Several of the councillors supported the climate change notion but noted it was just a declaration and instead wanted action.

During discussion councillor Kelly said the bushfires on the mainland were due to mismanagement and not due to climate change.

"I think it's a little bit of an over exaggeration," he said.

"I just won't be supporting it."

Councillor Tanya King said the focus should be on strategic projects such as the Pumped Hydro and bioenergy plant in the region.

"Declaring a climate emergency with no actions is little more than a publicity stunt," she said.

In June Hobart City Council became the first in the state to declare an emergency, followed by Kingsborough Council in July and Launceston City Council in August.

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Councillor Temple said the discussion showed him there was interest in the issue but he was still concerned about what his generation was leaving behind for future generations.

"I did say the plan would come later," he said.

Councillor Susie Bower and mayor Wayne Johnston both said climate change should be addressed at the strategic planning meeting in April next year.

Boos were heard from the public gallery when the motion did not pass, with several community members leaving after the decision.

Across Australia 76 councils have declared an emergency on behalf of more than six million Australians.

The climate emergency declaration petition launched in Australia in May 2016 and since about 27 per cent of the population is represented by a council declaring a climate emergency.

Australia-based advocate group Climate Emergency Mobilisation are tracking the worldwide tally of councils declaring a climate emergency.

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