A motion by Cr Cate Coorey (Independent) was supported by all councillors except Cr Alan Hunter at last Thursday’s Council meeting.
The motion ‘Notes the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); notes the federal government’s latest emissions data showing we are increasing, not reducing, our carbon emissions; declares that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government, including by local councils; and acknowledges that Byron Shire is likely to be substantially affected by climate impacts, particularly sea-level rise, bushfires, drought and floods.’
During debate, Cr Hunter asked rhetorically: ‘Our finances are dire. We spend more than we bring in. It isn’t our role at this level. We can have an opinion, but to direct resources… we have too many potholes.’
Yet Greens mayor Simon Richardson insisted, ‘We are on track to be 100 renewable in two years’.
In nine months, we will know if we can reactivate the rails. An Agricultural officer was just employed. We ha
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