest speaker is Bruce Walker who will be presenting information on Queensland Fruit Fly. 
Fruit flies are a significant threat to Victoria’s horticulture industry, affecting production and disrupting trade worldwide.  Species such as Queensland fruit fly, are present in Victoria and need effective management to reduce the impact on production and trade opportunities.  If we grow fruit and vegetables susceptible to fruit fly we can all play a part in controlling fruit fly.
Topics Bruce will cover include;
Why manage QFF?
* Area wide approach
* Know your enemy
* Options for home gardeners
* Traps in detail
* Orchard and garden hygiene
Bruce is immediate past President of Benalla Rotary. He previously was an agricultural scientist at Rutherglen Research Institute for many years.

We are also hoping to find and screen a suitable short film on food waste.

The meeting will finish with supper, providing an opportunity for further discussion.

Peter Maddock
Secretary
0418 135 330

Download the Flyer

The Swanpool Environmental Film Festival which took place on Saturday 15th June was a great success. We were fortunate to have three guest speakers of international repute who excelled at delivering their knowledge to the audience. Over 200 attended and we had to put up the ‘full house’ sign.

​The three subjects covered were the three major problems confronting the world today - nuclear weapons, climate change and how to feed a growing populace. Thanks to Dr Tilman Ruff, Prof Samantha Hepburn and Prof Tim Reeves respectively for coming to Swanpool.

Congratulations were extended to Tilman for being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours the week before the SEFF. Tilman already had an AM (Member of Australia) and now has the higher honour of an AO (Member of the Order of Australia) for service to the promotion of peace and to public health. Since 2012, he has been Co-President of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) – an organisation that won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985. He was founding Australian and International Chair of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) – awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. He brought the medal with him for those who wanted to view it. Tilman and his wife Charlotte are landholders in the Lima East valley near Swanpool.

Prof Tim Reeves' talk was titled ‘Food and Nutritional Security - a Grand Challenge for Humankind’. Tim is Professor in Residence at Dookie agricultural campus and was a pioneer of no-till and sustainable agriculture at the Rutherglen Research Institute. He too has worked with many international institutions.

​Prof Samantha Hepburn’s talk addressed many of the Australian legal issues around climate change and the Adani mine going ahead.

This year we changed the format a little and had a short film session mid-afternoon. As well as selected
short films it included news reels and a series of slides telling the story of preserving Strathbogie Forest this past year. That’s a good news story because the designated logging coupes in the most precious part of the forest, around Mt Strathbogie and Golden Mount, have now been withdrawn from the Timber Release Plan. The TRP lists the designated coupes which VicForests can log. The next step is to have permanent protection for the forest, preferably by declaring it a Conservation Park giving it the  samestatus as Mt Samaria Park.

The film ‘2040’ which concluded the evening was very well received. It looks into the future asking the question how could the planet be if we do the right thing. When taking about sustainable agriculture it gave good coverage of the works of Colin Seiss who was referred to by Tim Reeves in his talk and who has worked closely with the Gecko CLaN and landholders in this region for many years.

​Many thanks to all who volunteered to make this day a success, particularly Peter Maddock for all his work getting all the video together. The SEFF is run by the Swanpool Landcare group in partnership with Benalla Sustainable Future group and with support from the Gecko CLaN, GBCMA, Granite Creeks and Benalla Permaculture. We are particularly thankful for the catering provided by the Swanpool Catering Team who excelled themselves once again.

Ian Herbert

A couple of years ago, Pablo Brait from Market Forces was guest speaker at a BSFG general meeting.
The following extract from recent fund raising related email from Market Forces, might give hope to those who wish Adani would disappear into the ether.
 
This is what monumental progress looks like

"Five Korean financial institutions rule out funding Adani. A dozen international insurance companies do the same. The French investment bank Adani hired to sell part of Abbot Point walks away from the deal. 

Insurer QBE commits to phase out thermal coal insurance by 2030. Three Singaporean banks and Standard Chartered signal an end to funding new coal power stations.

This is just some of the progress we have made in the past year, all while under increasing scrutiny and threatened by Adani's lawyers, who tried to intimidate us into submission. No chance.

Every day we become more aware of how climate change is impacting us all. From bushfires in winter and in parts of Australia that have never experienced them before, to another angry summer just passed where climate records tumbled.

We’re making progress, but it’s not fast enough to meet our vision of a coal free Australia by 2030, with all of the world's future energy needs met with renewables. 

Possible? Yes. Essential? Absolutely.

