By Oliver Lees
Macedon Ranges council has strengthened its commitment to protecting the environment, following the formal declaration of a climate emergency.
At a council meeting on March 24, a motion was carried that saw Macedon Ranges council join 32 other councils across the nation to make the commitment to preventing the effects of climate change.
The report tabled at the meeting gave specific reference to the threat to the region, citing “increasing temperatures, fire risk, and variability in rainfall” as factors that will affect the region’s natural systems long term.
The Macedon Ranges Climate Emergency Declaration Coalition collected 405 signatures from members of the community in support of the motion.
Cr Mark Ridgeway said councils can play a role in addressing climate change through their operations and practices.
“Declaring a climate emergency brings all our activities together under a single policy umbrella,” he said.
“It makes a strong statement to ourselves and to the community regarding what our priorities are.”
Cr Dominic Bonnano opposed the motion, saying council “was already doing enough” to address climate change.
“I’ve raised concerns previously around anxiety levels for our youth and our children in particular about being in a constant state of fear or crisis or emergency,” he said.
Currently less than half of all local councils in the country have declared a climate change, with the federal government also yet to make such a commitment.
