NO COUNCILLOR WOULD MOVE FOR EMERGENCY
The following letter is in response to "Fridays for Future", Cootamundra Herald, 26 July, 2019.
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Dear Dr Beck and other members of Friday for Future.
Thank you for your letter to Cootamundra-Gundagai Councillors about a Declaration of Climate Emergency.
Please note that I am replying as an individual councillor and not on behalf of Council.
I wholeheartedly agree with you, that the inaction by the Federal Government on Climate Change is cause for despair and that we all need to act to stop the problem from escalating.
However, I can tell you that, at his stage, CGRC will not pass a resolution declaring a Climate Emergency; no Councillor would even move it.
Unfortunately there are some among us Councillors that, despite the evidence, are dismissive of the concept of a Climate Emergency and deriding of councils who are making the Declaration.
But I will not despair.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is slowly implementing measures to combat the impact of Climate Change and reduce our carbon emissions.
Earlier this year we passed a resolution to allow the establishment of a solar farm on Gundagai Road; at Tuesday night's meeting Cr Charlie Sheahan's resolution, which requested a report on the installation of rooftop solar panels on all Council buildings, a programme for the replacement of current street lights with solar Smart Street lights and an investigation into replacing the Council's fleet vehicles with electric vehicles in the future, as they become available, passed unanimously.
Admittedly, Cr Sheahan's motion was worded so that the above measures addressed energy efficiencies, but at the same time they will address carbon emission issues.
CGRC is also encouraging recycling enterprises and creative solutions to our waste.
They are small initiatives but they are things that will make a difference.
I agree that our communities can become overwhelmed by the very real threat of climate disaster.
However, it is my hope that the actions of Council will give people some hope and encourage them to act in their own ways to combat this emergency.
In the meantime, those of us who are cognisant of the very real immediate threat of climate change will work to educate councillors, the community and ourselves about what further actions we can take to "stop the problem ... and return to safety".
Leigh Bowden
Councillor
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council
CONGRATULATION ON YOUR MIGHTY EFFORTS
May I through your paper congratulate the mighty efforts of council staff at Cootamundra Sports Stadium.
The staff of Helen, TJ and gang supervise roller skating with encouragement, care and laughter.
Many children attended the skating to be greeted by staff in fancy dress that was different each day, the basketball area bouncing with coloured lights and constant music.
Children of all ages spent long periods of time learning a new skill enjoying hours of exercise and fun.
It was so appealing even I had a go with not too much success.
Thank you to the staff and keep up the excellent work for our children
Gloria Schultz