Green technology key to future

As oil and fuel prices rise, the flow-on effect will radically change our lifestyle.

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GREEN, clean industries are the way of the future but Fraser Coast people must act now if the region's idyllic lifestyle is to be maintained, says Maggie John of Transition Towns.

“Oil has fuelled much of the massive population growth and the extraordinary achievements of the last 150 years. It is the lifeblood of industrial society,” Ms John said.

“According to a growing number of experts, soon the world will reach the ultimate peak in global oil production. After this point, production will begin its slow but terminal decline.

“Peak Oil represents an historical turning point, from an era of growth to an era of contraction. Peak Gas won't be far behind.”

Ms John said alternative energy sources could not fill the entire gap that oil and gas left behind and as a result, massive social changes were certain.

“There's not one of us who won't be touched by this in the next 10 years but there are things we can do to help ourselves,” she said.

“As oil prices rise there will be flow-on effect for transport, food, services, business and lifestyle. Tourism will suffer, supermarket food prices will skyrocket, vehicles will be used less, there will be less job security and a reduction in essential services.

“We have to learn to be much more energy efficient and technology can help.”

Ms John's presentation – Entering the green gold rush, unlocking the potential of our region – in Hervey Bay this week outlined Transition Town's ambitious plan to develop a Sustainable Technology Park on the Fraser Coast.

“The park can have any sort of technology that will address problems such as dry soil for the sugar cane industry, for example biochar can help drought-proof the land.

“In tourism we're reliant on money being brought in – we spend it and it goes straight back out again. If we can get money circulating, if we're buying our own food, fuel and energy within the region, that helps everybody.

“The Sustainable Technology Park proposal is an idea to help people start thinking about how we can help ourselves.

“The idea of the meeting was so that people could take the information I'm showing and apply it to their industry.”

“It's a big, ambitious program with ideas coming from grass roots level.”

A possible site for the park is yet to be selected. For information call Ms John on 0434 144 394.