By Dominique Tassell
Southern Downs Regional Council’s new environmental sustainability strategy acknowledges that the Southern Downs is at risk of “becoming drier with decreased rainfall over winter and spring, more days over 40C and an earlier and more severe fire season” yet stubbornly refuses to use the phrase “climate change” anywhere in the 25 page strategy and 18 page accompanying action plan.
Councillor Marco Gliori gave a speech pointing out this exclusion, declaring he was unafraid of climate change.
Yet on the same day, he drove to Stanthorpe from Warwick in his own private council car in contradiction to the goals mentioned in the document.
Councillor Gliori normally travels with Councillors Sheryl Windle and Jo McNally, both of whom were not present at the meeting.
However, due to Councillor Andrew Gale recently visiting Brisbane, he had to socially isolate in his own car. This left a seat available with Councillors Cynthia McDonald and Ross Bartley.
The new strategy and action plan, accepted by council at the 28 July meeting, makes repeated reference to “changing climatic conditions” instead of using the phrase “climate change” and mentions but does not provide steps for achieving “affordable and clean energy” and “climate action”.
The strategy states that by 2030, 63 per cent of the country’s energy mix will be from renewables, yet there is no clear strategy for how the region will achieve this in the 10-year action plan.
There is relatively frequent mention of Electric Vehicles (EVs) throughout the strategy.
The strategy also confirms that the region will opt-in to the Queensland Development Code which requires water tanks for new developments.
The documents have a focus on encouraging residents to actively work on their sustainability, such as making homes energy efficient and reducing water wastage. There are no new requirements for residents listed.
Council has stated that “the strategy identifies four priorities: valuing water, reducing our footprint, valuing nature and building economic resilience which all play an important role in building a sustainable future”.
Southern Downs Councillor Stephen Tancred said that he strongly supported both the strategy and the action plan, saying he believed the many conversations about the strategy reflected community and Council aspirations.
