Shining a light SOLAR CITIZENS

Dear NEVILLE,

I couldn’t let the year come to an end without saying a huge thank you for making 2014 the year when solar owners and supporters raised the rooftops.

Together we’ve rallied in our thousands, written letter after handwritten letter, signed petitions and met with politicians. This year we’ve grown to more than 60,000 Solar Citizens supporters across our nation. Wow!

Here are just a few of many highlights from 2014 and what we’ve achieved together:

• Whether you came to a public meeting, held a Cuppa Sunshine or signed a petition postcard, you were there with us calling on our politicians to Keep Solar Strong and protect the Renewable Energy Target.

• More than 27,000 people signed the Keep Solar Strong petition, calling on our decision-makers to act to support Aussie solar.

• We held a snap national Rally for Renewables that saw thousands of people come together in an unprecedented show of support for renewable energy across the country.

• Solar Citizens supporters formed teams around the nation to meet with dozens of MPs and senators to fight for the future of solar and the jobs, growth and investment it creates.

• We held our first-ever volunteer leader training retreat to make sure our teams are prepared for whatever next year brings for solar.

The Government is persisting in its attempt to gut or axe the Renewable Energy Target*, but together we’re making a huge difference to our solar future.

One in five Australian households now use solar power and 85% of Australians want to see more solar power on our rooftops. Poll after poll shows that Australia wants more solar and renewables, not less – and the media is paying attention.

So enjoy the season but you and I know there will be more to do come 2015. We won’t stop until the future of solar in Australia is secure and the rights of solar owners are protected. And the best thing is we know you’ll be standing with us – rain, hail or shine. That’s why we’ll win.

From all the team and on behalf of committed Solar Citizens volunteers, thank you for your support and best wishes for the New Year.

Sunny regards,

Claire, National Director

P.S. For us, summer so far has been full of sunshine and packed with giant beach towel signs on Parliament lawn, but it’s time for the national office team to re-charge our (solar-powered) batteries. We’ll be taking a short break and then be back, raring to go, in the New Year.

* http://www.businessspectator.com.au/article/2014/12/18/policy-politics/renewables-industry-concedes-ground-government-still-asking-20
http://reneweconomy.com.au/2014/australian-fossil-fuel-subsidies-put-at-47bn-as-ret-wrestle-continues-58572

Solar Citizens
http://www.solarcitizens.org.au/