Allan Rees representing the group Eurobodalla 350.org presented to the Eurobodalla Shire Council meeting today (11 April 2017) the group's views on Council's Emissions Reduction Plan 2017 – 2021
In addressing the Council during Public Forum Mr Rees said "Eurobodalla 350.org supports council putting the draft Emissions Reduction Plan 2017 – 2021 out for public comment. We are pleased with the reductions in emissions that council has made in the previous two Greenhouse Action Plans, and that this has also resulted in a very substantial saving in electricity costs. Council should continue on this path and make further reductions in our emissions."
"Climate change is already affecting Australia and the Eurobodalla. The Great Barrier Reef is suffering a second year in a row of coral bleaching due to high sea temperatures. Sea temperatures here are also rising. Records from Moruya Heads show a significant rise in temperature since 1910 along with lower rainfall and milder winters. Our farmers are also seeing adverse changes in the climate."
"We want the state and federal governments to take strong action to reduce our emissions and play our part in global reductions to stabilise our climate."
"Eurobodalla 350.org is part of the world wide climate action group 350.org. 350 parts per million is the safe upper level of carbon dioxide (equivalent) in the atmosphere and we have already reached 400 ppm. That is a measure of how serious the situation is and how we need to act immediately."
"Eurobodalla 350.org will respond to the draft plan and we will encourage people to examine it and make submissions in support of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions."
"The Emissions Reduction Plan is a good story and council should publicise it widely. You should be proud of what you have achieved so far and be determined to continue the good work." concluded Mr Rees.
The approved RECOMMENDATION of Council's meeting was THAT Council:
1.Council endorse the draft 2017-2021 Emissions Reduction Plan for public consultation.
2.The draft 2017-2021 Emissions Reduction Plan be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, the draft Plan and any public submissions be presented to Council for adoption.
