It was only yesterday that we were posting on oil executives’ warnings about the consequences of peak oil, and looking at the solutions that are out there. Today we hear that Transition Towns, already strong in the UK, have spread to the other side of the world with the launch of the first official Australian Transition Town in Sunshine Coast. This initiative, which is part of the Sunshine Coast Energy Action Centre, is the first official Transition Town to be recognized outside the UK or Ireland and marks a major milestone on the road towards a cleaner energy future. Rob Hopkins, the founder of the Transition Towns concept (who we interviewed here) , publishes a more detailed description of the inspiration behind the Sunshine Coast project from Sonya Wallace, one of the organizers, here:

I don’t know about you, but I’m really concerned about climate change and peak oil. I mean really concerned - lay awake at night concerned. Sometimes I feel like I’m the only person who is, but it doesn’t take long on the laptop to find plenty of other people who feel the same way. I find inspiration browsing through my list of favourites and seeing all the other individuals and groups who are trying their hardest to do something and to make changes despite, at times, immense opposition and apathy.

These sites have become places of inspiration and kinship for me even when I don’t know the people involved. When I feel like giving up, a quick connection to the www and there they all are – busy networking, educating, offering their skills and time and most importantly of all inspiring others all hours of the day and night, every day of the year.

We’re utterly delighted to see the Transition Towns movement spreading its wings. As we said yesterday, the sooner our communities can begin to wean themselves off fossil fuels, the more prosperous our energy descent will be. ::Sunshine Coast Energy Action Centre::via Transition Culture::