Hello all and thanks for tuning in for this TRPI Update Successful Battery grant funding for Phillip IslandAnnounced by Minister Ambrosio March 12th in Cowes. See the Press Release for the role these batteries will play in stabilising the grid and enabling more households & businesses to install rooftop solar. At the Minister's announcement in Cowes, on behalf of TRPI Mary Whelan spoke about the value of partnerships with the community to achieve the transition to a totally renewable energy future for Phillip Island. TRPI welcomes this grant funding from the Victorian Government to MONDO for the 7 Neighbourhood Batteries & a Poletop battery at Smiths Beach. We know from the David Coote study in 2020 that to become a totally renewably powered community we need more household & business rooftop solar and some larger solar installations, and we need more battery storage. The batteries funded by this grants are a step close to achieving our 2030 goal. Read the full report: David Coote, Analytical Engines 10/08/2020 Upcoming Events1. TRPI Clean Energy Group meeting Tuesday April 30th 9.30 - 11 am @ PICAL in Cowes Agenda
2. Community Information sessions - Phillip Island Battery project. In person- Monday May 6th at Berninneit, Cowes 6pm Light refreshments provided. More details to follow (stay tuned!) 3. Home Energy Efficiency / improve & save $$$$$ Short course, 4 Weeks at PICAL. May 21st , 28th and June 4th , Register here Following up on our Energy Mentor session in November last year, TRPI is supporting Mycelia Energy Co Operative to run a 4 session training program to help households improve their energy efficiency. Open to householders, & to volunteers who can assist others, to make modest changes in their homes, and so pay less for heating & cooling at home. See extract from Mycelia Energy Co Operative re this course: Starting in Term 2, we’ll be offering a short course at the Phillip Island Centre for Adult Learning (PICAL) covering the basics of energy literacy, an introduction to the Mycelia Energy Program, and how to talk about home energy efficiency with householders that might benefit from an assessment and upgrades. The course is open to all! Expand your knowledge, learn a new skill, discover a job pathway or volunteer opportunity! People who complete the course may wish to volunteer at their local community centre helping people to understand their energy bills, compare energy options, or participate in Mycelia’s Energy Efficiency and Upgrades Program. TRPI will offer 4 no cost places to assist households who need support to attend- Contact Mary 0408 055 867 Totally Renewable Phillip Island Needs You!!!To continue working towards our clean energy, totally renewably powered future by 2030, TRPI needs many more community members to join and assist us.
Come to the Clean Energy Group meeting on Tuesday April 30th and talk to others about your ideas for the next steps. Send us an email: [email protected] or mob 0408 055 867 / Mary Whelan.
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How Neighbourhood Batteries Empower Communities: A Deep Dive into the Future of Phillip Island4/2/2024 In the heart of Victoria, Phillip Island emerges not only as a haven for wildlife and surfers but also as a beacon of sustainable living and community empowerment through the introduction of neighborhood batteries. This innovative approach to energy management is not just a technological advancement; it represents a fundamental shift in how communities can harness and share renewable energy, creating a more resilient, sustainable, and interconnected future.
