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Election Responses
Clean Energy for Eternity sent out a questionnaire to candidates standing for election in the Bega Valley Shire Council and received feedback from fourteen of the twenty individuals standing. We asked 14 yes/no questions (see below) and provided a space where candidates could provide comments.
Of those who responded, six candidates said yes to all questions (Prue Kelly, Liz Seekold, Fraser Buchanan, Graeme Wykes, Emma O’Haire, Rosemary Beaumont) , while four (David Hede, Paul Pincini, Keith Hughes and one anonymous) said yes but with informed caveats eg. ‘if financially viable’ and ‘subject to proper planning’.
Rob Colligan and Jeff Knight support the goals of CEFE, but gave no further details.
Graham Carmody was mindful of the importance of respecting our environment, but felt unable to respond to special interest groups that might limit democratic decision making if elected.
Michael Britten didn’t answer the questions as he felt they did not represent a balanced approach. In his view, Global Warming is real, but its real cause lies with the forces of Nature and he doesn’t believe a threat is posed to the Bega Valley Shire by its small population in what is natural surrounds with virtually no secondary industry.
CEFE QUESTIONNAIRE PLEASE TICK YOUR CHOICE – Yes/No - Do you believe global warming is real and poses a genuine threat to the residents and environment of Bega Shire?
- Do you consider human activity is largely the cause of climate change?
- Will you support the CEFE 50/50 by 2020 campaign and actively assist the community to reach these targets?
- Do you believe that climate change mitigation and adaptation can yield significant social, environmental and economic benefits for residents in the Bega Valley Shire?
- Do you support local clean energy community initiatives as an important leadership role of Bega Valley Shire Council?
- Will you act to ensure Bega Valley Shire Council itself meets the 50/50 by 2020 target?
- If feasible, would you support the council in bulk buying Solar Hot Water systems for residents to buy at a discount?
- Would you support Council moving to generate electricity on council owned assets (eg buildings and land).
- Would you oppose bureaucratic hurdles that hinder clean energy initiatives like solar and wind power installations?
- Will you demand responsible siting of new developments and oppose placement of essential services and assets in areas likely to be inundated by sea level rises?
- Would you support changes to building codes aimed at making buildings carbon neutral throughout their lifespan?
- Would you move to make all future major residential developments carbon neutral similar to BEND?
- Would you support the local dairy and forest industries changing their operations to maximise use of our soils and forests as carbon sinks?
- Will you support development of a comprehensive Shire-wide energy audit to reveal opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint (from our food to our transport options)?
As space is limited, only an overview of many illuminating personal comments is provided:
Tony Allen put up the Mayoral Minute that the Bega Valley Shire Council adopt the CEFE target of 50/50 by 2020, a motion that was unanimously supported, by all Councillors including Fraser Buchanan, David Hede and Keith Hughes. Buchanan wants Bega at the forefront of environmentally sustainable efficiency and is a strong advocate for stronger building design and efficiency controls in DA approval requirements.
Hede represented Council on the CEFE Action Plan working group.
Hughes seeks to targets into real action, noting electricity consumption in the Bega Valley has risen steadily during the past three years. He suggests it is time to recognise the contribution of the region's native forests to reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide, quoting the recent research by Professor Mackey and ANU. "Burning native forests and redefining it as renewable is not the answer”.
Prue Kelly has been a hardworking CEFE volunteer for two years, organising public meetings, writing articles and raising funds of solar and wind installation for Surf Clubs and Pre-schools.
Michael Britten will support all realistic investigation into the feasibility of alternate sources of energy to achieve Government objectives, but isn’t prepared to burden the rate payer with the cost, seeking good growth and development for Bega Valley Shire in line with the lower south coast strategy.
Liz Seckold, a diligent recycler, encouraged student representative council to participate in the Bournda environment committee.
Paul Pincini initiated the installation of solar power at Pambula Public School, plants native trees to offset the carbon footprint of his public transport operation and is trialing a gas enhancing unit for diesel engines to reduce carbon output and fossil fuel use. He suggested bulk buying in solar hot water systems was anti-competitive and an alternative for households taking up the initiative might be a rate relief rebate.
Graeme Wykes supports the 20/20 campaign, with his family committed to playing its part on a personal level, and while making no firm promises will give his full support on any issue that seeks to address Global Warming.
Rosemary Beaumont has been raising awareness on climate change for thirty years through her lifestyle, educational, political and community activity. The Greens policy of insulating and installing solar hot water on all Australian homes, starting with the lowest income homes, would allow decommissioning of two coal fired power stations. Rosemary feels the inherent change attending climate change may be a painful process, which should not be over-looked but planned for in the community with the development of strategies of mutual support, interconnection and social cohesion so necessary for our future.
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