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Global Climate Strike on 20 September 2019

Decision Maker: Council

Decision status: Recommendations Determined

Decisions:

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Miller –

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)          the commitments that the City of Sydney has made in the past to address Climate Change, including:

(a)        adopting a long term strategy for the City's approach to Climate Change in the 'Adapting for Climate Change Paper'; and

(b)        a declaration of the climate emergency at the last meeting of Council;

(ii)         that the City of Sydney has recognised the importance of action on climate change and has acted accordingly. The City of Sydney should continue to work for climate justice by working with community groups, local businesses, schools and other levels of government; and

(iii)        the importance of the forthcoming Student Climate Strike on 20 September 2019 in the fight for climate justice and that student strikers have called on workers across the world to join them. School Strikers 4 Climate (SS4C) have developed a Worker Participation Guide to assist those interested in participating in the strike;

(B)        Council endorse supporting the Global Climate Strike on 20 September 2019; and

(C)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to promote the Global Climate Strike through the City of Sydney's media and engagement platforms.

Amendment. Moved by Councillor Miller, seconded by the Chair (the Lord Mayor) –

(A)        Council note:

(i)          the commitments that the City of Sydney has made in the past to address Climate Change including:

(a)        adopting a long term strategy for the City's approach to Climate Change in the 'Adapting for Climate Change Paper'; and

(b)        a declaration of the climate emergency at the last meeting of Council;

(ii)         the City of Sydney has recognised the importance of action on climate change and has acted accordingly by:

(a)        becoming the first Australian Government to be certified Carbon Neutral in 2011;

(b)        setting ambitious, science based emissions reduction targets;

(c)         reducing emissions from City operations by 25 per cent since 2006;

(d)        installing 4,958 solar panels and retrofitting street lights to LEDs throughout the local government area;

(e)        committing to 100 per cent renewable electricity in 2020; and

(f)          successfully bidding to host the C40 Women for Climate conference in April 2020, bringing together leaders from across the world to exchange ideas and work together on climate change solutions;

(iii)        the City of Sydney should continue to work for climate justice by working with community groups, local businesses, schools and other levels of government;

(iv)       the importance of the forthcoming Student Climate Strike on 20 September 2019 in the fight for climate justice and that student strikers have called on workers across the world to join them. School Strikers 4 Climate (SS4C) have developed a Worker Participation Guide to assist those interested in participating in the strike; and

(v)         that the demands of the strikers are:

(a)        no new coal, oil and gas projects, including the Adani mine;

(b)        100 per cent renewable energy generation and exports by 2030; and

(c)         fund a just transition and job creation for all fossil-fuel industry workers;

(B)        Council endorse the Global Climate Strike on 20 September 2019 and Councillors attend where possible;

(C)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to promote the strike through the City of Sydney's media and engagement platforms; and

(D)       the Chief Executive Officer support staff who wish to attend the 20 September rally through access to flexible working arrangements and other forms of leave.

The amendment was carried on the following show of hands –

Ayes (7)          The Lord Mayor, Councillors Kok, Miller, Phelps, Scott, Scully and Thalis.

Noes (3)          Councillors Chung, Forster and Vithoulkas.

Amendment carried.

Amendment. Moved by Councillor Phelps, seconded by Councillor Chung –

That clause (C) be amended such that it read as follows -

(C)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to promote the lunchtime rally through the City of Sydney's media and engagement platforms.

The amendment was lost on the following show of hands –

Ayes (1)          Councillor Phelps

Noes (9)          The Lord Mayor, Councillors Chung, Forster, Kok, Miller, Scott, Scully, Thalis and Vithoulkas.

Amendment lost.

Variation. At the request of the Chair (the Lord Mayor), and by consent, the amended motion was varied such that clause (C) read as follows –

(C)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to inform the Sydney community about the strike through the City of Sydney's media and engagement platforms.

The substantive motion, as varied by consent, was carried on the following show of hands –

Ayes (7)          The Lord Mayor, Councillors Kok, Miller, Phelps, Scott, Scully and Thalis

Noes (3)          Councillors Chung, Forster and Vithoulkas.

Substantive motion carried.

S129266

Act of Disorder

During discussion on Item 12.8, the Chair (the Lord Mayor) ruled Councillor Vithoulkas out of order due to her frequent interruptions pursuant to clause 13.20 of the Code of Meeting Practice.

Report author: Erin Cashman

Publication date: 19/08/2019

Date of decision: 19/08/2019

Decided at meeting: 19/08/2019 - Council

Accompanying Documents: