Council backs children's strike for climate change

Augusta Margaret River Councillors have declared their support for local community participation in the children-led Global Climate Strike taking place on Friday 20 September 2019.

Young people from Margaret River will join thousands in Australia and around the world in a coordinated protest for urgent action on climate change.

The Margaret River rally will be held at 11am at Reuther Park where carers and parents will support children who decide to participate in the strike.

Shire President Pam Townshend expressed her strong support for young people to participate.

“The strike will involve people all around Australia and the world – people who want change and are frustrated by the lack of action from world leaders, including our own Federal Government.”

The strike coincides with the United Nations Emergency Climate Summit on 23 September in New York and is calling on leaders attending the Summit to act urgently and decisively to lower global greenhouse emissions.

Cr Townshend said protests, strikes and marches were a legitimate and democratic right of citizens to help bring about change.

“The coal mine in Margaret River was stopped by locals protesting loudly, as were the protests that brought about the right for women to vote and the ending of the Vietnam War.”

“This issue is urgent and vitally important for our children’s futures and I sincerely hope that world leaders listen to our voices and get on with the job of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

Shire of Augusta Margaret River CEO, Stephanie Addison-Brown said Shire employees could access paid or unpaid leave if they wish to take time off to attend the strike in accordance with Shire policies and procedures.