SOUTH-west environmental warriors are calling on the region's councils to declare a 'climate emergency'.
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Community members are pushing councillors from Warrnambool, Moyne and Corangamite to put forward a notice of motion at upcoming meetings to acknowledge the environment and prioritise local actions and projects.
Warrnambool Community Garden is leading the charge for councils to do more to tackle climate change.
Acting convenor Julie Eagles said already more than 40 councils around Australia had voted to declare a climate emergency.
"We've reached a critical mass in terms of people's awareness and anxiety, particularly I think for our young people and for what their future holds," she said.
"The predictions are dire. It's very frightening. The declaration at a local government level has been driven by the community calling on their local councillors to take up the opportunity to declare and readjust so that it's not business as usual.
"That's in the absence of really strong action particularly at a federal government level. It is a chance for communities to say we really do want action and to feel as though we can make it happen at a local level. I think that has a lot of power."
The group is urging councillors from each local government municipality to put forward a notice of motion at an upcoming council meeting to declare the emergency.
"All of the science and the actual practical things that we are seeing around the globe really point to it being an emergency and we have to act accordingly," she said.
"For myself it's felt quite overwhelming when you are reading the science, which is often expressed in a conservative way. It's just frightening. I know young people are worried for the future."
The group is working with councillors to draw up the notice of motion.
Warrnambool Community Garden committee member Geoff Rollinson said the community and councils needed to act now.
"Climate change and its consequences are here now," he said.
"Water supply is becoming an issue for some farmers and there are things they can do to adapt now that will help in 20 to 30 years time."
The group is also organising a climate strike where the community can attend and show their support for the declaration of an emergency by councils.