GSG Vision

• GSG is working towards an environmentally and economically sustainable, spiritually fullfilling and socially just human presence on the planet.
• Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• This would involve a Geelong region where :
• There are net zero carbon emissions
• Biodiversity and natural systems are restored, preserved and enhanced
• The ecological footprint of residents is fair by global measures
• The city of Geelong (buildings and streetscapes) have been re-designed for a low energy future that enlivens communities.
• There is a vibrant economy with meaningful and varied employment opportunities in sustainable industries or organisations.
• There is a well-serviced and regular zero-emissions public transport system
• There are strong bonds between neighbours and communities based on acceptance, appreciation and respect for diversity.

GSG Objectives

• GSG will represent its members in campaigning for strong political action to address Climate Change and ensure a safe climate
• GSG will work to create a sustainable Geelong community by :
• providing information about groups and activities aligned with our mission on its website
• liaising and linking with a wide range of groups in the Geelong region (including environmental groups, movements for social change, trade unions, corporations, and government)
• acting as a springboard or umbrella for smaller groups or individuals who want assistance with a sustainability project
• GSG will be fun and positive
• GSG will try to keep it simple and not take on more projects than its volunteer members can handle

Greenhouse Gas Targets

• We endorse Al Gore's call to end the use of fossil fuels for electricity within ten years
• Carbon dioxide levels : the world should be aiming to reduce carbon dioxide levels to 300ppm or below to restore the sea ice at both poles and ensure a safe climate.

• GSG reserves the right to change its proposed targets in the light of new scientific information
• GSG reserves the right to comment on or criticise greenhouse gas targets made by any political group.

Key Performance Indicators for GSG

• Total number of members
• Number of groups we maintain effective relationships with
• Total number of members in the total number of groups we maintain relationships with
• Number of people who have installed solar PV panels as a result of GSG initiatives
• Number of people who have installed solar hot water as a result of GSG initiatives
• Number of published press released

2009 Campaign objectives for Climate Change groups (agreed at Climate Summit Jan/Feb 09)

• The Government's Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme must be rejected to avoid undermining international negotiations, locking in 2020 emissions targets and giving the biggest polluters property rights to their pollution.
• Australia must implement a just transition to 100% renewable energy by 2020, creating hundreds of thousands of green jobs to strengthen the economy and to take care of coal communities and other affected workers.
• Atmospheric carbon dioxide must be reduced to 300 parts per million (currently at 390ppm) to restore the Arctic sea ice and return the planet to a safe climate. This target should be advocated in Copenhagen in December.

GSG Policy on relationships with other groups

GSG is politically independent.

However GSG reserves the right to work with State, Federal or Local Government representatives where this furthers the mission of GSG.

GSG will comment on or suggest political action where this furthers the mission of GSG.

GSG is prepared to act as an enabling group to help groups or individuals start sustainability projects or initiatives in the Geelong region. The relationship between the groups and GSG will need to be reviewed over time.