EarthChat

This week on EarthChat we want to focus on some of the key issues facing Australia’s energy future including excellent progress being made towards sustainable transport options and the policy developments and behavioural changes needed to meet our future energy needs and climate change challenges. Our first guest is Mr Stuart Locke, General Manager, Seymour Coaches and President of the Bus Association of Victoria who has been responsible for the successful implementation of the Zero Emissions Electric Bus Trial here in Seymour over the last 3 years. Stuart will discuss the findings of the program and how this is influencing future decisions and purchases that will reduce emissions and provide cost effective options in regional areas. Our second guest is Mr Thom Woodroofe, a Senior International Fellow with the Smart Energy Council and author of the recently released book “Power, Prosperity and Planet: Climate and Energy Policy for All”. With an extensive background in policy development, diplomacy and international climate change negotiations, Thom is well placed to recommend practical solutions for an optimistic energy future that addresses the economic and climate related concerns of all Australians. SHOW NOTES Seymour Coaches – Seymour Passenger Services https://seymourcoaches.com.au/ Seymour Bus officially unveils first Victorian all-electric bus network - Australasian Bus and Coachhttps://www.busnews.com.au/seymour-bus-officially-unveils-first-victorian-all-electric-bus-network/ Seymour leads the way with first regional Victorian ZEB network - Australasian Bus and Coachhttps://www.busnews.com.au/seymour-leads-the-way-with-first-regional-victorian-zeb-network/ Why electric buses are the future of public transport https://www.commbank.com.au/business/brighter-perspectives/why-electric-buses-are-the-future-of-public-transport.html The environmental and public health benefits of electric buses https://www.innovationnewsnetwork.com/the-environmental-and-public-health-benefits-of-electric-buses/50046/ Why Australian Cities Are Betting on Electric Buses (And What It Means for You) - Sustainable living guidehttps://www.sustainablelivingguide.com.au/why-australian-cities-are-betting-on-electric-buses-and-what-it-means-for-you/ Thom Woodroofe - Monash University Publishing https://publishing.monash.edu/authors/thom-woodroofe/ Power, Prosperity and Planet: Climate and Energy Policy for All” , 2026 Smart Energy Council https://smartenergy.org.au An independent body accelerating Australia’s clean energy future by promoting smart energy solutions in national policy and promoting investment and secure jobs in the transition from fossil fuels to widespread deployment of renewable energy souces, improved battery technology and industry led stewardship programs that recover valuable materials like copper, aluminium and silver for future infrastructure and significantly cut landfill waste United Nations 2015 Paris Agreement Https://unfccc.int A legally binding international treaty on climate change aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid more severe climate change impacts including more frequent and sev ere, droughts, heatwaves and storms. In January 2026 there were 194 Parties to the Agreement who submit National Climate Action Plans (known as Nationally Determined Contributions). Each successive NDC is meant to reflect an increasing level of ambition in their 2030 targets compared to the previous version. Australia’s current 2035 target is 62-70 percent reduction below 2005 levels, and this aligns with Australia’s net zero plan of Net Zero by 2050 https://www.dcceew.gov.au Sun Cable/Australian Renewable Energy Hub, www.solardirectory.com.au The A$30 billion Sun Cable crash is a setback but doesn't spell the end of Australia's renewable energy export dreams https://www.thetimes.c

Would you risk physical injury, sexual assault and more from a foreign militia just to get baby food and emergency supplies to people cut off from humanitarian aid?Violet Coco did and was prepared to take on these risks because she knows the people of Gaza have endured and continue to endure so much greater hardships and suffering. Why?Violet is a previous guest on EarthChat (one of our most popular conversations) when she talked about her motivation and actions to highlight the climate crisis and her determination to speak truth to power and to those who want to sweep the world's problems under the mat. She is back on our program this week, having recently returned to Australia after her participation in the global flotilla, an international effort to highlight the appalling conditions faced by people in Gaza and the impact of Israel's war on their land. In the last 2.5 years, 72,900 Gazans have been killed with over 173,000 injuries. Lifesaving medicines, food and emergency supplies continue to be blocked by Israel from getting to the Gaza Strip.Violet and other people on the boats were abducted in international waters, taken to Israel, assaulted and expelled. Since their return to Australia, their stories have been met with silence and no real interest from government. Violet's involvement in the flotilla is part of her commitment to environmental and social justice. She sees that issues of global heating, geopolitical alliances and irreparable climate damage are all linked and that all Australia and the whole global population are suffering because of empires, companies and institutions which are colluding to prevent real justice.Violet is a passionate, eloquent and convincing exponent of non-violent protest and she walks the talk. Listen in to EarthChat this week when she talks about the experience of the flotilla, her commitment to social and environmental justice and the importance of connecting local actions to global issues. SHOW NOTES:https://www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/there-s-no-bridge-too-far-for-this-climate-activist-s-cause-20250415-p5lruf.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violet_CoCo https://www.patreon.com/u77513512 https://linktr.ee/FreeGazaAustralia

