A New Life for Old Gippstown

A brown budget with green tinges - Coal corporations are the winners

Greens candidate for Gippsland Dr Malcolm McKelvie has said the first Rudd / Swan Budget fails miserably to meet the urgent challenge of climate change.

"Labor is spending $44 on defence to every $1 to tackle climate change. Yet this is the most urgent issue facing Gippsland, Australia and the globe."

"Rudd and Swan have offered $1 to climate change to every $28 to fossil fuel subsidies. The farce they call ‘clean coal’ is being given $2 to every $1 for renewables research. On top of that the funds to run the Department of Environment have been cut by $50 million from last year.

A strong voice for Eastern Victoria

Yarra Ranges councillor to stand in State Election

A ballot of Victorian Greens members has preselected Samantha Dunn as the lead upper house candidate for the Eastern Victoria region.

ALP - log first then protect - another kick in the teeth for forests

Greens candidate Malcolm McKelvie slammed the recent Brumby government announcement of the Strzelecki deal, as a mix of spin, hypocrisy and fraud.

ALP climate policy bill will harm farming land

The Greens have condemned the ALP for dressing up another tax rort for plantations as climate policy.

"This law gives investors an up-front 100% tax deduction on their costs in establishing a plantation with no requirement that the trees be kept in the ground.

The Greens, Nationals and Senator Heffernan joined forces to condemn the bill.

"Why is the ALP determined to drive regional Australia off the land and undermine the viability of their communities with this latest tax gift to plantation growers?" said Dr Mckelvie.

"It is utterly wrong to describe what is a Managed Investment Scheme for tree growers on steroids as a carbon sink scheme.

"There is nothing to stop a company declaring its intention to establish a carbon sink forest, claiming the tax deduction for their establishment costs, and then selling the land to allow the trees to be cut down. This Bill might even the give tax deductions enough to cover the cost of purchasing land for the plantations.

"This law will not result in native vegetation being established in marginal areas, as marginal land does not produce healthy, fast-growing forests.

"These trees will be established on prime agricultural land, buying up water rights, sucking catchments dry and driving more families off the land.

"This tax rort will not produce the intended long term carbon sinks and must be fixed" 

For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615

Action on aquifer is woeful

Greens candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie called for Esso to do more to stop the Gippsland coastline subsiding along the 90 Mile Beach at a public meeting in Yarram yesterday.

"Esso is pumping out enough oil and gas from the Latrobe Aquifer offshore from the Ninety Mile Beach to fill the Sugarloaf Reservoir each year, but they are not putting seawater back. The incredible coastline along the Ninety Mile Beach is at risk, along with the tourists who flock to experience it each year," Dr McKelvie said.

"Over the next 50 years the coastline is predicted to drop by as much as 2 meters because of Esso's activities. There is also a substantial predicted sea level rise because of climate change" he said.

"We must act now to save our vulnerable coastal environments, and the coastal tourist communities who depend on them" Dr McKelvie said.

Axing land and water research doesn't add up

Belinda Coates: a low carbon commitment to the community

Belinda Coates will stand as a candidate for the Central Ward in the pending Ballarat City Council election in November.

Belinda previously stood as Greens candidate for Ballarat West in the 2006 state election and for the federal seat of Ballarat in the 2007 election. She will stand as endorsed Greens candidate for the Council election in November. Belinda has always lived in Ballarat and has worked locally as a social worker for the past 15 years.

“Local government is an obvious place to influence decisions that enhance community well-being, build a sense of community and make a contribution to addressing climate change. Many other local governments across Victoria are miles ahead of Ballarat and have made significant changes to reduce their environmental footprint”

“There are unlimited possibilities to promote Ballarat as a leader in this regard and build on the current Ballarat Council Environment Sustainability Plan. More emphasis on storm water capture for use in local businesses, parks and gardens is an obvious area for improvement. Promotion of local food and produce and investment in local businesses is another area that would be good for the community and reduce Ballarat’s environmental impact.

” Belinda is taking action in her own life to reduce her carbon footprint. She has retrofitted her home to be energy efficient, has solar hot water (evacuated tubes) and just recently had a one kilowatt photovoltaic solar energy system installed. Belinda has a water tank and kitchen garden. She walks or rides to work and uses public transport for other travel.

