NSW needs stronger climate focused planning and environment laws

Davidson can do better on the Climate Emergency

The devastating impacts of climate change are intensifying across the world with catastrophic floods, droughts, bushfires, landslides, cyclones and other extreme weather events.   Global warming is predicted to exceed the 1.5 degree limit that was agreed in the Paris Agreement. 

Searing summer heat waves or ongoing floods are now the norm.  'Extreme' fire days are projected to increase in the coming years.  This makes Davidson's bushland suburbs particularly vulnerable to catastrophic bushfire with many of its suburbs accessed by only one-road.  

We need to THINK globally and ACT locally to ensure we rapidly decarbonise by investing in cheaper and cleaner renewable energy. 

According to the 2018 Bureau of Statistics suburbs in the Davidson electorate have one of the highest uptakes of electric cars in the nation.  

We need to stop opening up new coal and gas fields.  We are being warned over and over again that we are on the precipice of runaway climate catastrophe.  

In February 2021 Janine Kitson screened Kathy Drayton’s documentary ‘The Weather Diaries’ which highlights a mother’s grief knowing that her daughter cannot survive on a planet that keeps getting hotter.  Following the screening Ian Dunlop, renowned climate authority, spoke with direct honesty, saying "we are running out of time" and that we need to reach net zero emissions before 2030 if we are to escape environmental and societal collapse on a global scale.

The disruption that we are living through with the pandemic will be nothing compared to the disruption caused by climate change.  There will be days when it will be simply too dangerous to leave our homes with scorching heatwaves or other extreme weather events such as wild storms.   

Davidson needs to ensure that NSW makes genuine commitment to taking action on climate change.

If we can take action, based on expert scientific advice, for the COVID health crisis - we can do it for climate crisis. 

Davidson can be a renewable energy leader

  • Davidson needs an on the ground MP who can speed up the 'electrification of Davidson' eg: the installation of more electric chargers (Davidson has one of the highest uptakes of electric cars according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ 2018 motor vehicle census); installation of more household solar, batteries and generators that prolong renewable energy from intermittent sources like wind and solar; and promote energy efficiency.
  • Collaborate and strengthen the NSW Government's 10-year plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050 through renewable energy zones.
  • Collaborate and strengthen Bradfield's local government initiatives to reduce greenhouse emissions:
  • Ku-ring-gai Council receives approximately 30% of its electricity needs from Moree Solar Farm under a retail contract with Origin Energy; is upgrading its street lighting through Ausgrid’s LED lights that is expected to lower annual electricity consumption by approximately 989 MWh/year; and is currently consulting with its community on how to achieve zero greenhouse emissions by the year 2040.
    Northern Beaches Council is embracing renewable energy but with the support of an Independent MP can do more.
    The Northern Beaches Council has set an ambitious target of “50% of suitable premises with solar panels installed by 2030”. This target will not only dramatically reduce emissions, but also has the potential to reduce residents' energy bills too.  In fact, Northern Beaches households are now collectively saving almost $11 million per year. A household with a 10kW solar system could save more than $1650 per year on their energy bill (APVI, 2021).  

Davidson can do better on Biodiversity

Like everywhere in NSW, Davidson's rare biodiversity is under threat. 

We need a healthy and resilient natural environment and stable climate if we are to sustain our health and wellbeing. 

The NSW electorate of Davidson, which includes the bushland suburbs of Gordon to Roseville to Frenches Forest to Davidson to Belrose to St Ives and North Turramurra is one of Sydney’s most biodiverse urban areas. Many argue that Davidson's natural environment is of national significance.  Some argue that there are parts that should be World Heritage Listed.  Davidson contains extraordinarily environmentally sensitive areas with many threatened ecological communities, including Blue Gum High Forest, Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest and Duffys Forest.

Davidson's grand Blue Gum forests, and many of its other unique ecological communities face extinction from the cumulative history of overdevelopment, land clearing, pollution, weeds, pests, disease and the impacts of climate change.   Ku-ring-gai’s flying fox colony is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures as they simply cannot survive soaring heat waves. The pristine bushland known as 'Lizard Rock' in Belrose, designated for housing has outstanding natural values and must be preserved. 

There is an urgent need for the NSW Government to strengthen its environmental protection laws.   

There is hope.  Davidson's remnant forests and bushlands remain probably the best ‘carbon capture’ and 'air conditioning' there is.

Visit the project Renew Bradfield that begins the journey of turning Davidson into a renewable electorate. 

NSW needs urgent, strong and authentic action on the climate emergency.