Environment
Living in the decarb decade The popular Noosa EV Expo is on Sunday 19 June and the theme of this year’s event is Living in the Decarb Decade. Coordinator Vivien Griffin explained that decarb is not short for the latest diet but for the decarbonisation of everything – which must happen in the decade to 2030. “This year the Expo is taking over the entire main street of Noosa Junction, which is a big change from our humble beginnings,” said Vivien. “The Expo showcases the amazing transformations in sustainable transport options. Yes, we will showcase electric cars, but we will also celebrate e-bikes, e-scooters, mopeds, motorbikes, trucks, buses and even electric racing cars. Add to that a speakers’ forum, buskers, a face painter for children, trial e-bike and e-scooter rides on a great course, and tasty cafe food. “The electric car market has definitely expanded beyond Teslas, although these are still the largest selling brand in the market. The overall 2021 sales figures have seen a massive growth in electric car sales which nearly tripled over 2020, going from 6,900 to 20,665. Sadly, the figures could have been even higher as demand for electric vehicles by Australian drivers far
outstrips the capacity of distributors to supply vehicles. There needs to be major policy initiatives at the Federal Government level if we are to reduce transport emissions and meet this demand.” Vivien explained about subsidised car purchases. “Recently the Qld Government announced a $3,000 subsidy on vehicles priced under $58,000 and Expo visitors will be able to check out at least four of the six models which comply with this requirement including MG, Ioniq, Leaf and Kona. Our speakers’ forum is also a great opportunity to ask questions from a terrific lineup of innovators with practical experience as change agents.” “People ask about recycling EV batteries and it is encouraging to see developments in this space,” said Vivien. “The Australian Battery Recycling Initiative (ABRI) is exploring the best ways to recycle electric vehicle batteries and a company in Melbourne called Ecobatt is already recycling batteries.” The Expo is proudly supported by Noosa Council and Noosa Junction Association. Visit: noosaevexpo.com.au or email info@ noosaevexpo.org.
Is solar worth it? Part 3 There are two ways a home solar system can offer financial benefits. Using the energy produced by your solar system to run appliances reduces the amount of power you buy from the grid. The optimum way to save is by using appliances during the day when your solar system is operating. Any power from your solar system that you don’t use can be sold to the national grid. The amount you feed-in, and the feed-in tariff your power provider pays you, will determine how much you can save on your power bill.
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