In voting down Councillor Patrick McGinlay's motion to declare a climate emergency, the council rejected an opportunity to show inspiring leadership. A packed gallery cheered for four supporting presentations, including an impressive address from 11-year-old Sunshine Bay Public School student Kaeleigh Peard.

Our council (two councillors absent) voted down the call and passed a watered-down motion by Cr Rob Pollock, referencing a 'variable and changing climate'. The council refused to acknowledge a climate emergency and humans' contribution to it, avoided the term "climate change" and rejected Cr McGinlay's assertion that we're at a "critical" juncture on climate issues.

Opponents, including Mayor Liz Innes, argued the council's strong record on environment made the declaration unnecessary. Mayor Innes said she was obliged to represent constituents who had their say on environment at the State and Federal elections.

Cr McGinlay noted the amended motions passed meant "business as usual". Our council has missed - or rejected - the point. Scientific consensus tells us that business as usual is entirely inadequate. Maintaining the status quo has brought us to where we are. This crisis is unprecedented and we must respond in an unprecedented way.

Let's work together to bring about a healthier, more connected, more conscious low-carbon community. Join us as we Strike for Climate on Friday September 20, 12pm outside the council chambers. Yesterday in Eurobodalla, the climate crisis was a partisan issue. Let's move beyond politics to protect our future and unite, as never before.

Pat McGinlay for mayor at the next election. We have Pat and two other good councillors, Anthony Mayne and James Thomson. Now all we need is a few more.

I urge all councillors to strongly consider the Declaration of a Climate Emergency.

I ask councillors to set up a committee to view the effects climate change will have on our shire. To not consider climate change and it's effects on our community would show gross negligence. I urge all councillors to take climate change seriously and act in declaring a climate emergency.

Watching the worldwide momentum being gained by the "Declaration of Climate Emergency" movement has been inspiring and uplifting. As a climate-concerned doctor and mother I was disappointed for the residents of Eurobodalla Shire that your declaration was voted down. More disappointing was the passing of an amended motion "council acknowledges and consequently recognises that we are living in a time that requires focused and strategic actions at the local government level, for the benefit of our whole community, in both the immediate and longer term to address variable and changing climate". This motion rings of climate denialism,and does not assist in preparing for the challenges we collectively face in this climate emergency. Congratulations to Cr McGinlay and his supporters for bringing this important issue to the fore - this was not a fail; it is only the beginning.