Climate
“If we don’t have water, we don’t have agriculture”: Corangamite council pushes for water security study to protect region’s farming future
Agriculture accounts for almost a third of local employment, with councillors warning water insecurity could threaten the shire’s farms, food production and rural communities.
Climate
+1
The Victorian Coalition wants to abandon the VNI West project. But at what cost?
“We’re not just supplying Melbourne, we’re hooking up South Australia to Melbourne, to Sydney, to everywhere. We’ve got to look bigger than just our back paddock.”
Climate
+1
“Bang for your buck”: New program cuts costs of commercial solar installation by 20 percent
An announcement from the federal government last week has outlined a way for Ballarat businesses to expand their use of renewable energy.
Business
+2
Ballarat council makes energy upgrades to save ratepayers millions
The city is backing projects it says will cut emissions and save money.
Ballarat
+1
VicGrid sets stricter standards for wind farm developers after Corangamite council cites “minimal and last minute” consultation
Mayor Kate Makin described the process as “not good enough”, pointing to Berrybank Wind Farm as an example of how to do it better.
Climate
+1
Glenelg Shire has three operating wind farms and two approved battery projects. It says its ready for more
A regional advocate says councils should help communities to set clear expectations about what they want from renewable projects.
Climate
+1
Hepburn Shire has awarded $20,000 to help cool the regional towns that once never needed air conditioning.
Creswick Neighbourhood Centre and Clunes Neighbourhood House have been given funding to continue work on the ground preparing their communities for extreme heat.
Creswick
+2
Golden Plains among 500+ councils urging $1.3 billion fossil fuel levy to fund disaster repairs
Councils say they are increasingly carrying the financial burden of repairing roads, drainage and public assets after extreme weather events.
Climate
+1
Weather whiplash sees farmers turning to native plantings for protection
“The wind is coming from the north, and you want to stop [it] from taking the moisture out of our soil.”
Profiles
+2
The West Vic volunteers planting 30,000 trees a year to bring koalas back to their rivers
“These animals are already on a knife’s edge of survival. They're skinny, their immune system's low, they're not getting enough to drink or eat.”
Wildlife
+1
Ballarat farmers prepare for looming El Niño declaration
An El Niño event would mean extreme heat and drier weather, potentially leading to drought across the country.
Ballarat
+2
New state rules could give West Vic communities more leverage in renewable energy negotiations
Guidelines will set minimum standards for communication between developers and locals, with developers required to demonstrate how they meet them before getting the green light.
Climate
+1