The Spark of Innovation: Understanding Neighborhood Batteries Neighborhood batteries, or community batteries, are large-scale energy storage systems strategically located within a community to store excess renewable energy generated from residential solar panels. This energy is then available for use by the community during peak demand times, such as evening hours, or whenever solar panels are not generating electricity, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply. Lighting Up Phillip Island: The Local Impact For the residents of Phillip Island, the implementation of neighborhood batteries is a game-changer. The island's commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation makes it an ideal candidate for such a project. Here are some of the key benefits this initiative brings to the community: 1. Enhanced Energy Security and Reliability Phillip Island faces unique energy challenges due to its location and tourist-driven economy. Neighborhood batteries can provide a more stable and reliable energy supply, reducing the risk of blackouts and ensuring that both residents and businesses have access to power when they need it most. 2. Reduced Energy Costs By storing and distributing locally generated solar energy, neighborhood batteries help reduce energy costs for the community. Residents can draw from the stored energy during peak times when electricity prices are higher, leading to significant savings on energy bills. 3. Lower Carbon Footprint Phillip Island is known for its pristine natural environments and wildlife. The adoption of neighborhood batteries supports the island's green initiatives by storing clean, renewable energy, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. 4. Empowering the Community Neighborhood batteries symbolise a shift towards energy democracy, where communities have more control over their energy production and consumption. This initiative empowers residents to contribute to and benefit from local renewable energy generation, fostering a sense of community and collective responsibility towards sustainable living. The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities While the benefits are clear, the path to integrating neighborhood batteries into Phillip Island's energy system involves navigating technical, regulatory, and financial challenges. Collaborative efforts between the community, government, and industry stakeholders are essential to address these challenges, ensuring that the project not only succeeds but also serves as a model for other communities. A Brighter Future Together The introduction of neighborhood batteries in Phillip Island is more than just an energy solution; it's a step towards a future where communities are more resilient, sustainable, and interconnected. By embracing this technology, Phillip Island is not only safeguarding its natural beauty and wildlife for future generations but also leading the way in community-powered renewable energy initiatives. As we look to the horizon, the story of Phillip Island and its neighborhood batteries offers inspiration and insight into the transformative power of collective action and the potential of renewable energy to empower communities in Gippsland and beyond. In a significant move towards a sustainable future, Phillip Island embarks on an exhilarating journey to become a beacon of renewable energy, thanks to pivotal initiatives in collaboration with Bass Coast Shire Council, the Victorian Government, and local energy specialists, Mondo. Totally Renewable Phillip Island is thrilled to unveil two major programs that promise to transform our island's approach to energy use, reliability, and resilience.
The 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Initiative: Powering Our Future A landmark development in our stride towards sustainability is the introduction of the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries Program, a visionary project by the Victorian Government aimed at enhancing energy reliability and supporting the storage of locally generated solar power. This initiative marks a critical step in increasing access to renewable energy and contributing to lower energy bills for the community. Phillip Island has been chosen as the site for up to seven 250kWh batteries as part of this program. These batteries are not just physical structures; they symbolise our island's collective ambition towards an environmentally friendly future. They will be strategically placed across the island, including potentially on Council-owned lands, to ensure maximum benefit for our community. Moreover, the initiative plans to give back to the community by sharing dividends from the electricity generated by these batteries, creating a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the local population. Risk and Resilience Program: Strengthening Community Safeguards Complementing our energy initiatives, the Risk and Resilience Program, funded by Emergency Management Victoria, focuses on preparing our community for extreme weather events and power outages. This funding will be used to equip community facilities with solar and battery systems, ensuring a continuous power supply during emergencies. Our commitment to resilience was tested and proven during the recent storms, where facilities like the Corinella & District Community Centre stood as pillars of support for the community, powered by renewable energy. With additional council funding, we aim to extend this infrastructure to more sites, further solidifying our disaster preparedness. A Unified Vision for a Renewable Future At the heart of these initiatives is a shared vision for a zero-emission Phillip Island, a goal that has continuously been championed by Totally Renewable Phillip Island and supported by local community organisations and individuals. Mayor, Cr Clare Le Serve, expressed her enthusiasm for these projects, highlighting their importance in leading the way towards reducing carbon emissions and enhancing community resilience against climate change. "We are very proud of our community continually leading the way in building a sustainable and greener future," Mayor Le Serve stated, acknowledging the vital contributions of community members and organizations towards achieving these ambitious goals. Join the Movement These initiatives represent more than just technological advancements; they embody the spirit of community, innovation, and stewardship for our planet. As we move forward, we invite every resident, business, and visitor to Phillip Island to join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can achieve a fully renewable, resilient, and thriving community, setting a precedent for others to follow. Stay tuned for further updates on the battery installations and how you can contribute to and benefit from Phillip Island's renewable energy revolution. Together, we're not just dreaming of a greener future; we're creating it. Come and join us on Tuesday 5th September from 9:30am to 11:30am at Phillip Island Community & Learning Centre (PICAL) and find out 'how' we can electrify everything! Check out the excellent presenters we've got lined up:
