Climate change will be on the agenda for discussion at the first meeting of the new Bayside Council next month.
Bayside Counci's first Greens councillor, Greta Werner has submitted a motion calling on the the council to develop a co-ordinated response to climate change in its policies.
"Bayside Council needs a coordinated climate action plan to focus our attention on the things we can do to both lessen and mitigate the effects of climate change," Councillor Werner said.
"Many of our neighbouring councils have already done this, and the Australian Local Government Association has carried a motion calling on the Federal Government to recognise we are in a state of climate emergency," she said.
"The St George Greens have developed a climate emergency motion for the next Bayside Council meeting, and we are keen to know what residents think."
Cr Werner is calling for feedback by sending an email to Greta.Werner@bayside.nsw.gov.au
Cr Werner's motion, to be debated at the first council, to be held on Wednesday, February 9, is: That Bayside Council:
1. Recognises that we are in a state of climate and ecological emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government; that human induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation, and other species; and that it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes if societies take emergency action, including local councils.
2. Appoints a Council Advisory Committee of climate emergency experts to assist with steps 3 and 4.
3. Embeds this climate emergency acknowledgement and declaration and required actions into all future strategies, the next Community Strategic Plan, and budgetary processes.
4. Brings back to council a report which examines how council plans, policies, and works programs can address the climate emergency and the resilience of Bayside to physical impacts and ensure this is embedded into future council strategic plans.