WHEN: Sunday 24th August – 1:30pm for a 2pm start

WHERE: Strathalbyn Town Hall (High St, Strathalbyn)

Entry: Gold coin donation (profits to go to local community groups)

More info: 0421 653 501

Organised by the Australian Democrats in the interests of community democracy.

Letter to the editor – The Courier, 1st August 2008
Sir:– Graham Byrne asks (Go Solar in Mayo, letter to the editor, July 23) “Who supports solar energy in Mayo?”

The Australian Democrats were successful in bringing in the solar rebate to help cover some of the costs for domestic solar installations. This was despite the then Prime Minister John Howard’s almost contempt for an energy source other than fossil fuels.

Under his watch technology, invented in Australia, has been sold to Germany, due to the lack of funds to develop it to a marketable product here.

This technology can produce 10 times the quantity of solar cells for the same amount of silicon and for a third of the cost.

The Rudd Labor Government has now means tested the solar rebate. The reason given was the demand for solar cells was “over-heating” the market.

It seems the political divide between Labor and Liberal is almost nonexistent when it comes to alternative and renewable energy. And for those who say “Solar can not supply base load”. There are a couple of billion people in the world today without mains electricity.

As their standard of living continues to improve, many will be installing solar cell units. Invented in Australia. Stamped “Made in Germany”. And of course, Germany gets the money and the jobs.

ANDREW CASTRIQUE
Australian Democrat
candidate for Mayo
Nairne

Sunday 20th July 2008

The Australian Democrats launched their Mayo campaign at the Young Australian Democrats National conference in Adelaide on Sunday 20th July 2008.

The Democrats candidate for Mayo is Andrew Castrique.

Read Andrew’s Launch speech here >>