It's time to speak out - call for climate conversation

Shepparton climate action campaigners have called on business, industry and community leaders to speak out and start conversations on the issue of tackling climate change in the district.

Terry Court (left) and
 John Pettigrew.

Veteran environmental crusaders John Pettigrew, Rob McLean and Terry Court have written to politicians, chief executives, school principals and senior managers around the Goulburn Valley calling on them to support and encourage staff and employees to speak out on responses to climate change.‘‘We want to convince our leaders in the community to take a more proactive role on this issue — to speak out professionally and personally on the need to focus on climate change,’’ Mr Court said.

He said 30 letters had been sent to the leaders of organisations such as Goulburn Valley Water and Goulburn-Murray Water, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE, dairy companies, the Chamber of Commerce and private industry to ask for support.

Mr Court said the response had been positive so far.

‘‘We have already had a remarkable response from our leaders.’’

He said many organisations around the area were already implementing changes to address the climate change issue.

‘‘But this is no longer enough. Public silence on the issue by our leaders is no longer acceptable if we are to focus on regional responses,’’ Mr Court said.

‘‘In order to accelerate our efforts and effectiveness we ask that you extend your personal commitment openly to empower your staff and the community to take action,’’ the letter states.

The letter campaign comes nearly a month after they called on Greater Shepparton City Council to declare a climate emergency. Mr McLean has said they are yet to receive a response from the council.

Mr Court said the letter to leaders was not asking them to declare a climate emergency.

Story from The Shepparton News.