WinZero – A Loud and Clear Voice for Sustainability

Southern Highlands, New South Wales, Australia., July 15, 2020 — Before the pandemic but still in the haze of bushfires, members of the local community demonstrated concern for the environment in greater numbers than ever before.

A full house at Bowral Town Hall for the Climate Forum, was followed months later by a Climate Emergency March, through Bowral in sweltering heat.  Acknowledging their concern, the Wingecarribee Shire Council decided to join 130 other local governments around the country, and on 12 February this year declared a Climate Emergency.

To assit in a community-wide transition a group has been formed to represent, and co-ordinate all the environmental groups in the Shire.  That organisation is WinZero.  It officially launches today, and its ultimate goal is for Wingecarribee Shire to achieve net-zero emissions bu 2050, if not before.  A goal that’s easily achievable, says WinZero spokesperson Gaye White.

“Everything we need to become net-zero in this beautiful place were we live is at our fingertips right now.  We just need to make it happen, and the result will be an environment our children can grow up in that is sustainable for the present, and many future generations.” she said.

Through the Climate Emergency Declaration, Council has committed to develop a Community Change Emergency Plan which has the potential to deliver a range of support programs in response to the Emergency.  There is, however, no express budget provision for climate action projects, which is something that WinZero will be vigorously pursuing in the near future.

“The Climate Emergency Declaration by WSC in February was a positive development, however, in order to effectively address the challenges of climate change, we need to work together across all aspects of society.  ‘WinZero’ – Wingecarribee Zero Carbon Emissions – is the opportunity to unite and create a resilient and prosperous future for all.  The community’s response to Covid-19 should serve as a dress rehearsal as how much, and how fast, we can work together in an important common case”. said Dr John Hewson A.M.

WinZero will be holding events whenever it’s safe to do so.  In the meantime if you would like to know more. and stay up-to-date with what’s happening. you are encouraged to visit www.winzero.com.au and sign up for the Newsletter.  WinZero also plans to engage with Council and the Community over the coming months and years, and is always open to new ideas, suggestions, and of course volunteers.  Please join us in this transition to a more sustainable future.

WinZero Inc

Formerly Climate Action Now Wingecarribee Inc.

WinZero is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers from the local community. It represents Low Carbon Living Southern Highlands (LCLSH), Southern Highlands Community Renewable Energy (SCORE), SH Landcare Network, Moss Vale Community Garden, Extinction Rebellion Wingecarribee, Schools Strike 4 Climate, The Traditional Owners Of The Wingecarribee Area – The Gundungurra Community, Australian Plants Society Southern Highlands and Southern Highlands Parents for Climate Action. WinZero will nurture and build on the great foundations set by these organisations, and the original Climate Action group CANWin which began in 2006 – other relevant organisations are welcome to join us on this important journey.

###

Gaye White
winzero.com.au/contact