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Grassroots climate action on federal issues this month – what’s happening locally and interstate?

Update from Val Kay.

Climate Action Merri-bek Stall at the Sydney Road Street Party. Fifty-five local people signed our letter calling on Peter Khalil MP to push for stronger climate action (with more since) but we’re still waiting for our promised meeting. Photo: Nina Killham

What’s happening in Victoria?

  • Grassroots climate groups are holding an MP Meeting Blitz, to meet with as many Labor MPs and duty senators as possible between now and Easter (Thurs 2 April), to encourage them to end fossil fuels and take urgent climate action. Climate Action Merri-Bek has been promised a meeting with our Labor MP for Wills, Peter Khalil, but we are still waiting for a definite date. Watch this space …
  • Tipping Point kicked off its community campaign to make big polluters pay with a well-attended online launch. Make Big Polluters Pay is a strategic campaign that will help the climate movement build the power needed to ensure coal and gas polluters pay for the damage they cause while being phased out. Tipping Point is focusing on local action and on Wednesday 25 March, will host an online session on running a successful local council campaign.  Grassroots groups can register here: https://www.tippingpoint.org.au/start_your_council_campaign   
  • Asian Australians for Climate Solutions is running Wealth Solutions Club program to encourage people to divest from Super funds and banks that are invested in coal, oil, and gas. The first meeting is Monday 16th March, however future programs may be held. See https://aafcs.au/ for more details.
  • The Beyond Gas Network is a volunteer network of grassroots climate action groups suporting action to stop extracting, using and exporting gas. It originated in the east and south-east of Melbourne but now has links to other parts of Melbourne and Australia wide. The network is holding a planning meeting on 16th March – more information will be available soon.
  • March in March for Forests  – Melbourne Rally will be held on 22 March, 11 am Parliament Gardens, Albert St Naarm/Melbourne. Supported by Bob Brown Foundation.
  • XR (Extinction Rebellion) and other groups are supporting a Tax Wealth Not Work campaign. Extreme wealth is not just an economic problem — it is also one of the biggest barriers to serious climate action. The campaign was launched on Saturday 14 March and there will be ongoing action.
  • CANA (Climate Action Network Australia) is hosting skillshare sessions for grassroots groups, beginning on 27 March. More information available from Climate Action Merri-Bek on climateactionmerribek@gmail.com

South Australia

  • This weekend marks one year since the Harmful Algal Bloom first hit South Australian shores, accelerated and intensified by pollution generated from coal, oil, and gas producers. Conservation Council SA has released an analysis that puts the cost of the Harmful Algal Bloom at least a quarter of a billion dollars (see InDaily coverage). 
  • Conservation SA and allies will take action to make polluters pay with the Bring the Bloom to Polluters rally in Adelaide on Saturday 28 March (10:30am to 12:00pm). For information see Conservation SA

Northern Territory

  • 350 Australia is supporting the Larrakia Traditional Custodians campaign against the Middle Arm gas hub. Larrakia have launched a petition and are aiming to reach 50,000 signatures before Larrakia and Tiwi leaders visit Parliament House ahead of the Federal Budget. Please sign and share the petition to help reach the ambitious target. A promo pack with email and social media templates is available here.

New South Wales

  • Climate Action Week was held in Sydney 9-15 March with a wide range of activities. See more here Climate Action Week.

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