We were disappointed at the GLI's biodiversity Motion passed at Wednesday’s Full Council meeting. The Motion looks to develop a ‘Biodiversity Action Plan’ in response to their new declaration of a 'biodiversity and ecological emergency.
The environmental crisis at the moment is so urgent that the time for words are over and the GLI have again talked about the issue without providing a solution.
Under the last Conservative administration, Councillors unanimously voted to declare a climate emergency, which actively led to meaningful policy changes and the placing the environment at the centre of East Suffolk Council’s strategic plan.
The administration led by Steve Gallant changed the matrix of how policy was judged making sure the Council looked at its environmental impact as well as financial impact and the impact to residents.
Led by Councillor James Mallinder, (former Cabinet Member for the Environment) the portfolio focused on three core aspects - ensuring all statutory duties were performed with an understanding of environmental impact, introducing new environmental policies and empowering local residents and communities to contribute. Always highlighting that the smallest of changes will make a difference over time.
Two flagship policies of note were introduced by Cllr Mallinder, the successful ‘Pardon the weeds we are feeding the bees’ campaign, allowing a more sustainable environmental management of East Suffolk’s open spaces.
Along with over 50 pct reduction in the use of glyphosate spraying. In addition, was the introduction of hydrotreated vegetable oil, as fuel for our waste collection trucks. Reducing the carbon footprint of the East Suffolk fleet by over 95 pct and the council footprint by over 30 pct.
These are meaningful policies and changes unlike those from the current administration who are still just talking about the issues.
Cllr James Mallinder stated ‘I am deeply disappointed to see such a Motion being brought to Full Council when the environment is such an important issue. The time to talk about the issue is too late, we need action not words.
I worked hard to make sure that not only the environment departments focused on delivering policy, but the entire Council considered the environmental impact of everything it did as an authority.
‘The GLI group are failing the residents of East Suffolk by not providing the same level of engagement and are not prioritizing the environment. ‘
Cllr James Mallinder continued to say ‘It worries me enormously that the Council has stopped delivering environmental policy initiatives that are thoughtful and dynamic solutions to the climate emergency.
Cllr Craig Rivett leader of East Suffolk Conservatives stated ‘We all worked hard under the last administration and in particular Cllr Mallinder, delivering fresh new policies to care for our environment. We declared a climate emergency, we established an Environmental Task Group, and we delivered policy from air quality guidance, donating an oak tree to every parish to celebrate the “Treebillee” and providing new grants to empower local communities to deliver environment positive projects. After nearly a year of the GLI administration they have only been able to provide words, this is not acceptable, and we need a much stronger focus to protect and champion not only our biodiversity but to ensure every policy at East Suffolk delivers a positive impact to the environment.'
