Following on from our last post, here are the response to our questionnaire from the rest of the candidates for Coff Harbour City Council.
Group B
Mark Sultana: "It would be good to see Council reward residents possibly via rebates for using renewable energy to power their homes. It would be good practice for Council staff to introduce policy whereby they must investigate the possibility of utilizing renewable energy when planning new developments. For example placing solar panels on the roofs of new public toilet blocks or picnic huts etc."
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Support current targets
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Strongly agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Support current targets
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Support
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Strongly agree
4b. Additional bike paths?
Strongly agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Agree
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
High priority
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Neutral
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(d) Not sure;
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
Wait for direction from state government
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Neutral
Group C - Greens
Sally Townley: "Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues of our time. I believe that we all have a responsibility to act immediately and Council has a role not only to act, but to lead and to facilitate others to act. The commitment to 100% renewable energy and the commitment to zero emissions must inform decision-making at every level of Council. Council needs to work with the community to continue the quest for innovative ways to reduce consumption and to support the transition to renewable energy."
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Targets could be higher
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Strongly agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets
Targets should be higher
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Strongly support
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Strongly agree
4b. Additional bike paths?
Strongly agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Strongly agree
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
High priority
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Strongly support
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(a) Council should progress with the current benchmarks, and consider the possibility of higher rises, following the latest science (such as the 2016 study by James Hansen);7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
High priority
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Strongly support
Other Group C candidates responses were the same as Sally Townley's above.
Also from Mark Graham: "There is an urgent need for an emergency response across our entire community to the massive challenges of preventing, minimizing, mitigating and responding to the myriad impacts of global warming. Local actions undertaken by Local Government in partnership with the community are one of the best (grassroots!) ways of responding to these challenges. We have lots of sunshine, wind, running water and fertile well-watered landscapes – these assets can enable us to generate significant amounts of renewable energy and draw-down carbon from the atmosphere to be locked up in regenerating ecosystems. We also have lots of individuals, community groups and businesses doing amazing work to minimize electricity consumption and to maximise renewable energy generation. We can be a model for the world to show how a community can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate surplus energy and remove carbon from the atmosphere with resulting restored and reinvigorated ecosystems, communities and landscapes. Creating opportunities for positive actions in response to global warming will benefit our community, our ecology and our economy. The Greens are the only team articulating a detailed policy response to deliver a better future by seriously responding to climate change. A vote for The Greens team on Coffs Council is a vote for a more sustainable future with a strong focus on responding locally to climate change."
GROUP D
Lead/mayoral candidate John Arkan did not respond to our questionnaire. Our summary of his position/record can be seen here. However, the two Group D candidates who did respond to the questionnaire, gave strong answers - see below.
Annette Mavin's response:
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Support current targets
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Support current targets
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Moderate priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
support , that would be amazing, there has also been some done in the UK
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Strongly agree, public transport in Coffs is atrocious
4b. Additional bike paths?
Agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Agree, to be included in future planning
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
Moderate priority
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Strongly support
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(a) Council should progress with the current benchmarks, and consider the possibility of higher rises, following the latest science (such as the 2016 study by James Hansen);
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
Moderate priority
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Strongly agree
Matt McLeod's response:
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support - there needs to be further education and implementation of real programs to move towards reducing our impact.
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Support current targets - I support reachable targets but a constant strategy on moving ever closer to 100% use of responsible and renewable energies. In situations where targets can not be met there needs to be clear and transparent discussion.
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Agree - Without knowing the budget I believe that the way forward for Coffs Harbour is to have a vision and a plan for the future. I would support any responsible spending to move towards these goals. I believe renewable and responsible energy is the way of the future and should be invested in
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Support current targets - I believe that targets such as this are a great way to raise awareness and discussion. I don't believe that reductions should be limited by a target but that we need to keep moving forward to lower emissions as significantly and efficiently as possible
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority - While I support the above proposals, there needs to be a plan supporting the ability for this all to happen. All to often elected members are all to willing to say they support something but never work hard to achieve it. There needs to be total transparency in what is hoped and can be achieved. If these plans are not implemented there needs to be accountability of elected members.
