To read the front-page article 'Good Thymes' which appeared in the Goulburn Post on 8 July 2020, click here.
Above: the photograph that illustrated the article 'Good Thymes' in the Goulburn Post.
EMAIL LETTER TO MINISTER ANGUS TAYLOR, 29 October 2019
Dear Minister
I am writing to you after reading about the recently appointed Expert Panel headed by Grant King that is looking into how to Australian can meet its Paris Targets and make best use of the Emissions Reduction Fund.
I have a suggestion to make that could potentially deliver three significant benefits:-
1. Reduce Carbon Emissions up to a total of 33,360 tonnes of CO2 per year
2. Reduce domestic energy bills, both electricity and gas
3. Provide a boost to the economy by spending at least part of the ERF on the delivery of the above outcomes.
The following report written in 2016 by The Australian Institute for Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) identified economic benefits of $1.1bn by ensuring that the 65% of new dwellings constructed each year that fail to meet the six star energy efficiency standard of 10 ACH50, did so. The cost of meeting that standard is $163-$1468 per building on air control measures, including testing for air-tightness. See page 15 of the report:- https://www.airah.org.au/Content_Files/Industryresearch/Improving-Australian-Housing-Envelope-Integrity-20-10-16.pdf.
The report states that Air testing of new dwellings is meant to come into force in 2022 and would overcome the current shortfall in meeting the current six star energy efficiency standard. Until then, to meet the standard all new dwellings would need to be air tested and any shortcomings rectified. Naturally a level of retrofitting dwellings, in particular say those belonging to or rented by Aged Pensioners, as has been done in Junee, would deliver further benefits at nominal cost. See the following:-
www.empowerproject.com.au
https://renew.org.au/renew-magazine/community/students-get-behind-an-infrared-camera/
[https://www.juneesoutherncross.com.au/story/5307188/junee-high-students-paving-the-way-to-energy-efficiency/]
[https://www.juneesoutherncross.com.au/story/5394019/junee-students-launch-trailblazing-energy-project/
I trust that the above is of some use to you, the Expert Panel and the Nation.
Regards
Richard Philipson, Convenor Community Voice for Hume, Goulburn
Dear Minister
I am writing to you after reading about the recently appointed Expert Panel headed by Grant King that is looking into how to Australian can meet its Paris Targets and make best use of the Emissions Reduction Fund.
I have a suggestion to make that could potentially deliver three significant benefits:-
1. Reduce Carbon Emissions up to a total of 33,360 tonnes of CO2 per year
2. Reduce domestic energy bills, both electricity and gas
3. Provide a boost to the economy by spending at least part of the ERF on the delivery of the above outcomes.
The following report written in 2016 by The Australian Institute for Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) identified economic benefits of $1.1bn by ensuring that the 65% of new dwellings constructed each year that fail to meet the six star energy efficiency standard of 10 ACH50, did so. The cost of meeting that standard is $163-$1468 per building on air control measures, including testing for air-tightness. See page 15 of the report:- https://www.airah.org.au/Content_Files/Industryresearch/Improving-Australian-Housing-Envelope-Integrity-20-10-16.pdf.
The report states that Air testing of new dwellings is meant to come into force in 2022 and would overcome the current shortfall in meeting the current six star energy efficiency standard. Until then, to meet the standard all new dwellings would need to be air tested and any shortcomings rectified. Naturally a level of retrofitting dwellings, in particular say those belonging to or rented by Aged Pensioners, as has been done in Junee, would deliver further benefits at nominal cost. See the following:-
www.empowerproject.com.au
https://renew.org.au/renew-magazine/community/students-get-behind-an-infrared-camera/
[https://www.juneesoutherncross.com.au/story/5307188/junee-high-students-paving-the-way-to-energy-efficiency/]
[https://www.juneesoutherncross.com.au/story/5394019/junee-students-launch-trailblazing-energy-project/
I trust that the above is of some use to you, the Expert Panel and the Nation.
Regards
Richard Philipson, Convenor Community Voice for Hume, Goulburn
EMAIL REPLY by Minister Angus Taylor, 7 November 2019
Bob,
Thanks for your email. I will have a close look at the information you have provided.
As you probably know, the Government is investing an additional $10.5 million this year to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This includes $3.4 million to improve the energy efficiency of both new and existing homes, and $7.1 million to improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. You can read more about the Government’s work in this space on my Department’s website here: https://www.energy.gov.au/publications/improving-energy-and-emissions-performance-buildings-factsheet.
We are also supporting renewable generation technology and funding research into many new technologies.
Thanks again for your contribution.
Regards, Angus
Bob,
Thanks for your email. I will have a close look at the information you have provided.
As you probably know, the Government is investing an additional $10.5 million this year to improve the energy efficiency of buildings. This includes $3.4 million to improve the energy efficiency of both new and existing homes, and $7.1 million to improve the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. You can read more about the Government’s work in this space on my Department’s website here: https://www.energy.gov.au/publications/improving-energy-and-emissions-performance-buildings-factsheet.