This week, Tim chats with Ellen Hunt from the “Impossible Dairy”, which is showing an "udder" approach to dairy farming. What if a small, regenerative dairy could not only produce milk, but also restore soils, retain water, and even help tackle climate change? And what if this little dairy could attract digital dairy devotees from across the world?Tim and Ellen explore how this bold experiment works in practice. From cows as ecological allies to the science of soil health and carbon, the discussion digs into how farming can shift from extractive to regenerative. It’s a look at both the promise and the challenges of building a system that aims to be environmentally positive, not just sustainable, and to get interest from across the internet with fascinating and thought provoking reels, videos and posts.Whether you’re passionate about food systems, climate solutions, or simply curious about where your milk comes from, tune in to discover how one small dairy is asking big questions—and why its answers might matter far beyond the farm gate.Want to learn more and join the thousands of the Impossible Dairy's followers? Check out their Facebook and Instagram feeds. Some links from the show: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bnWoqxMTh_M&ra=m https://www.groundbreakingpress.com/ https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vpTHi7O66pI&ra=m https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lGJoNXBLfQ0&ra=m https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vHDXWgzeplA&pp=iggCQAE%3D&ra=m

Listen to EarthChat this week. Jacqui Fulton and Mark Lyons are exploring the truth about renewables, working their way through quite a few interesting topics of huge relevance to our times, including: The gap in availability of solar and other renewable power, which are being directly affected by wars. The reasons behind the drop in solar and battery prices, why are they collapsing. The misinformation that is in the community surrounding renewable energy. Why e-bikes are the latest thing to be disliked.

What if regional communities owned their own power instead of multinationals? What if that power came from reliable renewables, instead of fossil fuels controlled by foreign powers and at risk to global geopolitics? What if locals got the dividends instead of big companies?The Goulburn Community Energy Co-operative in NSW (GCEC) is doing exactly that, all through the power and ownership of their own co-operative. Originally conceived in 2014, and supported by a feasibility study in 2016, the GCEC was formed in mid-2020 as an investment vehicle to produce and sell local, solar-powered energy. Anyone in the local region can invest in this project, receive a return on their investment, and be part of a community-led initiative to reduce Goulburn’s carbon footprint by producing electricity in their own region.Community energy projects are financed and owned by the community, who control, manage and operate the project. The community also share in the profits. There are many variations in Europe and the USA, and while it is a relatively new concept in Australia, there is now increasing interest in the idea.Interested? On EarthChat this week, we explore the power of the GCEC - and all co-operatives - with Michael Pilbrow who lives and works in the Yass Valley, NSW. Michael is a passionate advocate for rural and regional Australia. Michael has 16 years’ experience in supporting cooperative development. He co-founded the National Health Cooperative, Australia’s largest primary health-care co-operative, with around 32,000 active members. Michael has supported co-operative development and advised consumer and producer groups across a range of sectors in regional Australia, including aged care, childcare, sport and agriculture. Read more here: The co-op connecting everyday Australians to the renewable energy revolution - BCCM and here: Home - Goulburn Community Energy CooperativeAlso https://www.ngardaraproject.org.au/and don't forget the wonderful song Flag Day, which we didn't get to play! https://open.spotify.com/track/2YfuRUAfi2mmSbx4t9ehae?si=453436a216db4e6e

