City of Darebin: We’re in a state of emergency

PRESS RELEASE

Darebin City Council is taking a leadership role in climate change by hosting Australia’s first council-led Climate Emergency Conference.

To be held at Northcote Town Hall on 11 and 12 September 2018, Council has engaged the support of renowned international and Australian experts to discuss the climate emergency and to call on business and government to take urgent action.

Over two days, a series of plenary discussions will address scientific understandings, social dynamics, learnings from disaster management and corporate responsibility.

The free conference offers 18 presentations from climate and social experts, including Paul Gilding– author of the ‘The Great Disruption’, Jeremy Heimans, founder of GetUp!, and author of ‘New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World and How to Make it Work for You’and Kate Fitzgerald of Emergency Management Victoria.

The event follows the adoption by council of its Climate Emergency plan, a world first for local government. The plan focuses on mobilisation and leadership; energy efficiency; renewable energy and efficiency; zero emissions transport; consumption and waste minimisation; fossil fuel divestment and adaption and resilience and engaging the community and the creation of the Darebin Energy Foundation.

Darebin Mayor Cr Kim Le Cerfsaid the focus on climate emergency is not only an important issue to Councillors and community members but also addresses the Council’s social responsibilities.

“We recognise we are in a state of climate emergency. We need to reverse our environmental footprint to avoid dramatic impacts on our community. We see this as a problem for all levels of government and we’re proud to be the first council in Australia to lead the climate emergency discussion,” Mayor Le Cerf said.

“It’s about starting the conversation and mobilising a plan of action to reduce our impact, at both an institutional and individual level,” Mayor Le Cerf said.

Darebin Climate Emergency Conference will be held at Northcote Town Hall on 11 – 12 September. It is free to attend, however registration is required.

Conference Emergency Conference details:
When:  Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 September 2018 (all day)
Where:  Northcote Town Hall, 189 High Street, Northcote
Cost:  No cost, registration required
Registrations and more information about the program. 

Jeremy Heimans’ Presentation
Date:  Tuesday 11 September 2018, 6.30pm
Venue:  Northcote Town Hall, 189 High Street, Northcote
Cost:  No cost, registration required
Registrations and more information about Jeremy Heimans’ presentation.