Round 2 set to flare on climate walkout

A MOTION that sparked a controversial Hobart City Council walkout will be considered by the city planning committee tonight.

Councillor Bill Harvey’s attempts to have council declare a climate and biodiversity emergency have continued to generate discussion since it was proposed last month.

One alderman posted to Facebook over the weekend that it “undermine[d] the huge achievements and ongoing commitment to the environment” by Tasmania’s leaders and community.

Cr Harvey’s motion says the council “can demonstrate its commitment [to addressing climate change] by advocating strongly for national action and leadership”.

General manager Nick Heath advised the planning committee in the agenda the matter was considered to be within the council’s jurisdiction and related to the City of Hobart’s Corporate Climate Change Adaptation Policy.

A council source said they were unsure whether the motion would succeed or not.

When the motion was first brought before council on May 19 three aldermen — Jeff Briscoe, Damon Thomas and Simon Behrakis — walked out on the meeting to force suspension of debate and prevent a vote, with a quorum no longer reached.