The reason for discussing this topic is that national and global demand for flowers is increasing due to a number of factors such as: increasing urbanisation and reduced opportunities to garden; a desire to bring “nature inside” for beauty and well-being, at home and in business and event settings.The Australian industry generates about US$ 812 million currently and is expected to grow another 4% by 2031 due to resilient and regular consumer demand and a growing export market for our native flowers, regarded as distinctive and low water consuming.The industry is under pressure from increasingly aware domestic and business consumers to adopt sustainable practices that will protect ecosystems and workers in the growing, distribution and waste management phases of production and use. Education of suppliers, florists and consumers is improving and we will discuss some of the exciting initiatives underway locally and internationally.Our EarthChat guest is Rita Feldmann, the Founder and Education Director of the Sustainable Floristry Network (SFN), an independent body creating a new standard for floristry based around sustainability principles. Rita is based in Melbourne and there are many Australian members of the organisation with strong interest from international partners in the industry and at universities and other research facilities on their “No Floral Foam” and waste minimisation and reuse initiatives. More information can be found at: SHOW NOTES Sustainable Floristry Network, www.sustainablefloristry.org Grown not Flown (currently on pause) Victorian flower farmer invents award-winning app encouraging people to buy local - ABC Newshttps://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-05-18/rural-vic-woman-of-the-year-buy-local-app/102356038 Sustainability in Floristry: Eco-Friendly Practices and Techhttps://thegeekinsights.com/sustainability-in-floristry-eco-friendly/ Tips for improving sustainability Use locally sourced flowers Reduce/eliminate floral foam use Sustainable Packaging Integrated pest management to minimise chemical use and increase ecosystem health through using natural predators, companion planting etc Composting floral waste in organic/green waste streams Digital tools eg soil moisture, humidity control to maximise efficiency in application of water and energy Educating consumers to not expect products that are out of season or a long way from their climatic zone Ongoing Learning and training of practitioners, growers and distributors so they can each play their part more effectively in the supply chain. Essential Sustainable Practices Shaping Floriculturehttps://thursd.com/articles/sustainable-initiatives-in-floriculture Www.sustainablefloristry.org Flowers 2030 is an industry education program for florists committed to transforming their practice for a sustainable future Floriculture Sustainability Initiative https://wwwfsi2030.com Sustainability Planning Templates | Sustainabloomhttps://sustainabloom.org/sustainability-planning-templates Helix Australia www.helixaustralia.com.au This company specialises in breeding, licensing and marketing of new and improved varieties of Waxflower and Boronia for both cut flower and landscape sectors. These flowers thrive in drier climates and require less water in cultivation and can be grown in poorer soils so less fertiliser is required and their flowers support pollinators and other aspects of local ecosystems to promote biodiversity. Climate Hero www.climatehero.org.au Reducing emissions and ecological footprint through a Carbon Calculator and other educational materials to assist businesses and individuals to take action on their resource usage and day to day practices. River Gum Florist, 32 McIntyre Street, Seymour www.rivergumflorist.com.au This business sources local flowers wherever possible, seeks to reduce plastic whenever they can and their floral waste is used by a local goat farm so there is good recycling of nutrients.

Seymour Vet, Andrew Hogan, and wildlife rescuer and carer, Jenny Oakley, join Ruth to discuss the impact of the recent fires that caused tragic losses of livestock and native wildlife, not to mention the cruel experience of being burnt alive. As well, we’ll hear how we (humans) are generally managing our duty of care for wildlife, farm, and domestic animals.As of 2019, over 30 countries formally recognized non-human animal sentience in their legislation, officially acknowledging that animals can feel, perceive the world, and experience emotions like pain and joy. Legal Status: Animals are often legally redefined from "property" or "objects" to sentient beings or living creatures.The Australian Capital Territory is the only State that has passed this legislation. The rest of Australia still treats animals as property and is yet to recognize animals as sentient. Victoria is the only State considering passing this legislation but has again postponed tabling it in the parliament.What will it take to expand our level of awareness to view our domestic animals as companions rather than as belongings - not as a right but rather, as a responsibility?The RSPCA continue to be the managers of connection between human and animal welfare, such as addressing animal abandonment due to family violence or financial hardship. Still they are not government funded and therefore hold the status of a non government community based charity with over 90 - 97% of its funding coming from donations, fundraising, legacies, and appeals.How do Councils support the RSPCA with raising awareness with residents to ensure animals in the Shires are being well cared for? Are their less strays out there? Cats in particular go feral to survive which we know is drastically adding to the destruction of our wildlife, including endangering many bird and marsupial species, and already whole species are lost due to wild cats. Cat curfews are not enforced with many cats still out overnight. Perhaps we need to lobby Councils to subsidize cat runs, like the worm farms they offered at a discounted price to residents some years ago…..?We learn more about the important and invaluable role Vets and Wildlife carers play in our world, and what we can do to support them, and their incredible tireless and heartfelt service.You too can train in these fields as well as become a volunteer at a shelter. Join us to learn more about how to get involved, and for what promises to be a rich and heart warming program.Key Wildlife Rescue Services & Contacts near Seymour and in Victoria Wildlife Victoria: 03 8400 7300 (Emergency response, 24/7). Wildcare Victoria (Tarcombe/Seymour Area): 03 5790 4193 (All wildlife, specializes in adult macropods). Trawool Wildlife Shelter (Seymour): 0429 268 680 (All wildlife, specialises in reptiles). LnLz Wildlife Care & Rescue (Strath Creek): 0407 063 331 (Bushfire relief and rescue). To find out if you identified the birds sounds you heard at the end of Segment One, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhlE13EqjJk To find out how you can take better care of your cat and the environment: kb.rspca.org.au Also look up Responsible Cat ownership on the portphillip.vic.gov.au Thank you to Andrew Morrison for your Wallaby photo - Watching Humans

