Share and Swap Fest at the Source

As part of Australia's first ever Fair Food Week, Source will be hosting a Share and Swap Fest! Bring along your swappables for exchange, such as seeds, seedlings, jams, chutneys, vegetables, beers, ferments, cakes, biscuits. There will also be a program of short skillshare workshops such as sourdough bread baking, making saurkraut, homemade yoghurt, composting and permaculture. This will be followed by woodfired pizzas and informal music making around the pizza oven, so bring an instrument, your voice, or just your ears.

Saturday 24th of August 1 - 5pm.
12 French St, Sandy Bay

Contact Jenny Calder for more details:  Calder.jenny@gmail.com

Knocklofty a haven for rare plants

Prasophyllum perangustum

We count ourselves lucky in West Hobart to enjoy easy access to Knocklofty Reserve, where we can quickly escape the city and disappear into the bush along a number of well maintained tracks.  Did you know that the healthy, thriving native bushland you see in Knocklofty Reserve today is not an accident?  It has resulted from many years of tireless dedication from a small group of Bushcare volunteers: The Friends of Knocklofty Bushcare Group [FoKL].  

Botanical surveys commissioned by the Hobart City Council and Friends of Knocklofty have now identified that Knocklofty Reserve contains over 300 species of native plants growing in ten dry and wet sclerophyll forest communities. Nine rare and threatened plant species have been identified, including the Knocklofty Leek Orchid [Prasophyllum perangustum], which is unique to the reserve.

Much dedicated work by members of the group has resulted in descriptions and photos of the Flora of Knocklofty.  For example:

Prasophyllum perangustum, common name "Knocklofty leek orchid", is a very rare species, seldom found and last seen on Knocklofty summit in 2002.  The 7 to 15, narrow green to light reddish green flowers with a white to pink labellum appear in late spring to early summer above the 18 to 25cm dark green leaf.  This species is believed to only appear after a fire, yet a light burn since 2002 produced no flowers.

You can check out the individual flowers or get a complete list of the flora on Knocklofty Reserve here.


Hobart City Council and Friends of Knocklofty are working together to protect the reserve.  Plantings of over 30,000 plants have been designed to restore native plants to areas disturbed by quarrying, grazing and woody weed growth, and to provide habitat for the various fauna species living in the reserve. Friends of Knocklofty are always keen to have more helpers - find them on the web here.

Concerned about dogs in the bush?

The Hobart City Council's Dog Management Plan is open for review, closing 1 July. You may want to consider the impact dogs have on your patch of bush.

Here is where to find the current dog management plan:

http://www.hobartcity.com.au/Environment/Animal_Management

From the HCC website:

The City of Hobart encourages your feedback by close of business Monday 1 July 2013 which will be considered when drafting the new Dog Management Strategy 2014-2018. You can provide feedback by using the online form or alternatively, you are invited to submit feedback via:

Email - hcc@hobartcity.com.au - subject - Dog Management Strategy Review
Post - Addressed to the General Manager, Hobart City Council, GPO Box 503, Hobart 7001.  Envelope to be marked - Dog Management Strategy Review
Delivery - Hobart Council Centre, 16 Elizabeth Street, Hobart.  Envelope to be marked - Dog Management Strategy Review.

For further information please contact the Council's Acting Manager Customer Service, David Banks on 6238 2783 or email banksd@hobartcity.com.au

Soil tests in West Hobart???

Cleanup Toxic Tasmania has shared these results on our Facebook page:

These are the Tasmanian EPA soil test results from 5 sites around the urban residential property at 203 Elizabeth St. Hobart, Tasmania - compared against international EPA human health risk limits listed at: http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/interpreting_heavy_metals_soil_tests.pdf.

The Tasmanian EPA says their figures show no evidence of contamination beyond that which would be expected at any inner Hobart location.

Does anyone in West Hobart have any results we could compare these with?

Why light rail is the perfect fit: Public Information Session, Sunday 30 June

Light rail is experiencing a world-wide renaissance. Its ability to adapt to the landscape of contemporary cities, and to move substantial numbers of people quickly and reliably from A to B, makes it a key player in developing viable and sustainable cities in which to live, work and visit. Equally it is becoming the solution to many of 21^stCentury’s urban challenges, including traffic congestion, increasing transport costs and climate change. Unsurprisingly, cities both small and large are taking notice and investing in light rail. Now it’s Hobart’s turn.

The ending of freight activities along the Hobart rail corridor provides the opportunity to reintroduce modern passenger rail transit and reshape public transport services in Southern Tasmania. Utilisation of the existing corridor makes this the most affordable light rail project in Australia and it is consequently being put at the forefront of transport planning in Hobart. 

