By CATSA

A new community interest company has been launched in Thornbury, called Climate Action Thornbury and Surrounding Areas, (CATSA) CIC.

CATSA has been set up by several Thornbury locals: Andy O’Brien, Danny Bonnett, Gillian Pollard, Jilly Huggins and Melinda Evans. It’s a spin-off from Sustainable Thornbury, and their aim is to establish and progress community energy projects in the Thornbury area. “Community energy” is, by definition, locally-based and (relatively) small-scale projects that are owned by, or for the sole benefit of, local people and businesses. It can be projects that aim to either reduce energy demand, or generate energy, but all located within the local community.

Part of CATSA CIC’s work is to understand the energy needs of our own community, the emerging technologies and changes in government policy, and the opportunities afforded by our local geography and industry partners. Its primary purpose is to form a bridge between local needs and opportunities, and national funding and projects.

CATSA CIC has partnered with Retrofit West to bring a series of home energy roadshows in Thornbury and surrounding villages this year, advising people on how they can bring down their own energy bills in the most cost-effective way. The first is at Rockhampton Village Hall on 26th April. More information about CATSA and their upcoming events can be found on their website. Please have a look, there may be an event near you!

If you’d like to know more, share your knowledge and experiences with them, or find out how you can get involved then please sign up to their mailing list on their website, or come and speak to them at one of their upcoming events.