ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE KIWI’S VISIT KIAMA

New Zealand parliamentarian committee chairman Steve Chadwick with Clr Sandra McCarthy.

A VISITING New Zealand parliamentarian committee criticised the federal governments commitment to finding a solution to help slow the effects of climate change while in Jamberoo last week.

After spending three days in Canberra canvassing ideas with federal Ministers the seven member environmental and local government committee met with several Kiama councils staff and councillors at Jamberoo Bowling Club last Thursday to discuss issues applicable to both countries including energy efficiency, climate change as well as water and sewerage management issues.

I think we are definitely way ahead of the Australian federal government when it comes to climate change and many similar issues to do with the environment, Committee Chair Steve Chadwick said.

For one thing we are proud to be signatories to the Kyoto agreement which your government is obviously not.

We are a country which definitely believes the threat of global warming is real and we are taking it very seriously.

We just had icebergs floating past our doorstop so part of the reason for this trip is to find out what more we can do about sustainability and water conservation in order to slow down the effects.

Obviously there are always going to be areas where we are in front or behind with your government however I do think we are right at the forefront when it comes to the environment.

Helen Clarke (New Zealand Prime Minister) has cast the environment as a very serious issue and treats it accordingly.

Despite being critical of the federal governments role in reversing the effects of global warming Mrs Chadwick said she was delighted to witness the positive work being carried out by Kiama Council.

After hearing positive reviews of councils innovative sewerage system while at home in New Zealand Mrs Chadwick said it had become a must see on the committees trip to Australia.

It is definitely not sexy but I felt it really takes the pressure off the environment as it is a really friendly system and I feel it is an issue we should definitely be exploring back home, she said.

Kiama Council is doing a fantastic job in leading the way for other local governments when it comes to the environment it is fantastic to see.

Council can often say we are just here to look after the roads and building but through Kiamas healthy cities plan they are really putting the well being of the environment at the forefront of what they do.

I believe they are setting a fantastic example of what local governments can do to help the environment.