Posts from the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Other Candidates general responses to Questions on Climate Change

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

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

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

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

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

While most candidates who responded, did so specifically addressing each of the following 4 Questions we listed, there were a few who gave us a rather general response, while we wont say they “avoided answering the questions we asked” they certainly didn’t answer them directly. All of these candidates were invited to provide additional information to specifically address each of the questions we asked. We are still awaiting their responses directly answering our questions.

Here is what we have received to date:

James (Jim) Buckoke:

Regarding your Email questions it is My opinion that We need to considerably lower our Carbon Footprint. I also feel that the Town of Gawler should lead by example.

There are many things that We as a Council could do, some passive but more that are ambitious and in My mind can be revenue neutral or even positively geared with profits going to other similar projects.

I hope this satisfies you questions. Regards   Jim Buckoke

…………………………………………………………………

John Bolton (Via the Transition Gawler Facebook page):

John Bolton: I am a deep green. That is to say every aspect of human living behaviour affects our earth. I decline to tick boxes which tend to trivialise the importance of the issues. I do not support “greenwashing” or politicising of basic needs. As Human animals we need clean air, clean food and clean water. There is no price which will buy these things from me and they are things which I consider in every decision that I make.. John Bolton

Transition Gawler: Thanks for your comments John. I sincerely hope the questions did not trivialise issues. They were designed to understand how seriously candidates take environmental issues and in particular climate change. One of the challenges for our political leaders is if they can recognise the gravity of our current situation. We hoped these question would enable those candidates with a deeper awareness of these issues to demonstrate their concern and interest. It is too easy for motherhood statements to give the impression of concern. In particular the use of generalised statements serve no function in helping voters understand the likely approach and actions of council candidates.
Kind Regards
Kathryn Warhurst
Chair
Transition Gawler

John Bolton: What is little known about me is that I built the first earth dwellings in this area. From the ground with my own bare hands. My family, my children, ate only the protein that we produced and we grew much of our own vegetables. I lectured a TAFE in earth construction and follow/ed the philosophy of animal rightsist Peter Singer. People see me now as a Barrister and Solicitor as though that is all that I am. If you choose to research into what I do for deep green, for women’s and children’s and aboriginal rights you could discern that from my web page http://www.gawlermayor.com . This is not a recent invention for campaign purposes but is part of who I have been for Forty years.. John Bolton

John Bolton: I hope to see my primary comment and my secondary comment published on your site. I agree lip service is of no value. It needs to be an underlying understanding of the issues. I have milked, by hand, many a goat, to provide milk for the mothers of children with cow’s milk intolerance. I have not enjoyed killing my stock to feed my children, but felt I needed to go through that to value the meat. My own blood, quite literally, is in the buildings that I have built from the earth. This could not be my primary platform for Mayor as people would see this as too earth oriented.
Make haste slowly. John Bolton

…………………………………………………………………

Peter Graham

“i could respond with all the motherhood statements and answers that you are looking for, however that would be defeating the purpose of your survey

i certainly do consider climate change and other environmental issues are of significant importance when evaluating development and any other issues.. i surprised many when i supported the retention of the big river red gum tree…. a town centre icon

i have indicated all through my campaign that I’m available to call in and see at my workplace…however this week from tuesday night i will be away

it seems surprising that none of your group have dropped in to see me..although they may well have

i look forward to working with you all in the near future

regards pete graham”

…………………………………………………………………

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

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

Martin Bailey’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 Martin Bailey:

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

At a local level all councils must contribute to minimise negative effects if this is possible. However, I see climate change as a much broader issue on an international scale ,national scale and state level. I believe councils cannot take on every issue, however, are able to contribute in a consistent manner with limited funds and wherever possible implement positive actions or don’t do things that contribute in a negative sense to climate change.

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

Solar energy initiatives which some sporting bodies who lease council property took advantage of the benefits. Limited revegetation works. The 2014 plan does mention climate change as a challenge.

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

Ensuring rate payers money is not spent when other service providers at other government levels who have well paid staff to assist with the issues across the state. The basics such as ensuring all council facilities are power and water efficient. Improve recycling and waste management ,encourage rate payers to install energy efficient products including rain water tanks by considering approaches to wholesalers to provide very good discounts to Gawler ratepayers. Storm water usage for recycling to parks and gardens. Further planning. Making sure sprinkler systems when installed don’t come on when already raining. An endless list , requires a workshop for all interested community members to brain storm and then a subsequent workshop to assist with what can be done. Coordinate the level of government service required for the outcomes of a plan to be achieved to ensure funding expenditure is not duplicated

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

Encourage rate payers and home occupiers to look after and vegetate verges appropriately which may require education, guidelines and rewards. Council should take more care of verges by planting indigenous native vegetation that has limited need for watering. The broader community is not  only Gawler , effective sharing with all councils and levels of government is required to share knowledge .Entrepreneurial skill is required to encourage and reward large private sector agencies to provide sponsorship to develop areas that should be environmentally friendly.

