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Imagine if, across the Bellarine Peninsula, we produced zero carbon emissions or were even carbon positive? That is the ambitious vision of 100% Clean Bellarine, an association founded by Barwon Heads local and environmentalist, Karen Weaver.
Launched in 2017, the association has so far initiated and supported a series of solar bulk-buy programs and spearheaded the recent Barwon Heads Legacy Project, which saw solar panels installed at the Barwon Heads Primary School with the support of the Bendigo Community Bank.
Knowing that renewable energy for homes, businesses and community facilities is only part of the emissions reduction puzzle, the volunteers at 100% Clean Bellarine have been working on a strategy to understand and lower carbon emissions across the board on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Their work has dovetailed with that of the City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) who has recently undertaken an emissions baseline study of the Greater Geelong Region.
President of 100% Clean Bellarine Karen Weaver explained, “The work CoGG has done on mapping the region’s carbon emissions means that we are able to understand the emissions baseline for the Bellarine Peninsula. That is, we’re able to understand what activities generate the greatest emissions, whether that be gas, electricity, transport or other areas.”
Late last year, 100% Clean Bellarine successfully applied for a CoGG Community Grant in order to run community consultation to identify strategies for reducing carbon emissions in our region. This community consultation is set to go ahead on the evening of October 13 2021 via an online workshop.
The purpose of the workshop will be to provide local associations, businesses and individuals the opportunity to:
- Learn about current emissions measurement and reduction efforts from the City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Sustainability (Community Energy Hub) and Queenscliff Climate Action Group
- Meet other people from the region interested in emissions reduction
- Develop a better understanding of what else is happening in the region to enable stronger collaboration, greater links between projects and gain momentum
- Explore ideas for reducing emissions and prioritise these as a group
- Feel inspired about what is possible
“We have some great speakers lined up including Tim Mordant and Burke Renouf from the City of Greater Geelong, who will explain the work that has been done so far on understanding the emissions baseline. We also have Vicki Perrett from Geelong Sustainability and Kitty Walker from Queenscliff Climate Action who will talk about local initiatives that have contributed to emissions reduction,” explained Weaver.
“We have Mosaic Lab, really well-respected engagement consultants on board who will facilitate the session and provide a seamless process for attendees to connect and share their ideas about further emission reduction.
“Whether you’re a private individual, business owner, local industry group, sports club representative, a local school or community organisation, we’d love to have you involved.”
To find out more about the group, head to their Facebook page (@100CleanBellarine).
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