Our guest this week is local environmental legend Jacqui Fulton. Mark Lyons talks to Jacqui Fulton from Broadford about her connection to various conservation groups. Her work on various aspects of Biolinks and biodiversity recovery is a fascinating topic and of interest to local and other listeners. Be ready too for a discussion about the environmental damage caused by wars. Now there is a current issue!This week, we have included the music in the program, provided by the incredibly talented Mark Lyons, host and musician. Thanks Mark!

Imagine 3,000ha of beautiful wetlands linking Merri Creek and the Southern reaches of Mitchell Shire. Imagine a space to be used by 200,000 people that would preserve natural beauty forever, maintain wetlands and habitat for all kinds of species. This proposed parkland, extending north from the existing marram baba Upper Merri Creek Parklands, would protect a significant green corridor – comprising both environmental refuges and outdoor recreation areas – within Melbourne’s rapidly expanding northern growth corridor. Rob Eldridge, local campaigning champion and former Mitchell Shire Councillor is a key member of the wallan wallan Regional Parkland Alliance, a local group (which includes BEAM) campaigning hard for this park to be established. See their website and petition here. Rob has been advocating for the park’s establishment since 2010. Through his work with the Wallan Environment Group, and long-term commitment to the local region he has contributed to a vision for the parkland aiming to balance conservation, recreation, and cultural heritage.Want to hear more about this exciting vision? On EarthChat this week, Rob talks through the dream of this parkland, the work that has been undertaken on the feasibility study and the work that would be required to make it a reality. Listen in and learn what you can do to make sure this wonderful idea becomes a reality.

The Rise of Eco-Anxiety: positive and practical ways to prepare for and process climate related events. Climate anxiety is increasing worldwide and affecting a wide range of groups, especially younger people and other vulnerable groups such as older people and those with limited resources to take preventative action or adapt to climate risks. A 2023 Mission Australia study of 19 000, 15-19 year olds found that 60% have some level of concern about climate related events and 21% were very or extremely concerned.Older Australians are also vulnerable to heat stress and the effects of cold weather, however many lack the financial resources to install or use air conditioning which can lead to isolation and poor health outcomes. Essentially “Eco Anxiety” is a worry, fear or sadness and in some cases a “sense of doom” or helplessness and overwhelm related to natural events over which we have limited control. Often these stressful situations result in trauma, grief, loss of freedom and in some cases anger against Governments and organisations for their perceived lack of empathy and appropriate responses to the events or preventing future loss. Links: The Granite News - prepared by the Hughes Creek Catchment Collaborative this newsletter contains essential information on sources of help and community connection for anyone dealing with the impacts of the fires or who would like to be part of the recovery process. To get on the mailing list, Email: pdphroberts@gmail.com The Tiaki Promise www.tiakinewzealand.com Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship and Conservation. It is a way of managing the environment and looking at the world in an interconnected way. This concept informs land and tourism management and ensures that future generations are equipped to hand down culturally important values www.environmentguide.org.nz www.kaitiakitanga.org Qualmark program https://www.qualmark.co.nz A highly regarded quality assurance organisation that helps Tourism businesses improve their sustainability and providing benefits to local communities and the broader economy. Taupo Bungy Jump Sustainability Initiatives www.bungy.co.nz/environment US Climate Resilience Toolkit Based around the concept of 72 hour resilience for all city infrastructure eg, power, water, supplies, relocation centres. Practical advice and suggestions for preparedness and self sufficiency Climate Justice Toolkit Climatejusticetoolkit.org.au This organisation highlights how climate change unfairly impacts groups who may already experience inequality, marginalisation and discrimination. The Toolkit provides free advice and resources for community service organisations to help with disaster resilience and social justice responses for all affected by climate events. Parents for Climate Champions for Climate Action within their communities and protect children with a safe environment and clean air for a better future https:// www.parentsforclimate.org Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia Connection and training to transform Australia’s response to environmental and climate issues https://wela.org.au Psychology for a Safe Climate (PSC) https://www.psychologyforasafeclimate.org PSC strengthens the emotional foundations of communities responding to critical climate and nature events. They recognise that climate change response is not just about science and policy but about feelings, emotions and cultures. They aim to provide relief, build resilience and empower systems change

