Community Action for Sustainability Mt Gambier

Mission Statement

We are a community-based action group with the role of promoting a sustainable life where we co-exist in a harmonious way with our environment, without threatening either humanity or other living things on our planet. History A concerned citizens group gathered in Mount Gambier in April, 2008 to submit a proposal for the Commonwealth Government’s 2020 Summit, focusing on energy, sustainability, water, population, transport, land clearing, research & development, education & awareness and Australia’s global and regional responsibility.

This like-minded group pursued their interest through organizing public meetings on climate change, sustainability and renewable energy and held a ‘Solutions to Climate Change’ workshop.  Monthly throughout 2008, in cooperation with our Blue Lake Watercare Officer, we held talks with invited guest speakers, exploring water issues facing us. The group members were given a copy of the book “Watermark Australia” written by The Victorian Women’s Trust to read.

At our last presentation by Prof David Paton over 100 people attended. A committee was formed in August 2008 to continue public education talks on issues of sustainability and to facilitate community projects including; 

• Group purchasing schemes for renewable energy production and appliances. 
• Visits to local sustainable homes and gardens 
• Website and database of sustainable initiatives in our region 
• Networking with Council, other community and government agencies in the area of sustainability.  
  
  In December 2008 we started a “Solar neighbourhood Project” and over 50 households have now been assessed. At least 15 solar panels have been installed on homes to date. Norbert Trupp a BCSE designer and installer lives locally and runs this project.
   In November 2008 we held a community presentation on Energy Efficient Homes given by Orazio Cultreri and Steve Chappele. Over 30 people attended. In March 2009, home owner builders Bill Crowe and Mark Bachman gave a presentation on Natural Housing describing techniques used in building their strawbale and rammed earth homes. Over 40 people attended.
  In May/June 2009 we held a series of talks on solar hot water/heat pumps raising the awareness of these energy efficient hot water systems. Local plumbers, representative from Energy Division DTEI and Catherine Pye presented these talks with over 100 people attending. 
  
  We plan to hold another information talk early next year. In June, Orazio Cultreri, Neville Moody and Sandra Young ran a talk on Energy Efficient Homes; Insulation and Windows, new Insulation rebate and how to do a Home Energy Audit. In August we are holding an inaugural National Tree Planting Day supported by Gambier City Lions Club and landowners.
  
   Plus further community talks on Food, Farming and Fuel and Active transport and health. In October we have a Permaculture bus trip arranged. Over the last 18 months we have seen increasing interest from our local community and council in sustainability especially sustainable housing, renewable energy and water wise strategies.
  
  Sandra Young, Chairman Catherine Pye, Secretary
  Sandra: tortuwallin@bordernet.com.au phone 87393245
  Catherine: catherineandclive@bigpond.com phone 87253821