Coffs Harbour school students push for council to announce climate change emergency

Young activists have pushed local politicians for a climate change emergency to be declared in Coffs – here’s how they went.

A motion to declare a climate change emergency in Coffs Harbour has been met with mixed reactions, but ultimately succeeded.

It was a long time coming for high school students who came together to rally for climate action in 2019, but did not .

Bishopp Druitt College student Zeek, 14, said Coffs Harbour City Council’s decision to declare an emergency was a positive start.

However, he wanted further action to be taken.

“These are great first steps toward greater goals we have,” Zeek said.

He said there was “apathy” about climate change from older generations.

“People want this. Now we need to mobilise everyone in the community to make a change,” Zeek said.

Coffs Harbour City Council declared a climate emergency in the region at the council meeting on Thursday Pictured are activists Rataj, Betty, Zeek, Mimi with Tony Johnson, Chris Degan, Nikki Read and Margaret Hope. Picture: Matt Gazy

Zeek and fellow student Rataj said their peers shared the same views and they wanted their activism to influence others to take action.

Greens councillor Jonathan Cassell, who brought the motion forward after a community push, began a speech by referencing the devastating floods in Lismore and across northern NSW recently.

“Climate change needs to be talked about,” he said.

Cr Cassell said catastrophic weather events sparked positive conversations about climate change.

“We now have environmental refugees from the floods, so we need to have a plan,” he said.

Cr Cassell said climate action was a leadership issue, not a political discussion.

Six candidates, including four councillors, who spoke at a local climate action forum last year. (Left) Htun Htun Oo, Sally Townley, Tegan Swan, Jonathan Cassell, Donna Pike and Tony Judge. Picture: Rob Cleary

Mayor Paul Amos argued more climate education was needed and he suggested the council reassess after more information was obtained.

Climate activists in the chamber were incensed and yelled: “What facts?”.

Cr Amos said the topic of climate change was complicated.

“I believe in global warming but this is not achieving the best result at this point in time,” he said.

Cr Amos suggested replacing climate “emergency” with “stress” – resulting in further jeers.

Councillor George Cecato was also opposed to the motion.

Referring to climate change, Cr Cecato began speaking by asking; “What do I believe?”.

A climate activist in the crowd yelled: “The truth”.

Cr Cecato argued council did not have the skills to make an informed decision and wider education on climate change was needed.

Councillor Sally Townley with councillor Tegan Swan at the candidates climate forum last year. Picture: Rob Cleary

Councillor Sally Townley said Cr Cecato was not speaking on behalf of other councillors and climate education was widely available for anyone to access.

She said recognising climate change as an emergency posed no risk.

“Why wouldn't you declare a climate emergency? There’s no harm or negative impact. We want to see our community unite,” she said.

An agreed motion sets out that the council should implement a climate awareness media strategy and join the Global Covenant of Mayors.

The Covenant will be free for the council to join and provides education and material to keep councillors up to date on climate change issues.

Nikki Read, from Coffs Coast Climate Action Group, said she was ecstatic about the result – particularly for students who had dug in.

“We now have a framework for government to guide the community toward a safer future,” she said.

She displayed a sign during the debate reading: “WARMING: Declare a Climate Emergency”.

Members from the Coffs Coast Climate Action Group raised this sign during discussion, just moments before the emergency was recognised at the council meeting on Thursday, December 8, 2022. Picture: Matt Gazy

Ms Read said a disaster plan should be developed so communities could be better prepared for “inevitable” severe weather events.

“It’s a crisis. It’s up there with nuclear war,” she said.

Ms Read said local governments act as a “go-to” for communities in a state of emergency.

She praised the younger generation for their persistence and political awareness.

“Kids can see straight through it. Other people aren’t connecting the dots.”