Responses to the 'Net Zero Farming' forum at the Benalla Gardens on Friday 25 February were overwhelmingly positive. Organised by Dr Helen Haines and her team, it was attended by a number of BSFG members and like minded community members. Speakers covered the issues in an engaging, well informed way; the questions from the gathering were thought provoking, and there was much networking during breakout group discussions and afterwards to share news and ideas about net zero farming and possible 'next steps'. Hopefully this networking will lead on to similar community gatherings and networking on Net Zero Farming into the future!
On Friday afternoon 25 February, Benalla Community Energy Project's Solar Panel Installation at Bernard Brigg's Kindergarten was officially launched by Helen Haines MP. Helen's passion for community renewable energy is demonstrated continually in communities throughout her Indigo Electorate. BSFG President Peter Holmes took the opportunity to thank John Lloyd, former BSFG President and retiring Renewable Energy Benalla/Benalla Community Energy Project convenor, for his tireless work in promoting renewable energy in our community.
Thank you, John! Only a few seats were left at the Benalla Town Hall on Friday 26 February when two very experienced Climate Scientists, Dr Lynne Bettio and Dr Leanne Webb, addressed the subject of Climate Change. They presented facts relating to rising temperatures in Benalla and the world at large, as well as future projections, especially for our local region. Their projections for where we will be if we stay on the same course weren't pretty! However, they also presented alternative solutions which require massive change around the world, including moving to renewable energies, electric vehicles and developing new technology to reduce the carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.
MP Helen Haines, who attended the meeting, updated the Benalla community about introducing a new bill, the Local Power Plan, to Parliament House that week. The Local Power Blan is a blue print for everyday Australians to benefit from the coming renewable energy boom in their local area. Helen's passion for renewable energy is contagious. “In the 21st century we can build a new generation of prosperity by catching the suns rays and surfing the prevailing winds.” Lastly Jenny O’Connor, the Mayor of Indigo Shire, addressed the gathering with a motivating speech about her commitment to implementing strategies to create a greener future. Photographs and story - Heath Whiley |
BSFG News
Regular updates on sustainability issues of concern to BSFG members in Benalla and North East Victoria and on key events in the BSFG calendar. Search for articles here...Swanpool Environmental Film Festival - from 2015 to 2023 (click on 'previous' at end of page to go to earlier reports)
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Benalla Sustainable Future Group acknowledges the traditional owners of the land on which we live, work and meet, the Taungerang, Yorta Yorta and Bpangerang people
of North East Victoria, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
of North East Victoria, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.