BREAZE

 BREAZE    Brief answers        Barb Devers     South Ward

1.    What have you personally done to help reduce carbon emissions in the last 2 years?

I have been using green energy for years. Installed energy saving light globes since they were first introduced.  Have a front loading washing machine etc.

2.    What 3 things that help reduce carbon emissions would you like to see implemented during your term of office?

Put solar heating on town hall – install energy saving globes if not already in place – implement energy saving policies - car sharing, smaller cars etc.

3.    If elected, how would you go about implementing a more sustainable approach to housing in Ballarat?

Review planning policy – affordable energy saving housing – water tanks & solar heating etc.

4.    As a councillor, how would you inspire or show leadership to the community of Ballarat to adapt and actively respond to climate change?

Be proactive, set personal example, encourage others.  Need to source government grants to implement costly changes eg solar energy, wind energy, electric cars? solar cars? water cars?   Have decent footpaths/biketracks for people to walk/ride and able to use gophers.  Encourage farmers to have tree lots for future carbon credits.  Native gardens, recycling rubbish and recycling water etc.

5.    How will the city of Ballarat measure its success in reducing carbon emissions?

If implementing a policy there has to be measurable guidelines.  Compare power and fuel usage of previous years.  Set targets etc.I have always cared for the environment.  As a guide leader and tidy town person I have planted many trees and picked up tons of wayside rubbish!  At home I have always recycled and had a vegetable garden, compost, worm farm, tanks etc.  In the house only used white toilet paper, no dye, now recycled.  I use few chemicals for cleaning, use vinegar and bicarb etc.  Climate change and the environment are topics you can write pages about but at least now people are starting to listen and implement some practices.  Council need to lead the way and encourage the residents to follow.