Solar alone is certainly not the answer to our future energy needs. But a combination of all renewables and storage is. The reason we only really hear about solar in our area is that wind is not viable here. We will hear more about pumped hydro and storage in the very near future which is exciting. 

Might I suggest that you join one of the many local community energy groups, even just their mailing lists. You will discover that there is a lot of work happening in this space. Community energy groups, all levels of government and even a few of our network companies are all working together to get the right mix for our local areas. 

Cathy McGowan is doing an excellent job at bringing us all together to work collaboratively instead or individually. Together we can find the less coal and hopefully the coaless, renewable solutions. Everyone knows that our energy system as it has previously operated must change. 

Mr Vance also mentioned removing the subsidies that the renewable industry currently receives.

The renewable energy industry would be happy to operate on the same playing field as the coal industry has.

Look in to the subsidies that the coal industry has attracted and you will see renewables are well below.

Thank you Cathy McGowan for bringing our amazing volunteer community groups together with government and industry. This is the kind of leadership we need. 

With regard to the article ‘Flake’s far from a great choice’ (The Border Mail, March 28) the author, Tess Middleton, from Fin Free Albury-Wodonga, presents the case that consumers should not eat flake this Easter, because in her opinion, it is not sustainable and sharks are only captured for their fins.

These claims just aren’t true when it comes to flake, which is also known as gummy shark. Gummy sharks are actively targeted by both recreational and commercial fishers for its white, boneless fillets. Australia’s Commonwealth fisheries are the major supplier of flake to fish and chip shops around the country.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority is the government regulator that manages Commonwealth fisheries and makes sure the rules are enforced, including in relation to shark finning. Shark finning at sea is banned in all Commonwealth fisheries.  

The fishing fleet that catches flake off southern Australia is subject to strict monitoring including on-board AFMA-employed observers and cameras, so that we can closely monitor and review fishing activity and ensure fishers comply with the rules, including those preventing finning.

Working with Australia’s world-leading marine scientists and the fishing industry, AFMA has eliminated overfishing in all solely AFMA-managed fisheries. 

This is backed up by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences in its independent Australian fisheries and aquaculture statistics 2016 report. By choosing wild-caught seafood brought to you by Australian’s Commonwealth commercial fishers, consumers can continue to enjoy fresh, sustainable seafood with confidence.