Holistic approach to create clean Bellarine

THE BELLARINE community is set to take the lead on delivering a plan for zero carbon emissions and potentially a carbon positive future, inspired by 100% Clean Bellarine.

The local association, founded by Barwon Heads resident Karen Weaver, has received a funding boost to actively involve local residents in turning its vision of net zero emissions across the region into reality.

Launched in 2017, 100% Clean Bellarine has 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 Baron Heads Primary School with the support of the Bendigo Community Bank.

However the volunteers at 100% Clean Bellarine understand that renewable energy for homes, businesses and community facilities is only part of the emissions challenge and have been working on a strategy to understand and lower carbon emissions across the peninsula.

Ms Weaver said the association’s work had dovetailed with that of the City of Greater Geelong’s work on its emissions baseline study.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

The community consultation will go ahead on October 13 via an online workshop, providing local groups, businesses and residents with an opportunity to learn about how to actively get involved in emissions reduction.

The workshop will share information about current emissions measurement and the work of the City of Greater Geelong, Geelong Sustainability (Community Energy Hub) and Queenscliff Climate Action Group.

Local residents will be able to meet other people interested in emissions reduction and develop a better understanding of what else is happening across the region to enable stronger collaboration, greater links between projects and gain momentum.

The workshop will encourage ideas for reducing emissions and these will be prioritised.

“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,” Ms Weaver said.

“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.

“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,” she said.

“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 register, visit the 100CleanBellarine Facebook page.