It’s now time for all parties in government to sit down together and tackle the issue in a bipartisan and meaningful manner.

For meaningful bipartisan climate action to occur, there must be a consensus that human induced climate change is real, and that its effects will increase and will cause serious harm to the planet unless we do something effective about it. 

There must be a belief that the central purpose of government on the issue of climate change is to make decisions on behalf of the common good. Climate policy planning should not be influenced by sectional interests or agendas. 

The Climate Change Authority should be given reserve bank status and be appropriately staffed with scientific, economic and business expertise to advise and direct carbon reduction action.

There should be due recognition of Australia’s clean energy movement and the economic potential in represents. 

We are currently experiencing a large increase in the installation of private rooftop solar systems. 

We are also witnessing the emergence of large scale wind and solar installations with the future capability of coal fired power. 

Also appearing in the energy mix are community based energy co-operatives, such as Central West Renewable Energy Co-operative, the aim of which is to promote the installation of community owned renewable energy development. 

The clean energy movement will continue regardless, but it is important that any government policy on energy should not operate as an obstacle, as it represents an economically viable way to reduce our carbon emissions.

A bipartisan group would need to consider what the experts agree on what makes good policy on climate change. 

This includes a realistic emissions reduction target for each decade, till carbon emissions are eliminated, before irreversible tipping points are passed. 

We also need the retention of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation which is operating at a profit and price on carbon high enough to encourage change away from carbon emitting processes. In addition, there needs to be a carbon trading market in which business can develop emission reduction schemes at least cost to the community.

Representatives from major economies are demanding we do our bit in contributing to the reduction of emissions. The consequences of inaction will be a much harder and more expensive task for each year of deferral.

ONE of the positive aspects of the proposed federal government’s direct action policy is its focus on habitat restoration, which includes a tree planting program. 

We all know trees are vital to the survival of the environment because of their ability to store carbon and their contribution to wildlife habitat and biodiversity. 

Trees and associated plants also provide wildlife corridors, making adaptive movement of native species possible. 

As members of the Orange community we are invited to participate in National Tree Day, through becoming involved in a council sponsored community planting day along the path beside Blackmans Swamp Creek between McLachlan Street and Spring Street, on Sunday commencing at 10am. There will be a free barbecue lunch at 1pm. National Tree Day is your chance to do something practical to help your environment. See you there.