Kelvin Goldstone’s responses to Questions on Climate Change

In this post we invited all the candidates in Gawler and surrounding councils to answer the 4 questions we formulated with respect to what their knowledge and stance is on climate change.

Here’s the response we received from Kelvin Goldstone:

Question 1: What relevance do you see climate change issues having for Gawler Council over the next 4 years?

a) Not relevant

b) A bit relevant

c) An issue which council deals with among many issues

d) One of the more important issues for Council

e) An issue which should be at the centre of Council planning

Categorisation of the importance of climate change issues for Gawler Council and local government in general by simply answering a,b,c,d,e etc is perhaps not something I feel really comfortable with however If pushed my answer would be a mixture of c,d & e. It is an issue that local government deals with amongst many issues (both statutory and non statutory), it is an important issue and it is an issue to be referred to within Council’s planning processes. In short all Council’s including Gawler can do more and place greater emphasis/importance on climate change issues.

Question 2: What actions are you aware of where Gawler Council is currently taking action related to climate change?

I’m not privy to or completely up to speed on the finer details of the extent of actions being undertaken by Council, however it is an area I will pursue further if elected.

Question 3: What actions do you think Gawler Council should be undertaking in the next 4 years related to climate change?

A greater emphasis on climate change adaption/mitigation within planning and development policy.

 A greater emphasis on sustainable development strategies/actions including such things as water sensitive design, stormwater catchment/reuse initiatives, open space planning design/development, green islands/water gardens and other similar initiatives in new land division developments etc.

Question 4: What actions do you think Gawler Council should be undertaking with the broader Gawler community related to climate change?

Regional partnerships, including those with adjoining Councils should be encouraged. Climate change adaptation/mitigation strategies/programmes developed on a regional basis will perhaps provide better outcomes and result in an increased focus on the range of climate change issues.

In addition to the above I would mention there obviously needs to be a strong recognition and commitment by all spheres of government to issues of climate change for the best outcomes.

I trust the above addresses the questions asked, feel free to contact me for clarification or any additional information/comment.

Regards

Kelvin Goldstone

Candidate for Gawler Council.

Click here to see the list of those candidates who have responded