Meet the growing number of Victorians taking own action on climate change

New polling shows concern is high as hundreds prepare for national Community Energy Congress

MEDIA ALERT: Thursday, 23 February 2017

Australians are not prepared to wait for their state or federal governments to take action on climate change, with a growing number of people investing their own time and money locally into community energy instead.

Polling released today shows three in four Victorians consider climate change an urgent issue that state and federal governments should be taking action on. C4CE Coordinator Nicky Ison said people were also sick of waiting for politicians to lead the way, and were instead taking charge in their own communities.

More than 500 enthusiasts are preparing to gather in Melbourne for the second, national Community Energy Congress on February 27-28. Highlights will include:

• A keynote address from the Denmark’s Soren Hermansen who helped to create the world’s first 100% renewable island, Samso.
• A speech by Candace Vahlsing, the former US President Barack Obama’s energy and environment advisor and key architect of the national Community Solar Partnership.
• An international gathering of Indigenous leaders from Canada and Aboriginal Elders and Leaders from around Australia
• A speed dating event with community energy experts
• A personalised tour of the star Victorian regional communities leading the way

A limited number of media passes are available for the Congress.

For passes, interviews with Victorians who are taking action all across the state, or more information on the national Community Energy Congress at Melbourne Town Hall on February 27-28 contact Dinah Arndt on 0425 791 394 or dinah@climatemediacentre.org.au

Media inquiries: Zoe Edwards on 0400 144 794 or zoe@climatemediacentre.org.au