We're up against a fossil fuel industry desperate to squeeze every last dollar of profit it can while it has the chance. And the re-elected Morrison government has just announced it has a mandate on all existing policies, including climate and energy. Meaning the government has just let itself off the hook over taking action on climate change.

I’m sure it’s no surprise to you when I say we can’t count on our political leaders to save us from climate disaster. It’s up to the community to fight harder than ever for a safe climate future. And our work convincing financial institutions like our banks, super funds and insurance companies to drop their investments in fossil fuels is more critical than ever. Governments won’t act, so we have to."

As an independent nonprofit, Market Forces doesn’t take money from governments or corporations, relying on support from community members so their team can keep their work up. They are currently seeking financial support asking community members to make a tax deductible $3 donation to 'help deliver the next round of wins to move finance and investment away from polluting fossil fuels'. The work of Market Forces is regarded highly by BSFG.  BSFG. members and friends might consider including Market Forces in their portfolio of climate change related donations by responding to their current request for financial support.   .  

Peter Holmes

"Dear BSFG members and supporters

Last Thursday, BSFG conducted its 2019 AGM, at which our new committee was elected. I am both
honoured and challenged by members accepting my nomination as President for the
coming year, and extremely grateful to the other incoming members who have accepted positions
on the committee.

At the AGM, I read an extract from Richard Flanagan's speech to the large crowd at the Canberra
climate rally on Sunday 5th May. You can read his full speech by accessing the Guardian website*, and
if you do so, I hope it might inspire you to tackle the climate emergency head on!

Briefly, three comments Flanagan made stand out in my mind.

​"After May 18th it matters even more to press whoever wins to recognise this crisis is not an issue. It
is THE issue".

"I am here today to say that there is hope. That the Franklin River flows free and Adani will be
stopped. These things happen, because at a certain point enough people say there are things that
matter more than the politics of money."

"There is no power on this earth that can resist an idea whose time has come.  It is a time to act and it is for us to act. Because there is no-one else and there is no other time."

Every day in the news, I read about the arrogance of the politicians who think they have been given
a mandate to implement their climate-wrecking policies and open up new coal mines, put renewable energy projects on the back burner in favour of the fossil fuel corporations that bought them victory, and condemn our children to a world with a bleak future.

And then, I remember Flanagan's words, and it makes me more determined to do something. So I
write a letter to the paper, or I have a serious head-to-head discussion with a friend who is a
conservative voter. On my own, I might reach out to a few people, but with your collective help, we
can do so much more. Politicians will listen to a group with several hundred members, because that
is significant.

If you are one of our long time members, I thank you for your ongoing support, and encourage you
to come along to our bi-monthly meetings (4th Thursday of July, September, November, March and
May). If you are on our contact list, please consider becoming a member - $25 per year - and also
coming along to our meetings, where we try to arrange a varied array of guest speakers or films on
environmental/sustainability issues.

Please check out our website (www.bsfg.org.au) where you will find information about our action
groups, and other articles of environmental importance. There are details on the website about how
you can join BSFG, and I look forward to your support as we try to influence the political debate in
Australia around the climate emergency.

Sincerely


Peter Holmes (President)

"I won’t beat around the bush. Our campaign to stop Adani just got a whole lot more complicated.

The Morrison Government won the election with no plan to end to digging up and burning coal.

But we’ve been here before. No-one ever said that taking on nature-wrecking corporations in the most profitable industry in history would be easy.

Right now, Adani and the Murdoch press are trying to spin the election result as some sort of resurgence for love of coal.

We call rubbish. The vast majority of Australians know there is no future for coal. There’s just a handful of billionaires trying to make more money at the expense of everyone else’s children.

Adani’s mine would open the Galilee Basin to eight more climate-wrecking coal mines. If they all went ahead, it would be the biggest expansion of coal mining on planet Earth. And burning coal is the worst cause of climate damage.

Clive Palmer, Gautam Adani and Gina Rinehart are selling false hope to regional communities. The reality?

Coal is on the way out. It’s a collapsing industry without a future. Don’t just take it from us. Last week BHP said burning coal will be phased out “sooner than we think.” China Stone put their proposed coal mine next to Adani’s on hold. And a new report says global investment in coal tumbled by 75% in just three years.

But for Adani, they have too much invested already to give up on the mine. And they’re sniffing out more public subsidies to make their mine scrape through. They are dead-set on digging and burning that coal.
They’re happy to trample the rights of Wangan and Jagalingou Traditional Owners who are in court today challenging Adani’s Indigenous Land Use Agreement.

In coming weeks, the Queensland government will choose – let Adani destroy wildlife and water – or not.