Project development over the past months has substantially moved Hobart light rail from vision to actuality, including the establishment of the Light Rail Task Force (consisting of Minister for Sustainable Transport Nick McKim, Minister for Community Development Cassy O’Connor, Hobart Lord Mayor Damon Thomas, Glenorchy Mayor Stuart Slade and Chair of the Tasmanian Planning Commission Greg Alomes).

Also helping to keep the momentum going have been the two Light Rail Roundtables organised this year by Bob Brown and Anna Reynolds. The consultancy work by Tim Crane and James McIntosh has injected fresh new thinking on the value of public transport infrastructure. It’s positive to see the discussion has moved from an if to a how: How far should we go? Where should the stations lie? These are all giant strides forward for securing funding and making this project a reality. 

This Sunday, Minister for Sustainable Transport Nick McKim and Greens Candidate for Denison Anna Reynolds will host a public meeting to discuss the project’s progress, what light rail means for Hobartians and why it’s the perfect fit for Hobart.

Come along to find out more, share your ideas, ask questions and register your interest for this exciting state-of-the-art project.

When: Sunday 30^th June, 3-4pm
Where: New Town High School,
6 Midwood St, Newtown

Get energised around Climate Action - June 22

Climate Action Hobart is presenting a one day workshop on June 22, 9.45 am - 4 pm in the Clarence Uniting Church.

'Every year brings fresh evidence of the increasing pace and severity of climate change. Yet we continue to witness the failings of policy, leadership and communities to confront this challenge with honesty and integrity. And so, the burden of our work has been made heavier with despair. Let's reclaim our hope! Come along and contribute your energy to planning a safe climate future for Tasmania ... and the world.'

Will Steffan will provide an energising keynote address:  “The Angry Summers of our Future”, and the focus of the day will be on strategies for action.    See the flyer here.

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Keynote speaker Professor Will Steffan will also give a public talk in the evening of June 22 (7.15 pm for 7.30pm) in the UTAS Centenary Lecture Theatre. The subject of this free address is:  The Critical Decade 2013 - Climate change science, risks and responses".  RSVP to utas.events@utas.edu.au.

See the flyer here.

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These look like great opportunities to catch up on the latest and positive thinking on the climate change campaign.  Hope you can come.

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Biography

Will Steffen has a long history in international global change research, serving from 1998 to 2004 as Executive Director of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), based in Stockholm, Sweden, and before that as Executive Officer of IGBP's Global Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems project.

Prior to taking up the ANU Climate Change Institute Directorship in 2008, Steffen was the inaugural director of the ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society. From 2004 to 2011 he served as science adviser to the Australian Government Department of Climate Change. He is currently a Climate Commissioner with the Australian Government Climate Commission; Chair of the Antarctic Science Advisory Committee, Co-Director of the Canberra Urban and Regional Futures (CURF) initiative and Member of the ACT Climate Change Council.

Steffen's interests span a broad range within the fields of sustainability and Earth System science, with an emphasis on the science of climate change, approaches to climate change adaptation in land systems, incorporation of human processes in Earth System modelling and analysis; and the history and future of the relationship between humans and the rest of nature.

Biography provided by the ANU Climate Change Institute Website

http://cci.anu.edu.au/researchers/view/will_steffen/

Draught Busters project update

The Draught Busters in West Hobart project has been a great success.  Over 25 homes have now been "draught busted"! with quality draught proofing materials, and a number of residents are still working on their windows and doors.    We have had four workshops so far, and there is still a chance we will hold one more, depending on levels of interest.  Participants have learnt a lot about ways and means of reducing cold air coming into their houses.  We have learnt about new materials and have developed new skills.  More than that, it has been great to meet fellow residents and make new friendships.

We've had some success in painting the window strip to match the door and window architraves:

Last call:  Anyone interested in taking part should contact Margaret Steadman at steadmanma@gmail.com.

Connect with 'Winter Thinking'

Interested in the link between housing and poverty? carbon accounting? local power? The Green Institure is hosting some more online "web seminars" with Chris Twomey (housing), Judith Ajani (carbon) and Margaret Blakers (local power).  These are a great way to connect with others across Australia who are interested in the same issues you are.  Come to one or come to all and be thoroughly well-informed without leaving home.

All you need is a computer with speakers and microphone plus $6 for each seminar. They are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week at 8 pm eastern time. Click here for more information and to register.