For media enquiries, please contact: Belinda Coates on 0400 947 688

Belinda will be available between 12-1pm today for a photo at her energy efficient home.

Bob Brown Visits Traralgon

Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown will be campaigning in Gippsland tomorrow with Greens candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie.

Senator Brown and Dr McKelvie will hold a press conference tomorrow morning at 12.30pm to discuss the Greens’ policy to reduce power bills and greenhouse gas emissions by retrofitting houses for energy efficiency and the Greens’ policy to increase aged pensions by $30 a week, which has been adopted by the Liberal candidate.

  12.30pm – Press conference with Senator Bob Brown, Australian Greens Leader and Dr Malcolm McKelvie, Greens candidate for Gippsland

  Post Office Place Park   161-169 Franklin St, Traralgon

  1pm – Senator Brown and Dr McKelvie will have lunch at the Cargo Lounge Cafe Bar   Photographers welcome.

  Further information: Ebony Bennett 0409 164 603

Call for Ballarat City Council to go GM free

• amending council's food service contracts, to require GM-free foods in all council food services;
• advocating for the mandatory labeling of all GMO products.
• publicly signing and distributing a GM-Free Zone declaration;
• asking local businesses and organisations to support the GM-Free Zone by signing on to a GM-free statement;
• establishing a local register to record and map the location of any GM sites in the area, when and if this becomes necessary
• lobby state and federal governments to implement GM crop bans; and
• advocating for strict liability laws to hold GM companies accountable for contamination.

Carbon failure puts cart before horse in closing hazelwood

Michael Bond Greens candidate for Gippsland , said, “The Greens welcome the Brumby Governments announcement of a staged closure of Hazelwood power station. However it raises questions about what will replace it because previous governments have all failed to set Australia on a sustainable course with regard to Climate Change,”

“The Australian Greens offered amendments to the ALP’s ETS that would have locked in success, not failure. Instead, now it is likely that public funds may be used to compensate power generation companies for shutting down turbines at Hazelwood or just keep them rolling, churning more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.”

“We don’t have the mechanisms in place such as a price on carbon and feed- in tariffs that would allow existing high tech energy solutions into the market place. We need these to make the required deep cuts in carbon emissions and allow us to move away from dependence on fossil fuels to generate energy,” he said.

“Without a price on carbon there is no above-board and fail-safe means of stemming the tide of Australian high tech energy solutions leaving the country for overseas markets, where governments aren’t dominated by fossil fuel lobby groups. We need these high tech energy solutions to ensure future employment for our excellent workforce here in Gippsland.“

“The world is moving to a low carbon future, if we don’t grasp the opportunities and position ourselves at the forefront of development we will be left behind and be forced to import technology that is leaving our shores now as intellectual property,” he added. “Australia needs the Greens ‘New Deal’, a road map that will secure a profitable future for Australia.”

contact Michael Bond 0413 315 084 michael.bond@vic.greens.org.au

Commuters left waiting while Government misses the bus

 Co-ordination of buses so that they connect with trains is a simple and low cost initiative that represents a missed opportunity in last weeks State Budget that would have greatly improved the quality of local public transport services.

Council needs fresh faces and third party insurance

Council reaps thousands from pokies losses

Country Greens reject water plan

“I’m afraid its more of the same, business as usual, despite the terrible state of Victoria’s northern rivers, and increased threats from climate change” said Louis Delacretaz, Convenor of the Country Greens Victoria Network at their Annual General Meeting on Sunday 7th December at Mooroolbark Community Centre.

Desalination debacle – Victoria’s Unsustainable Water Future

Samantha Dunn maintains a regular blog at http://samantha-dunn@blogspot.com

Devastating Bush Fires Sweep Victoria - Overwhelming community generosity

We would like to express our deepest sympathy and support to all those communities affected by the terrible wildfires. Words cannot describe the devastating losses that have occurred over the weekend under the worst fire conditions Victoria has ever experienced.

Many Country Greens, friends and supporters have suffered or are still fighting fires.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the communities still under threat.

A huge thanks to all the volunteers, CFA, emergency workers and everyone who has worked so hard endeavoring to protect our communities. The bravery and dedication of our firefighters has been enormous and is ongoing.

Victorian communities have responded with a magnificent compassionate outpouring of support, funds, goods and assistance.

