Dubbo mayor Ben Shields says he won't support Dubbo Regional Council joining the Cities Power Partnership Program just because neighbouring councils have done it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Deputy mayor Stephen Lawrence wants council to join the Cities Power Partnership Program. It's a partnership of more than 120 councils who share information on tackling climate change.
It also encourages council to make five action pledges to better the environment.
Cr Lawrence said it would allow connect council with experts in the field.
ALSO MAKING NEWS:
"It makes a lot of sense that we plug ourselves into this network. Some benefits may flow from it and it's free. There are not many things in life that are free. It seems to me to be a positive step, consistent with the [Dubbo Regional Council renewable] energy policy," he said.
But it's an issue the mayor and deputy are divided on.
Cr Shields said he didn't want to join because he doesn't know anything about it.
Chief executive officer Michael McMahon has been asked to research the group.
"If it is a proper organisation and it's free and they're miracle workers, there might be something there. But if it's extremist, alarmist organisation that's going to carry on like a headless chook, then no, I don't want to be a part of it," Cr Shields said.
The only way to know was to do some research, the mayor said.
Bathurst Regional Council, Orange City Council and Parkes Shire Council are among those who have joined the Cities Power Partnership Program.
But that's not enough for Cr Shields to want to sign up.
"I don't buy that just because other councils have done it we should do it too. I can put a big list of things other councils have done which have been an absolute joke and I don't want Dubbo to be part of. You've got to have a proper informed decision," he said.
A report on the organisation will be presented to the councillors at the March council meeting. Councillors will then decide if Dubbo will join.