We are also supporting renewable generation technology and funding research into many new technologies.
Thanks again for your contribution.
Regards, Angus
LETTER REGARDING A PROPOSED CHICKEN FARM
23rd October 2019
Planning Officer
NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment
OBJECTION – DA SSD_9143 Proposed Chicken Farm at 52 Sinclair Street Goulburn
Dear Sir
I am writing to you as the convenor of the recently formed group Community Voice for Hume, CV4H, as I OBJECT to DA SSD_9143, the proposed Chicken Farm at 52 Sinclair Street Goulburn
I would respectfully like to bring to you CV4H members’ concerns about the following issues:-
Water Usage
Carbon Footprint and Sustainability
Regional Community Strategic Plan (RCSP). (This can be found on the GMC’s Website).
The RCSP, that covers Goulburn Mulwaree, Upper Lachlan Shire and Yarra Valley Shire Councils, is not one of the documents listed as having been considered in the planning of this DA in section 5 of the EIS, pages 99-105.
Below is an extract of the parts of the Regional Community Strategic Plan with which the proposed Chicken Farm would seem to be at odds:-
“Strategy EN5 To investigate and implement approaches to reduce our carbon footprint.
“Strategy EC4 Foster and develop a diverse, adaptive and innovative agricultural Industry
In its current form this DA will significantly reduce water supply.
“Strategy IN5 Ensure high quality water supply options for the towns in the region.
I look forward to receiving a response to the objections raised in this letter.
Yours sincerely
Bob Philipson
Convenor CV4H
23rd October 2019
Planning Officer
NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment
OBJECTION – DA SSD_9143 Proposed Chicken Farm at 52 Sinclair Street Goulburn
Dear Sir
I am writing to you as the convenor of the recently formed group Community Voice for Hume, CV4H, as I OBJECT to DA SSD_9143, the proposed Chicken Farm at 52 Sinclair Street Goulburn
I would respectfully like to bring to you CV4H members’ concerns about the following issues:-
- The scale of the development is out of proportion to the ability of Goulburn to sustain, the water usage requirements in particular, especially given the current widespread drought in NSW and the forecast of reduced rainfall over the longer term;
- The lack of consideration for the Regional Community Strategic Plan;
- The lack of consideration to Goulburn’s classification as a “Water Sensitive City” and the recent report produced after community engagement;
- The low level of community engagement for such a large development
- Reputational damage to Goulburn given that the city is still known as the one that ran out of water and we already have a large abattoir and a prison.
Water Usage
- Given the scale of the farm, current drought and the forecast of reduced rain due to climate change, Goulburn’s water supply would be under risk from the requirements of the proposed factory. Estimates by Council officers and others suggest that the development could use 30 per cent of Goulburn’s water supply. In times of water restrictions, will the factory have water guarantees that would at the expense of the residents?
- The use of so much of Goulburn’s water by one factory would likely inhibit further development, both commercial and residential in Goulburn.
Carbon Footprint and Sustainability
- What consideration has been given to the impact of the increased carbon footprint of the proposed Chicken Farm to the Goulburn Mulwaree area? Especially as the most recent IPCC report highlights the risk to the Paris Accord 1.5c target of large scale meat production.
Regional Community Strategic Plan (RCSP). (This can be found on the GMC’s Website).
The RCSP, that covers Goulburn Mulwaree, Upper Lachlan Shire and Yarra Valley Shire Councils, is not one of the documents listed as having been considered in the planning of this DA in section 5 of the EIS, pages 99-105.
Below is an extract of the parts of the Regional Community Strategic Plan with which the proposed Chicken Farm would seem to be at odds:-
“Strategy EN5 To investigate and implement approaches to reduce our carbon footprint.
- To support residents, businesses and industry in reducing their carbon footprints in their homes, businesses, and lifestyle choices.”
“Strategy EC4 Foster and develop a diverse, adaptive and innovative agricultural Industry
- To promote sustainable agricultural practices
- To ensure access to secure quality water supply services across the region”
In its current form this DA will significantly reduce water supply.
“Strategy IN5 Ensure high quality water supply options for the towns in the region.
- To ensure access to secure quality water supply services across the region.”
I look forward to receiving a response to the objections raised in this letter.
Yours sincerely
Bob Philipson
Convenor CV4H
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Activities Since Launch in June 2019
For More Information Contact: Bob Philipson, Convenor CV4H, on 0418 138 004
- Representation to Council on Social Sustainability, especially Aged Pensioners and Economic Development
- Response to the Council’s (draft) Social Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan, with emphasis on Economic Opportunities of Renewable Energy
- Organisation of Seniors’ Coping With Extreme Weather Events Workshop (First one 26th February 2020)
- Initial Consultation with Business Community about benefits of the Council’s Continued Promotion of Renewable Energy
- Promotion of more work by Council on Climate Resilience, Adaptation and Mitigation, as important for Social Sustainability
- Submission on the Development of Mega Chicken Farm (objection due to impact on Goulburn’s water supply)
For More Information Contact: Bob Philipson, Convenor CV4H, on 0418 138 004