North Coast Climate Action Group
Ph: (02) 6684 2272
PO Box 640 Mullumbimby 2482
18th March, 2007
Dear Dieter,
I have looked over your proposal for an Eco-centre and Bio-gas/Fuel
cell plant at Eagle Farm, Tyagarah and believe that the concept
has positive environmental value.
A proposal to create electricity (green power) from a locally
produced waste (biogas), or any other carbon-neutral generative
technology, is the way of the future – it represents
a step toward decentralisation of the power grid, the step
many are now saying we need to take. This development will
create both a resource i.e., local electricity, and at the
same time stand as a model that can be showcased. This model
has value for Byron Shire Council, particularly in relation
to council’s ‘Greenhouse Action Strategy’,
adopted in June, 2004, but not yet implemented.
Biogas waste gives rise to methane, a very powerful greenhouse
gas – 22 times more harmful than Carbon Dioxide. Any
proposal to capture, productively use and convert locally generated
methane into green power should be strongly supported. This
proposal has the potential to make a small, but real contribution
to help mitigate the problems we are facing with Global Warming
and Climate Change.
I understand you are seeking funds to develop the proposal
and have been speaking with overseas interests. I can appreciate
that the development of the Eco-centre is a way of both showcasing
the process and bringing in funds to help fund the venture – doing
it in a way that is accessible to both children and adults.
An Eco-centre with easy proximity to the Pacific Highway could
work extremely well for a wide range of audiences of all ages,
including school groups. I see the Centre’s role primarily
as educational.
I believe that the development of a small-scale tourist eco-village
is part of the larger sustainability concept and is seen by
you as a way of assisting with the costs of developing and
managing the Bio-gas/ Fuel cell plant, and at the same time
providing a facility for people to reconnect with nature. (This
model, on a much larger scale, is clearly evident at Binna
Burra Lodge in the Lamington National Park).
I believe that your proposal comes primarily from your care
and concern for the Earth and your desire to do what you can
to help mitigate the looming climate crisis at a local level.
I believe your proposal is worthy of support.
Gayle Russell
Convenor
North Coast Climate Action Group
