Bridge banners voice climate reform concerns

BELLARINE and Surf Coast residents have urged the Federal Government to take stronger climate action at a demonstration on Barwon Heads Footbridge.

Last Saturday’s gathering was in response to the Albanese Government’s proposed reforms to the safeguard mechanism, which will soon go to a vote in Parliament.

The government would legislate that the country’s 215 largest emitters must reduce their emissions intensity by 4.9 per cent a year, in a move it says strengthens the policy introduced by the Liberal Government in 2016.

But detractors, including the Australian Greens, have indicated they want more ambitious targets as negotiations on the bill continue.

Labor will need support from the Greens and an Independent Senator for a majority vote.

Australian Parents For Climate Action (AP4CA) backed calls for stronger targets at Barwon Heads on the weekend.

“We want a strong safeguard mechanism that cuts pollution and keeps our kids safe,” Laura Grufas, mother of two and local organiser of AP4CA Bellarine chapter said.

“We cannot allow polluters to keep polluting, destroying our planet and children’s future for short term profits.

“This decade is our one chance to create a safe climate for our kids and we want the government to create a policy that reflects that.”

Approximately 25 demonstrators made the trip to the bridge connecting Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove, displaying posters and hanging banners over the side of the railing with messages such as ‘Safeguard Our Kids’ Climate’ and ‘Not Big Polluters’.

Ms Grufas said AP4CA’s primary concerns with the policy included allowing purchase of carbon credits which could mean no real reduction in emissions, its failure to prevent new fossil fuel projects, and its potetnial future impacts on the climate and cost of living.

“The last 18 months have been a stark reminder that climate change is here now, with flood waters, extreme weather events, coastal erosion and sea inundation visible and affecting the residents in our region,” Ms Grufas said.

“And with La Niña ending and drier months ahead we cannot afford to delay strong and immediate action.

“The Safeguard Mechanism is an opportunity to do just that by limiting pollution from our biggest polluters.”

Federal member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the new proposals for climate action was first time Parliament has had the chance to vote on it in over a decade.

“It’s not the case that emissions will blow out,” she said.

“In fact, we achieve 205 million tonnes of emissions reduction with the Safeguard Mechanism that otherwise would not happen.

“That’s the same as taking two thirds of Australia’s cars off the road – and an opportunity that should be seized not squandered.”

Ms Coker stated she would be keen to meet with AP4CA representatives to discuss the safeguard mechanism and how it would affect the electorate.

Federal Parliament resumes on Monday (March 20).