Greens call for ‘climate army’ to help in times of crisis

GREENS leader Adam Bandt unveiled the party’s plan for a ‘climate response service’ to help people prepare for and recover from natural disasters at Chinderah on the weekend.

Partly inspired by the ‘mud army’ that mobilised to help in the clean-up after the 2022 floods, the move would see thousands of people assisting the community to prepare for fires, floods and cyclones, as well as helping during the recovery stage.

It would cost $1 billion a year over three years to create the service, which would be managed by the National Emergency Management Authority, who would work with local communities and the Australian Defence Force to provide support.

Bandt said the ‘climate army’ would be funded by making big coal and gas corporations pay more tax.

He was joined by local comedian Mandy Nolan, who is the Greens candidate for Richmond in the upcoming Federal election, at John Oxley Park for the announcement.

Bandt said it was appropriate to launch the plan in the Northern Rivers region, which was hit hard in the 2022 floods and by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this month.

The service would ensure a reserve of volunteers were recruited, trained and supported to deploy when needed, including those under the management of authorities such as the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service.

Its role would include handling logistics, such as ensuring stocks of sandbags were available, co-ordinating community-based volunteer groups, providing organisational support and managing rebuilding works.

“There’s been extensive parliamentary inquiries into Australia’s disaster resilience, and they have found repeatedly that the community, defence forces and emergency services do a great job, but everyone is stretched thin and there’s a lack of consultation,” Bandt said.

“With these severe weather events occurring more frequently, we need to provide more resources.”