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

Karen Redman’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 Karen Redman (Mayoral Candidate):

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 D. There is no doubt that there is a lack of understanding and hence ambivalence about climate change and its impacts. Most people have not heard the considered arguments of some of the smartest scientific minds in the world. This is very similar to the evidence on the dangers of asbestos yet we are only just beginning to listen to this knowledge and take some action. In Gawler with our flood issues there is some way to go to mitigate this risk. A good start has been the recent work on the Gawler river flood prone areas.

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

Gawler Going green is a project to improve energy efficiency in key council buildings and community facilities.

Water conservation. Conservative improvements have been made to usage over the last few years although practices and utilising available evidence to guide efficiencies could be investigated further. Stormwater management is a key piece of work about to commence as a collaborative effort between neighbouring councils.

Our heavy reliance on cars (me included) due to most paid work being outside of the area and limited effective public transport alternatives ie no express trains before 7 am, impacts negatively on our lifestyle and health in general. Strategies to get people out of cars such as partnerships with schools to develop tangible school pick up and drop off public transport options are needed and not just poorly funded ideas that don’t really have a chance to work. People won’t change their habits if it is time consuming and not viable for them.

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

Incorporate sustainability principles into strategic documents, translate this into practices not unlike the child and youth friendly work. Promote cycling as a way of getting from a to b rather than a recreational activity. More cycling paths that are safe and separate from cars. Lower speed limits around town. Promote the town as family friendly, cycle and pedestrian friendly and encourage motorists to take care through good signage perhaps. More funding for decent footpaths that are suitable for people with disabilities. Gawler is a very walkable town

Lobbying for Gawler to be self sufficient through local job opportunities and associated infrastructure such as NBN is crucial as we grow. We need to start questioning why we accept the commute out of our community.

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

Changing people’s habits is about a range of strategies and is not easy to achieve. It needs to be a collective response and in partnership with community groups and others. I think people are wanting to be more healthy and contribute but it’s easier to take the car, it’s easier to put the clothes in the dryer. A commitment to footpaths and continue the bus shelter installation program; promote public transport. Education through fun activities and a consistent response of council ie stay on message and help the community engage on why it’s possible to contribute to action on climate change through local activities like ‘take the bus today’ that could be fun. Saving money is a great motivator and using evidence ie how much you would save by reducing your car usage by 1 %. Building community capacity through these activities is another advantage.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the questionnaire

Karen Redman
Mayoral Candidate
Town of Gawler

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

Paul Koch’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 Paul Koch:

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

For me a mixture of d and e. There is a range of competing issues that Council needs to address and climate change is an important element in almost all of them. So Council needs to consider climate change as affecting hard infrastructure as well as social infrastructure.

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

As an elected member for the last 4 years I originally saw reluctance by Council administration to take climate change as a top agenda issue. There has been a charge in administration and I believe a more genuine approach to tackling the issues. Apart from the moral imperative to take action there is an understanding that there is a long term financial benefit.

So there have been some interesting initiatives, For example the project Gawler Going Green. This is a program that looks at adopting more energy efficient appliances etc to not only to save energy but also costs long term. There will also be an education program that will be rolled out soon.

Council is purchasing more energy efficient vehicles in their fleet. Also there is a submission in for bicycles that can be used by staff to travel between council sites.

A major upgrading to the pool is almost competed to improve the efficiency of the heating unit. This will save a lot of fuel and money.

There is a realisation that cycling and walking is a clever way for people to move around, so some work is happening on that front. The rivers path is one example but more is in train.

Another is one I pushed for, the linking of the Jack Bobridge pathway to Clonlea, passing by the two schools in Gawler East. This route matches in with the existing Way to Go program. This will hopefully, encourage more students to ride to school and change the behaviour of motorists in the surrounding neighbourhood. The more friendlier we can make it for bikes and walkers the better.

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

There needs to be a realisation of the effects of climate change. In particular we need to factor in the effects on flooding. At the moment modelling not does necessarily take this in account. So the predicted large summer storms are not considered. This needs to happen.

Setting a CO2 reduction target and working towards it.

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

Being a leader in reducing the level of carbon emissions.

More education on the effects and possible adaptive strategies.

More sustainable horticultural practices , this goes right back to the concept and design phase.

More recycling. For example the uptake of soft plastics recycling which I was part of implementing as a pilot program in Gawler which came about through collaboration of a number of different organisations and groups. This will expand over the coming years, but needs support.

Overall encourage recycling of all materials away from landfill. The Garage Sale Trail was an example of an initiative that had a bigger message of taking material away from landfill.

Work closely with NAWMA on its initiatives to improve recycling and more sustainable practices.

Support electric car charging stations. I put up a proposal for a public charging station about two years ago. Unfortunately it was not supported by the other councillors so didn’t get a guernsey. The uptake of electric vehicles is increasing, so I’m part of a group at the Electric

Vehicle Association looking at regional charging networks incorporating Local Government and businesses to create regional solutions. These regions will then be able to link together to create greater coverage . In particular opening up regions for people with EV and tourism etc.