It's Time - to have your say on Feed In Tariffs for solar PV

Save Solar Tasmania’s  Briefing Paper on the Feed-in Tariff consultation is now available at: http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/tas_docs The Briefing Paper has been written to assist people wishing to make submissions to the consultation process  being run by the Electricity Reform Project in Treasury. Submissions are due by Tuesday 11 June and should be sent to: Electricity.Reform@treasury.tas.gov.au Presentations from last week's Fate of the Feed-in Tariff forum run by Sustainable Living Tasmania are now available  at http://slt.org.au/feedintariff and you can view video of the event on YouTube. ================================== Jack Gilding Convenor, Save Solar Tasmania m: (0407) 486-651 e: tasmania@solarcitizens.org.au w: http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/tas/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaveSolarTas Sign our petition at: http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/savesolartasmania http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/tas_docs

June's gardening notes

Dear Gardening friends

This month's planting notes are below.

We had a wonderful afternoon at Tony's great vegetable garden last month - lots of gardening talk, seed sharing and lovely afternoon tea in the autumn sunshine.

If you would like to host a winter visit to your garden from the GAF  gardeners please let us know.

JUNE	Week1	Week 2	Week 3	Week 4
Broad Beans (2nd planting)				x
Sugar Snap peas (2nd planting) pregerminate then sow				x
Snowpea (2nd planting)				x
direct sow and protect from birds until 100mm high
English Spinach (no Punnets - direct seeding only)			x	x

Best wishes

Margaret and Ann

Your winter bush adventures are here!

Don’t miss the Hobart City Council's Bushadventures team's presentations on…

·            Winter on Mt Wellington with ecologist Fred Duncan

·            Migratory and Resident Shorebirds

·            Tasmanian Devils – Speak of the Devil: What’s Happening Right Now?

·            The Ecology of Wild Tasmanian Fungi

·            Botanical Drawing

·            Antarctica: Then and Now

The Winter Program full of all the details is attached!

Visit www.hobartcity.com.au/bushadventures to view this season’s calendar of events!

"Do the Math" with Bill McKibben

Climate Action Hobart is hosting a live broadcast of Bill McKibben's "Do the Math" Canberra event on June 5 at The Centenary Lecture Theatre, UTAS, 7.15 for 7.30 pm.

A truly inspiring speaker and activist, in 2009 Bill co-founded the grassroots climate campaign 350.org, which has coordinated 15,000 rallies in 189 countries.

His Australian tour is the first international leg of Bill McKibben’s hugely successful 'Do the Math' tour through the USA following publication of his article, Global Warming’s Terrifying New Math, in Rolling Stone magazine. The article went viral and inspired renewed vigour in communities fighting global warming across the USA and the world.

On his Australian tour, Bill McKibben will be presenting his clear-eyed view of the global warming maths in the Australian context and what we can do to subtract from the terrifying total.

Here him live from Canberra on June 5.

"Bill McKibben is the most effective environmental activist of our age. Anyone interested in making a difference to our world can learn from him."

Tim Flannery

8 to 80 Cities comes to Hobart

8 to 80 Cities:  Walk & Bike..Parks & Streets..For All!

This is a movement for change, dedicated to transforming cities into places where people can safely and easily walk, bike, access public transit and visit vibrant parks, streets and other public places.

WHEN was at the 8 to 8O Cities photoshoot organised on Saturday by Bicycle Tasmania.  Over 150 bike riders formed into a giant figure of eight to demonstrate their demand for safe cycleways on Tasmania's roads.  There were people from younger than 8 to older than 8O.  It was great fun, with lots of old friends catching up and new friends and acquaintances being made in the warm winter sunshine.

8-80 Cities is based on a simple philosophy:

If you create a city that’s good for an 8 year old and good for an 80 year old, you will create a successful city for everyone. We want every city and town in Tasmania to be an 8-80 City.

• 8-80 Cities are communities built for people. They reflect social equality in the public realm and promote sustainable happiness.
• They nurture our need to be physically active by providing safe, accessible and enjoyable places for everyone to walk, bike and be active as part of our daily routine.
• They recognise that people are social creatures, so they prioritise human interaction by fostering vibrant streets and great public places where people can rest, relax and play.
• 8-80 Cities encourage sustainable and healthy lifestyles for everyone regardless of age, gender, ability, ethnicity or economic background.

http://www.8-80cities.org/  is where you can find out more about the 8 to 8O Cities movement. 

Fate of the Solar Feed-in Tariff - Forum Thurs 30 May

Fate of the Solar Feed-in Tariff

·         What are the impacts of changing the solar feed-in tariff?

·         What would be a fair tariff?

·         What can you do?

