Bega Bushfire Survivors welcome local member’s climate nod

Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action

BUSHFIRE SURVIVORS IN BEGA have welcomed the Member for Bega’s acknowledgement that climate change was a predominant cause of the Summer 2019-2020 bushfires, and his commitment to climate action.

“I am so heartened to see my local member acknowledging the science that climate change was a key driver of the summer bushfires, which took such a heavy toll on our community,” said Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action member Jack Egan, who lost his Rosedale home on New Year’s Eve.

“Our region paid the price for climate change this past summer, with the loss of lives, homes, and livelihoods.

“While everyone is anxious about worsening extreme weather fueled by climate change, and the Federal Government’s failure to address the problem, it reduces our anxiety to see our local member acknowledging the science and joining the call for climate action.

“We look forward to working with Mr Constance to usher in job-creating, clean energy solutions that transition our economy away from the key drivers of the climate crisis: the burning of coal, oil, and gas,” said Mr Egan.

Jan Harris, who lost her family home in the 2018 Reedy Swamp fire, said: “Losing my home was traumatic, and seeing the Federal Government continue to choose the interests of fossil fuel companies over community safety has been so distressing.

“But it gives me hope to see my State member from the Liberal party and Federal Member, who is from the Labor Party, in agreement now on the threat that climate change poses to our community.

“We look forward to working with our elected representatives as they rise above the politics and back policies that transition Australia to a net zero emissions economy that is powered by 100% renewable energy,” said Ms Harris.

/Public Release.