Just yesterday I read in the local paper that the mayor has declared a water crisis. That's only a short step away from having the Armidale Regional Council declare a climate emergency.

The water crisis has come about from a climate crisis, which is becoming more and more obvious in our local region. For a water supply that was regarded as invincible to one that has a very short time of supply without further rain leads to a very obvious question - why is the current drought the worst in history?

Some supporters of this petition have questioned the use of the word 'emergency', suggesting that it may confer special powers upon the council if ratified by it. My answer is twofold - the first is that we are a part of a worldwide movement that is using the word 'emergency' and gaining traction. I think we need to continue to identify with that movement. The second part of my answer is that, like it or not, WE ARE IN AN EMERGENCY. Something really drastic has to happen to turn things around. We are not in any position to mince our words. We need to find a way to get our council to take all the action it can to limit the local impact on climate change. Until you recognise what the problem is, it's hard to solve it.

We are now very close to having enough signatures to take to council. Will you please, once again, do all you can to spread the petition and encourage all your friends and aquaintances to sign it? 

Thanks for all your help.