Climate Change

Hunter’s Hill Council adopted the declaration of a climate emergency in association with our actions for climate change. The council has for several decades shown purpose and leadership on sustainability and environmental issues. At the 24th of February 2020 meeting, the Council declared a climate emergency; acknowledging the recent devastating bushfire season, the ongoing drought and a nationwide call for a greater response to our changing climate.

The declaration of a climate emergency is a vital step in taking this challenge seriously and creating real change. The motion at the meeting is outlined below:

  1. That Council acknowledges that we are in a state of climate emergency that requires urgent action by all levels of government; that human-induced climate change represents one of the greatest threats to humanity, civilisation and other species; and that it is still possible to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes if societies and communities, including local councils, take action to reduce our impact on our environment;
  2. That Council acknowledges that every community, no matter how small, has a role to play in reducing the impact of climate change on our built and natural environment and ecosystems; and that we work towards adapting our existing policies and practices where necessary to address more efficient water, energy, waste, use as well as anticipate carbon sequestration and urban heat mitigation practices;
  3. That Council continues to build on its strategic commitment to sustainability by consideration and implementation of sustainable principles in all future aspects of our operations and service delivery, and by working towards ensuring that such principles are embedded into our long term strategic plans, our LEP, DCP and our quadruple bottom line;
  4. That a report be brought back to Council presenting realistic, attainable goals to demonstrate practices that work towards the above principles as soon as practicable;
  5. That Council continues to collaborate and partner with State and Federal government, LGNSW, NSROC and other relevant agencies on innovation and initiatives that improve our organisational sustainability and that address environmental and climate issues in our wider community.