Step it out for climate control

LAKE Wendouree, empty in 2006 after ten years of drought, was the local setting for Walk Against Warming, an international event to raise awareness of climate change.

The Ballarat Renewable Energy And Zero Emissions, BREAZE, in conjunction with Ballarat Climate Action Network are calling for a repeat performance on Sunday, 14 April.

Together they want the community to put their walking shoes on again, pick up placards, wear clothing calling for action on climate change and hit the Moneghetti Track.

They are urging Ballarat residents to make their presence known and their opinions heard to get the message to politicians to take a bipartisan approach to addressing the climate emergency.

Ian Rossiter, BREAZE’s Secretary, said we’ve had 20 years to address the climate change issue and our governments have failed to deliver actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while vested interests have successfully created uncertainty about the existence, the extent and remedies for man induced climate change.

“We want bipartisan urgent action to address the impending crisis that will destroy our economy, our social structures and our lifestyle if we do not commit to phasing out fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency and public transport and ensuring Australian food producers remain viable,” Mr Rossiter said.

The event will start at 1pm with a quick address from organisers at the MacDonald Bandstand, then participants will have the opportunity to walk either the full 6 km around the lake or a 2 km walk to the Olympic Rings and back.

Around 2pm at the conclusion of the walk, entertainment will be provided by Ballarat musicians Stella Savy and Retrofitted while community leaders and politicians will speak to the crowd from 2.30 to 3pm.

The community Walk Against Warming is on Sunday, 14 April starting at Lake Wendouree Foreshore Reserve MacDonald Bandstand, located opposite Ballarat Botanical Gardens floral clock, from 1pm to 3pm.

For further information go to breaze.org.au.