Northern Rivers tackling climate change home-by-home

WHILE our politicians debate the merits of taxing carbon, here on the Northern Rivers we are getting on with tackling climate change, home by home.

GOOD ADVICE: Vanessa Tallon, Richard Mackney, Colin George and Michael Qualman, energy auditor, on the roof of Lismore Workers Club. Picture: Mireille Merlet-Shaw

WHILE our beloved politicians endlessly debate the merits of taxing carbon, here in the Northern Rivers we are getting on with the business of tackling climate change, home by home.

The Northern Rivers already boasts the highest number of solar systems per household in the state, but we're not stopping there.

The next big date on the calendar is Sustainable House Day Seminar and Trade Show at Lismore Workers Club on Friday, September 6.

A partnership between Lismore City Council, Rous Water and the Lismore Workers Club, the event is giving away free registration to local businesses in the sustainability sector.

It is hoped a full range of locally available sustainable products and services will be on show. Sustainable House Day will also feature four workshops covering everything from simple electricity and water-saving tips to the latest renewable energy technologies.

Local energy educator and "bill buster" Colin George will discuss ways of reducing power by up to 20%.

His commonsense "no cost or low cost" tricks include simple modifications such as draft proofing, good ventilation in summer, and energy efficient products.

He said the tips would be particularly useful to those on lower incomes who had been hit hard by recent energy price increases.

"In many cases people won't need to buy anything - behaviour change can create huge savings," Mr George said.

Solar energy consultant Michael Qualmann will also be on hand to discuss how best to tailor a solar system to different needs.

Mr Qualmann was responsible for fitting out the Lismore Workers Club with its massive 100kW solar system - easily the largest in Lismore and possibly the Northern Rivers.

"Prices for solar energy systems have more than halved in the last two years," Mr Qualmann said.

"I'm going to talk about how to determine the ideal capacity for different households and small businesses."

The Sustainable House Day Seminar and Trade Show is on September 6 at the Lismore Workers Club from 4.30-8.30pm. A warm supper will be served. Registration for businesses is free. Phone Vanessa Tallon on 1300 878 387.