Orange is a progressive city in many ways, but it's falling behind its neighbours in response to climate change.
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Last week, Wollongong City Council's declaration of a climate emergency brought the NSW councils recognising the threat global warming posed to the planet to 16.
It was 17, until Wagga Wagga City Council rescinded on its motion to join the government areas to make the declaration.
Orange had the chance to lead the charge when members of climate group, Futuring Orange, packed the council chambers to support Cr Stephen Nugent's motion to declare an emergency back in June.
But we couldn't even get as far as Wagga, a traditionally conservative region headed up by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.
Orange councillors voted down the motion with Mayor Reg Kidd saying council had been working to reduce Orange's carbon footprint for years.
So, why bother?
Cr Glenn Taylor said he wouldn't support the motion without knowing the full cost implications.
So, learn them.
An official declaration of climate emergency puts a government on a "wartime mobilisation" that places climate change at the centre of policy and planning decisions.
Yes, Orange has mining to consider, an industry which contributes significantly to the city's affluence and an industry most people don't want to upset through policy to protect the environment.
But even Cadia admit climate change is a problem, they even take some responsibility.
Newcrest has publicly recognised that climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today and that mining operations contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Sure, they are amping up their "energy intensive" gold and copper operations and "will continue to rely heavily on fossil fuels" for the near future.
But, 'we're already doing stuff' and 'yeah, but what'll it cost?' isn't part of their public statement, at least.
The cost of downplaying the emergency has been well documented, with economists predicting Australian households stands to loose about $14,000 annually through the impact of sea-level rise and drought-driven collapses in agricultural productivity.
Cr Kidd's: "It's unfair to say nothing's being done" in Orange is a cop out.
Council, and the rest of us, had the chance to lead - now it looks as if we'll trail behind.
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