Most misunderstand the realities of how much climate change will cost

The National Party’s Bill Sykes, the Member for Benalla, claims, on his website, that “Benalla is leading the way in adaptation and sustainability in Victoria”.

Sustainability and cash
are intertwined.

That is an interesting claim for just a few days ago a member of the Benalla Sustainable Future Group, Ian Herbet, disputed that observation in a note he sent to Ross Musolino at Tatura Transitions.

Ian’s note to Ross is published here in full:

 At a 'Benalla Rural City Climate Change Adaption Plan Launch' last Friday (July 26), Bill Sykes MP opened proceedings with a statement that, "The amount we spend on climate change prevention measures should not exceed (or should only be in proportion to), the amount it is costing us".

The Benalla Ensign was there.  Perhaps they will report his statement, but probably not.

He also was pleased that the banner said 'Climate Change' and not 'Global Warming' because he is still apparently of the view that it is all cyclical.  The politicians, including Bill, still think that the brown coal in the Latrobe Valley is an assett, to be exploited.  He and I have agreed to strongly differ on this point - I consider it a liability, on the debit side of the equation.

A contingent from the Benalla Sustainable Future Group will be meeting with Bill in August.  I won't be there as I have already expressed my views and another person's attendance might be better to prompt new discussion.

Regards,
Ian Herbert