Suburban climate emergency

Dear Echo News,

We are in a climate emergency.

Already the last 10 years have been the hottest on record and record temperatures are expected this summer.

Urban heat traps of dark roofs and bitumen increase local temperatures by three degrees compared with rural areas.

I refer to the WALGA policies on urban canopies.

R5: Adopt a minimum tree canopy target of 30 per cent by 2040 for the Perth and Peel regions and consider sub-regional targets.

R6: Provide guidance on land categories (e.g. residential, parks, public realm) and vegetation stratums (understory, midstory, overstorey) for canopy cover measurement.

It’s fine for those who live up in the hills but what about us poor folk down the hill sweltering with increased density, more bitumen and a loss of our large trees with infill development?

Has the shire signed on to the commitment to increase shade to 30 per cent in all local areas?

Is the shire carrying out a street by street assessment on replanting and regreening as has been done in the City of Swan?

How can individual ratepayers in our street get trees planted to shade the bitumen and improve the amenity?

Has the shire implemented recommendations to preserve current large trees facing developers?

Dr C Hughes

Greenmount

Reflection needed on roofs

Dear Echo News,

Reading complaints of an energy affordability crisis makes me wonder how on Earth can anyone building with a dark roof and walls complain about energy costs when they make such silly choices?

Roofs and walls need to reflect light and heat, not suck it in, yet we see new suburbs with more than 80 per cent of homes built in dark materials for fashion’s sake, as well as little or no tree canopy left. Really?

Same goes with black cars (needing more cooling/fuel use) and then there’s the roads, which could also be reflective rather than light and heat absorbent, radiating at around 50 degrees in spring/autumn and more than 90 degrees in summer.

Life is an IQ test and it seems most fail, yet still likely to complain without recognising their own part in the problem.

P Carman

Hovea

Swan must reduce weed spraying

Dear Echo News,

I have emailed the City of Swan several times asking about reducing weed spraying.

I have heard nothing in return.

Weed spraying using glycophosphate is a hazard, it’s poison.

The continuing spraying to the local wildlife, near school and water ways is not acceptable.

The city could look at a proposal to consider steam like other councils and putting in ground cover to stop the weeds growing.

Your budget for weed spray is $500,000, which you need to do every year.

When are you going to stop using poison and move to environmentally friendly ways to control the weeds?

I would like an answer.

C Dixon

Midland

Christmas Appeal

Dear Echo News,

The Salvation Army is calling on the community of Perth to dig deep this Christmas as they launch their annual Christmas Appeal, aimed at helping those who need support during the festive season.

The Christmas period can intensify financial and emotional pressures for those already experiencing disadvantage. As high prices continue to put stress on local individuals and families, the Salvos goal of $29 million for their Christmas Appeal this year is vital to ensure people get the help they need this Christmas.

All year, we have been journeying alongside the Perth community, and we know that Christmas will prove to be a real challenge for many people. For some, the idea of celebrating Christmas may seem out of reach, as they can’t even work out where their next meal or utility bill will come from, both for themselves and their children.

That’s why The Salvos are here – to support you when you need it most. Whether it is for practical support like food or presents, or if you are feeling lonely or isolated this Christmas, please reach out to The Salvation Army. We are here for you.

There are many ways that you can also partner with The Salvos to support your community this Christmas, including lending a hand through volunteering, donating products such as gifts and food, or offering a financial donation to our Christmas Appeal.

The Salvation Army also host a number of special community celebrations during the festive season.

To find out about local Christmas event information, to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal, or if you need support from The Salvos, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).

Donations can also be made at any Salvos Store.

Salvation Army

Christmas Appeal