Jason Falinski MP in war of words with Northern Beaches mayor over climate emergency
Mackellar MP Jason Falinski has penned a scathing letter to Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan, urging him to stick to local issues after council declared a climate emergency for the peninsula.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Tim Flannery addresses council on climate emergency
- Steggall’s motion calling climate change health threat
A war of words has erupted between a Sydney mayor and federal MP over a council’s declaration of a climate emergency.
Northern Beaches Council voted to declare a climate emergency last month. As part of the motion it was decided the Mayor, Michael Regan, would write to all state and federal MPs and persuade them to do the same in their respective parliaments.
However, Mackellar MP Jason Falinski took exception to the correspondence and responded with a withering letter.
“It is timely that you have written to me about the Federal Government issue of national climate change policy, because it gives me a chance to write to you about Local Government issues,” he said.
“I have been inundated with complaints about the poor condition of local footpaths and insufficient local parking.
“While I understand that you have been busy declaring climate emergencies, lobbying against mines in other states, and against gas exploration, perhaps when you get a chance, we could meet to chat about council taking care of local roads, keeping rates low and making sure rubbish is collected.
“If it would help, I am happy to move a Private Member’s Motion in the House of Representatives to declare a footpath emergency, or parking emergency.”
Mayor Regan said he was disappointed by Mr Falinski’s response.
“As he says in his letter, it will take all three levels of government and the community working together to make a difference,” he said.
“I am disappointed and somewhat confused by Mr Falinski’s response and my offer to meet on this issue stands.
“I know our community expects us to all work constructively to get the action needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change now and for future generations.”
Mayor Regan said the letter had been sent to all local state and federal MPs, adding that he’d had a positive response from others including Manly State MP James Griffin and Davidson State MP Jonathan O’Dea.
“This is a problem and I agree we all need to do something about it and I want work with people to do something meaningful about it,” Mr Falinski said. “But there is far too much posturing, gnashing of teeth and rendering of garments and not enough practical ‘here is what we can do to actually make his a little less scary’.”
He added: “I don’t think this motion actually helps move this debate along in a meaningful or a practical way.”
Mr Falinski dismissed any suggestion he or the government was not taking the issue seriously. “Let me assure you there is nothing I take more seriously,” he said.
He also said he had no issue with the mayor and would be happy to meet with him to discuss action on climate change.
“We’ve been friends for 12 years and as far as I’m concerned we remain friends. We have a good working relationship.”