The upcoming week is a critical time to influence Coffs Harbour City Council's direction on climate action and we need your help!
We have now launched an online petition here - please SIGN IT, even if you have already signed the paper one, as this version is specifically targeted to the Council meeting on 14 April.
Over the last few weeks, we have been meeting with Councillors and Council staff. While some are supportive, we are very concerned that there is insufficient commitment to the existing targets for renewable energy and emissions reduction. The key staff driving positive action within Council have been removed as part of the restructure and climate action is clearly being de-prioritised.
The delayed Emissions Reduction Plan is expected to come to the Council meeting on 14 April, but we believe there will be an attempt to reduce the targets. This is completely unacceptable! Our Council must lead on climate action, especially when it offers an opportunity to reduce their massive electricity bills.
We are calling on Councillors to re-affirm their commitment to the targets they voted for in December 2014, which are :
What you can do:
1. Sign the petition and share it widely via email and social media: here it is.
2. Write to and phone Councillors to remind them that there is a high level of community support for strong action on climate change and we will not accept any back-tracking on targets. Councillors do respond to community pressure, so your time will be well spent. Here are their contact details:
Mayor Denise Knight: [email protected]; 0407 486 470
Sally Townley: [email protected] ; 0419 821 223
John Arkan: [email protected]; 0418 465 930
Nan Cowling: [email protected]; 0419 932 102
Rodney Degens: [email protected]; 0438 602 425
Mark Sultana: [email protected]; 0419 572 305
Bob Palmer: [email protected]; 0418 784 243
Garry Innes: [email protected]; 0418 793 049
Keith Rhoades: [email protected]; 0408 256 405
3. Write a letter to the editor - [email protected] - Make it personal, different angles are useful: why does it matter to you? Are you concerned for your grandchildren's future? Do you see the link between bleaching coral and our ongoing use of dirty energy? Are you excited about the potential of renewable energy and electrical vehicles? Or are you mainly bothered that Council is wasting $4-5 million on its electricity bills every year, when it could have invested in clean energy and energy efficiency years ago? Are you sick of the Council making commitments but not following through with action? Are you inspired by the ambition of other Councils such as Lismore, Byron and Uralla, who are really leading on regional climate action?
Don't worry if your letter isn't published - it is still helping the editor to gauge community opinion on this issue, and therefore get coverage.
4. Come to the Council meeting on 14 April, 5pm, to show your support for strong climate action.
5. Stay tuned for some creative snap actions and a petition delivery between now and then.
CCCAG will have a stall at the Harbourside Markets again this Sunday 3 April - come and have a chat!
Our regular planning meeting is on again next Thursday 7 April, 5pm, at the Anglican Church meeting room, McLean Street - anyone interested in getting more involved is welcome to come along.
Thank you for your support - together we can make a difference!
Don't forget to share the petition.
We have now launched an online petition here - please SIGN IT, even if you have already signed the paper one, as this version is specifically targeted to the Council meeting on 14 April.
Over the last few weeks, we have been meeting with Councillors and Council staff. While some are supportive, we are very concerned that there is insufficient commitment to the existing targets for renewable energy and emissions reduction. The key staff driving positive action within Council have been removed as part of the restructure and climate action is clearly being de-prioritised.
The delayed Emissions Reduction Plan is expected to come to the Council meeting on 14 April, but we believe there will be an attempt to reduce the targets. This is completely unacceptable! Our Council must lead on climate action, especially when it offers an opportunity to reduce their massive electricity bills.
We are calling on Councillors to re-affirm their commitment to the targets they voted for in December 2014, which are :
- reduce corporate emissions from 2010 levels by 25% by 2020 and by 50% by 2025
- Council energy use to consist of 25% renewables by 2020, 50% renewables by 2025 and 100% renewables by 2030.
What you can do:
1. Sign the petition and share it widely via email and social media: here it is.
2. Write to and phone Councillors to remind them that there is a high level of community support for strong action on climate change and we will not accept any back-tracking on targets. Councillors do respond to community pressure, so your time will be well spent. Here are their contact details:
Mayor Denise Knight: [email protected]; 0407 486 470
Sally Townley: [email protected] ; 0419 821 223
John Arkan: [email protected]; 0418 465 930
Nan Cowling: [email protected]; 0419 932 102
Rodney Degens: [email protected]; 0438 602 425
Mark Sultana: [email protected]; 0419 572 305
Bob Palmer: [email protected]; 0418 784 243
Garry Innes: [email protected]; 0418 793 049
Keith Rhoades: [email protected]; 0408 256 405
3. Write a letter to the editor - [email protected] - Make it personal, different angles are useful: why does it matter to you? Are you concerned for your grandchildren's future? Do you see the link between bleaching coral and our ongoing use of dirty energy? Are you excited about the potential of renewable energy and electrical vehicles? Or are you mainly bothered that Council is wasting $4-5 million on its electricity bills every year, when it could have invested in clean energy and energy efficiency years ago? Are you sick of the Council making commitments but not following through with action? Are you inspired by the ambition of other Councils such as Lismore, Byron and Uralla, who are really leading on regional climate action?
Don't worry if your letter isn't published - it is still helping the editor to gauge community opinion on this issue, and therefore get coverage.
4. Come to the Council meeting on 14 April, 5pm, to show your support for strong climate action.
5. Stay tuned for some creative snap actions and a petition delivery between now and then.
CCCAG will have a stall at the Harbourside Markets again this Sunday 3 April - come and have a chat!
Our regular planning meeting is on again next Thursday 7 April, 5pm, at the Anglican Church meeting room, McLean Street - anyone interested in getting more involved is welcome to come along.
Thank you for your support - together we can make a difference!
Don't forget to share the petition.