We encourage everyone to offer assistance where they can, to donate money to Victoria Bushfire relief fund www.redcross.org.au  or 1800 811 700, to consider giving blood (131 495) in a few weeks as the supply is good at the moment. 

Clothes, blankets or furniture can be donated to your nearest Salvation Army or other charity collection point.

To donate accommodation contact the Victorian Bushfire Public Accommodation Donation Line on 1800 006 468. 8am - 8pm.

To volunteer time and skills call Go Volunteer on 1300 366 356 or www.volunteeringaustralia.org/volunteer To offer horse agistment contact Triple R Equine Welfare Crisis Network on 0431 674 114 or http://triplerequinewelfare.org

To donate fodder contact the Victorian Farmers Federation on 1300 882 833 or www.vff.org.au

To help accomodate small animals contact Animal Aid http://www.animalaid.com.au,

To help with wildlife rescue contact Wildlife Rescuers http://www.wildliferescuers.org.au/index.html

Wendy Radford                      Louis Delacretaz

Country Greens Victoria Network  

Duped by Desalination

“Figures just released to parliament revealing that in excess of $570 million will be paid annually to the consortium building the Wonthaggi desalination plant, regardless of how much water it delivers”, said Neil Rankine, Greens candidate for Bass, “show that the State Government was incompetent in ordering such a large plant.

“AquaSure the international consortium building the plant and the banks, Westpac and NAB, that set up the financing on the other hand have clearly secured a great set of contracts for themselves.

“Premier Bracks said the plant would be run constantly at full capacity when he announced it in 2007. They have been back-pedalling ever since. The excessive scale of the desalination plant was confirmed by studies I was involved in more than two years ago and again by DSE studies for the Environmental Effects Statement required for the desal plant.

“I met with AquaSure and the banks’ representatives in October last year after the signing of contracts. I asked them how they could possibly recoup their investment and make a profit on the project at the $3.5 billion cost then being given by the government, when only a fraction of the plant’s capacity was likely to be ordered in any year. The response involved the lifting of an eyebrow and the simple statement, ‘we’re pretty sure that we will be adequately compensated’.

“There is no doubt that Melbourne’s water supply needed augmentation after fifteen years of failing to foresee the impacts of population growth and climate change. The state government did start to develop a plan in 2002. To turn that promise, of a sustainable water policy, on its head, just after the last election shows gross disregard for what people will be paying, and for the lost opportunities the sustainable plan would have delivered.

“Melbournians will be the ones paying this minimum $570 million for the excessively large desalination plant, that’s of the order of $400 per household per year. If we assume the desal plant might operate at one third capacity on average, that would mean that this fee alone would give a current cost of water from the desal plant at $11.40 per cubic metre, wholesale (where the government has been spinning a $1.37 figure of late). Referring to Melbourne Water’s annual report, that is more than twenty times what it currently costs them to source our water (excluding the North-South Pipe & Desalination Plant).

“We have a government in Victoria more interested in mega projects to make themselves look progressive, rather than one interested in what is being extracted from our pockets and the environmental implications of these unsustainable projects”, says Neil Rankine, the Greens candidate for the state seat of Bass where the desalination plant is being constructed.

Contact: Neil Rankine, AGV candidate for Bass 0413 902571 neil.rankine@vic.greens.org.au

Fruitloop fertiliser to fuel climate change

Greens candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie is calling for sanity after a new coal production plant for the Latrobe valley was announced yesterday.

"This is a completely crazy idea," Dr McKelvie said “we are trying to reduce carbon pollution, not increase it.”

GREENS TO MAKE GREATER DANDENONG A GM-FREE ZONE

Getting decent dental care like pulling teeth.

Greens candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie has accused the Labor government of following the coalition policy of underspending on dental care. The Greens recognise dental care as part and parcel of good health and would establish “denticare”, a publicly funded dental health scheme for all Australians.

 “The coalition abandoned dental care in Australia and now Labor has done close to the same thing. They have announced new dental programs worth $781 million but at the same time scrapped a $491 million program”.

“People with chronic dental problems suffer poor health through poor nutrition, chronic infection, poor social interaction and fewer employment opportunities” said Dr Malcolm McKelvie. “Those worst affected are typically from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Denying people access to basic preventive and treatment services is unfair and further exacerbates the rich-poor divide.

