Alice Springs community members are invited to acknowledge and celebrate World Environment Day on Tuesday June 5that two Alice Springs events; a tour of the new 5 MW Battery Energy Storage System installed by Territory Generation, and the Better Together Art Exhibition hosted by Watch This Space.
World Environment Day occurs on the 5th of June every year and is facilitated by the United Nations Environment Programme. It provides a global focus for raising awareness on emerging environmental issues. In 2018 the theme is “Beat Plastic Pollution” acknowledging the enormous impact of single use plastics on our environment.
“Many communities in countries all over the world come together on World Environment Day to both reflect on the challenges to our global environment, and to dream up a future where our most precious asset is both valued and protected,”said Nicole Pietsch, Strategy and Communications Manager at the Arid Lands Environment Centre.
“One of the most exciting things that we can reflect on this World Environment Day is how cheap and accessible renewable energy is becoming,” said Nicole Pietsch.
“It is now predicted that renewable energy will be cheaper than fossil fuels by 2020. With climate change impacts already being felt we urgently need to curb carbon emissions and to transition to renewable energy. It’s great to see Territory Generation take a lead on battery storage and for Alice Springs to be able to host this facility.”
“The new 5 MW Battery Energy Storage System installed by Territory Generation is one of the largest battery energy storage facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.”
The Better Together Exhibition, which opens at 6pm on June 5that Watch This Space, has invited local artists to reflect on the wonder of our environment, the strength of our communities and the work of millions of people across the planet working to create positive change.
“Having seen 25 years of arts practice in Central Australia, Watch This Space knows that art - and particularly artists - play a huge role in raising awareness of complex and important global issues, like climate change and protecting our environment,” said Zoya Godoroja-Prieckaerts Coordinator at Watch This Space.
“The Better Together exhibition will see artists once again coming together to rally for the environment and not only raise awareness of the many issues we face, but also raise funds to support climate action and the sustainability of our desert communities.”
Details about the events:
BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM GUIDED TOUR
Tours: 11:30am - 1pm Tuesday June 5th
Alice Springs Town Council lawns (Meet at Repower Alice Springs marquee)
A group of Alice Springs community members will be participating in a tour of the new 5 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installed by Territory Generation.
Participants will join Territory Generation engineers to learn how the battery works and what role it will play in managing Alice Springs current and future energy mix as we transit towards a renewable energy future.
Whilst spots on the battery tour have already booked out, Repower Alice Springs will have a stall at the Alice Springs Town Council lawns from 11.30am till 1pm on Tuesday June 5th, to answer questions about renewable energy and the Community Energy Solar project.
This event is sponsored by Inspiring Australia in conjunction with Territory Generation, Repower Alice Springs and the Arid Lands Environment Centre.
BETTER TOGETHER - WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY EXHIBITION
Exhibition Opening: 6pm Tuesday 5th June, Watch This Space 8 Gap Rd
“Alone we can do little, together we can do so much” Helen Keller
The Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC) and Watch This Space (WTS) are joining forces for the second year to present a collaborative exhibition for World Environment Day 2018, Better Together.
Artists have been asked to create and donate an artwork that reflect the wonder of our environment, the strength of our communities and the work of millions of people across the planet working to create positive change.
The exhibition will be followed at 7.30pm by the film screening of "Fight For Country", which marks 20 years since one of the country’s most significant campaigns to protect country. The Stop Jabiluka campaign saw an unprecedented set of alliances between Traditional Owners and environment groups at the blockade in the NT.