Sunshine and Rainbow Paints

Colormaker Industries in Brookvale recently made the switch to solar power, with Zali Steggall MP officially flicking the switch on the 356 panel installation. COVERED. caught up with Federal Member for Warringah at the launch.

Personally, Steggall has made the switch to solar panels, and is currently exploring the acquisition of an electric car and beehive.

SSteggall was by far the most fitting person to launch Colormaker’s solar panels; a vocal campaigner for the environment in Canberra, back home in Brookie she says that it is businesses like Colormaker, that set the bar for others in the area.

“We are honoured that Zali Steggall, OAM and Federal Member for Warringah, has agreed to flick the switch on our rooftop solar photovoltaic array,” said Colormaker’s owner, David Stuart. “Zali was a champion skier and is now a champion of renewable energy.”

Steggall has advocated for climate action on behalf of various professional sectors, including medical bodies’ No Time for Games campaign which highlights the health risks of climate change, and Farmers for Climate Action.

“This is not a left or right issue. It’s a human issue. That’s a really important recalibration of the debate that I think needs to happen and we’re starting to see that be accepted. It also puts the conservative deniers on the fringe, and brings everyone into the centre in terms of the concern,” Steggall says.

According to the Australia Institute report, which Steggall recently launched, 81% of Australians are concerned about climate change and don’t believe we are currently doing enough. 64% would like to see us have a plan to be at net zero by 2050.

While the motion to declare a state of climate emergency was recently quashed by the Coalition, with Federal Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor arguing that the motion was “symbolism” and impractical, Steggall has pledged to draft a Climate Change Act by 2020.

“I think it’s really important that this government understands that their inaction will be their legacy,” said Steggall.

On a local scale, Steggall is working to create opportunities for constituents, businesses, families and schools, so that they can appreciate their carbon footprint and take steps to reduce it. In Steggall’s eyes, small actions are key in fighting the disillusionment that many feel in the face of environmental issues.

“This is not an issue where giving up is an option. If you come across a roadblock, we just have to find solutions and break it down into manageable bits.”

“I get a lot of trolls telling me, ‘your campaign on climate change, why haven’t you fixed it yet?’ I wish I had that magic wand. I do believe like I said, it’s about incremental changes,” Steggall says.

“I consider myself one of many looking for the solutions and understanding the steps. I’m relying on experts to come to me with those solutions, and people leading by example, and Colormaker is absolutely a prime example. Hopefully other businesses will follow as well exactly when they see the benefits of what can be achieved.”

Installed over a six week period by Australian Solar on Colormaker Industries’ factory, warehouse and shop roof, the electricity it generates is 100% renewable, and will save production over 150 tonnes of greenhouse gas per annum.

“This array will produce twice as much electricity as we consume. That will mean, from a production perspective, the products will be arguably carbon negative. We’re delighted that from now on, there will be a little bit of Australian sunshine in every drop we make here at Brookvale,” Stuart said. •