Borough declares climate emergency

THE Borough of Queenscliffe council has endorsed a motion declaring a climate emergency.

Mayor Ross Ebbels, who spoke in favour of the motion at last month’s council meeting – which had more than 100 residents in attendance – said that climate change was among the most important issues of our time.

“The Borough of Queenscliffe has a proud history of climate leadership. In declaring that we are facing a climate emergency, council is reaffirming its commitment to meet the challenge of preventing and preparing for climate change.”

Cr Ebbels said over the past five years, the Borough has reduced its emissions by a third, run community solar bulk-buys, and taken a leading role in assessing and preparing for sea level rise.

The declaration also builds on a council motion moved unanimously in October, in which council reaffirmed its commitment to action on
climate change.

“We know our residents are proud of our community’s climate leadership and I want to thank them for their support as we make the Borough a climate-friendly community.”

Among the hundred-strong crowd present to watch the declaration was local resident Kitty Walker, who’s taken a leading role organising community support for the motion.

“Climate change requires urgent action by all levels of government,” Ms Walker said.

“More than 1,101 residents signed our petition inviting council to join us in declaring a climate emergency, and we’re overjoyed that they’ve joined us in taking this critical step towards a sustainable future for us and our children.”

The motion passed by the Borough of Queenscliffe council on December 19 calls on council officers to develop a climate response plan that builds on achievements already made reducing emissions and caring for the local environment.

For more information on how the Borough of Queenscliffe is preventing and preparing for climate change, head to queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/climate.