Get your free tickets now and bring your family and friends! Looking forward to seeing you all there! NAB climate action by Joey ThompsonRebelling against the status quo, defying the power of greedy corporations like NAB, us students, along with adult helpers, 40 strong gathered a the local park, ready to take on the National Australia bank, and Whitehaven Coal. We were ready, but turns out NAB was too, as we prebriefed in the park, our scouts informed us that NAB had hired not one, not two, but three security guards to scare us away (I wonder how much money they spent on that?). And scared we were scared, but onward we went, combined voices crying 'NAB, Move Beyond Coal!'. NAB was entertained by our lively crowd with our speeches, our songs, our chants and, of course, our humble chalking. All in all, a very successful action down in Wonthaggi, paying the Big 4 a visit about they're climate policies. Lots of epic people, community support, and peaceful disruption to the service of the bank. Hopefully there's somebody at NAB doing a lot of paperwork for hiring three security guards. Enjoy the photography UPDATE: We won our national campaign!! Our people powered movement stopped 1 Billion dollars of finance for WHitehavens irresponsible coal expansion - watch our celebration video to share the excitement: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuyEb8_tcUC/ HESC Project action: After our successful NAB campaign, our Move Beyond Coal and School Strike 4 Climate group jumped straight into the new local campaign to stop the new proposed HESC coal project in gippsland. This project will extend the life of Latrobe valley coal, and is entirely for export to Japan. It doesn't make any sense for our climate, or our community. If a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the project must be debated in parliament. We will be outside of the Wonthaggi Library, and Jordan Crugnale's office on the 1st of September From 4-5pm to protest this project, and get signatures on the petition. We'd love for you to join us! RSVP here: https://www.movebeyondcoal.com/locals_say_no_to_the_dirty_hesc_coal_project Can't make it to the action? Sign and share the petition on this link: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/view-sign-e-petitions/details/12/508 TRPI has a new partner! Phillip Island Community Orchard (PICO)pictured from left to right: Lauretta Zilles (Secretary PICO), Mary Whelan (TRPI Chair) and Annette Mackenzie (President PICO) PICO article in Diggers Club 26 July 2023: As you enter the Phillip Island Community Orchard (PICO), nestled in behind a border of native trees in the residential area of Wimbledon Heights, the verdant growth of established fruit trees and shrubs interspersed with herbs and flowering plants greets you. It then opens up into a spacious area divided into vegetable garden plots and service area with a meeting hut, tool shed and composting bays – and more often than not, a few gardeners can be spoiled working amid the foliage. The Community Orchard was established in 2013 in partnership with Westernport Water and the support of local groups, including Bass Coast Landcare, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Shire Council. The orchard site, centrally located on the Island, is owned by Westernport Water whose nearby water treatment plant provides Class A Recycled Water which is used to irrigate the garden. Ten years on, PICO has a wonderful array of over 150 fruit, citrus and nut trees, vines and berries, as well as vegetable plots which are all thriving in the temperate island conditions. The orchard trees include varieties such as: multi-grafted apples, pears and nashis; peaches, apricots and plums; oranges, limes and mandarins; avocados, feijoas and pomegranates; mulberries, loganberries and kiwi fruits to name just a few! The fruit and nut groves and vegetable gardens operate on the philosophy of organic and sustainable growing, incorporating the principles of permaculture. There are currently around 60 active members who are committed to attending at least three working bees each year to help maintain the orchard as part of their membership obligations. Beehives have recently been added to the complex, managed by a local enthusiast. With a variety of herbs and flowers planted in the garden plots and amongst the orchard trees, the bees are lured to the blooms and actively enhance the pollination rate of the fruits and vegetables also. A border of indigenous and native bushfood plants create windbreak protection from the strong south- westerlies as well as providing a natural habitat for native birdlife. The birds also assist with keeping insects and pests in check together with companion planng and natural, organic methods of weed and pest control. PICO meets on the fourth Saturday of the month for working-bees, holds quarterly educational talks and workshops and has an annual harvest festival in autumn each year amongst other activities and events. The Orchard will soon be opening its gates to members of the public wanting to visit once a month (on its monthly working bee days) and encourages participation from the broader community in its workshops and special events (stay in touch via our Facebook page). We welcome new members and invite other community gardens and interested groups to visit (by prior appointment). Get in touch via email [email protected], our website or Facebook Carbon Farming update from Bimbadeen FarmCarbon sequestration in the soil at last testings continue to increase improving production and water retention. This may prove beneficial in a hotter, drier year forecast. We have just concluded a Legal Document and Offset Certificate for Dineamic Australia Pty Ltd from our M paddocks, expiring on the 1st October 2024. Dineamic were the first Company to Offset their GHG Emissions from carbon sequestration in the soils of Bimbadeen, in 2018/19, and will continue to do so while we remove CO2e.
