On Tuesday 26 February, we held our first Environment Exchange for 2019. ‘The Future of Gas: a pipe dream?’ asked the hard questions about the role and place for gas in the ACT. 

After the ACT reaches its 2020 Renewable Electricity Target, natural gas will become the ACT’s second largest generator of greenhouse gases, accounting for 21 per cent of emissions. We need to take a good hard look at ways to decarbonise the gas sector to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 in the ACT.

We heard from guest speakers William Yeap (Evoenergy), Jessica Stewart (Ginninderry) and Dr James Prest (ANU Energy Change Institute). 

The outcomes of discussions seem that we need to do the following to properly address the gas issue:

1. The ACT government must take responsibility for the issue. 
2. We need regulatory incentives to transition away from fossil gases and uptake renewable sources. 
3. We need community participation in the gas issue.

Our next Environment Exchange will be Tuesday 26 March 2019 at the Renewable Innovation Hub from 12NOON – 2PM. A free ploughman lunch and tea and coffee will be provided. Register here.

Join us for our second Environment Exchange, 'You can love your cat and wildlife too: cat containment in Canberra'. This forum is on Tuesday 26 March 2019 from 12NOON - 2PM. It will be a timely event, with the ACT government due to release a draft Cat Plan soon. We will have interesting guest speakers and plenty to talk about!  

A ploughman's lunch with tea and coffee will be provided. Register now before places are filled!

We are showcasing the natural treasures of the ACT Region at the 2019 Canberra Heritage Festival. This year’s theme is “Space” and our events explore some of the lesser known natural ‘spaces’ in the ACT as well as new aspects of some old favourites.

Be one of the few lucky Canberrans to have truly explored Kama and Kinlyside or rekindle your passion for Mulligan’s Flat and Red Hill. Explore a fascinating mix of heritage; from an ancient geological site, to one of Canberra’s first water reservoirs, to a modern day street art Tardis.

This program involves guided walks at Red Hill, Kama Reserve, Mulligans Flat and Kinlyside Reserve during April 2019. 

This program was supported with funding made available by the ACT Government under the ACT Heritage Grants Program.

Canberra Strike for Climate Action

When: Friday, March 15, 2019 at 12 PM – 3 PM
Where: Garema Place, City ACT 2601, Australia

After the great success of the School Strike 4 Climate Action in November 2018, Australia’s super school students are organising a School Strike on 15 March.

We need the broader community to lend its support to these school students in the lead up to the strike.

Here are some ways you can get involved:
1. Are you an Academic supporter? Strike with the school students in solidarity by signing this petition.
2. Are you a university student? Join the student contingent to the climate school strike.
3. Do you want to stay informed? Sign up for email updates.
4. Do you want to spread the word? Download your own copy of the poster.

Our World Environment Day dinner guest speaker, Dr Bob Brown, is leading an anti-Adani road convoy to the coal port of Bowen. 

We are so lucky to have Bob as our guest speaker at the World Environment Day dinner on June 01 2019. He will be talking about the importance of adopting the philosophy of 'Optimism and Defiance' in the face of climate change and other environmental issues.

Buy tickets now to hear from Dr Brown himself!

ACT Minister Chris Steel told the Legislative Assembly earlier in February that 'the ACT government will consider a potential ban on single-use plastics including straws and cutlery in coming years'.

This follows a review of the government's ban on non-recyclable plastic bags.

A discussion paper is set to be released by the government at some point in the future.

NSW Office for Environment and Heritage confirmed that no feral horses were removed from Kosciuszko National Park in 2018.

'ACT Environment Minister Mick Gentleman said the lack of action was "irresponsible" and ACT Parks manager Brett McNamara said it was "alarming", with concerns a nearby 4500-strong population will soon enter and destroy the ACT's water catchment areas near Namadgi National Park.'

Join Reclaim Kosci and NPA ACT if you want to help the effort to address the feral horse problem in Kosciuszko.

Concerns over the growing population of feral horses across the ACT border has led the ACT government to declare the wetlands in Namadgi National Park "endangered".

Last week's feature Member Group, NPA ACT, took ACT Legislative Assembly members to Ginini Ramsar wetlands in 2018 to show them the potential dangers from feral horses. It appears the government has heeded these warnings...

This year in 2019, NPA ACT is part of a recently formed coalition of five environmental groups in the ACT and NSW, which is planning and implementing a campaign to raise awareness of the damage caused by thousands of feral horses in national parks especially Kosciuszko National Park.

Australian Association of Environmental Education ACT. AAEE ACT works collaboratively with local EfS (Education for Sustainability) organisations on important environmental issues, through sharing expertise, exchanging information and providing professional development.

Pedal Power ACT is the largest cycling organisation in the nation's capital. Pedal Power’s active advocacy team is focused on improving conditions for cycling in Canberra. It has a variety of upcoming events so check out the post below for more information!

Ginninderra Falls Association (GFA) was formed in 2011 to lobby for public access to the Ginninderra Falls and surrounding areas.

They are dedicated to protecting and conserving the ecological values of the Murrumbidgee River area and Ginninderra Falls.