The Beagle Editor,
In voting down Councillor Patrick McGinlay’s motion to declare a climate emergency, Council rejected an opportunity to show inspiring local leadership.
Yesterday, a packed gallery cheered for four supporting presentations including an impressive and moving address from 11-year-old Sunshine Bay Public School student Kaeleigh Peard.
Our Council (two councillors absent) voted down the call and passed a watered-down motion by Councillor Rob Pollock, referencing a ‘variable and changing climate’. Council refused to acknowledge a climate emergency and humans’ contribution to it, avoided the term ‘climate change’ and rejected Councillor McGinlay’s assertion we’re at a ‘critical’ juncture on climate issues.
Opponents, including Mayor Liz Innes, argued Council’s strong record on environment made the declaration unnecessary.
Mayor Innes said she was obliged to represent constituents who had their say on environment at the State and Federal elections.
Councillor McGinlay noted the amended motions passed mean ‘business as usual’.
Our Council has missed – or rejected – the point. Scientific consensus tells us that business as usual is entirely inadequate. Maintaining the status quo has brought us to where we are. This crisis is unprecedented and we must respond in an unprecedented way.
Let’s work together to bring about a healthier, more connected, more conscious low-carbon community.
Please join us as we Strike for Climate on Friday September 20, 12pm outside Council Chambers.
Above: The Global strike for Climate group encourage the community to bring friends, colleges, kids, grandparents and neighbors to their Moruya Council chambers event noon on Sept 20th... Image: The profile photo of Community Facebook group Eurobodalla Strike for Climate Action where you can find more information ; published here under Fair Dealing for the purpose of news and to introduce the wider community to the group.
Yesterday in Eurobodalla, the climate crisis was a partisan issue. Let’s move beyond politics to protect our future and unite, as never before.
Kat McCarthy
Australian Parents for Climate Action Eurobodalla
