This is a copy of a letter to the editor I have sent to a number of papers which addresses the likely future new coal fired power station.

The NSW “The Greenhouse Plan” released by the Premier the Hon. Morris Iemma MP in November 2005 was a key policy underpinning the re-election of the NSW Labor Government. It contained a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels by 2025, and by 60 per cent by 2050.
The Owen report is being used to soften us up to accept another coal fired power station in NSW which directly contradicts the Premier’s plan.
It’s just more “business as usual”.
Well Mr. Premier, here’s a plan to stiffen your resolve. Give NSW 600MW of new wind energy. Give us another 600MW of solar thermal energy which is most productive when the air conditioners are turned on. Direct the same ruthless determination your planning minister exercises in support of the coal industry which is killing us to a bright and clean renewable sector. Cut 600MW of demand by using smart meters to make us pay extra to power the luxuries but not harm the essentials. Get another 600MW out of our geothermal deposits in the Hunter region and South Australia.
Now, there’s a plan Mr Premier and its one that meets your commitments to the people of NSW. You know the sale of the retail licenses for $10 billion is a once off windfall – what happens next time when the cupboard is bare?

Rob Parker

parker Energy, General

CANWin’s first street stall was held in Mittagong on Saturday the 25th August.
We are holding these every couple of weeks in different towns in the Shire to provide basic information to the public on climate change and they also serve to recruit new members.
Mittagong is a difficult venue particularly because the new shopping development has greatly reduced the number of people in the main street. Despite this, our first day was quite successful with 8 people registering with Sandra for our newsletter and two new confirmed financial members.
Nina D’Arcy has done a great job organising Council approvals and our roster. The first stall was attended by Sandra Menteith, Jeremy Hynes and Rob Parker. Jeremy showed great skills in meeting with people and has a very engaging manner.
Our selection of handouts has been greatly boosted by our own research group who have contributed ten different papers on subjects such a Greenpower, solar hot water and carbon trading.
Whether you are rostered on or not, members are encouraged to come along on Saturday mornings because these events are fun and are just a good outing. We generally grab a coffee and have a good yarn.
Our next stall will be at Moss Vale on the 8th September somewhere between IGA Tuckerbag and the newsagent and it will be run by Bob Thomas, Sheila Ring and backed up by Amanda Lambess.

From Rob Parker

parker Events, General