Annual Report - 2022
The Zero Emissions Noosa Annual Report 2022 is available here.
Annual Report - 2021
The Zero Emissions Noosa Annual Report 2021 is available here.
Here are the President’s remarks:
ZEN Inc. is a regional influencer and change agent for the Noosa Community. In 2021, we made significant progress with projects and our push to engage our Noosa Shire community to work towards the zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2026 target, despite COVID 19. Our projects and activities are outlined in this Annual Report.
While we all want to see more and faster action on climate change in Australia and across the world, by working to reduce emissions in our own local Government area, we are “thinking globally and acting locally”. Our work in ZEN Inc. in raising awareness and advocating for emissions reduction, in stationary energy and sustainable transport emissions in our own community – the Noosa Biosphere, is part of “doing our bit for the planet” and helping to leave a better place for future generations.
More extreme and more frequent weather events will hopefully convince the sceptics, that climate change is here and we are living with it now. It is not something that will happen in the future. With natural disasters currently costing the Australian economy $38b per year, and predicted to rise to $73b per year by 2060, the climate emergency is here now. ZEN Inc. is dealing with it at the local level.
ZEN Inc. is very appreciative of funding from Noosa Council to assist us to do our work. We are also fortunate to have a collaborative working relationship with a number of key stakeholders, especially Noosa Council Tourism Noosa and Noosa Junction Assoc. We thank them all for their support.
We are extremely fortunate to have some very knowledgeable and talented people as part of our dedicated ZEN Inc. team. We particularly thank our former Coordinator, Dalia Mikhail and our current Community Engagement Officer, Meghan Halverson, for their dedication and support to ZEN Inc. They have both brought knowledge and skills that have helped/are helping ZEN Inc’s work, and have strengthened our volunteer organisation in many ways.
We would like to thank all past and current volunteers that help to make ZEN Inc. the strong organisation that it is today. Everyone, whether a Board member, or as a member of one of our Working Groups (ZEN E (electricity) or ZENTAG (transport)) and/or on one our sub-committees, help to make ZEN Inc. the great organisation it is. Your efforts as volunteers, on our many projects and activities are very much appreciated. The current ZEN Inc. Board is listed below.
We would particularly like to pay tribute to Vivien Griffin, our founder and inaugural President/Chair. Her vision, passion and drive have been key to ZEN Inc. projects and initiatives and for the respected place that we have with many stakeholders. We will strive to uphold this legacy and continue to drive change by reducing emissions within the Noosa Biosphere for the benefit of everyone.
Report - Facilitating Community Understanding of Electricity Battery Options for Noosa Shire
To investigate whether the energy generated locally can be used locally, and whether using a local/community battery could be a solution for the Noosa region, ZEN Inc. has worked with representatives from the Coalition for Community Energy (C4CE) to learn more about how communities have and are using local/community batteries as a solution to storing energy generated locally, being used in the local area.
This report strengthens ZEN Inc’s knowledge of the issues and solutions resulting from high levels of solar penetration in Noosa, strengthens ZEN Inc’s capacity to inform and engage with the community about the emerging issues, potential solutions and next steps to achieve the Net Zero Emissions target by 2026 and assists to inform and strengthen ZEN Inc’s strategic direction from 2021 – 2023.
Annual Report - 2020
The Zero Emissions Noosa Annual Report 2020 is available for reading here. Here are the President’s remarks
The lockdowns and economic and health impacts from COVID-19 in 2020 severely limited the outreach that ZEN could undertake during 2020. Nevertheless, we were able to continue progress on a number of fronts, and these are described in this Annual Report.
It was heartening to see Australian governments at all levels listen to the scientists when determining their response to COVID-19. I could only wish that a similar respect and action on the findings of science with regard to climate change was evident.
A recent report from the Australian Academy of Science stated:
“Australia is facing an extremely challenging future under the current emission trajectory of the international community.”
“If the world continues on this pathway, [Australia] will lose many of its vital ecosystems (native forests, Great Barrier Reef, alpine regions), and will place its agriculture and health systems in jeopardy of failing.
“The argument that Australia doesn’t contribute „significantly to the GHG emission problem and therefore should not act on climate change ignores the enormous losses that Australia will experience if it doesn‟t work with the rest of the world to achieve and exceed the Paris Agreement goals.”