I believe our Council could be at the forefront of this initiative.

I would like Gawler to be an innovative town embracing change ( sustainability), leading from the front.

Overall there is a need to elect people that are vocal about environmental issues to put in the policies and then action that really make a change.

I’ve proven over that last 4 years on Council, I speak up for the environment. I walk the talk

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

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

David Hughes’ 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 David Hughes:

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

C or D depending on the issues impact

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

Council has taken the initiative and worked with some groups within Gawler and has been assisted with State and Australian Government funding.

• cycling and walking paths now working on linking the well-used paths to schools etc

• solar efficiency grants

• water saving measures

• recycling

• power usage measurements and working on high energy usage areas as identified

• energy efficient vehicles

• work within the North and South Para Rivers

• revegetation utilising local native species

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

Ensure Climate change undertakings

• is part of all Council plans, policies and practises where benefits can be made

• it is assessed and utilised by Council Staff as a value adding tool

• used to assist future proofing our assets and infrastructure

• is part of training for staff and groups for the benefit of our community

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

Council should be demonstrating good practises and working with groups in our community on climate change issues that can add value. It should be promoting its successes and failures and using measurements such as score cards as part of normal business reporting mechanisms. It will be open and transparent to enquiry on its climate practises.

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

Morgan Smith’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 Morgan Smith:

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

d) One of the more important issues for Council

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

Solar panels on some council properties, attention to environmental aspects of the Gawler rivers, conservation of old, large trees. cycle tracks, and recycling programs. There may be other initiatives that I am unaware.

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

Please see below.

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

Your group clearly has ideas on climate change management in our local council area. I would be interested in supporting your group’s views on council should I be elected. You have asked very important questions that should be of interest to us all. Thank you.

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

Adrian Shackley’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 Adrian Shackley:

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

d) or e) But implementing this will not be easy as history demonstrates.

I have been a councillor for 8 years and previously active in lobbying Council on environmental matters.  Gawler Council took some initiatives about 7 years ago.  Council finally employed an environment officer after years of lobbying, joined ICLEI and started work on an environmental management plan for Council.  All of these initiatives stopped when the environment officer resigned after about a year.  Council administration effectively blocked further action and the Council itself failed to insist on continuing action.

With the new Council 4 years ago, Council again resolved to allocate money for an environment officer.  This was manipulated by Council administration so that the job was split with one person allocated half time to sustainability matters and another allocated half time as a technical officer. This was under the responsibility of the then Director of Planning and Infrastructure who demonstrated a very negative attitude to environmental issues and community involvement in environmental projects with Gawler Council.

The sustainability officer was doing some effective work on emissions and resource data baselines, grants for solar installation and the like but clearly found the job difficult for a number of reasons and left for another job in 2013.  The technical officer has had some involvement with tree management, river re-vegetation projects and cycle planning but I can’t think of significant outcomes in these areas beyond what Council was previously doing. Not a good picture overall over several years.

The advent of a new CEO in 2013 has seen a significant improvement.  There have been many other priorities to sort and climate change and sustainability have been fighting for significance.  However, the said Director of Planning and Infrastructure had his position made redundant early on and a new officer with sustainability responsibility has been appointed in the last few weeks.  There is reason to be optimistic that the Council administration will be moving positively.

The position of Council overall after the election will depend to on who is elected.

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

Council has been active in some resource saving initiatives including major investment in cycling and walking (including footpaths), making fuel efficiency a priority for Council vehicles, some solar energy initiatives, efficient air conditioning, more efficient water usage on grounds, water saving toilets, involvement with NAWMA on better recycling initiatives, monitoring power usage (especially street lighting and working on more energy efficient lighting) and some revegetation work which assists with carbon storage.

But Council has a fair way to go to have climate change issues front and centre in driving work throughout Council activities – eg in planning and development, works operations, setting air-conditioning temperatures to reduce power use and the like.

The new 2014 Gawler Community Plan recognises climate change as a significant challenge for Council but it remains to be seen how this is prioritised.

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

Finishing an environment management plan for Council operations, building understanding in the Council workforce about the issues, putting auditing mechanisms in place and implementing targets for more efficient resource use.

Re-joining ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability.

Having a Council transport and traffic plan which is focussed on saving energy (this is to be finalised in the next year).

Ensuring that Council has the staff expertise to carry out these activities.

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

Council has a major role in using its activities to demonstrate good practice related to climate change issues. By explaining to the community how Council itself is tackling the issues this will raise awareness and enthusiasm in the community.

Recycling initiatives through NAWMA (of which Gawler is a part owner) are a valuable way of involving the community. Reducing waste to landfill is a major issue which the community can be involved in.

Promoting walking and cycling much more to reduce car use. Gawler is pretty high up on car use stats. Involving schools in strategies related to transport to schools is important.

A more effective street tree policy to ensure that shade is increased and involving the community in looking after street trees and management of road verges.

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