DCAN is deeply concerned at the lack of reference to climate emergency action in Darebin Council's draft planning documents which spell out Council's priorities for the next four years.  The plans are due to be finalised at the Council meeting on 28 June 2021.

Darebin Council’s support for the declaration of a climate emergency in 2016 elevated understanding about the serious nature of the threat, prompting a national, then a global movement with 100 Councils around Australia declaring a climate emergency and 2000 governments internationally. All newly elected Councillors either pledged or repledged their support for climate emergency action in the Council elections last year.

DCAN is disappointed, therefore, to find that the draft 2041 Community Vision statement, the Big Action Items, the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan and the Four Year Plan all need strengthening to show the community that Councillors remain committed to taking a climate emergency approach.  

DCAN understands the need for Council to provide support to businesses and residents to help with the impact of COVID-19 but we simply can’t allow our Councillors to drop their focus on the climate emergency. The effects of the climate crisis continue to bear down on us and the window of opportunity to avert its worst impacts is closing fast.  

It is vital that Council continues to take a strong leadership role in reducing Darebin’s carbon emissions and advocating to all levels of government for strong action.  We believe that the right policy and economic measures can both enable recovery from the pandemic and drive down emissions.  Read DCAN's full submission on Council's draft Four Year Plan here. Contact your local councillor and let them know that you want to see a continued priority on climate emergency action in the 2041 Community Vision Statement and the Four Year Plan.