Yes, we are facing a climate emergency and that is why ZEN exists. I am proud to report that a remarkable team of ZEN volunteers has continued its commitment to community information and engagement throughout a tumultuous year. This Annual Report will detail some of those initiatives and the great team behind them.
Roadmap Report
Mayor Tony Wellington, Noosa Biosphere Reserve Chair Dick Barnes, President ZEN Inc Vivien Griffin and Warren Smith from the Noosa Marina at the Roadmap Report launch
The Achieving 100% Renewable Energy in Noosa Report, known to ZEN Inc as the Roadmap report prepared by Dr Rob Passey from ITP Renewables defines a clear pathway our region should follow to achieve a zero emissions future.
Zero Emissions Noosa Inc has undertaken a great deal of analysis and assessment of our region’s energy patterns and detailed what we believe is an achievable path to this goal. The report was delivered in October 2018 and we are well on our way to tracking our progression toward the target. The full report is available here for review.
Strategic Plan
The Roadmap report is supported by our own strategic plan. Zero Emissions Noosa inc has a focus on two key areas at this point of time, transport and electricity. There are a number of key projects being undertaken by the group between 2023-2026, interested parties are welcome to view our strategic thinking here.
Zero Emissions Noosa inc has a focus on two key areas at this point of time: Transport (ZEN TAG) and Electricity (ZEN e). There are a number of key projects being undertaken by the group between 2023-2026, interested parties are welcome to view current ZENTAG Action Workplan here and ZENe Action Workplan here.
Understanding the Barriers and Benefits of Business Solar Report
In order to better understand how ZEN can support local businesses to take up rooftop solar, ZEN commissioned a report into the Understanding the Barriers and Benefits of Business Solar. Read the report here.
Annual Report - 2019
Zero Emissions Noosa’s 2019 Annual Report is available for reading here. Following are our President’s remarks.
2019 was defined by the catastrophic bushfires that engulfed Australia, together with the hottest year on record. The reality of these events was brought home to Noosa residents, when on two separate occasions, many were forced to evacuate as their homes and lives became at risk. We pay tribute to the fire services men and women who have been fighting these bushfires across Australia, many as volunteers.
As I write, the world has now been engulfed by COVID-19, and its terrible impacts for health and employment. Many people are losing their jobs, and governments need to evolve from the “small government” model which has dominated western democracies for several decades. Job creation needs to be part of their safety net agenda to get people through this crisis. We hope that opportunities for a “green new deal” are seized by all levels of government, so that a better future is possible out of this crisis.
Whilst COVID-19 is dominating discussion right now, it is important to remember the reason Zero Emissions Noosa (ZEN) was formed 3 years ago. While Australia might be relatively low in terms of its overall greenhouse gas emissions, our vulnerability to climate change is dependent on global action to limit warming to 1.5 degrees. We cannot ask others to step up to the plate if we do not also play our part.
I am proud to report that a remarkable team of ZEN volunteers has ensured that we have built strong partnerships with many sectors of the Noosa community in 2019, and this has resulted in bringing the emissions reduction message and action to many residents and businesses. This Annual Report will detail some of those initiatives and the great team behind them.
I would particularly like to thank the ZEN Management Committee, which has provided guidance, oversight and good governance during the year.
Annual Report - 2018
Zero Emissions Noosa has achieved much since it began in 2016. We are thankful to the community of like minded businesses and residents who are leading the charge for reduced emissions in the region. Our full 2018 Annual Report can be found here.
Zero Emissions Noosa Inc has successfully delivered:
2018 and 2019 Noosa EV Expo The Noosa EV Expo is a key event for the group.
Roadmap report and implementation, monitoring, evaluation and review of actions. This report was supported by the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation
Community Engagement and Consultation workshops
Repower Noosa Report: Understanding the Barriers and Benefits of Solar for Business. This report was supported by the Noosa Council
Cycle Skills Workshops and Introduction to E bike Group Rides. These activities were supported by Noosa Council
Initiating community events e.g. the Solar Tuk visit to Noosa
Advocacy through the following groups:
- Noosa Council Sustainable Tourism Reference Group
- Noosa Council Transport Steering Group
- Noosa Council Environment Strategy Forum
- Energex Community Leaders Forum
Liaison with and support to the Noosa Renewable Energy Group
Development of Strategic Plan
Social media posting through:
- Zero Emissions Noosa and
- Noosa EV Expo
New website tracking our region’s journey to a zero emissions future.