The Bega Valley Shire Council has joined the growing list of Australian councils in declaring a climate emergency.
The motion proposed by Greens councillor Cathy Griff was carried at Wednesday's meeting with Crs Liz Seckold, Jo Dodds, Sharon Tapscott and Mayor Kristy McBain in support.
Councillors Russell Fitzpatrick, Robyn Bain and Mitchell Nadin voted against the move, while Cr Tony Allen was absent.
The lengthy discussion followed a plea by Cr Bain for the debate to wait until Cr Allen returned from holidays, as he was the only councillor who had a quota within his own right, and was the only councillor who is a farmer - with farming and transport two key industries in the shire that contribute to emissions.
There were whoops and cheers from a packed standing gallery after the vote.
More to come
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