While I agree with Taegen Edwards' view on former premier Brumby's quarry vision ('Arena Magazine' no. 108), I would argue that Edwards' description of the energy-related issues needs to be widened for a better understanding of the associated implications. Shutting down Hazelwood power station is only the first step in removing fossil fuel addictions in Victoria: the biggest battle is yet to come.
Are Australians aware of the risks posed by deep drilling and wild cat wells?On 28 April 2010 a small Gippsland newspaper announced the discovery of gas and oil at the South East Remora-1 exploration wild cat well, the latest in several finds in Bass Strait and part of the federal government's expanded search for energy resources. The new well, located just 35 kilometres off the Victorian coastline, is one of the Latrobe and Golden Beach…
The Transition Towns model for resilience against climate change and peak oil prioritises small steps and non-politicised action. This 'no-conflict' policy overrides all circumstances even when local communities are faced with the devastating behaviour of multinationals and their cohorts stealing their territory and polluting their environments. Undoubtedly the movement is presenting as one of the biggest community based initiatives we have seen for a long time, but while Transition Towns members focus on 'small steps',…
In 'Arena Magazine' no. 102, Ted Trainer, author of the 'Conserver Society Alternatives for Sustainability', enters the debate on the Transition Towns movement with the question 'Transitioning to Where?' He notes the potential of the Transition Towns movement but believes there is a good chance the 'present movement will come to nothing of lasting significance'. He acknowledges that the way of life we now have is 'unjust and unsustainable' but claims we cannot overcome the…
I was struck by Nonie Sharp's article 'Listening to Voices that Touch the Heart' ('Arena Magazine' no. 100), which highlighted the way a reading of Rob Hopkins' 'The Transition Handbook' and George Turner's novel 'The Sea and the Summer' had specifically 'touched' her. Turner's book is a fictional record of environmental disaster and Hopkins' handbook is presented as a panacea to avert any such real dilemma.
