In terms of climate change, Charles Sturt Council shares interest with WACRA on AdaptWest – a body exploring climate change initiatives. AdaptWest is an initiative of West Torrens, Charles Sturt and Port Adelaide Enfield Councils in conjunction with the state and federal governments to set up ways for businesses, communities and the environment to respond to the challenges of climate change. Since 2015, our joint membership allows us to explore mitigation strategies (things that can be done to reduce greenhouse gases) and adaptation techniques (to address what can be done to limit the adverse effect caused by climate change). Globally, climate scientists have recognised that the best decisions on adaptation are likely to be made when local communities are involved in the process. Here WACRA plays an important role. The council has just completed a trial of a product named CoolSeal. It involves painting the road with a heat reflective substance/coating that changes the road’s colour from dark grey to light grey to reduce the rise in temperature. With the lighter paint’s reflective properties it is possible to reduce road temperatures by up to 15 degrees. That means the surrounding area is not affected as much by heat generated from roads, and research shows the immediate environment can be reduced by eight degrees. We have started a streetscape renewal project where we aim to create cool corridors in the road space through widening the verge and growing more trees. In terms of the built environment, people are increasingly selecting to live in dwellings with little garden space, so it is important to create public green areas. It becomes critical in our contribution to heating or cooling our environment. This council aims to engage with the community in an equitable way. Our website and Facebook page detailing community plans are up to date. The council’s organisational and management plans are given on our website (www.charlessturt.sa.gov.au). The process of having a voice on Your Say Charles Sturt or making a deputation to council are clear. We welcome community collaboration. Power of the community Paul Laris
Why did I become involved with WACRA? There are things happening in the world that I am not very happy about. However, while there is little I can do at a global level, I can possibly make a difference at a local level. Actually, engaging at a local level has a lot of advantages for me. For a start, the convenience of being able to engage without having to travel long distances. There is the added bonus of social interaction and social engagement with local people, which is a fine thing for identity and security within your community. It enables you to feel that you are actually doing something. Notwithstanding the fact that mostly we lose. Even when you lose there is a sense of empowerment because you are linked up with people who share your concerns. Even if you didn’t win the immediate battle, you are involved in a wider socioeconomic matrix that is evolving all the time. That is the motivation. When did I start with the residents’ association? It would have been in the early 1990s. Possibly 1993. The most significant event was the Save Our Beaches campaign in 1997-98. That was a glorious defeat. And I was around at the time of council amalgamations. We were concerned about losing our voice and about not being able to get our foot in the door in a much larger council. I also recall mobile telephone towers were a big issue then (and now).
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