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Submission Guide from TRRA, EcoNetwork, and Climate Action PS Port Stephens Council – Draft Climate Change Policy

https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/your-council/public-exhibition/exhibitions-2020/policy-development-climate-change-policy

On Exhibition July 2020 – submissions by 5pm 24 July to council@portstephens.nsw.gov.au

Reference PSC2012-01402Welcome, if long overdue (Council has flagged need since at least 2009)

Implications of climate change particularly severe for Port Stephens given its extensive coastline, low lying land and bushland areas

Welcome commitment to wide consultation on climate change impacts and responses

Welcome commitment to addressing climate change implications for Council’s own activities and operations – some good specific initiatives

Should expressly include a leadership role for Council in addressing implications for wider community, including mitigation as well as adaptation

Should include some high level targets both for Council itself and for the whole PS Community (inc. at least zero carbon emissions by 2050, in-line with State Government commitment[1] – preferably earlier)

In section 2 (Context and Background) – should remove 3 references to ‘potential’ risks – they are real, known and already evident

In section 5 (Statement) – should expressly refer to mitigation (i.e. reducing causes) of climate change risks, as well as adaptation & management of impact

Points above for use in submissions – suggested by Climate Action Port Stephens, EcoNetwork Port Stephens, Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association and others

Contact secretary@econetworkps.org


[1] https://climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/About-climate-change-in-NSW/NSW-Government-action-on-climate-change