THE City of Greater Geelong failed to declare a climate emergency at a council meeting last month, despite five councillors voting in favour of the proposal.<\/p>\n
Elected representatives were confronted with a crowd of outspoken community members at the September 24 meeting, who expressed their disappointment by shouting and chanting in the council chambers once the vote was counted.<\/p>\n
Cr Sarah Mansfield, who chairs the city\u2019s environment and sustainability portfolio and put forward the notice of motion, said without \u201curgency of action at all levels of society\u201d, climate change posed serious risks for future generations.<\/p>\n
She spoke of rising sea levels, an increase in bushfires as a result of the global temperature crisis, rainfall shortages and her fears for her own children.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been gripped with the overwhelming fear of what lies ahead for our kids.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe young people in our community share this anxiety. This is the future they\u2019re immediately facing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Jim Mason was applauded when he said he accepted the science, stating climate change wasn\u2019t a \u201cmatter of belief\u201d.<\/p>\n
He acknowledged while the COGG had achieved positive outcomes in the environmental space, it could do better.<\/p>\n
Cr Stephanie Asher was interrupted several times when she moved an amendment to the original motion, with the councillor claiming her additions \u2013 which included the adoption of a Sustainability Framework \u2013 made for a \u201cbeefed-up version\u201d of the declaration without \u201cparty politics\u201d or the word \u201cemergency\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cPassion is really important to get things done. I\u2019m also really passionate about climate change action, I\u2019m also passionate about getting things done and I\u2019m also passionate about standing up for what I believe in,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo declare a climate emergency now is just to tick a box and do a series of ad hoc actions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Jim Mason said he was offended by the insinuation that he was being political about his support for Cr Mansfield\u2019s notice of motion, claiming it was a \u201cvague\u201d and \u201ctacit\u201d remark.<\/p>\n
Cr Asher\u2019s amended notice of motion was supported by Cr Aitken, Cr Grzybek, Cr Kontelj, Cr Sullivan and Cr Nelson. It will see the COGG develop a Sustainability Framework that seeks to identify potential ways to action sustainable practices to combat the effects of climate change in the region.<\/p>\n
City chief executive officer Martin Cutter was requested to submit the reports by February next year. The Surf Coast Shire declared a climate emergency in August.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE City of Greater Geelong failed to declare a climate emergency at a council meeting last month, despite five councillors voting in favour of the proposal. Elected representatives were confronted with a crowd of outspoken community members at the September 24 meeting, who expressed their disappointment by shouting and chanting in the council chambers once […]<\/p>\n