Global wildlife populations down by half since 1970

by | 9 Oct 2014 | Starfish

The world populations of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles fell overall by 52 per cent between 1970 and 2010. According to World Wildlife Fund’s tenth Living Planet Report humankind’s demands are now 50 per cent more than nature can bear. To gauge the...

The Winds of Change

by | 1 Oct 2014 | Energy, Starfish

While community energy is thriving overseas, Australia remains behind the curve. Denmark Community Windfarm (DCW) has built a two turbine windfarm, with permission for two more, in response to locals wanting to build a small, community-scale windfarm that would: feed...

Town Expression of Interest – ZNET Case Study

by | 22 Sep 2014 | Energy, Event, Starfish

The overall purpose of Zero Net Energy Town (ZNET) is to create Australia’s first town which satisfies all of its own energy needs at all times from renewable energy sources in a way which is competitive with its current system of energy (in terms of price, quality,...

Early Bird Tickets now OPEN for NCEF ’14

by | 12 Sep 2014 | Event, Starfish

The North Coast’s annual event for creating a sustainable energy system is just around the corner and it’s time to book your tickets to ensure your place. Early Bird Tickets are Available Now!! Now in its fourth year, the North Coast Energy Forum brings together...

Community Energy Retailer for NSW Northern Rivers

by | 29 Aug 2014 | Starfish

An exciting initiative to create Australia’s first community owned electricity retailer has been given the green light. A community retailer offers energy to local customers at competitive rates, supports local renewable generation and allows residents to participate...

Australia’s largest community-owned solar system

by | 29 Aug 2014 | Starfish | 1 comment

Australia’s largest solar project would be financed by ‘everyday investors’ in an exciting community initiative which will bring  jobs, investment and solar power, through community involvement , to the Shoalhaven region. Shoalhaven Heads Bowling and Recreation Club...

Draft Sustainable Communities ISO released for comment

by | 29 Aug 2014 | Starfish

The first draft of ISO’s standard for sustainable communities has been released for comment. ISO 37101 sets out the requirements, guidance and supporting techniques and tools for sustainable development in communities. The standard provides a management system for...

Creating a New England “Zero Net Energy Town”

by | 28 Jul 2014 | Starfish

A pioneering new initiative to create Australia’s first “Zero Net Energy Town” (ZNET) was launched today. The first stage of work will be creating a blueprint and business case for the concept. The ZNET idea is to create a distributed ‘mini’ electricity and energy...