While asking for help with reducing emissions regionally, the council also made it clear the bulk of what could be done was in the central government’s hands.
Councillors retrospectively noted the council’s wide-ranging submission to the climate commission at yesterday’s council meeting.
In the submission, chairwoman Cr Gretchen Robertson said the council was "committed to leading a regional approach" in partnership with Kāi Tahu and in collaboration with Otago’s local councils.
Cr Robertson asked for the commission to advocate for local government to get "resourced appropriately" to meet the increasing range of responsibilities set by government.
"ORC is aware that we control only a handful of levers in relation to climate change mitigation.
"Most of the tools and resourcing are in the hands of central government — but we are committed to working with other local councils, communities and central government to achieve the change we need."
The commission, in April, released draft advice to the government as it worked on the country’s next emissions reduction plan.
A council staff report, presented at the meeting, said councillor feedback had included a call to prioritise indigenous forestry, support small-scale renewable energy generation and support for "circular economy actions" that reduced waste generation.
In the council submission, Cr Robertson said the council wanted government funding and planning support for new regional public transport routes.
The submission was lodged last month.
The commission’s final advice is due before the end of the year.
