Tackle climate change

With more than five per cent of NSW and close to 1 000 000 ha of Victoria burnt, with the loss of many lives, destruction of the natural environment, property and stock, we now realise what we will have to confront in the future if we don’t act now.

While not experiencing first-hand the dreadful force of wildfire I empathise with the tens of thousands of Australians dealing with such a terrifying event. It is of utmost importance we do everything required to bring the fires under control and ensure everyone is safe as soon as possible.

The links between drought, increased temperatures, wildfire and climate change are indisputable.

It is now time for an all-ofgovernment approach at federal level so we are in a position to act with extreme urgency to combat climate change impacts.

In the past 10 years we have done very little to reduce our CO2 emissions, let alone take advantage of the opportunities that abound in the low-carbon economy. Our lack of direction at federal level over this period is inexcusable.

It is possible with an all-ofgovernment approach that by the end of March we could have agreed climate change and energy policies in place and have established a national bushfire management plan. Some would consider this impossible; however, the government is in a good position to meet this target, as these issues have been discussed to death by five prime ministers over the past 10 years.

The task is not insurmountable. It is time for our federal politicians to put aside party politics and provide the leadership we so desperately need.

Letter fromTatura’s Terry Court in The Shepparton News - “Tackle climate change.”