Climate change at forefront as election day looms

PASSIONATE residents pleading for climate change gathered last weekend to make their voices known as election day looms.

The Australian Parents for Climate Action (AP4CA) Bellarine and Geelong branch held a Walk For Climate Action Saturday at Ocean Grove Main Beach as national community organiser Laura Grufas said there’s still a lot to do at all levels of government.

“The community really wants to get moving on climate change, we just aren’t moving at the speed and scale that we need to,” Ms Grufas said.

“We know we need to drastically reduce our emissions by 2030 so we have a safe, liveable climate for our children, but also for our community.

“What we were advocating for is much stronger action at all levels and particularly we want to see at the federal level some strong policies and plans that will back this in.”

Saturday’s event had a solid turnout with more than a hundred people of all ages braving the chilly conditions.

Dozens of furry companions were also in attendance as AP4CA joined with national advocacy group Veterinarians for Climate Action on the walk.

Local candidates made the trip out to the event including Labor member for Corangamite Libby Coker and Animal Justice Party candidate Meg Watkins.

“We’re already seeing the effects today in our region with the eroding coastline, extreme weather events so we need to get moving now and stop talking about it,” Ms Grufas said.

“We have a gas terminal that is still up for debate in Corio Bay, this kind of thing just can’t be allowed to go on. The science is very clear, there is no need for any new fossil fuel or gas projects.

“We export such a significant amount of our gas for a lot less than what we’re paying here, so in terms of a transition, we need to bring that back and there shouldn’t be any more room for new projects.

“This also includes the drilling exploration that we’re seeing at the Otways.”

The majority of residents in Corangamite say the number one priority solution for greater action on climate change this decade is to replace gas and coal power with renewable energy and batteries storage, according to a recent poll conducted by Together We Can.

Sixty-seven per cent of people polled also believe benefits they receive from greater action on climate change outweigh any costs involved.

Election day takes place on May 21.