Hundreds of Novacastrians visited the Esperanza this weekend to “get on board” the Energy [R]evolution. We’ve had so many conversations with residents of the Hunter Valley since we arrived here several days ago, and are amazed at the overwhelming support in the region for a shift to renewable energy. A Newcastle Herald poll last week found that nearly 85% of locals would like to see the Hunter move away from coal production to become a hub for renewable industries. It’s great to see that the Energy [R]evolution is a vision that’s shared by the Australian people; people really get that renewables can do the job, and their eyes are on the Rudd government to make it happen.
While it’s time for the Energy [R]evolution Tour to move on to its next destination, community action in the Hunter against the causes of climate change will continue in the coming week when the Camp for Climate Action starts this Thursday. So for anyone who was inspired to see the Esperanza in town, or anyone from outside town who couldn’t make it down to the quayside, there’s a great opportunity to get involved in the mass movement of people who are demanding that Kevin Rudd takes climate change seriously, by coming along to the Camp or at least to the peaceful protest on Sunday 13th. I look forward to seeing you there and making history together.
Tomorrow the Esperanza sets sail for Brisbane, taking it’s Energy [R]evolution message to Queensland, another heavily coal-reliant state. I’m sticking around in Newcastle to go to the Camp for Climate Action and will re-join the ship in a week or so. So stay tuned for inspiring accounts from both locations…
