A synopsis prepared by John of the multitude of issues relating to a sustainable future which appeared in the papers in January formed a fertile base for discussion during our first session. Issues raised by members added to the mix, with ‘local interest’ generated during discussion of the recent rejection of recycled waste from regional municipalities in Victoria by China. Class members who have lived in Benalla for many years reported that some decades ago a furnace was built in Benalla for just this purpose and that the building, long unused, is still standing.
A major focus at our second session was the Murray Darling Basin and the government’s plan to reduce by 70 billion litres the amount of water that irrigators must return to the environment in the northern part of the Murray Darling Basin. The plan was blocked in the senate by Labour supporting the Greens. A lively discussion followed about the pros and cons of the Murray Darling Basin.
We are always keen to discuss positive stories and are sure many will emerge as a result of the work of the Renewable Energy Benalla group. Among other strategies, Renewable Energy Benalla is promoting a session by Mondo Energy in early April regarding a bulk buy offer to the Benalla community of panels, monitoring systems and eventually batteries, with the potential to develop microgrids throughout Benalla. Many U3A members resident in the Ascot Court area have solar panels, at least one of whom has expressed interest in being part of a microgrid.
The Benalla Sustainable Future Group quarterly Newsletter is now available on the BSFG website, a great place to catch up with the ideas and work of the local sustainable futures oriented community, including current concerns about the future of the Greater Glider with the intended logging of the Barjarg coupe in the Strathbogies.
John Lloyd and Bev Lee
A major focus at our second session was the Murray Darling Basin and the government’s plan to reduce by 70 billion litres the amount of water that irrigators must return to the environment in the northern part of the Murray Darling Basin. The plan was blocked in the senate by Labour supporting the Greens. A lively discussion followed about the pros and cons of the Murray Darling Basin.
We are always keen to discuss positive stories and are sure many will emerge as a result of the work of the Renewable Energy Benalla group. Among other strategies, Renewable Energy Benalla is promoting a session by Mondo Energy in early April regarding a bulk buy offer to the Benalla community of panels, monitoring systems and eventually batteries, with the potential to develop microgrids throughout Benalla. Many U3A members resident in the Ascot Court area have solar panels, at least one of whom has expressed interest in being part of a microgrid.
The Benalla Sustainable Future Group quarterly Newsletter is now available on the BSFG website, a great place to catch up with the ideas and work of the local sustainable futures oriented community, including current concerns about the future of the Greater Glider with the intended logging of the Barjarg coupe in the Strathbogies.
John Lloyd and Bev Lee
