Big talk on climate action for forum

CHAIRS spilled into the corridor on Saturday (February 18) as 50 people attended the Bass Coast Climate Action Network’s (BCCAN) Forum at the Bass Coast Adult Learning Centre (BCAL).

Attendees heard about what the Council is doing in regard to their Climate Action Plan, since declaring a Climate Emergency in August 2019.

Chaired by Bass Coast Mayor Michael Whelan, Bass Coast Shire Council Climate Emergency Project Officer Christian Slattery kicked off the speakers panel before handing over to Joey Thompson, Newhaven College student and School Strike for Climate advocate; and Zoe Geyer, Coordinator of Totally Renewable Phillip Island.

Attendees were given an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns about local climate-related issues including urban sprawl, public transport, landcare and energy efficiency. Four key break-out groups followed the panel to further discuss ideas and start planning – Community involvement in Climate Action Plan, Cosy Homes, Waste Reduction and Divestment in Fossil Fuels

In opening the panel discussion, the mayor spoke about the role individuals can play and the importance of supporting young people and changing the future for future generations.

“If everyone here speaks to 20 people that’s (1000 people) and that’s how we influence, not by haranguing people…

“We have a role to play because we have a lot of lived experience to support young people. Think local, act global.”

BCCAN volunteer and Cosy Homes co-coordinator Jessica Harrison also spoke about the importance of small steps creating great change, and was inspired to hear from Christian particularly around the greatest community emission sources.

“It was inspiring to hear from Christian Slattery about the Climate Action Plan and from Totally Renewable Phillip 

Island about their community battery and their proposal for a local transport system,” Jessica said.

“The Cosy Homes break-out group resulted in a lively exchange of information about solar installation, saving money on bills and keeping the cold out of old Wonthaggi homes. School Striker Joey Thompson lead a fruitful discussion about how to convince NAB to stop funding coal mines.”

In the build up to the main event, guests were also treated to the launch of 14kW of solar panels at BCAL, funded by COPower and Southern CORE Fund, which are saving energy costs for the Centre.