Climate change expenditure supported

CLIMATE change work which could cost the Dunedin City Council more than $831,000 was supported by councillors yesterday.

The findings of the Climate 2030 Rapid Review were discussed by councillors yesterday, and included a proposed addition of six fulltime positions as part of the council’s carbon neutral work programme.

Council chief executive Sandy Graham said the aspirations of the council concerning zero carbon work had to have more staff in order to progress.

Cr David BensonPope said extra staffing would mean fewer excuses for not achieving realistic goals and doing nothing would be more catastrophic.

Mayor Aaron Hawkins said climate action required investment alongside behaviour change.

All councillors except Cr Lee Vandervis voted to note the findings of the report.