There are two critical approvals the Queensland government just set deadlines for – management plans for endangered wildlife and water. Adani’s previous plans were rejected as inadequate by scientists and the Queensland government.

The water plan was waved through under political pressure by the Federal Environment Minister on election eve, but now must be signed off by the Queensland government.

This Friday, the Queensland government will choose the fate of the finch. Let a billionaire bulldoze the last remaining habitat of the endangered Black-Throated Finch? Or protect this beautiful bird, and everything it symbolises as the “canary in the coal mine”?

Adani’s plan is to destroy critical finch habitat, and then later on protect “offset” habitat on the site of billionaire Clive Palmer’s proposed new mine. That’s the man who decided to, in his words, “polarise the electorate” by dropping $60 million on advertising during the federal election campaign.

On 13 June, the Queensland government will choose to approve or reject Adani’s water management plan.

Adani’s Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Management Plan (GDEMP) is supposed to protect vital ecosystems – like the Doongmabulla Springs near Adani’s proposed mine site. But expert water scientists have raised serious concerns about Adani’s plans to suck billions of litres of water from Queensland’s precious inland aquifers.

The mining giant plans to drain 12.5 billion litres of precious river water every year, nearly as much as all local farmers combined. It threatens ancient springs – 160 wetlands that provide permanent water during drought. It would also leave behind six unfilled coal pits that would drain millions of litres of groundwater forever.

It’s bad enough that the federal government rushed through this dodgy plan on the eve of the election. But with 65% of Queensland suffering through a worsening drought, for the Queensland government to approve it would be a travesty.

On 18-19 June, ACF will take on the Environment Minister in the federal court.

In our crowd-funded court case, ACF is challenging the federal government because we believe it broke its own laws over the water-guzzling pipeline Adani needs for its climate-wrecking mine. We will also challenge whether the Minister properly considered thousands of public submissions, as required by the law.

We think we have a chance of winning.

I have to be honest with you though that the bad news is that, even if we win, the Minister can re-approve the pipeline by following the “proper process,” which under Australia’s weak current environmental laws, has only weak checks on the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction of wildlife. Under current laws, the Minister does not even have to consider climate change.

I’m sorry I can’t be the bearer of better news. But Adani can’t start digging yet. And our elected representatives’ decisions on water, the finch and climate pollution have consequences.
​
Birdsong. Crystal clear water in ancient aquifers. Oceans teeming with fish and corals. We hold these things in trust for future generations of children and wildlife. They matter.

Christian
Christian Slattery
Stop Adani Campaigner

P.S. To take on the nature-wrecking corporations and the coal industry, people everywhere need to get off the sidelines. That’s why we’ve decided it’s time to scale up our local ACF Community groups from 27 to 70 groups. Real power comes from people working together in local areas AND on coordinated national campaigns.Join a webinar this Thursday 30 May or Thursday 13 June to learn how to join or start a local ACF Community group.

This month, the Benalla Food Co-operative will have been operating for exactly eight years.

​We started in May 2011 with 12 members, offering 20 different products and opening once per month. We used old wooden wardrobes for food storage and didn’t have a computer. News spread mainly by word of mouth, along with an article in the Benalla Ensign.

We now have 84 members, offer 115 products and recently commenced opening four times per month.  In the coming month we will see our 4,000th customer shop at the food co-op.

We have decided to celebrate our 8th year with a social function where we will share a meal and a recipe.
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It is heartening to see many young families attend the Co-op. We all enjoy the many benefits of good quality food products, shopping in a relaxed friendly atmosphere and knowing we are contributing to less food miles and packaging, and where possible, supporting local producers.

Christine Holmes,
​Food Co-op Coordinator

This article is based on Christine's report to the BSFG Annual Report presented at the AGM on 23 May 2019. 

Our AGM on Thursday 23 May went very well with all positions being filled at the elections conducted by Mayor Scott Upston.  Thank you to John Lloyd for chairing the meeting prior to the elections.

We welcome the new committee of management and thank two new members Kay and Richard for accepting nomination, Peter Holmes for accepting the President Role and Wendy for becoming the Treasurer.  And thank you to James Webster for accepting, in absentia for the position of Vice President.

President: Peter Holmes
Secretary: Peter Maddock
Treasurer: Wendy Baker
Vice President: James Webster
Committee members:  
Bulk Food Coop representative Christine Holmes and Kevin Smith, David Blore, Kay Blore, and Richard Felton.

Peter Holmes spoke about how reading an article in The Guardian by Richard Flanagan influenced his decision to nominate for President, https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/may/05/im-willing-to-go-to-jail-to-stop-adani-and-save-our-beloved-country-will-you-stand-with-me.