Tim chats with Anthony Radford about how stories can have a positive impact on how people think and act. Anthony grew up in Broadford and is now a Bendigo-based media professional who cares deeply about good storytelling and strong local communities. Through Radford Media, he works with community organisations, Traditional Owners and businesses to help them tell clear, honest stories about who they are and what they stand for, with a strong focus on regional voices. He has a lot of experience about communication strategies related to climate action. He was a journalist for 20 years and won a Walkley Award (a finalist twice!) and a Quill Award.He is one of the founders of Believe in Bendigo, an initiative that encourages pride, confidence, and connection in the city while respecting its history and diversity. It was very active supporting the planning application for a local mosque. Campaigning through story telling is a big part of his life and work. He has also been involved in campaigns to build a $630million hospital in Bendigo and a $110m pipeline to secure the city’s water supply. Both of which the city is benefitting from today.Anthony’s work is about sharing positive local stories and bringing people together, grounded in a belief that communities are stronger when people believe in their place and in each other. So much of his work has relevance for communities in Mitchell Shire, and the local and global issues we are struggling with at this time.

2026 has started with heartbreaking fires in central Victoria, floods on the South West Coast and political tremors around the world. Many of us are directly affected by the impact of the local fires and any sort of recovery will take a long time. Local communities have rallied with dedicated emergency support and compassion. The best of human behaviours is there in the midst of uncertain and difficult times.As people who care about the planet and about our neighbours, what are the conversations we need to have about how our society responds to severe weather events, disasters, conflict and threats to community wellbeing?Our guest this week, Dr Samantha Ratnam has a 20 year career covering youth work, social research, political activism and social and climate activism. She also has lived through refugee experience as a young child. She was Mayor of Merri-bek Council, served as a Member of the Victorian Parliament (including as State Leader) for seven years and stood as the Greens candidate for the federal seat of Wills.She joins us to chat - not about party politics - but to reflect on her political outlook and philosophy of life. What has she learned about "how community works"? What are the basics of a "green philosophy"? The pillars of the global Greens Movement include ecological integrity, social and economic justice, grassroots democracy and participatory decision-making and peace and non-violence. Do these have relevance in 2026 beyond political point scoring and increasing tensions, anxiety and global warming/heating? Here are some links relevant to the show: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samantha_Ratnamhttps://www.theage.com.au/national/i-ll-never-forget-that-moment-samantha-ratnam-on-politics-palestine-and-the-path-ahead-20250605-p5m59c.html https://samantharatnam.com/my-story/And finally, here is the link to the Yo-Yo Ma podcast she mentioned https://open.spotify.com/show/6KjZWAn5bZwBDWXj9a0Bdh?si=f9b354621a004ba3

From our "best of EarthChat series" You may not know the name Violet Coco, but you would have seen her on the news, arrested for protesting in different places, all to highlight the precarious state of our planet. Violet is a passionate environment and social justice activist. She has been arrested 49 times in 6 years as a non-violent, direct action, change maker. She was the first person sentenced under controversial new anti-protest laws in NSW, receiving a sentence of 18 months in prison for blocking the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a campaign which was supporting firefighters. Her sentence was dropped on appeal. Violet describes herself as a conscientious objector to the murder of our planet. Violet is an eloquent and gracious conversationalist and someone who has great wisdom to share. Information on Violet:- Patreon, Wilipedia and The Guardian Some links of interest mentioned in the show:- Song: People's Uprising by James Brook ft Violet Coco (on Bandcamp) - Some books and other resources: Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet and Peace is Every Step, Thich Nhat Hanh We can’t get There from Here: Carbon, Climate and the Call to Wonder, with Báyò Akómoláfé and Paul Hawken Any book by Joanna Macy