WITH more than 120 councils across the country declaring a climate emergency, pressure is mounting on Ipswich City Council to follow their lead.
Members of the Ipswich Climate Action Group filled a third of the public gallery at Thursday’s Council meeting as the group presented a hard copy petition signed by 822 residents.
The group has collected signatures over the past two years in peaceful public rallies and events as they raise awareness of the threat to future generations of extreme and worsening climate events.
Of the 120 councils to declare a climate emergency, Noosa Shire and Sunshine Coast councils are the only Queensland local governments to take action.
The Australian Local Government Association, Municipal Association of Victoria, Western Australia Local Government Association and South Australia Local Government Association have declared a climate emergency.
The Ipswich Climate Action Group petition calls on the Mayor and councillors of Ipswich to recognise that “we are in a climate emergency that requires urgent and immediate action”.
The group is advocating for Ipswich City Council to declare a climate emergency, for the Council to achieve net zero emissions by 2030, and to form a partnership between the community and Council to ensure a sustainable and liveable environment for future generations.
ICAG member Jane Cochrane said if Ipswich Council declared an emergency, it would recognise the seriousness of the climate crisis and would undertake to review its policies, procedures and practices in the light of the urgency of the situation.
“Council, representing the local community, is in the best position to advocate for us to other governments: local, state and federal; and to represent our interests on climate action and resilience,” she said.
“Over the two years, there has been a noticeable increase in the willingness to sign (our petition), with many supportive comments, as people recognise the imminent threat that climate change poses, and the threat to future generations. Parents of young children are especially likely to sign.
“Over 800 signatures on a paper petition would indicate that there are thousands more in the community who are very worried about the climate crisis and would appreciate the Council taking leadership on the issue.”
Ms Cochrane said there was too much inappropriate development approved in Ipswich.
Fellow ICAG member Val Wheatley said Council had to show leadership and tackle climate change.
“We are reaching tipping points that create uncontrollable climate forces,” she said.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the Council’s goal was to have a sustainable city and to reduce organisational carbon emissions by 50 per cent by next year and it was on target to meet that goal.
The Council voted to defer any immediate response and to refer the petition to the relevant council committee or officer for consideration.
