Declaring a Climate Emergency
Strathbogie Shire Council has voted to defer a Notice of Motion to declare a Climate Emergency to seek community input.
The Notice of Motion was lodged by Cr Reg Dickinson and Cr Sally Hayes-Burke who also moved the deferral.
Cr Hayes-Burke said they wanted to send a clear message to the community that by declaring a Climate Emergency Council was serious about mitigating against the risks that climate change pose for the social, economic, and environmental prosperity of the community.
“We have read the comments on social media that deny Climate Change is an issue, we have heard the comments about a lack of community consultation,” Cr Hayes-Burke said.
“We want to let you know that we are listening and that we made the decision to defer the Notice of Motion to a future Council Meeting to seek input from our community.
“We also hope to assure our community that declaring a Climate Emergency means the actions and outputs sit firmly with our organisation. It’s about determining what Council can do to reduce its carbon footprint and emissions.”
Through Council’s Share Strathbogie sessions Council has been asking people to share their service priorities. Two of the three sessions (Strathbogie and Avenel) have listed Climate Change as their top service priority.
Cr Dickinson said the declaration of a Climate Emergency by Council demonstrates leadership in increasing awareness on the issue and instigates actions to mitigate against Climate Change.
“The Climate Change science is undeniable. If action is not taken, we will see significant impacts in our Shire,” Cr Dickinson said.
“This is not just about the present; it is about protecting the future for our children and their children.
“Increasing occurrences of extreme weather events will impact agriculture and tourism in our Shire.
“Hotter and drier conditions will create a loss of habitat allowing pest plants and animals to out compete the native species we love so much in our region.”
He said increasing heat would impact the region’s energy and infrastructure and increase air pollution and community health problems.
“Now more than ever, it is important that we recognise that climate change presents an unprecedented challenge – globally and locally,” he said.
Cr Hayes-Burke said the planet’s climate was changing, with dangerous heatwaves, droughts, storms, and flooding becoming more intense and destructive.
“Our climate is changing, the impacts are catastrophic, and leadership is needed,” she said.
Council is now developing the next steps in its community engagement program. In the meantime, the community is encouraged to share its thoughts by attending a Share Strathbogie session, emailing info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au or speaking to your ward Councillor.
The next Share Strathbogie session will be at the Euroa Farmers Market on Saturday, March 20, with sessions planned in Longwood, Ruffy and Violet Town to follow. The public is encouraged to watch Council’s website and social media channels for more opportunities to have a say.
In Australia 98 local governments have declared a Climate Emergency. You can see the full list on the Climate Emergency Declaration website.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Read a message from Cr Dickinson and Cr Hayes-Burke
Read the deferred Notice of Motion in the Council Agenda (page 368)
Read the Sustainable Strathbogie 2030 Strategy.
