Indigo Council mayor Bernard Gaffney questions if climate change is an 'emergency'

Councillors on Tuesday night debated the proposed climate policy, which looks to address the issue as a "real and urgent threat".

Cr Jenny O'Connor said the draft policy showed the council was taking the issue seriously and it was important to act, even though climate change was bigger than any local government.

"This policy is beyond politics and personal opinion," she said.

"We're at a point now where around the world there's a growing voice to say that we're facing a climate emergency.

"We as a local government have a responsibility and a duty to care for our community."

Mayor Bernard Gaffney took issue with the policy's use of the word "urgent", saying the advice given to people who call Wodonga police is that if the matter is urgent they should hang up and call triple zero. "A lot of people ask whether (climate change) is an emergency situation," he said.

Cr Sophie Price quickly responded that his comments were "exactly the type of conversation we didn't want to welcome, Mr mayor".

Instead of adopting the climate change strategy without consulting the community, as recommended by council staff, the draft will go out for public comment for one month, as proposed by Cr Larry Goldsworthy.

"Some will think we've gone too far and some will think we haven't gone far enough. I think it's very important for this council to listen to the community," he said.

"I just ask that feedback relates to climate change, not the weather."

Cr Diane Shepheard said young people were devastated with the country's inaction on the issue of climate.

"We need to show some leadership, especially to our young people," she said.

"We are voting for their future."

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