At 11am on Saturday, December 6, schools, community groups and people of all ages gathered on Mollymook Beach to create a human sign forming the words ‘PEOPLE POWER’. The event, organised by the Shoalhaven Chapter of Clean Energy for Eternity, was an opportunity for the people of the Shoalhaven to show their support for renewable energy and to urge Council and community leaders to make decisions to encourage new ‘clean’ technologies. Over 500 people gathered on the beach. On the day, Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Paul Green, announced $8000 of funding towards the Mollymook Lifesaving Energy project. Milton & Districts Community Bank have also contributed $6000 towards the project. Local renewable energy supplier, Barker Electrical/Sunlord Solar, has donated a wind turbine and will provide the solar system at a great price. The installation will happen in 2009 in conjunction with other building works on the surf club.

SHOALHAVEN CLEAN ENERGY FOR ETERNITY

: PEOPLE POWER: David Penny and son Samuel will be joined by hundreds of other locals who have already signed on to be part of a human sign on Mollymook Beach, December 6.

Hundreds volunteer to form human sign

STORY AND PHOTO: HAMISH RICHARDSON

12/11/2008 11:21:00 AM

IT seems the Shoalhaven has caught the clean energy bug.

United in the belief that it's time for action, hundreds of locals have already put up their hands to be part of an historic gathering at Mollymook Beach on December 6 to create a human sign that will make a clear, simple statement about sustainability – People Power.

"This is the chance for people to take ownership of the whole Climate Change and sustainable energy issues and focus them on a local level," said Dave Herring, coordinator of Clean Energy for Eternity (CEFE) in the Shoalhaven.

"It will also send a clear message to council that the community expects, and will support, real leadership in these areas."

The CEFE movement began just two years ago in Bega, which is now on its way to becoming a centre of clean energy production with wind and solar farms on the drawing board and solar power initiatives already up and running.

"As far as employment in the future goes the green sector's going to play a huge role in dragging us out of the current economic slump," said Mr Herring, "and the Shoalhaven can benefit by embracing those opportunities and working to be a part of that."

An initiative of CEFE in the Shoalhaven, the December 6 event will highlight the lead Mollymook Surf Club is showing in the local region - committing to going solar as part of its comprehensive renovation.

Also highlighted will be the initiative of Ulladulla Public School - successful in a $50,000 grant application in the Federal government's Solar Schools scheme – and the Sustainable House project launched last week by Shoalhaven City Council.

To date all five local schools have committed to being part of the human sign along with the Future Park committee, Mollymook Surf Club, Landcare, The Glorious MUDsingers and Bangalay Gardeners Association, as well as many individuals.

"The response from the community and local schools in particular has been fantastic," said a delighted Mr Herring.

People Power: Individuals wishing to be a part of the human sign should congregate at Mollymook Surf Club at 10am, Dec 6. Groups interested in participating phone Dave Herring: 0409 447 597. Dark clothing is requested. Watch the Times for updates.