Blacktown climate change: Mayor Tony Bleasdale issues climate warning

The Blacktown mayor has said city residents will be hit hard by increasing heatwaves if Australia doesn’t step up to the challenge of reducing carbon emissions.

The Mayor of Blacktown has said we must act now to combat climate change – or else face the consequences.

Mayor Tony Bleasdale called for ambitious Federal Government targets ahead of the UN Climate Conference in November.

He said his council would be a leader in tackling climate change and would join with other cities and organisations to highlight the importance of Australia’s international commitment to achieving net zero emissions before 2050.

The council is aiming to hit the same target a good 20 years earlier – by 2030.

It is currently on track to be using 100% renewable electricity by 2025.

Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale speaks to the media. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

“As Mayor of Blacktown City, I am passionate about tackling the climate emergency our planet is facing,” he said.

“In Blacktown City, increasing summer temperatures and heatwaves take a heavy toll on people’s health, and extreme heat continues to be a major challenge.

“Council is committed to working with industry partners and the community to implement more sustainable and green initiatives without negative impacts on business or jobs.

“I encourage Australia’s senior leaders, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, to commit to a national target of net-zero emissions by 2050.”

He added: “The science is clear – we must act now to protect our communities or face catastrophic consequences.”

Opening of the Blacktown City Council Solar City depot commercial PV installation at Rooty Hill depot.

Dr Portia Odell, Director of Cities Power Partnership reiterated the importance of Blacktown Council leading the way.

“It’s so important to see local governments like Blacktown step up and commit to reducing emissions in their own backyard.

“Climate leadership from local governments is delivering the benefits that decarbonising our economy can bring, such as regional jobs, cleaner cities and cheaper power.

“The science is clear that the world urgently needs to reduce emissions this decade to avoid worsening climate impacts.

“Despite calls coming from the public, global leaders, business leaders and local governments for our Federal leaders to do more, they haven’t budged.”

Blacktown Council’s current green initiatives include the introduction of free electric vehicle charging stations and increasing its electric and hybrid vehicle fleet.

Various tree planting programs aimed at reducing urban heat and the upgrading of 12,000 street lights to low-emission, cost-effective LED lights.

Blacktown City Council also commenced a massive solar energy project last August, installing 1,800 solar panels across a range of council buildings including aquatic and leisure centres, libraries, childcare and community centres.