Golden Plains Shire Council declared a Climate Emergency at last night’s July Council Meeting.
The motion was carried unanimously, with Councillors speaking to the impact climate change is having on the Golden Plains community and environment and the urgency for tackling the existential crisis. A declaration of a Climate Emergency is a resolution for immediate and urgent action to reverse global warming and adapt to changes that society cannot avoid.
In supporting the motion, Council also committed to preparing a Climate Emergency Plan to put the declaration’s words into action. The Climate Emergency Plan will develop a comprehensive list of actions, and address the resources required to implement these recommendations, including on their budgetary impact.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says Council is united and committed to tackling the growing Climate Emergency.
“Golden Plains Shire is a unique and special place, with our natural beauty, wonderful rural communities and our strong agricultural industry, we have so much to protect from the worst effects of climate change. That’s why Council has declared a Climate Emergency, which threatens the livelihoods, homes and environment of our community and all of Australia
“We are committed to ensuring our acknowledgement of the climate crisis is not just words but is backed up by actions. Council will now undertake further work to prepare a Climate Emergency Plan to ensure we are doing everything it can to tackle the Climate Emergency.
“Genuine action on climate takes effort, and Golden Plains Shire is already making positive change to help tackle the global issue. Our Shire is home to several large renewable energy projects, and since July all Council’s electricity has come from renewable sources, thanks to our participation in the Victorian Energy Collaboration project.
“Golden Plains Shire Council is committed to doing its part to tackle the Climate Emergency, and we know there is more to do. I hope community members will join us in this endeavour and help contribute to our Climate Emergency Plan when it goes out for consultation in the near future.”
Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency follows a resolution of Council at its 27 April 2021 Meeting, which required Council Officers to provide a report to a future meeting advising of the potential implications of declaring a Climate Emergency and research actions taken by other councils in response to their declarations.
In declaring a Climate Emergency, Golden Plains Shire joins 34 councils throughout Victoria, including neighbouring City of Ballarat, Surf Coast Shire and Borough of Queenscliffe in declaring a Climate Emergency and recognising the significant risk that climate change poses to its community and environment.