Ian Braybrook, Castlemaine

I have no doubt that we are experiencing climate change. I accept the advice of the numerous scientists who tell us it is happening. I am also unhappy with the lack of action and denial on this from our federal government. And yet I wonder at the Mount Alexander Shire Council’s decision to declare a climate emergency. 
Cr Machin says there will be net zero emissions from council operations by 2025. What exactly does it mean? What does it entail? Is it no use of motor vehicles or power tools? No street lighting? No air-conditioned shire offices? Shall council generate its own electricity? If so by what means?
And what is shire residents role in this? Are we to follow suit by adopting those sacrifices above? If so, we can contribute additionally and considerably by giving up our overseas trips in fuel guzzling aircraft, a major contributor of emissions? That alone will be an excellent way of supporting the shire effort. 
Cr Nieman says he saw no evidence of collusion between the speakers at the forum. Is he kidding? Does he truly believe that there was no contact between any of them, either in person or electronically, in preparation for the event?
Meantime councillors, get busy. The clock is ticking. 

Hans Paas, Castlemaine

Congratulations are in order for ‘Council declares climate emergency’ (Mail 20/12). As for Cr Petrusma’s worries about ” legal liability and financial implications” he may be relieved to know that this declaration will help our council in the event that its insurers seek to walk away from the various policies which indemnify claimants on those occasions that it is found to have done the wrong thing. This is prudent risk management. 
Now that the big insurance underwriters around the world are issuing dire warnings about the consequences of climate change on lives and property our council will have signalled that it is committed to best practice. We just need them to step up to the plate when it comes to banning the dangerous poison glyphosate, before our ratepayers are hit with the “legal liability and financial implications” that so
concern Cr Petrusma.