Borough burrows in to climate change

LAST year, the Borough of Queenscliffe declared a climate emergency, with support for the declaration surpassing more than 2,000 people, and now they’re readying to take action.
Mayor Ross Ebbels said despite the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent restrictions, the council has been busy planning for the development of a Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP).
“An effective response to the climate emergency needs our whole community to create a plan together. That’s why council will be holding workshops with local residents to develop a strategy for a more sustainable Borough.
“While the coronavirus pandemic has meant we can’t hold in-person workshops just yet, council has been working behind the scenes to make sure we’re ready to go when restrictions are lifted.”
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 and CERP builds on a council motion moved unanimously in October, in which council reaffirmed its commitment to action on climate change.
The Borough allocated an additional $50,000 in next year’s budget for climate emergency response measures as well as $120,000 for a food waste collection program which is a “significant funding boost for our environmental programs” according to the council.
“We’re looking forward to working these initiatives into a broader climate emergency response plan.”
Cr Ebbels said residents were able to get access to more information and stay informed about the process by signing up to their mailing list.
“I’d encourage residents who want to take part in developing the response plan to sign up to our mailing list at queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/stayintouch. You’ll get project updates directly by email, and be the first to know when workshops are ready to begin.”
For more information on how the Borough of Queenscliffe is preventing and preparing for climate change, head to queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/climate.