THE Margaret River Climate Action Group invites you to put on your winter woollies and join them for their inaugural Annual General Meeting from 6pm on Tuesday, July 15 in the Soup Kitchen at the Margaret River Community Centre in Tunbridge Street.

Everyone is welcome.

The current committee is standing down and looking to elect a new committee who are committed to participating in the challenges ahead.

“The challenge to address our use of carbon and greenhouse gases is now greater and livelier than ever so the group is sure to have plenty to work toward in the coming year,” the group said.

“As Australia takes the necessary first steps in addressing the threat of dangerous climate change, many Australians are worried at the personal cost they may have to pay.

“There are constant stories in the media about the increased cost of energy and for lower income families this is a real concern.

“Yet we don’t get to hear the good news stories such as the recently released CSIRO paper on the impact of emissions trading on household energy budgets.

“For most Australians, the affordability of energy is likely to improve substantially over coming years, even with the introduction of emissions trading and the associated increase in conventional energy prices.

“It all depends on how our Government implements the changes and we have the responsibility to be involved in making that happen.

“All over Australia, small local groups are helping to make the change, so don’t be scared of it, be part of it.

“The business part of the evening will be over quickly, followed by a short presentation from Luke Petersen on the renewable energy options for Margaret River and the South West.

“All who are concerned about climate change are welcome.”