Energy needed
EDITORIAL By DEAN LAWSON
W
e hope political leaders in charge of identifying, supporting or exploiting renewable energy across the country are in a position to seize opportunities.
Surely the days of treading water or waiting to see what someone else does in the large-scale exploitation of renewable energy are coming to an end. We need some sort of long-term plan that is more than a simple gloss-covered, rehashed bureaucratic report destined for history’s dustbin. What’s becoming obvious is that finding the best ways of tapping in solar, wind, biofuel or geothermal energy, based on the ‘greater good for the people’ philosophy, is never going to happen. The truth is, if we’re going to get to a stage where circumstances force us to establish a robust and efficient system, it will have to generate a lot of
money and make some people rich.
And, using the age-old expression: if we want to make money, we’re going to have to spend money. We need only consider the evolution of the recycling industry for an example. It started as a community savethe-planet project and still regurgitates this feel-good message. But it gained serious traction only when there was money to be made and big business became involved.
Trepidation
If we’re to believe all we’re hearing about a potential energy, environmental and global crises, someone will have to ultimately make some big financial calls.
There is a feeling that suggests governments are on the cusp of doing something major. Perhaps they are waiting for the next big energy breakthrough.
We can’t stay on automatic pilot forever on the renewable energy issue. We must eventually land and that will mean pumping money and resources somewhere.
But we’ve only seen snippets of serious intent and in some cases, such as in the
The key is that when we do hit the ground, we are already running.
Decentralisation SIR,- The news that the State Government is going to decentralise industry is good news. The sad thing is that it is only going to send industries out to within a certain radius of greater Melbourne to centres such as Wallan, Bacchus Marsh and the other areas that can reasonably now be called the outer fringes. This is similar to Pakenham, Frankston, St Albans and others in the 1970s. Our local councils should be very concerned by this move because the government appears to be catering only to voters on Melbourne’s fringes. What about regional Victoria? For too many years we have been neglected. Where are the voices of our local politicians, where are the voices of our local councils – sadly missing, it appears? Unless the State Government moves its centrist vision, we are going to do it tougher out here in the sticks. Surely our communities are worthy of jobs for our families, everywhere we look we see our children having to move to the big smoke for jobs. If we do not make our voices heard now then we could lose our industries as they eye better advantage closer to Melbourne.
100 Tonne All Terrain Crane Hire ▪ 50 Tonne Crane Hire ▪ 25 Tonne Crane Hire ▪ 18 Tonne Franna Hire ▪ Rigger & Labour Hire ▪
Research suggests there might also be significant geothermal energy beneath the Wimmera-Mallee. But as one expert revealed: ‘it costs more than $1-million to simply drill a hole to find out whether it’s worth everyone’s while.’ Pick your cliché. ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ Damned if I do, damned if I don’t.’
www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
The answer to all your crane hire needs AND all your engineering requirements.
State Government’s withdrawal of $25-million from a Greenearth Energy Geelong geothermal power project because of lack of matching money, negative trepidation.
Somewhere along the energy-development process, either as a nation or as individual states or territories, there will be a need for massive investment of public money.
YOUR SAY
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Truck & Float Hire ▪ Telehander Hire ▪ Structural Steel Erection ▪ Concrete Panel Experts ▪
Lifting Victoria to new heights. 15 Carine Street, Horsham Phone (03) 5381 0500 - 24-hour contact www.cosacranes.com.au
The Crane Hire Specialists
Enjoy a delicious meal with the whole family!
Smart meters SIR,- What’s happening to our rights? In May 2011, I received a letter from Powercor, to say they were coming to install a smart meter on our home. I immediately started to investigate, research, and discuss with many others doing the same. As a result I, like many others, decided that I would not consent to having such a device installed when I considered it to be a risk to my health, privacy and home. No matter whether you ask the Power companies, the government departments, the DPI, ARPANSA, ACMA, the bottom line is they simply say ‘they are safe’, and they will continue to do so. While, based on my research, I will say that ‘I don’t believe they are’. Asbestos was classed as ‘safe’ too, until it was later proven not to be.
Two Course Lunch Your choice of Main & Dessert
$12.50
$11.00
everyday!
for members
GREAT
So where does this leave me, and others who feel the same? I believe in the free and democratic Australia in which I live, that I have a right to decide what may or may not affect me, and make choices to protect my home and myself. Along with all the others contacting me, I will stand up for my rights and continue to refuse the installation of any smart meters on my home.
Ray Marsh, Ararat
POLY TANK REPAIRS Also...
• Water, cartage & boomspray tanks. • Tractor & diesel fuel tanks. • Tractor Bonnets and mudguards. • Specialist plastic fabrication.
Di Bell, Horsham
Enjoy a delicious main, dessert & pot of beer, soft drink or glass of house wine for only
$24.00*
* Members Discounts do not apply, main and dessert off the specials board.
EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT!
Visit us today and help us support your local community! 177-179 Baillie St, Horsham Ph: 5382 6262 Visit us online at www.hscc.org.au
Mobile Poly lists ia c e p S ir a p e R
60 0 5 2 8 9 2 4 0 sion.com.au www.plasticfu
7