Speakers:

·         Craig Memery, Alternative Technology Association

·         Jack Gilding, Save Solar Tasmania

·         Ben Stevens, Baslec, Tasmanian solar installer

6:00pm - 7:30pm, Thursday 30th May 2013, Entry $5

Lecture Theatre 105, Medical Services Precinct

Corner of Liverpool & Campbell streets, Hobart

Join us afterwards for light refreshments and informal discussion

More details:

Sustainable Living Tasmania

(03) 6234 5566, todd@slt.org.au

http://slt.org.au/feedintariff

Bridge to City Tree Planting & BBQ

Come join local volunteers from the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Bushcare, SCAT and others for a fun family tree planting event on the Derwent Foreshore. Be a part of helping to restore this beautiful area by planting a tree; learn about the Aboriginal people who were the custodians of this land with a walk and talk with Elder, Lance le Sage; get  a taste for the local bush tucker, free BBQ and more.

Where:                   meet at the Regatta Ground (upper) car park

When:                    10-1pm, Sunday 2 June

What to bring:     Hat, water bottle, sturdy, covered shoes, long-sleeved shirt and trousers

RSVPs are essential. Access to the site is limited and children must be carefully supervised by their parent or guardian due to the proximity to the train-line.

Anna Greig

Bushcare Coordinator

Hobart City Council, Bushland & Reserves

Phone (03)6238 2884

Mobile 0409 780 458

An aging population is not a problem: it is the true wealth of nations

As Theodore Roszak said: “An aging population is not a problem: it is the true wealth of nations.” 

Gardens can be a source of particular solace, sanctuary and delight for the elderly. 

A group of GAF volunteers have been holding regular working bees at Lawrenny Court, where many residents have much loved beds and borders, but find maintenance a challenge.  If someone is unable to look after their garden, it is converted to shrubs - not the same as beloved flowers, herbs or vegetables. We work convivially for an hour and a half, then are given a splendid afternoon tea.

The next working bee is Saturday May 18th at 2.30pm. 

Meet at the Lawrenny Court hall, 131 Hill St. Bring tools and gloves. 

Please RSVP to Miriam (text/phone: 0400 480 908 or email: my_mort@hotmail.com) so we can plan work and catering.

Your solar payments are under threat

WHEN is supporting this Tasmanian campaign to protect the feed-in tariffs currently enjoyed by householders supplying renewable energy to Aurora.  Here is a letter received from Save Solar Tasmania:

Subject: Your solar payments are under threat

Dear fellow Tasmanian

The future of solar power in Tasmania is under threat.

From 1 January next year, Aurora will cease to exist as a retailer and the household and small business customers (that’s you) will be sold to one of two private retailers. Solar PV owners in Tasmania currently receive around 27c for each kWh they export under Aurora’s tariff 31. But there won’t be an Aurora next year! Despite repeated requests, submissions and lobbying, all that the Minister for Energy, Bryan Green will say is that there will be a ‘fair and reasonable’ feed in tariff and the government is still taking advice on the issue. The ‘fair and reasonable’ tariff paid to customers in Victoria is 8c/kWh. In NSW no feed in tariff is mandated, some retailers pay nothing for the power fed into the grid, and some pay just 5.2c!

What does this mean for you?

If you are an existing solar owner: it means right now there is no certainty over the future of the payments for the clean safe energy you are generating and feeding into the grid.

If you are a Tasmanian that hopes to one day install solar on your roof: it means that while your investment will help you lower your own power bills, you are likely to get a much lower price for the excess energy you create – effectively subsidising the big power companies!

Sign the petition to ensure current and future Tasmanian solar owners receive a fair price for the solar power they feed into the grid: http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/savesolartasmania

All this is why Save Solar Tasmania - a new alliance of businesses, householders and community groups - has come together to call on the State government to act urgently to safeguard investment in Tasmania's solar homes.

We are teaming up with the soon to launch Solar Citizens project - to bring together the 10,000 solar homes in Tasmania, as well as everyone who one day hopes to go solar - to tell the Tasmanian government to give solar a fair go.

Sign the petition here: http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/savesolartasmania

For most Tasmanians using the power of the sun to generate energy just makes sense. Solar brings many benefits including new jobs, reduced wholesale power prices and new generation of clean safe energy. It helps build a network of renewable energy generation across a range of sources (solar, wind, hydro) and enhances Tasmania’s reputation of being clean and green.

We look forward to working with you to ensure a strong future for solar in Tassie. Please sign and share the petition today. We will keep you up to date with our Tasmanian campaign and you will also receive news on the national Solar Citizens campaign.

