Airport and hospital at risk: it’s an emergency says candidate

The Coffs Harbour airport and hospital are at risk: it’s a climate emergency says mayoral candidate Tony Judge.

Mayoral candidate Tony Judge says he will put the declaration of a climate emergency back on the agenda if elected to Coffs Harbour City Council.

The Woolgoolga local is running as a Labor candidate in the September 4 election.

In October 2019, after one of the biggest School Climate Strikes in Coffs Harbour’s history, Cr Sally Townley raised a motion calling on her fellow councillors to declare a climate emergency.

Ultimately it was a watered down motion omitting the word ‘emergency’ that was carried with all councillors, except Dr Townley, voting in favour of it.

Members of the gallery stormed out with cries of ‘shame’ and outside local high school students Ellena Cheers-Flavell, Freyja Giese and Caitlin Zugajev vowed to continue their efforts.

Freyja Giese, Caitlin Zugajev and Ellena Cheers-Flavell after the Coffs Harbour City Council meeting in 2019 where Cr Townley’s climate emergency motion was rejected. Photo by Janine Watson

Now Mr Judge has declared his intention to put the matter back on the agenda and for other candidates to state their position on the issue.

“Climate change is having a massive impact on coastal communities. We are already seeing the effects of rising sea levels, more savage bushfires and increased flooding. As temperatures rise further, so will those catastrophic problems.”

The Coffs Harbour Airport.

He says the Coffs Harbour region is particularly exposed due to its location and natural environment.

“That exposure is further heightened by the location of key pieces of infrastructure like the airport and Coffs Hospital, both of which will be subject to increased flood risk as sea levels rise and rain events become more extreme,” Mr Judge said.

Tony Judge, Labor candidate in the Coffs Harbour City Council elections.

There are two compelling reasons to declare a climate emergency according to Mr Judge.

“The first is that by acknowledging the urgency of the problem we can accelerate measures needed to mitigate the impact of climate change. We can look at the need to ensure a greater setback from ocean foreshores for future infrastructure and private development.

“We can ensure future development does not increase the risk of flooding and we can work with other levels of government to take the necessary steps to protect key infrastructure.”

He says the second reason is that it will act as a spur for Council to adopt its own measures to fight climate change, such as increasing its fleet of electric vehicles and the use of energy efficient design in its own buildings.

Mr Judge says there is broad community support for strong measures to fight climate change.

“People in our region are very aware and protective of our beautiful natural environment. For so many of us it is key to our wellbeing and the lifestyle we have chosen. Surfers, fishers, farmers and everyone with a passion for outdoor activities want to protect our environment.”