One hundred people walked and cycled in Batemans Bay to be part of the global movement for climate action. More people met in Apex Park at Narooma to rise for our earth.
Photos by Gillianne Tedder
“The failure of national governments in Australia and the USA to act on climate change means that we have to act locally. We are already hurting with the Reef suffering shocking bleaching two years in a row, more intense bushfires and a drought made worse by climate change,” said Eurobodalla 350 coordinator Allan Rees.
Active, inclusive transport was the theme for the Batemans Bay event organised by 350 Eurobodalla, the local chapter of 350.org which has groups in 188 countries.
Transport makes up a third of Eurobodalla’s energy, transport and waste emissions. So many short trips could be made on foot or by bicycle to get us out of our cars and reduce emissions. People using wheelchairs and mobility scooters need safe paths and road crossings.
A wish list revealed a big demand for better and safer footpaths, cycle paths and pedestrian crossings in Eurobodalla.
“Why isn’t it safe to walk across the highway at the shops at Mogo or Bodalla? We need pedestrian crossings there,” said Rees.
“We have some good bicycle shared paths but they don’t link up making it impossible to ride any distance in safety. The highway and other major roads don’t have wide enough shoulders for safe cycling,” Rees said.
“Eurobodalla Shire Council has made great reductions in its emissions, bringing them down by 36% since 2005-06, but the Pathways Strategy is just limping along,” Rees said. “$3.5 million has been allocated, but that is spread over ten years, it’s supplemented by grants, but it’s only petty cash in our shire’s budget.”
“Active, inclusive transport will give us better health and easier lives,” Rees said.
“We will continue to demand a shift to 100% renewable energy. We will tackle climate change and get cheap and clean electricity.”
