"Until our council actually acknowledges there is a problem, it seems highly unlikely we're going to do anything meaningful in the longer term," Cr McGinlay said.

"We already do some good things, however there's a heck of a lot more we could be doing, and also helping the community to focus their efforts."

He said the council's first step was to admit there was a problem, and then start looking for solutions.

"One suggestion is for council itself, whenever it has a project or strategy, to be mindful of what impact that plan has on climate change," he said.

However, he was not confident on Monday, August 12, that all councillors would support the motion.

"I don't have great expectations," he said.

"I expect them to listen to the community, to be objective, look at the signs behind what I'm saying, make a considered and objective decision and look not at the immediate term and look at the long term."

The former Eden-Monaro Greens candidate said the motion was "about the issue" - not about politics.

He said it was about "what we can do as a community".

"It's way beyond politics," he said.

"I make a big point in my report of divorcing it from party politics and away from state or federal government."

He said the council's environmental team had reduced electricity use, installed efficient lighting and put solar panels on council buildings.

However, he wanted actions throughout the shire.

"There are lots of good things, but it's based around one unit of council," he said.

"(I'm hoping council can) go away and try and come up with some kind of mechanism where we can consult with the community.

"How do we go about developing solutions and strategies ... stop using so many emissions, but given the process (climate change) is already underway and already starting to feel effects, how do we adapt to that?"