Diane Fraser’s responses to Questions on Climate Change

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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 Diane Fraser:

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

I would say c, d & e.

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

Council now has an Environmental Officer.

Received a Grant for “Gawler Green”, which has enabled them to have new heating installed at the Aquatic Centre & to improve energy & efficiency in key Council Buildings & Community facilities.

Working in partnership with The National Resource Board to address the erosion issues of the South Para, North Para & Gawler River.

A computerized watering system for our ovals & parks, so we are not watering during or after rain.

Extending the walking & cycling paths connecting the town and parks, which hopefully will encourage people to leave their cars at home.

I personally was very excited when the Gawler Water Reuse scheme was announced and then very disappointed when the funding was lost.

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

Sourcing more grants for Solar Panels and hopefully the reinstatement of the Water Reuse Scheme.

I would like to see planning changes, so new homes must have at least a 5000 litre rainwater tank. (I realize that is a big ask.)

I would like to see shade over more of our playgrounds. (safety prevention, because of climate change.)

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

Working with the Government, both State & Federal and the Community to educate residents about climate change. (It should not have to be all up to Local Government.)

Encouraging the Community to engage in more projects like the “Gawler Garden & Produce Share.”

Encourage more initiatives like the Gawler Community House and their Solar Panels (which was a partnership between Transition Gawler, Corena and the Gawler Community House.

There are endless things that could happen, but once again I say that it should not be all up to the Council.

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