May 2025 Newsletter
A call to action!
IN THIS NEWSLETTER
Quote of the Month
A call to Action
In the Community
Bayside City Council
In the News
Join BCCAG
Letter Writing
Donate to BCCAG
Links
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
We don’t have time to sit on our hands as our planet burns. For young people, climate change is bigger than election or re-election. It’s life or death.”
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, US Politician & Activist
A CALL TO ACTION!
We need your help urgently!
DEADLINE 21 May to Have your say (see below)
CITY OF BAYSIDE BACKFLIPS ON CLIMATE ACTION:
Bayside Climate Crisis Action Group (BCCAG) was established in 2006. We have a proud history of raising awareness on climate change and engaging with government at local, state and federal levels. We have been involved with numerous like-minded groups over the years to highlight the increasing climate threat.
In 2019 BCCAG’s efforts resulted in the Bayside Council joining other councils across Australia to declare a Climate Emergency. 20 Baysiders presented to council and the council unanimously announced a Climate Emergency and later put forth a funded 2021-2025 Climate Action Plan.
However, in the Draft Budget for 2025/2026 that has been released for consultation, there have been cuts to environmental issues and continuing funding for the climate emergency doesn’t appear. We are extremely concerned that a new plan may not be developed.
WE NEED YOUR HELP to highlight to the council that we are not happy with their backsliding.
We need your voice, your letters/emails AND your physical presence at the next council meeting.
There are 3 things that you can do:
Email, call or text your councillor (contact details provided below)
Write to Bayside Have Your Say at Bayside City Council before 5pm, 21 May 2025
Attend the Bayside City Council Meeting on Tuesday, 17 June, 6:30pm at the Brighton Council Chambers, Boxshall St, Brighton
Councillors
Mayor and Dendy Ward
Cr Hanna El Mouallem
helmouallem@bayside.vic.gov.au
0497 555 400Deputy Mayor and Beckett Ward
Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes
dtaylorhaynes@bayside.vic.gov.au
0497 666 321Bleazby Ward
Cr Robert Irlicht
rIrlicht@bayside.vic.gov.au
0497 666 614Boyd Ward
Cr Kylie McIntosh
kmcintosh@bayside.vic.gov.au
0497 666 968 Castlefield Ward
Cr Elli Murray
emurray@bayside.vic.gov.au
0497 666 457 Ebden Ward
Cr Geoff Leigh
gleigh@bayside.vic.gov.au
0497 555 368Ivison Ward
Cr Andrew Hockley
ahockley@bayside.vic.gov.au
0497 555 820
We are interested in your ideas for future forums.
Please email your topics to:
info@bccag.org.au
IN THE COMMUNITY
GET AHEAD ON WINTER ENERGY BILLS
The cold is starting to creep in and daylight savings has come to an end. Now is the time to get ahead of your winter energy bills. All of us want to save while staying warm through the chilly months ahead.
One of the easiest ways to start saving is to:
Move to a cheaper energy offer, and if you haven't reviewed your energy plan recently you may be paying too much. Head to Victorian Energy Compare
Rebates are available to replace your gas heater now
Make sure your energy concessions are applied today to lock in cheaper winter energy bills
BAYSIDE CITY COUNCIL
In the latest BAYSIDE SUSTAINABLE LIVING,[http://] learn about the following:
How to retrofit or renovate to future proof your home
Sharing your indigenous garden
Ride Smart, Ride Safe
A Climate Super Powers Quiz
Sustainable Living Series events
Cycling with confidence
Chatting with an Energy Expert
Community Events
HOT WATER HEAT PUMP INFORMATION SESSION
When: 11 June 2025
Time: 6:30 to 7:30
Location: Sandringham Library
8 Waltham St, Sandringham 3191
Water heating accounts for around 18% OF THE AVERAGE ENERGY BILL in Victorian households. With hot water heat pumps using 60-70% less electricity than conventional electric hot water systems, it makes financial sense to upgrade your system to a hot water heat pump.
Learn how you can install a hot water heat pump, lower your bills, and contribute towards a cleaner future for our community. Energy experts Yarra Energy Foundation and Electrify Everything installers Specialized Solar & Electrical will cover:
hot water heat pumps and how they work
their cost-saving benefits
how Electrify Everything can work for you
rebates and incentives.
IN THE NEWS
ELECTION 2025: UNPACKING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE AND ENERGY ON AUSTRALIAN VOTERS
Key findings as explained by the Climate Council:
This election, Australians made a resounding choice: keep powering on with renewables and storage.
There is a fundamental shift in Australian politics. Climate change is now a fixture of Australian elections, and a large voting block prioritises climate champions at the ballot box.
The Federal Coalition's sweeping defeat points to the party being unelectable until it advances credible climate and energy policies.
Australians have given the ALP its strongest mandate since World War II to roll out more renewable power and storage, better regulate polluters and set new, stronger climate targets.
JOIN BCCAG
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