THE Labor candidate for Bega, Ms Wilma Chinnock has welcomed the announcement by Premier Morris Iemma of mandatory renewable energy targets for NSW
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"These targets will slash greenhouse emissions and provide a major boost to the renewable energy sector," said Ms Chinnock
"This is a significant step taken by the State Labor Government, but climate change is an enormous national problem and it is time that the Federal Government showed real leadership on this issue and signed the Kyoto Protocol.
"The new targets set by the NSW Labor Government mean that by law, 10 per cent of electricity consumed in NSW by 2010 will have to come from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
"This figure will rise to 15 per cent by 2020.
"I have already signed up to Country Green Energy which costs us about $1.50 extra per week on our electricity bill.
"This encourages my energy provider to source power from wind and solar farms. "However I believe that there should be incentives rather than charges to change to green energy.
"There are many people on fixed or low incomes, who simply cannot afford to pay this extra amount. "
"Most people are overcome with the enormity of climate change and global warming.
"They think that their actions are so small that it will not make a difference. "We have to start believing in the Power of One"
"I have found that people are genuinely interested in doing something positive so I have included a list of some tips for saving energy and resources on my website at wilmachinnock.com"
"Growing some of your own vegetables, and composting all of the garden and kitchen waste is a good start, so is driving at a slightly slower speed," said Ms Chinnock.
"If we all saved one bucket of water each day, by taking shorter showers or recycling our grey water, that would amount to 200 million litres of water being saved each day.
"That would have to make a significant difference"
"Doing nothing is not an option.
"We cannot expect businesses and communities to make changes if we are not prepared to make them ourselves"
As a primary producer, Ms Chinnock has been successful in combating fireweed using Boar goats and she has recently planted 3,000 trees on her property for wood products, oil and biomass production as well as water catchment and habitat protection.
"It is important to show a real commitment to the environment by how you live," said Ms Chinnock.
"Our electorate desperately needs a new way of thinking and I am prepared to lead the way forward in the sustainable use of our resources."
