PO Box 1324 Grafton NSW 2460
www.climatechangeaustralia.org
Member group of Climate Action Network Australia
Greens the ones to tackle climate change
Hoping for a clean energy future is easy. Finding an election candidate with a plan is harder, as local group Climate Change Australia found after surveying Clarence candidates for their policies.
According to group member Claire Purvis, Greens candidate Janet Cavanaugh provided the most comprehensive answers to the survey, which sought to pinpoint candidates’ plans to reduce NSW’s greenhouse gases. Independent Debrah Novak came second.
‘Of the eight candidates, only the Greens, Debrah Novak, and the Christian Democrat Party’s Carol Ordish responded,’ said Ms Purvis.
Candidates were asked for their vision and plans on the future of electricity generation, and how they would encourage renewable energy industries. They were also asked how they would protect residents from climate change impacts such as coastal erosion, flooding and storms.
‘Janet Cavanaugh told us the Greens have a plan to end fossil fuel power generation by 2030, having already moved legislation. They propose a state-based renewable energy support scheme, calling for an all-party commitment to a renewable energy future for NSW, enshrined in legislation, to provide a stable and attractive investment environment. The Greens also plan to phase out coal exports, including retraining workers. To protect residents from climate change impacts, they would require new development to take into account sea-level rise predictions, include buffer zones to protect foreshores and allow for future coastal retreat, and plan for increased storm intensity in building codes.’
Debrah Novak also strongly supports phasing out coal power in favour of renewable energy. Ms Novak is concerned about inadequate funding for climate change research and development, She pointed to relationships between fossil fuel lobbyists and government as a barrier to a clean energy future. She is committed to working with other elected MP’s with the same vision to advocate renewable energy technologies. In addition to strengthening building codes, she called for a consultative approach to coastal planning issues, including involvement by traditional owners.
Carol Ordish, rather than address the questions, said people everywhere are to be responsible for where they reside.
Both Ms Novak and Ms Cavanaugh said they would be celebrating Earth Hour on election night, Ms Cavanaugh at the Grafton Cathedral event, and Ms Novak toasting the first female MP for Clarence. Both have signed the Community Planning Charter, which invokes community well-being, public participation, corruption-free planning, conservation, and integrated planning and infrastructure.
‘It is disappointing that neither Labor nor Nationals candidates responded to the survey,’ said Ms Purvis. ‘Labor’s Trent Gilbert told a candidates forum in Grafton that we should reduce reliance on coal. He pointed to renewable energy policies in California, without spelling out any Labor proposal. We have not seen any commitment at all from Nationals Chris Gulaptis on the issue. He should be actively promoting a switch to supporting renewable energy. It will bring jobs to the North Coast.
‘Climate change is a global challenge. We must have a long-term strategic plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by phasing out our reliance on coal and stimulating investment in renewable energy technologies. Climate change affects everyone: Ross River fever is moving south, cyclones are fiercer, and heat records are continually being broken.’
