Solutions to climate change found in outback Victoria: ATA and CUAC report
While Australia struggles to find new ways to become sustainable, rural Victorians are already walking the talk, new research has found.
The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) and the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC), profiled 10 real-life examples of innovative community-based projects that are successfully dealing with the rising cost of energy, and water scarcity in rural and regional Victoria.
“We found that real innovation to improve water supplies, energy affordability, greenhouse gas reduction and address other environmental concerns are already taking place in rural Victoria,” says Tosh Szatow, Policy Officer at CUAC.
The projects ranged from the setting up of a community wind farm in Hepburn, to biogas generation in Tatura and wastewater reuse Ouyen.
Despite the great success of many of these projects, awareness in the broader community and government is limited, says Brad Shone, ATA’s Energy Policy Manager.
“This research is vital in highlighting the benefits and feasibility of community-based, sustainable living initiatives and we hope it will help inform future government policy,” says Mr Shone.
Mr Szatow says the report is a must read for councils, companies and community organisations, facing the challenge of improving energy and water security.
“We hope this research will guide and inspire other communities to develop their own projects,” says Mr Szatow.
The report can be found at www.ata.org.au
