Patrick Wake (11), Oliver Cook (11), Alex Wake (13), Niamh Keelan-Wake (9), Jac Keelan-Wake, David Wake, Karyn Shaw and Mel Cooke from Quinns Rocks Environmental Group. Photo: Martin Kennealey
Camera IconPatrick Wake (11), Oliver Cook (11), Alex Wake (13), Niamh Keelan-Wake (9), Jac Keelan-Wake, David Wake, Karyn Shaw and Mel Cooke from Quinns Rocks Environmental Group. Photo: Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

QREG puts up motions on fossil fuel investments, caravan park and burn-offs at Wanneroo electors AGM

Lucy JarvisNorth Coast Times

ENVIRONMENTALISTS put forward motions to end investments supporting fossil fuels and redevelop the Quinns Rocks Caravan Park site for public use at the City of Wanneroo electors AGM this month.

David Wake, of Quinns Rocks Environmental Group, successfully put forward several motions at the December 3 meeting, including one asking the City to review its investment policy.

Mr Wake asked that the City align investments with its goal of action on climate change.

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“Specifically, we call on the City to end investments supporting fossil fuel extraction and production that threatens climate stability,” he said.

The motion, seconded by Butler resident Martin Dickie, asked the City to instead support investments for a more sustainable future, such as energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Mr Wake said he raised it at the 2016 electors AGM, and about 14 other local governments had adopted policies to not invest in financial institutions that invested in fossil fuels.

“This seems to me to be one of the strongest ways to send a message to big companies on what the community thinks of carbon emissions,” Mr Dickie said.

Mr Wake also put forward a motion that the City consider public use options for the caravan park redevelopment rather than a commercial development.

Alex Wake (13), Oliver Cook (11), Patrick Wake (11), Niamh Keelan-Wake (9). Photo: Martin Kennealey
Camera IconAlex Wake (13), Oliver Cook (11), Patrick Wake (11), Niamh Keelan-Wake (9). Photo: Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“People think the bushland is important and should be retained,” he said.

The Quinns Rocks resident suggested options such as picnic and play areas and extra parking within the existing cleared footprint.

MORE: Resident concerned about lack of progress at caravan park

Another of his motions asked the City to review prescribed burning plans for 20 bushland reserves.

Mr Wake said there was a potential ecological impact from burning and asked the City to consider alternatives, including weed management, community surveillance and rapid fire suppression.

He said it could lead to the loss of local fauna, particularly in relatively small areas such as Gumblossom Park.

Mr Dickie successfully moved a request that the council adopt measures to continue those in its Energy Action Plan 2007-12.

His motion asked the City to both report on and advocate for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across corporate and community areas.

Gnangara resident Chris Webb also successfully moved that the City make an annual payment to the WA Ratepayers and Residents Association for it to be part of the WA Local Government Association.

The City’s administration will prepare reports on all the motions presented at the AGM for the council to consider at its first meeting in 2019, on February 5.

MORE: Bulk waste, climate change on agenda at Joondalup AGM