Our guest speaker Lance Lloyd, Restoration Scientist (Aquatic Ecology), Winton Wetlands Committee of Management, gave us a good insight into efforts at Winton Wetlands to bring about the ecological regeneration of the catchment.

A reminder again that we are planning for a Newsletter in June so could you send articles to me by the end of May. 


Peter Maddock
Secretary

SWANPOOL ENVIRONMENTAL FILM FESTIVAL 2019 (PG)
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Feature films, documentaries, guest speakers!
Three sessions with breaks for afternoon tea and an evening meal:

Session One: Dr Tilman Ruff and film ‘System Error’
Session Two: Prof Samantha Hepburn and Short Enviro Film Fest
Session Three: Prof Tim Reeves and film ‘2040’

Booking essential on TryBooking.
Phone 0498 007 988 for enquiries.
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Afternoon tea and dinner included.
Catering by Swanpool Catering Team.

The 2019 Benalla Sustainable Future Group AGM will be held on Thursday May 23rd, 2019 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Room, Benalla Uniting Church, Carrier Street Benalla, opposite the Coles Car park.

Benalla Rural City Mayor Scott Upston will conduct the election of President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and at least four Committee Members.

Our guest speaker is Lance Lloyd, Restoration Scientist (Aquatic Ecology), Winton Wetlands Committee of Management who will speak to us about the Ecological Renewal of the Winton Wetlands Reserve.

The ecological renewal of the 8,750-hectare Reserve is a project of national scientific, cultural and environmental significance. Located in north east Victoria, between the regional cities of Benalla and Wangaratta, the Reserve is a mix of wetlands, grasslands, woodlands and forest.  The project is aiming to connect people to nature through its ecological renewal, as well as with education and tourism programs onsite. The project has many aspects contributing to the establishment of a site of ecological, cultural, social and economic importance.  This ecological renewal work is not a short-term project, but will take decades to be fully realised, and is aimed to enhance natural processes to ensure the restoration is sustainable in the long term.

Lance will discuss the ecological renewal aspects of the project which is built upon the Restoration and Monitoring Strategic Plan (Barlow 2011). The current science team has developed a range of specific management and monitoring plans that have been developed for fish and other fauna, waterbirds, water quality, aquatic plants, revegetation and feral animals and weeds.

The science program has undertaken multiple projects which contribute to the onsite ecological renewal of the site, and, more generally, contribute to the knowledge about wetland and woodland function and restoration.

Lance is also an Honorary Research Fellow at Federation University and has over 30 years experience in consulting, government, and university research into aquatic ecosystems and their management. Lance has a long history at the site, working there in the 1990’s with the predecessor of DELWP and the RWC (as Principal Water Quality Scientist) on the algal problems and the restoration of Lake Mokoan. He oversees the science and sustainability programs at Winton Wetlands, working with the science panel, ranger, staff and volunteers to achieve ecological renewal of the site.

Lance will speak after the business of our AGM including the election of office bearers and committee.  A light supper will be available at the end of the meeting.

I encourage you to come along to our AGM and hear about this important wetland restoration project, https://wintonwetlands.org.au

Peter Maddock (0418 135 330)
Secretary

This is an update on Shannon Loughnane's Extremely Long Walk to Canberra and his visit to Benalla on Saturday April 27th.

On the morning of Shannon’s arrival we are having a stall at the Lakeside Market from 9.00am until 1.00pm to collect signatures for Shannon’s petition to Parliament, and to display BSFG and REB information. 

Mayor Scott Upston will attend a Welcome event for Shannon at the John Cooper Hall, the Benalla Uniting Church from 4.00pm.  At this event we will hear from Shannon about his project and also John Lloyd who will talk about local climate change actions and renewable energy developments, and hear from other people about local climate actions. Finger Food and Tea/Coffee will be available at this event.  BSFG acknowledges a Benalla Rural City Sponsorship Grant which is supporting this event.

Shannon is inviting people to walk with him.  A good way to follow and join his walk is through social media.  The attached flyer also has live links to Facebook, twitter and Instagram.

While Shannon would appreciate your company on his walk he is particularly interested in getting your signature on his petition.  The opportunity to do this in Benalla will be at our Lakeside Market stall from 9.00am to 1.00pm or the Welcome event at the Uniting Church from 4.00pm.  The Food Co-op also has the petition if you wish to sign it on one of the shops open days.

One of our members is hosting Shannon on Saturday night before he continues his walk to Wangaratta on Sunday.

Peter Maddock Secretary 0418 135 330.

Download Flyer