Regards,

Jack Gilding

On behalf of Save Solar Tasmania

WHEN is keen to hear from West Hobartians with solar PV installed.  It would be good to build a local network so that we can share our experiences and perhaps some better practices.  Pls contact Di Elliffe at whenvnet@gmail.com.

New Tassievore workshops coming up in Hobart

Science in the Kitchen Garden Workshops Series - Chemistry of Cooking 

Monday, 20 May 6-8pm

By understanding the basics of chemistry and physics as it applies to food we can utilise the very best aspects of cookery.  Maximising taste and nutrition in fresh food, developing fat free cooking techniques and creating consistency.  Made possible by an Inspiring Australia Grant.  Tickets available from: http://chemistryofcooking.eventbrite.com  Venue: Sustainable Living Tasmania 1/71 Murray Street, Hobart. Cost: $10, $5 Conc, by donation for SLT members.
 


Science in the Kitchen Garden Workshops Series - Tasmanian insects: pests or guests? 

Saturday, 20 July 10am-1pm 

Led by celebrated environmental scientist Elizabeth Daley, this workshop will teach you to identify insects likely to establish in Tasmanian food gardens. Explore environmental modifications for successful growing including attracting populations of predators at the desirable stages of their life cycles and fostering environmental conditions for healthy plant growth. Supported by an Inspiring Australia Grant. Venue: Sustainable Living Tasmania, 1/71 Murray Street, Hobart. Cost: $10, $5 Conc, by donation for SLT members.

There is also a facebook event for these workshops - https://www.facebook.com/events/452876008123770/. 

Contact: Lissa Villeneuve
Project Manager and Festival Director

1st floor, 71 Murray Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000
phone: (03) 6234 5566
direct: (03) 6281 9362
fax: (03) 6234 5543

Draught Busters get going

In the last few days the Draught Busters in West Hobart project has kicked off in great fashion.   On Wednesday night the meeting room at Sustainable Living Tasmania was full, as twentyone would-be Draught Busters met and mingled.

After introductions from Margaret Steadman, Rebecca Boyle led the trainee Draught Busters through the Materials Guide which has been developed specifically for this project.  We all learnt heaps about the quality draughtproofing materials which are recommended by experienced draught busters here in Hobart. People were enthusiastic in seeking ideas and sharing their own experiences.  Rebecca draw on her extensive professional experience in this field and related some entertaining stories from the draught busting front line :)

Di Elliffe then outlined next steps in the project and presented the Draught Buster toolkits which contain a selection of specialist tools which will be required.   Participants formed into 5 groups, based on existing friendships and neighbourhood proximity.   Members of each group will share a toolkit amongst themselves and will also help each other out as required.  There was quite a buzz in the air as everyone headed home, already planning how to address their draughty doors and windows.

On Sunday, Anna invited us into her draughty house to learn more in a hands-on workshop.  Rebecca did an excellent job under pressure (!), showing about twenty trainee Draught Busters how to cut and install Surround Draught Strip, Door Bottom Draught Strip, Adhesive V-flex Tape, Broad tape, Draught Sausages, Chimney Balloon, and Foam Gap Filler Rod.  Phew!

Surround Draught Strip on front door

Door bottom draught strip

Adhesive V-flex strip

Suround draught strip on sash window

Surround draught strip on awning window

Draught Busters are now in action all over West Hobart, stopping the cold autumn air leaks in their houses one gap at a time.  About 30 houses will soon be Earning Their Stars in reducing their carbon footprints and enjoying increased thermal comfort.

There are still opportunities to get involved, just contact us at whenvnet@gmail.com.

Save Solar Tasmania - launch tomorrow

Save Solar Tasmania is a new alliance of businesses, householders and community groups established to promote Tasmania’s opportunities in small and medium scale renewable energy.

The group will be holding a press conference on the steps of Parliament House Hobart at midday tomorrow (Thursday 11 April) to urge the Government to provide guarantees for customers on the existing feed-in tariff and to establish a public consultation and review process that sets a fair price for solar and other small renewable energy technologies in Tasmania.

The group was formed because in the rush to privatise Aurora’s retailing activities, the government has created uncertainty which is jeopardising the future of the solar industry in Tasmania.

A press release and details of the new website established to support the campaign will be circulated tomorrow morning. Existing background information is available at http://waterworksvalley.com/solar/

The press conference will provide an opportunity for the media to talk to members of the group including:

·         solar installation companies

·         householders who have installed solar panels and those who are contemplating installations but are concerned about possible changes to the feed-in tariff

·         businesses that are developing small and medium scale wind and hydro projects.

Come along if you are interested!