It is my pleasure to be invited to write a column in the Gazette for readers as the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, offering an opportunity to reflect on the topics and issues that matter most to our residents.

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of visiting the Wild Place Project for the Royal opening of their new exhibit Bear Wood, which is reintroducing these remarkable creatures into our area for the first time in hundreds of years – an experience which gave me cause to consider two things that make South Gloucestershire such a special place.

Firstly, it was the ever-increasing tourism appeal we have on our doorstep. Many will say that Bristol and Bath are the main drawing points to our region, but I would have to disagree. As a district, South Gloucestershire is much newer than these two historic cities but, whether it is soon-to-be opened attractions like The Wave in Easter Compton and ice rink in Cribbs Causeway, the prospect of a new arena at the Brabazon Hangar in Filton, the international popularity of Badminton Horse Trials, or the historic significance of Dyrham Park and House and Aerospace Bristol Museum, we have a lot to offer.

Bear Wood also gave me an opportunity to reflect on the Council’s actions last week in declaring a Climate Emergency, emphasising the need to protect our environment.

As a local authority, I am proud that SGC has already halved its own emissions over the past decade, but as I said when backing the cross-party motion, we can do more.

Our residents have long been behind the Council’s efforts towards this cause, whether through supporting a positive attitude towards recycling or towards public transport with the recent success of launching Metrobus, and so I am enthused we are not alone in this quest.

The target of being carbon neutral by 2030 is ambitious and not something to be taken lightly, the benefits to taking positive steps are as justified as the pitfalls of inaction are frightening. It requires work from all corners of our communities but together we can ensure South Gloucestershire continues to lead by example.