2023 was the hottest year on record for the planet and indicators from global weather events are that climate change is more advanced than the most grim prediction.
· Greens Councillors have ensured action on climate change remains at the forefront of Council’s agenda.
· In 2019 led Woollahra Council to declare a state of climate emergency and commit to taking further action to address the climate crisis.
· In 2020 Council achieved carbon neutral status and in 2021 adopted the Greens’ aspiration target of net zero emissions for the entire Woollahra community by 2030.
· Climate Change mitigation is now an aim in Woollahra’s Local Environment Plan, meaning new developments must meet urban greening objectives. This term Council has endorsed its Urban Forest Strategy which plans to invest $14m in plantings on public land over the next ten years.
· There is always more to be done, and in the next term of Council Greens will:
o Ensure action on climate change remains a top priority for Council
o Push for investigation into community batteries
o Conversion of the Council’s vehicle fleet to EVs
o A Nuclear-Free Zone in Woollahra
o Work with the community to develop further initiatives to deliver net zero by 2030