MILDURA Council will declare a state of climate emergency following a half-hour debate that divided councillors on Wednesday night.
Community development councillor Helen Healy presented the motion, which was met with a standing ovation and cheers from a packed council chamber.
In her recommendation, Cr Healy asked councillors to vote on writing to state and federal leaders urging climate action and to investigate ways to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero levels by 2050.
“A councillor I spoke to considered the word emergency to be too emotional,” Cr Healy said in opening the debate.
“When I think of the world I’m leaving to my grandchildren and all children in our municipality, I do have intense feelings.
“But the definition of the word emergency refers to a serious danger situation which requires immediate action — we’re making a serious commitment to walk the walk and talk the talk.”
Happening now: @MilduraCouncil will declare a state of climate change emergency following a debate which divided councillors. Mildura Mayor Simon Clemence said he didn’t agree with the word ‘emergency’, but agreed it was important the council took action. @sunraysiadaily
— Lauren Adcock (@laurenadcock22) February 26, 2020
Sport and recreation councillor Glenn Milne was the first to speak against the motion with concern over declaring an “emergency” and cost to ratepayers.
“We are one of the highest in the state (for gambling) and that’s been the way for five, six or seven years. We haven’t called an emergency on that,” Cr Milne said.
“We’ve got one of the highest rates of family violence in the state and we haven’t called an emergency for that and it’s deeply affecting our families.
“As far as information in front of me to make a decision, a wise decision, as a councillor I need some sort of idea what we’re really going to do, how we’re going to do it and what it is going to cost.
“We really do need to know the dollars, the impact and then you work back from that point and decide whether there’s actually an emergency.”
The motion passed 5-4.
Mayor Simon Clemence spoke in favour of the council taking climate action, but like Cr Milne did not agree with the use of the word “emergency”.
“When Cr Healy said one of the other councillors was concerned about the word emergency, that was me,” Cr Clemence said.
“I had a discussion with Cr Healy about that. Having been an emergency worker almost all my life, I have a very strong view of what the word emergency means.
“It means – to me – something that is an absolute emergency and of course there will be people in the room who would consider this as an emergency but I myself don’t.”
Cr Clemence said he would have preferred a “call for action” on climate change.
“(Emergency is) a very emotive word and it causes a lot of angst in the community with young people,” he said.
“But in relation to particular items in the motion, I’m happy we write to the Prime Minister … I’m quite happy we try and reach a target of zero emissions … and community consultation in relation to mitigation strategies, well that’s a bit of a no-brainer.
“I actually think it’s important we do something on climate change.
“I’m not going to throw this motion under the bus because of a word … so I will choose to support it.”
Cr Healy cited a CSIRO projection that Mildura could mirror the current climate of Menindee with 15 more days a year of above 40 degrees by 2050.
She said the council had a chance to make a “tough decision”.
“Is Mildura still living up to its vision to be the most livable, people-friendly community in Australia?” she said.
“When you walk out of here tonight, think about any children, our future and ask yourself ‘Did I do the right thing?’
“Was I brave or did I succumb to fear … was I part of the solution or the problem … will I be on the right side of history?”
Mildura Council is the 30th council in Victoria to declare a state of climate change emergency.
How they voted and what they said
FOR: Helen Healy
“When you walk out of here tonight, think about any children, our future and ask yourself, ‘did I do the right thing?’
“Was I brave or did I succumb to fear … was I part of the solution or the problem … will I be on the right side of history?”
FOR: Jason Modica
“The calling of a climate emergency is a simple request.
“It states we are ready to look at the evidence and challenges of the transition but also understand the potential we have.”
FOR: Mark Eckel
“It’s important from my experiences in this community talking and debating the subject of climate change.
“And as we know it’s in our face every day in on TV, radio, Federal Parliament, all forms of media and social networks and the quicker the council agrees to a strategy going forward the better at least for our community.”
FOR: Simon Clemence
“I just would have been happier if the word emergency wasn’t in the mix … if it was call for action on climate change … because I think it’s a very emotive word and it causes a lot of angst in the community with young people.
“I’m not going to throw this motion under the bus because of a word … so I will choose to support it.”
FOR: Min Poole
Did not comment.
AGAINST: Anthony Cirillo
Did not comment.
AGAINST: Glenn Milne
“As far as information in front of me to make a decision, a wise decision, as a councillor I need some sort of idea what we’re really going to do, how we’re going to do it and what it is going to cost.
“We really do need to know the dollars, the impact and then you work back from that point and decide whether there’s actually an emergency.”
AGAINST: Greg Brown
“In my view, a climate change emergency should only be – if it’s needed – a Federal Government initiative.”
AGAINST: Gavin Sedgmen
“I’m very hesitant about declaring a state of emergency without having the appropriate data to back it up.”
