Member Update - 23 March 2020 from Dr John Hewson, Chair, Bioenergy Australia

Bioenergy Australia - COVID 19 - Member update

Dear Members

There’s no other way to say it – the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused concern for all of us. It has impacted nearly every aspect of our lives and is changing every day.

The Bioenergy Australia family and the world in general are in uncharted territory, and it is important that we remain calm, show solidarity and stand by each other in this difficult time.

To reassure you, at Bioenergy Australia we have taken steps with our staff and our program of activities to ensure we are acting responsibly in this current environment.  We are also putting in place plans with our staff to ensure they have confidence in their job security and that the momentum we have generated is not lost.

As an industry, I would encourage members to make sure they are aware of the Government assistance options available here, information regarding loan repayment support the banking sector is providing here and information regarding workplace laws here we have also inlcuded a range of links at the bottom of this email that you might find useful.

As an industry we need to continue the push for Australia's future bioeconomy and we need your continued support to do this.  At Bioenergy Australia we will be using the upcoming period to focus on a few key areas:

• Informing and driving the development of the commonwealth Bioenergy Roadmap.  The roadmap is continuing to progress and we need to ensure no momentum is lost.
• Advocating at the Federal and State level to ensure there is a high level of visibility for the development of the Roadmpa providing advice to Government on potential opportunities to support the industry in this challenging period.
• Working with our Alliances, Committees and Networks to ensure we have a consistent view on preferred future Government policy
• Creating a new Bioenergy Research Network to keep our members updated with technical knowledge and to provide a vehicle for collaboration and connection within the research sector.
• Developing increased online content including webinars, podcasts and student education resources
• Progressing the Cleaner Fuels Challenge and Cleaner Fuels Network initiatives
• Launching the Bioenergy Kickstarter online tool
• Increasing cross sector industry engagement through delivering MOU's with aligned industry associations

We understand that Bioenergy Australia may not be front of mind to you at this stage, however we want you to understand that we are not putting Australia's future Bioeconomy on hold.  We are going to continue to drive and push for the industry and will be working to make sure that Australia's bioeconomy emerges from this crisis with a clear roadmap for the future.

I would encourage members to reach out with any specific concerns, suggestions and webinar / podcast topics of interest.

Regards

John Hewson

Chair, Bioenergy Australia

Latest information and precautions

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

Latest statistics https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-current-situation-and-case-numbers

General Information Resource https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-what-you-need-to-know

Frequently Asked Questions https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-frequently-asked-questions

Information on Social Distancing https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-on-social-distancing

Information on Masks Resource https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-on-the-use-of-surgical-masks

Information for Travellers https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2020/03/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-international-travellers_0.pdf

Self Isolation Guidance Resource https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-isolation-guidance

Smart traveller – for up to date information on travel restrictions and self isolation after travelling destinations;

General information – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19,

Travelling and Covid19 – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19-australian-travellers,