Finding pragmatic change climate solutions for our local government area must be our priority to mitigate the impact of climate change. This, in lieu of focusing on political solutions.
That is the commitment I make for you, as identified in my blog post of 23 August. If re-elected this coming November, my climate change focus will be on pragmatic solutions that improve your/our climate.
While the two biggest single initiatives we can focus on is increasing tree canopy in the City of Unley, and avoiding waste to landfill, there are many other areas requiring our focus.
Before talking about them, here my thoughts on tree canopy can be seen in my blog posts of 29 August. Likewise, my thoughts on landfill in my blog post of 31 August.
What else can we focus on? How about the following?
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Increasing the greening of the verges program.
The current council, unfortunately, did not approve my efforts to double our expenditure on the greening verges program. A program I backed way back in 2016. A program that has us partnering with those of you who are house proud and wish to green their verge.
The budget has remained at a mere $50,000.00 that whole time. It has thankfully been lifted to $65,000.00 this year. Given it is such a popular program, I see $100,000.00 as a minimum commitment on our part.
I will continue, on your behalf, to promote an increase. Hopefully, the members of the new Council (whomever they may be) will follow my lead.
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Working toward entering a 100% renewable electric supply contract.
Working toward a 100% renewable electricity supply is part of our strategy. I will advocate for us to follow through on this commitment.
With the cost of renewable energy coming down and fossil fuels conversely becoming more expensive I expect we can see this occur in the not-too-distant future.
This however may need to be a whole of local government initiative.
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Converting our vehicle fleet, both light and heavy, with electric vehicles.
Converting our vehicle fleet to electric is another initiative that has been included in our climate change and energy strategy. Once again, it needs a commitment to pursue, and I undertake to advocate for it to occur. In an orderly and fiscally responsible way of course.
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Completing the installation of solar to ALL council buildings, including the adoption of batteries.
This program started in my 1st term on Council. It has not proceeded at a pace I would like, however, as other initiatives have been seized upon.
We need to pick up the pace and complete the program. I will encourage this.
The time is fast approaching too when we should contemplate the use of battery storage of the energy we collect.
There will be many other pragmatic climate change solutions/initiatives that will become apparent as time marches on. Many of these will be initiatives you have contemplated. I will be more than happy to hear from you on these initiatives and to pass them on for further investigation on the part of Council.
This article was written & authorised by Don Palmer. 19 Kelvin Avenue, Clarence Park.