Council at its meeting on September 26 resolved to declare a "Climate Emergency", a motion I voted against alongside councillors Col Price and Jeff Smith.
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We would have voted in favour of a motion that focused on this current drought crisis, for instance by declaring a "drought" or "weather" emergency.
I thought it was worth explaining why.
There is no question that we are going through an extreme dry period which is causing significant stress on our farming community with flow on effects to other local businesses.
The uncertainty of when the season will improve adds to this stress.
I feel very concerned regarding these problems and the time for recovery that will follow once rainfall returns to more predictable levels. Drought has major emotional and economic impacts testing the most resilient landowner.
I have always believed local government is about our local community and what we can materially do and advocate for on its behalf.
This drought is front and centre for everyone, by one means or another. Council has a role to show empathy and tangible support to help people through this current challenge.
Council has been assisting with the current bushfires and provision of water. Plans are underway for a new sheep selling centre.
Our climate may be changing. The world's human population has tripled since 1951. The increase must place stress on the earth's resources. That is a global issue.
The world population increase has strengthened the demand for meat products. Animal agriculture is a core part of our local economy and we have seen improved demand for our produce.
The issue of 'climate change' is a long term global issue, with global solutions. What we face now is a current and local lack of rainfall impacting on both water availability and vegetation. The need is for compassion, not political opportunism.
The discussion does not need to divide us locally. It won't if we focus on the issues facing us at the local level.
For now, we need to support each other through this most challenging time.
I appeal to anyone suffering emotionally through this drought to seek help and support, even if pride says no. We are all in this together. If you cannot find the right help, please shout louder.
It will rain again.
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