Summer Wrap Up!All about our community, local events, and pathway to a positive future! Read on to see what Totally Renewable Phillip Island has been up to over summer. EVs & Solar Community Event
Island Bush Care
Climate Action in Bass Coast
Welcome new partnersDid you know TRPI is a forum of 17 partner groups from across the Island and region? We come together regularly to work on a shared vision for a carbon neutral future by 2030. We'd like to warmly welcome our newest partners, Destination Phillip Island, Wildlife Coast Cruises, and Newhaven College. Read more here. Our passionate locals
Spring NewsRain, hail, sun and shine - Spring is well and truly here! Read on to see what Totally Renewable Phillip Island has been up to throughout the spring season. Bye-Bye Single Use Plastics!
Community ConnectionsAfter some local inspiration? We're inspired by community coming together for a better future. Recently we've spoken with Western Port Biosphere, Just Transition South Gippsland, Totally Renewable Tenby, and joined the Bass Coast Landcare Network & Phillip Island Landcare Group bus tour 'Looking at the Landscape' to see the regeneration on our Island. The 'For Our Future' program has launched - a new environmental program of eco-arts events and activities bringing together arts, science and culture to inspire environmental stewardship across the Bass Coast. This program is facilitated by the Phillip Island Conservation Society.
Guiding Future Vision
UN Climate Summit - COP27
Our passionate locals
Winter NewsThe year is flying by, but so are we! Read on to see what Totally Renewable Phillip Island has been up to during the cooler months of '22. 'Tariff Trial' |
Download the Participant Info Guide (below) and learn more about it. And if you're keen, head over here to our survey to register your information. Participants will be confirmed by the end of September. The Trial will start in late April 2023 and run for 12 months.
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You may have heard of our latest project, the Neighbourhood Battery Initiative 'Tariff Trial'.
What's it all about? 100 Phillip Island households are needed to take part in a Victorian-first 12-month renewable energy sharing trial. We're calling on renters, owners or holiday houses, as well as people with or without solar panels, to volunteer. We particularly need more households who do NOT have solar to take part - is this you or a friend or neighbour? Help us spread the word by sharing this newsletter!
What's it all about? 100 Phillip Island households are needed to take part in a Victorian-first 12-month renewable energy sharing trial. We're calling on renters, owners or holiday houses, as well as people with or without solar panels, to volunteer. We particularly need more households who do NOT have solar to take part - is this you or a friend or neighbour? Help us spread the word by sharing this newsletter!
The Circular Economy -
what is it and how does it relate
to regenerative land management?
TRPI has been working alongside the Bass Coast Landcare Network, soil scientist Declan McDonald and regenerative agriculture business consultant Mark Gardner.
Watch a recording of the June 'Demonstrating Sustainable Farm Practices' workshop online to brush up on circular economy and regenerative agriculture principles and actions.
Watch a recording of the June 'Demonstrating Sustainable Farm Practices' workshop online to brush up on circular economy and regenerative agriculture principles and actions.
Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone
Did you know Gippsland will become a renewable energy powerhouse?
Totally Renewable Phillip Island presented at the Gippsland New Energy Conference in Sale a few weeks back on 'Engaging conversations: Ensuring communities are part of the new energy journey'. We highlighted the Island's Neighbourhood Battery Initiative projects, and how our community is working together to be carbon neutral (and 100% renewable) by 2030. We heard about large-scale offshore wind and solar farms, hydrogen networks, geothermal projects and more. The limit is our imagination, so let's all keep dreaming (and planning) for a positive future! | |
Our passionate locals
JENI JOBE | We are delighted to introduce a key member of Totally Renewable Phillip Island's core group - JENI JOBE. Jeni is the brains behind the imagery you know as TRPI (think penguins wearing T-shirts driving Electric Vehicles) as well as the head of our Education and Communications working group. Jeni is a tireless contributor to TRPI's vision and we wouldn't be here today without her! Thanks Jeni for all that you bring to Totally Renewable Phillip Island and the broader community! |
Author
Totally Renewable Phillip Island (TRPI) is a community-based group working towards 100% renewable and carbon neutral by 2030.
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