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Strongly support - We need to be a leader and not wait to implement such ideas. The sooner we start to make a change the sooner we will.
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Strongly agree - I was misquoted in a comment regarding light rail but having said that I believe a solid public transport plan is in urgent need. There is unnecessary transport emissions because of a public transport service that does not produce an efficient alternative for members of the public. There needs to be discussion started about this immediately
4b. Additional bike paths?
Strongly agree - Additional to this I believe there needs to be a community bike system put in place such as in Brisbane and Noosa allowing for cheap use of bikes in and around the region
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Strongly agree - Myself and Kelly McNeil from Group D has taken this one step further and already made inquiries for a trial station based in Woolgoolga with a view for roll out in several key points throughout the region
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
High priority - This is not a point that I am totally up to date with but believe it sounds like a positive step forward. At the stage I would have to say I approve of the idea rather than the program as I am not total across the topic
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Strongly support - I believe this yet again comes down to planning and transparency. I am not an expert in biodiversity however can see the necessity for such plans. If costs or other factors preventing such a plan then this needs to be transparent and plans and targets then need to be put in place as to when it can be achieved.
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(b) The current benchmarks for sea level rise are adequate: This said, there needs to be constant discussion and reviews of new data. I believe our environment is extremely important and we need to work with new data and studies as they become available. I believe in action and not just talk and making the elected members accountable in their decisions.
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
Not Sure - I would have to be made aware of the reasons the current Council voted against it. The environment is at the top of things of what I stand for and so short of an extremely good argument against not implementing it, I would make its adoption a matter of priority
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Strongly agree - I believe we need to not just talk but act in what we believe in.
GROUP E - David Quinn responded on behalf of all group candidates
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Support current targets
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Strongly agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Support current targets
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Support
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Strongly agree, but it is a state government issue
4b. Additional bike paths?
Agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Neutral
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
Not sure
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Support
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(a) Council should progress with the current benchmarks, and consider the possibility of higher rises, following the latest science (such as the 2016 study by James Hansen);
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
High priority
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Strongly agree
Group F - Keith Rhoades' response
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Targets should be higher [But he had voted to lower targets in April 2016]
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Targets should be higher
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Support
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Agree
4b. Additional bike paths?
Strongly agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Agree
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
High priority
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Neutral
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(a) Proceed with current benchmarks and consider the possibility of higher rises, following the latest science;
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
Moderate priority
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Neutral
Group I - Jan Strom's response on behalf of all group candidates
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Support current targets
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Strongly agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Support current targets, but reducing more would be better
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Strongly support
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Agree - Vital to work with State government on this to link funding for school transport services and public transport services together (both are funded through different government departments!)
4b. Additional bike paths?
Strongly agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Agree
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
High priority - Like to see reintroduction of recycling depot as part of Councils contract with the Contractors.
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Support - Maintaining biodiversity is important. I have not seen the Landscape Corridor Mapping you refer but I would certainly be supportive of the development of a plan that protected biodiversity and without being too onerous on land-owners.
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(a) Council should progress with the current benchmarks, and consider the possibility of higher rises, following the latest science (such as the 2016 study by James Hansen);
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
High priority - Given recent weather events this plan needs to be adopted asap. However, as discussed at forum last night (30/8) I would recommend a review of the “lines on the maps” that appeared to create concern and controversy, to ensure that we are acting on the most recent and most accurate information.
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Strongly agree - Like to see investment in local community – e.g. Local Living Economies model
That's it for now! Once again - the summary is here.
Group B
Mark Sultana: "It would be good to see Council reward residents possibly via rebates for using renewable energy to power their homes. It would be good practice for Council staff to introduce policy whereby they must investigate the possibility of utilizing renewable energy when planning new developments. For example placing solar panels on the roofs of new public toilet blocks or picnic huts etc."
