CENTRAL Vic Climate Action members have vowed to continue rallying for Coliban Water to adopt an ethical contractor policy, amid concerns about a major consultant's ties to the Adani Coal Mine.
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The water corporation defended its working relationship with engineering consultancy GHD as protesters staged a funeral for 'Old King Coal'.
Protesters could be seen carrying a coffin from Bendigo's Conservatory Gardens to the Coliban Water office at Bridge Street on Friday.
Central Vic Climate Action last month called on Coliban Water to put its relationship with GHD on hold, or to sever ties, while the consultant was associated with the Adani Carmichael Coal Mine.
A list of demands posted outside the water corporation's offices on Friday reiterated the group's calls.
Central Vic Climate Action also demanded Coliban Water declare a climate emergency, "acknowledging the way that water and climate change are critically linked".
It called on the water authority to declare support for a "full, just and rapid" transition to renewable energy, and declare opposition to the opening of new coal mines in Australia.
Central Vic Climate Action's Laura Hall-Levetan said the group's members and associates would keep protesting until Coliban Water took positive action in line with its demands.
She said Coliban Water had told the group its board was discussing the relationship with GHD and the consultant had been informed it was doing so.
"We acknowledge that Coliban Water is now showing an inclination to enter into dialogue with CVCA and appreciate their communications to that effect," Ms Hall-Levetan said.
Although, she was disappointed executives from water corporation did not take the opportunity to discuss the issue with protesters on Friday.
In a statement, Coliban Water said it was well aware that climate change would bring significant challenges for the organisation and the communities it served.
"These challenges will undoubtedly shape the future demand for water and sewer services," it said.
"Our Strategy 2030 document, released earlier this year, is guided by four strategic directions that address future challenges and opportunities in achieving our vision of Water to Live, Grow and Enjoy. These are water security and zero carbon; healthy people and environment; prosperous economies; and green and active communities. Within this strategy Coliban Water aims to be well on our way to being carbon neutral by 2040."
Coliban Water said it had engaged GHD's services for about four years "due to a need for professional, high quality advice to ensure our services continue to be delivered in an effective and cost efficient manner."
"GHD is delivering on all its requirements to Coliban Water and therefore we will continue our working relationship with the organisation," the water corporation said.
GHD has not detailed the nature of its work with Adani, other than to say it is not responsible for the design of mine site infrastructure or construction.
"We have no ongoing contractual obligations on this project beyond early December, when the existing contractual obligations are due to expire," the company said in an online statement.
"We will assess any future opportunities to work with Adani's Australian businesses, which include renewable energy projects, if and when these opportunities arise."
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