Independent candidate for Cowper Rob Oakeshott outlined his blueprint for dealing with climate change at a community gathering at Gladstone on Saturday.
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The Cowper candidate unveiled his Gladstone Climate Commitment to the Macleay Living Sustainably (MLS) group and community members in attendance.
Mr Oakeshott admitted climate change is a growing threat to the lives of Australians.
"The evidence of climate change is well-established and beyond doubt. It is a real and present threat to the safety and security of the people and places we care about. But it is also a very real threat to the national economy. Anyone hoping to truly serve their community, and the national interest, should be offering strong leadership on the issue," Mr Oakeshott said.
"I firmly believe solutions to climate change are to be embraced, not feared. Private investment is waiting for policy certainty. Government Industry Policy is at its best when promoting new job markets, not protecting declining ones. And the farm sector benefits as well from better soil and water, invasive species management, and biodiversity stewardship."
MLS spokesperson Genevieve Furber said the group praised Mr Oakeshott's stance.
"The Gladstone Commitment on Climate Change outlines Mr Oakeshott's commitments for tackling climate change, to ensure future generations are able to enjoy the privileges our current generations enjoy," Ms Furber said.
"We were also pleased to hear Mr Oakeshott's opposition to new coal mines on the basis that Government Industry Policy is at its best when promoting new job markets, not protecting declining ones.
"Investing in technologies that create jobs is just common sense. Renewable energy is the way forward for our community, not propping up a dying industry like coal.
"Climate Change is the biggest challenge facing our generation and we're pleased to see some real leadership on the issue."
Mr Oakeshott believes the government hasn't done enough to address climate change.
"Climate change is already costing government and private business as they deal with extreme weather events, loss of native species, landscape changes and sea-level rises. We need to embed climate change into industry, economic, health and environment policy. We can make it a central objective of government," Mr Oakeshott said.
"I am confident that the Government inaction on climate change can be addressed in the next parliament and I am especially encouraged to see a number of well-credentialed Independents make the issue a key focus in their campaigns.
"If elected I am very keen to work with other like-minded parliamentarians to make climate change a legislative priority."
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