Groups Rally in Support of Sustainability Panel’s Recommendations

It’s about sustaining life on Earth - and what could be more sensible that that?

This was the cry of over 40 people who gathered at The Greenspace on Monday evening to hear from the Hamilton City Council appointed Sustainability Advisory Panel. Panelists Jeannette Fitzsimons, Dr Wayne Cartwright and Annie Perkins described their recommendations to Hamilton City Council regarding sustainability.

Coordinated by the Waikato Environment Centre, the event was intended to inform people about the panel’s report and to coordinate support for the implementation of the panel’s recommendations.

“The panel has generously given their time to provide a visionary approach for achieving a thriving future for the city that all people will ultimately benefit from” says Anna Casey-Cox, Waikato Environment Centre Project Coordinator.

Mayor Julie Hardaker recently signed the Local Government Declaration on Climate Change indicating a commitment to sustainability, but sustainability advocates say that an action plan is needed.

“Signing declarations is one thing. Positive action is another. One of the immediate things that Hamilton City Council could do to signal its commitment to environmental sustainability, and the mitigation of climate change, would be keep the land adjacent to Waiwhakareke Reserve as a public asset for future generations” says Professor Bruce Clarkson, University of Waikato and Chair of Waiwhakareke Advisory Group.

“We tend to value things as they are rather that for what they can be restored to. Sustainability is about securing the future for generations to come” he says.

Following Tuesday’s meeting, a working group has been established. The working group will focus on raising awareness of the Sustainability Panel’s recommendations and developing opportunities for the community to be involved in advocating to Hamilton City Council for a more comprehensive approach to sustainability.

People interested in supporting Hamilton City Council's commitment to sustainability are invited to attend the debate related to the sale of land adjacent to Waiwhakareke Reserve, Thursday 18th of February, 1.30pm at Hamilton City Council Finance Committee Meeting.

ENDS

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