Climate Change Authority staff Harley, Jake and Clara, meeting with EGCAN members in Bairnsdale.

On Saturday 24th June a group of EGCAN (East Gippsland Climate Action Network) members met with Harley, Jake and Clara from the Climate Change Authority (CCA), who were on a brief visit to East Gippsland. The Climate Change Authority is an independent advisory group to the federal government seeking to hear from the community about views on climate issues and the impact on local communities.

The CCA members were keen to listen to East Gippslanders from diverse backgrounds, but they were especially keen to know that there is a committed group of locals who are well informed on climate issues and keen to take positive action. In addition to a set list of questions the forum was used to canvas local views about what issues were specific to East Gippsland.

There was a lot of lively discussion and although people were expressing concerns that have been expressed many times before, it was useful to know that the CCA has the ability to present information directly to the government. Thanks to all EGCAN members who gathered on a Saturday at very short notice. Other members met with the CCA team as they talked to the public at the Paynesville Farmers Market (4th Saturday of the month).