Borough of Queenscliffe declares a climate emergency

With the support of more than a hundred residents in attendance, the Borough of Queenscliffe endorsed a motion declaring a climate emergency at tonight’s meeting of Council.

Mayor Ross Ebbels, who spoke in favour of the motion, said that climate change was among the most important issues of our time. “The Borough of Queenscliffe has a proud history of climate leadership, said Cr Ebbels. “In declaring that we are facing a climate emergency, Council is reaffirming its commitment to meet the challenge of preventing and preparing for climate change.”

Over the past five years, the Borough has reduced its emissions by a third, run community solar bulk-buys, and taken a leading role in assessing and preparing for sea level rise. Thursday’s declaration also builds on a Council motion moved unanimously in October, in which Council reaffirmed its commitment to action on climate change. “We know our residents are proud of our community’s climate leadership, and I want to thank them for their support as we make the Borough a climate-friendly community,” said Cr Ebbels.

More than 100 residents attended the Council meeting to watch the declaration, including local resident Kitty Walker, who has taken a leading role organising community support for the motion. “Climate change requires urgent action by all levels of government,” said Ms Walker. “More than 1101 residents signed our petition inviting Council to join us in declaring a climate emergency, and we’re overjoyed that they’ve joined us in taking this critical step towards a sustainable future for us and our children.”

The motion passed by the Borough of Queenscliffe Council calls on Council officers to develop a climate response plan that builds on the achievements Council has already made in reducing emissions and caring for our local environment.

For more information on how the Borough of Queenscliffe is preventing and preparing for climate change, visit queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/climate.