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Support current targets
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Strongly agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Support current targets
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Support
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Strongly agree
4b. Additional bike paths?
Strongly agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Agree
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
High priority
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Neutral
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(d) Not sure;
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
Wait for direction from state government
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Neutral
Group C - Greens
Sally Townley: "Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues of our time. I believe that we all have a responsibility to act immediately and Council has a role not only to act, but to lead and to facilitate others to act. The commitment to 100% renewable energy and the commitment to zero emissions must inform decision-making at every level of Council. Council needs to work with the community to continue the quest for innovative ways to reduce consumption and to support the transition to renewable energy."
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Targets could be higher
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Strongly agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets
Targets should be higher
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Strongly support
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Strongly agree
4b. Additional bike paths?
Strongly agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Strongly agree
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
High priority
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Strongly support
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(a) Council should progress with the current benchmarks, and consider the possibility of higher rises, following the latest science (such as the 2016 study by James Hansen);7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
High priority
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Strongly support
Other Group C candidates responses were the same as Sally Townley's above.
Also from Mark Graham: "There is an urgent need for an emergency response across our entire community to the massive challenges of preventing, minimizing, mitigating and responding to the myriad impacts of global warming. Local actions undertaken by Local Government in partnership with the community are one of the best (grassroots!) ways of responding to these challenges. We have lots of sunshine, wind, running water and fertile well-watered landscapes – these assets can enable us to generate significant amounts of renewable energy and draw-down carbon from the atmosphere to be locked up in regenerating ecosystems. We also have lots of individuals, community groups and businesses doing amazing work to minimize electricity consumption and to maximise renewable energy generation. We can be a model for the world to show how a community can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, generate surplus energy and remove carbon from the atmosphere with resulting restored and reinvigorated ecosystems, communities and landscapes. Creating opportunities for positive actions in response to global warming will benefit our community, our ecology and our economy. The Greens are the only team articulating a detailed policy response to deliver a better future by seriously responding to climate change. A vote for The Greens team on Coffs Council is a vote for a more sustainable future with a strong focus on responding locally to climate change."
GROUP D
Lead/mayoral candidate John Arkan did not respond to our questionnaire. Our summary of his position/record can be seen here. However, the two Group D candidates who did respond to the questionnaire, gave strong answers - see below.
Annette Mavin's response:
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Support current targets
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Support current targets
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Moderate priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
support , that would be amazing, there has also been some done in the UK
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Strongly agree, public transport in Coffs is atrocious
4b. Additional bike paths?
Agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Agree, to be included in future planning
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
Moderate priority
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Strongly support
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(a) Council should progress with the current benchmarks, and consider the possibility of higher rises, following the latest science (such as the 2016 study by James Hansen);
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
Moderate priority
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Strongly agree
Matt McLeod's response:
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support - there needs to be further education and implementation of real programs to move towards reducing our impact.
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Support current targets - I support reachable targets but a constant strategy on moving ever closer to 100% use of responsible and renewable energies. In situations where targets can not be met there needs to be clear and transparent discussion.
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Agree - Without knowing the budget I believe that the way forward for Coffs Harbour is to have a vision and a plan for the future. I would support any responsible spending to move towards these goals. I believe renewable and responsible energy is the way of the future and should be invested in
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Support current targets - I believe that targets such as this are a great way to raise awareness and discussion. I don't believe that reductions should be limited by a target but that we need to keep moving forward to lower emissions as significantly and efficiently as possible
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority - While I support the above proposals, there needs to be a plan supporting the ability for this all to happen. All to often elected members are all to willing to say they support something but never work hard to achieve it. There needs to be total transparency in what is hoped and can be achieved. If these plans are not implemented there needs to be accountability of elected members.
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Strongly support - We need to be a leader and not wait to implement such ideas. The sooner we start to make a change the sooner we will.
