Paul Murfitt Appointed as Moreland Energy Foundation CEO
January 23, 2008
The Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL) has appointed Paul Murfitt to take on the leadership position that has been so ably filled by Jim Downey and before him by Esther Abram.
Paul is well-known to many MEFL and Moreland people as he has played many significant roles already within this community. Paul is a Brunswick resident who worked with Moreland City Council as its first Conservation Coordinator from 1997 to 1999. Paul served on the MEFL Board as a community representative from 2001 - 2004.
Paul has also worked with the Sustainable Energy Authority Victoria and its successor, Sustainability Victoria operating a local government program to expand local energy conservation and support for renewables. Paul left Sustainability Victoria to establish his own energy consultancy, a business that was developing such a client base that it was a difficult decision for him to actually apply for the MEFL position.
MEFL Chair Mike Hill is delighted that Paul decided to take on the role: Paul holds highly relevant degrees, including a Masters of Social Science in Environmental Policy. He has extensive experience in liaising and lobbying with different levels of government and he spent some time working with Environment Victoria as a Research and Policy Officer. He is extremely knowledgeable in the energy field and he has a passion for attacking climate change. Mike said.
Paul says that it was his strong belief in MEFL the organisation and MEFL the model for a community-based approach to greenhouse that led him to take the plunge and change his career direction. He wants to build on the strengths of MEFLs current programs and bring in additional resources to enable MEFL to engage in new areas across Victoria and Australia, and to drive the action needed on climate change.
Paul arrives at MEFL at a time when its role has expanded significantly as it embarks on the co-ordination of the Rudd Governments $5M Solar Coburg grant. He is buoyed by the opportunity this offers to Councils own Coburg Initiative and is confident that Coburg is positioned to become a national leader as a sustainable energy centre. If MEFL is to be effective locally and abroad Paul feels it will need to expand its already strong reputation as a creative energy entrepreneur.
Paul brings to the position an excellent understanding of the scope of the challenge, a broad range of contacts and a well-earned respect as a leader in energy action. He understands the politics of energy and climate change and looks forward to extending MEFLs role as a credible lobbyist and advocate.
