I took the opportunity to ask Steve the new editor of the BDN for a meeting to discuss TT and how the local paper can assist the community to realise it. Steve was keen and had heard a little about TT but will need to understand the concept fully. I propose we have a meeting and explain TT comprehensively, then perhaps ask for a weekly column/coverage and other support from the BDN, ie liftouts, relevant local business/concepts/groups/individuals exposure etc. The BDN's support would be a boon. Steve is available on tues and fridays, anyone interested in going? I will have difficulty attending this week. The one pager should be ready before we go, they may well publish it as a part of the story of TT???

TRANSITION TOWN BEGA

DRAFT/START : EDUCATION PLAN-FOR OPEN COMMENT, ADDITION & REMOVAL ETC

The TT steering group must create enough interest for TT to build the momentum and lay the foundations of a successful outcome. The Great Unleashing in late December is the time we have set ourselves to begin the formation of groups that will create and implement the Energy Descent Action Plan.

We need to develop a calendar that leads up to the Great Unleashing. By this date we must of educated enough people in our community to get TT off the ground, this involves educating about the concept of TT, the effects of Peak Oil and climate change on the community and the benefits/profit of a community response thru TT. A chunk of the population must be able to view TT as an opportunity for the community so that when it comes time to release that community genius we will have plenty of willing participants from across the cross section of our community primed and ready.

With fuel rising $7 in one night a couple of days ago, TT can ride the wave of community concern about oil pricing and alternatives. Much press will be generated on  solutions and lots on price reduction. This is opportune and careful use of media will enable us to increase possible communication to the community on the TT solution.

Oil will only go up and any mitigation on oil pricing is robbing resources from the change necessary to live in an oil depleted world. Change is necessary and time is running out, we have a small window of opportunity to move to change in relative comfort, late starters will pay a heavy price. Insulating our community and developing a robust community that requires less and less oil(and other inputs) to survive is better than waiting for governments to identify that community solutions are the only viable option.

Must raise profile of TT, exposing opportunities for our community to make social, economic and environment gains via TT initiative

PROPOSED TECHNIQUES

Presentations of ‘power of community’ and the 15 minute ‘perma blitz’. This must be presented to many as possible community organizations, business groups etc. This is up to all of us on the steering committee to do. Perhaps we need an introductory letter for email distribution using Austcom network for Bega, easy way to distribute and follow up with personal contact.

• Rotary, Lions, Apex, Masons
• Schools
• Dads group, Nursing Mothers
• community groups that have action group credentials
• please add your suggestions
• Still like the idea of a larger TT film night to raise TT profile and perhaps $$$$

ABC local radio, Tim Holt with John, regular weekly feature. John to also interview people relevant to TT including existing examples of relevant local enterprise. Should seek out interviews on Power FM/2EC and Edge FM

•  Matt Christianson, local on-site butcher keeping local meat on local tables and making a good living from it
•  Small game abattoir, local meat on local tables
•  Candelo Bulk, local fruit veg and other products, creating local business opportunities for growers and processors
•  further a field : Brian Fell of Bega Dried Foods, Disaster Bay Chillies, Molly’s Mustards, Tathra Pickle Factory ,  Vicki Younger Soaps,
• local solar PV suppliers making energy locally for homes
• CEFE about solar farm etc about local energy production for our community
• Tripmeter web based carpool people Josh??
• talk to local historians and museum staff to expose our pre fossil fuel history and all that was achieved without oil
• local weekly newspaper column, TT should formerly meet the new editor Steve and negotiate for weekly column and exposure. Possible lift out on local business that supplies local needs

            Article suggestions