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Strongly agree - I was misquoted in a comment regarding light rail but having said that I believe a solid public transport plan is in urgent need. There is unnecessary transport emissions because of a public transport service that does not produce an efficient alternative for members of the public. There needs to be discussion started about this immediately
4b. Additional bike paths?
Strongly agree - Additional to this I believe there needs to be a community bike system put in place such as in Brisbane and Noosa allowing for cheap use of bikes in and around the region
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Strongly agree - Myself and Kelly McNeil from Group D has taken this one step further and already made inquiries for a trial station based in Woolgoolga with a view for roll out in several key points throughout the region
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
High priority - This is not a point that I am totally up to date with but believe it sounds like a positive step forward. At the stage I would have to say I approve of the idea rather than the program as I am not total across the topic
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Strongly support - I believe this yet again comes down to planning and transparency. I am not an expert in biodiversity however can see the necessity for such plans. If costs or other factors preventing such a plan then this needs to be transparent and plans and targets then need to be put in place as to when it can be achieved.
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(b) The current benchmarks for sea level rise are adequate: This said, there needs to be constant discussion and reviews of new data. I believe our environment is extremely important and we need to work with new data and studies as they become available. I believe in action and not just talk and making the elected members accountable in their decisions.
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
Not Sure - I would have to be made aware of the reasons the current Council voted against it. The environment is at the top of things of what I stand for and so short of an extremely good argument against not implementing it, I would make its adoption a matter of priority
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Strongly agree - I believe we need to not just talk but act in what we believe in.
GROUP E - David Quinn responded on behalf of all group candidates
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Support current targets
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Strongly agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Support current targets
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Support
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Strongly agree, but it is a state government issue
4b. Additional bike paths?
Agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Neutral
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
Not sure
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Support
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(a) Council should progress with the current benchmarks, and consider the possibility of higher rises, following the latest science (such as the 2016 study by James Hansen);
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
High priority
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Strongly agree
Group F - Keith Rhoades' response
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Targets should be higher [But he had voted to lower targets in April 2016]
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Targets should be higher
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Support
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Agree
4b. Additional bike paths?
Strongly agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Agree
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
High priority
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Neutral
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(a) Proceed with current benchmarks and consider the possibility of higher rises, following the latest science;
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
Moderate priority
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Neutral
Group I - Jan Strom's response on behalf of all group candidates
1. CHCC's Climate Change Policy?
Strongly support
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY
2a. CHCC's current RET?
Support current targets
2b. Spending on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures?
Strongly agree
3. EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
3a. CHCC's emissions reduction targets?
Support current targets, but reducing more would be better
3b. Priority of a detailed Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan?
Top priority
3c. A community-wide zero emissions plan?
Strongly support
4. TRANSPORT:
4a. A public transport plan?
Agree - Vital to work with State government on this to link funding for school transport services and public transport services together (both are funded through different government departments!)
4b. Additional bike paths?
Strongly agree
4c. Solar-powered electrical vehicle charging stations?
Agree
5. WASTE: a zero waste plan?
High priority - Like to see reintroduction of recycling depot as part of Councils contract with the Contractors.
6. BIODIVERSITY / LAND USE: Landscape corridors?
Support - Maintaining biodiversity is important. I have not seen the Landscape Corridor Mapping you refer but I would certainly be supportive of the development of a plan that protected biodiversity and without being too onerous on land-owners.
7. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT:
7A. Sea level rise benchmarks?
(a) Council should progress with the current benchmarks, and consider the possibility of higher rises, following the latest science (such as the 2016 study by James Hansen);
7B. Progressing Coastal Zone Management Plan?
High priority - Given recent weather events this plan needs to be adopted asap. However, as discussed at forum last night (30/8) I would recommend a review of the “lines on the maps” that appeared to create concern and controversy, to ensure that we are acting on the most recent and most accurate information.
8. DIVESTMENT: Council’s money to divest from fossil fuels?
Strongly agree - Like to see investment in local community – e.g. Local Living Economies model
That's it for now! Once again - the summary is here.