Submitted by County Councillor J. Pratt
This Council is proud to be a coastal county and the starting point of the Wales Coastal Path. We recognise the importance of the marine ecosystem and our role as a stakeholder and guardian of it. A report should be brought forward to Council within 6 months of this motion containing appropriate recommendations to ensure we play our part in ensuring realising a clean, healthy and productive ocean alongside our existing commitment to tackle the climate emergency.
Minutes:
This Council is proud to be a coastal county and the starting point of the Wales Coastal Path. We recognise the importance of the marine ecosystem and our role as a stakeholder and guardian of it. A report should be brought forward to Council within 6 months of this motion containing appropriate recommendations to ensure we play our part in ensuring realising a clean, healthy and productive ocean alongside our existing commitment to tackle the climate emergency.
County Councillor J. Pratt introduced the motion referring to the Climate Emergency and that a healthy ocean is essential ally against climate change. Additionally, an unhealthy ocean is bad for the fishing industry, aquaculture, industry, tourism, and the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of coastal communities. The Council would be the first Council in Wales to pass the motion.
Seconded by County Councillor Powell referring to the impact of climate change on wildlife, and to the Rivers Usk and Wye that run into the sea.
County Councillor J. Watkins supported the motion to support our rivers and oceans and objected that the local MP had voted against preventing sewage to be released into rivers.
The Leader of the Opposition proposed an amendment as follows
This Council is proud to be a coastal county and the starting point of the Wales Coastal Path. We recognise the importance of the marine ecosystem and our role as a stakeholder and guardian of it. A report should be brought forward to Council within 6 months of this motion containing appropriate recommendations to ensure we play our part in ensuring realisingclean, healthy and productive rivers and oceans alongside our existing commitment to tackle the climate emergency.
Seconded by County Councillor J. Watkins
Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was carried and became the substantive motion.
It was commented that the Council must take its own measures against climate change and asked the authority to draw up a list of chokes in the sewage system and take control. The type of salt used on roads was queried.
County Councillor R. Roden wished to clarify that local MP voted against preventing the release of sewage into rivers as it would allow sewage to back up in homes.
Councillor Pratt responded that it has been a pleasure to Chair the cross-party Climate Change Group. It was confirmed that the Council has invested in a new Vactor machine to clear drains and provide valuable data on drain condition.
Upon being put to the vote the substantive motion was carried.