On 10 August, the Port Phillip Council’s draft Climate Emergency Action Plan was presented to the councillors. We are still calling for more clarity, more accountability and more action. Here’s our detailed response to the release of the Plan.
A week later, the Council voted against reinstating a protected bike path in the Shrine to Sea project – despite its own policies to develop active transport, and despite the recommendations of its own officers. Twenty Kerford Rd locals were there opposing the bike lane, and thirteen in support of it. Councillors Robbie Nyaguy and Tim Baxter walked out of the vote as a protest against the lack of action and the reversal of Council’s own policies by its conservative members.
If we want more decisions to swing in favour of environmentally sustainable policies, we have to be more active in local politics. Get to the meetings, speak out in consultations (the Shrine to Sea one is open now), engage with MPs like Nina Taylor who ask their constituents for their views, vote for progressive councillors – or perhaps even run for Council yourself!
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Finally, now that the important 14 October voting date has been announced, readers may be interested in Progressive Port Phillip’s position on the Voice referendum (see here for details) and perhaps participate or support it.
