And since the climate rally of 20 September I've had many discussions on the topic, hearing what people believe should be our local response on this important issue.

There is, I think, a significant majority opinion that climate change is happening and that council should be a leader in local responses on this matter.

I definitely agree that council should take the problem seriously and be pro-active.

But council cannot alone address the question of our local response.

It also needs the action of individuals, families and businesses in freely choosing to reduce their pollution footprint plus make their own lives more resilient to the effects of a changing climate.

At the October council meeting I will be moving a notice of motion for council to list what it is already doing to reduce emissions and address the effects of rising oceans and more extreme weather.

Subsequent to that, I would hope council will look at what else it can do.

Right now, highest on my own list of what else council could do is be more pro-active in keeping abreast of the growing body of knowledge of what we might expect locally, and how we can better advise families, businesses and the community on how they can themselves become more able to prevent and withstand coming changes.

Not being a fan of big government, I believe council has its own important role but critically needs to empower people to make more far-sighted choices in their own lives - cut through the noise and offer reliable information.

Some people call that building social capital, or community resilience, or sustainability.

Whatever words are used, it involves those of us who care enough to work together with others for our mutual local benefit.

Are you up for that adventure?

Cr Intemann's stories from a civic heart are her opinions and not necessarily reflective of council's.