“The Latrobe Community Dental Health Service is currently seeing people who were put on the waiting list in September 2005. We need a comprehensive approach to prevention of all health problems including tooth decay”. 

Gippsland Greens candidate calls for immediate action on whaling

“The Greens in Federal Parliament have this week put up a successful motion for the Rudd Government to start work on international legal action against whaling in our waters” said Greens candidate, Dr Malcolm McKelvie.

"We don’t have whales in Traralgon or Orbost but it is an issue which Australians everywhere feel very strongly about. 

“Those who want the government to take action account for 87% of voters. The Howard/Coalition Government looked the other way as our whaling sanctuary ran red with blood. The Rudd government is making the right noises but is yet to take effective action. 

“This is an example of the big issues the Greens are spearheading in Federal Parliament. From illegal whaling to genetic engineering and dying with dignity. Being a local representative is not just about ‘parish pump’ issues.”  

Gippsland Lakes need Federal Government Help

The Greens are questioning the 'clean green Gippsland' claims after reports this week shows the Gippsland Lakes are almost damaged beyond repair.

"If we can measure the health of our agriculture by the health of the Gippsland lakes, then we are probably not very clean or green at all," said Dr Malcolm McKelvie, Greens candidate for the Gippsland by-election.

  "We can all see that the Gippsland Lakes are in the throes of totalecosystem collapse at the moment.  All marine life is dying and even thewater rats are starving as the bottom end of the food chain collapses,"said Dr McKelvie.  "The problem is bigger than just the blight of thepermanent algal bloom."

  "The scientific report just published by Dr Peter Fisher points to cause being nutrient, sediment and toxics loads from agriculture and industrial processes throughout the whole Gippsland catchment", said Dr McKelvie.

  "The report says that the cause of the lakes death is from many sources over the last couple of decades.  It is in pesticide runoff from potates grown in Thorpedale, mercury from APM at Maryvale, penicillin given to dairy cows for mastitis, and the manure from 100,000 cows in thecatchment. As well last years fires and floods did not help the lakes plight."

  "The government needs to take a leadership role in rescuing the Gippsland Lakes. We need a long term solutions and Federal assistance to help our communities change their work practices. There are some simple actions like changing how we handle dairy waste that can reduce the pressure on the lakes”

  "Words are no longer enough. We have had more than 10 years of reports predicting the collapse of the lakes.  Now it is really happening, the Federal Government needs to stop ignoring Gippsland and help us clean up the lakes."

For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615 Greens Candidate for Gippsland By Election 2008www.cgn.org.au/Malcolm_McKelvie gippsland@greens.org.au 

Gippsland Landcare outlook looks grim

The Australian Greens today expressed concerns over the impact the Federal Government’s recent proposal, Caring for Our Country will have to the Gippsland Landcare network. In Melbourne today, Senator Rachel Siewert said changes to funding for land management programs could have the potential to undermine local initiatives. 

 “The Greens believe there is a need for an over-arching, science based approach to natural resource management and conservation. The effect of Minister Garrett’s plans on funding will be to spread the vegemite even thinner,” said Senator Siewert.

Gippsland families will be charged for the Gippsland Water Factory

Gippsland families could be paying for the water used by large industries in the Latrobe Valley. Greens candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie has warned that Gippsland residents should look carefully at the commercial arrangements for the Gippsland Water Factory

"I applaud the strategy of treating and recycling waste water but the cost shifting to ordinary familes is outrageous" said  Dr McKelvie. "Seventy percent of the water being treated comes from Australian Paper and they will be one of the biggest consumers of the recycled water but their water rates at set to remain the same over the next 5 years.

"The final cost of the plant will be around $200 million, of which the State has contributed $50 million. This leaves $150 million to be payed for by the other customers of Gippsland Water" said Dr McKelvie, "That means a 100% increase in water rates over the next 5 yrs for Gippsland families" .

"To add insult to injury Gippslanders should note that the Federal government recently gave the Ballarat region $150 million for water infrastructure but have not contributed a cent to this project.

"Who is standing up for Gippsland on this issue? Not the old political parties!

"This is one more example of the old political parties showing blatant favouritism towards their big corporate mates, hoping "working families" don't notice."

For comments Dr Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615 Greens Candidate for Gippsland By – Electionwww.cgn.org.au/Malcolm_McKelvie gippsland@greens.org.au

Gippsland forests can offset Latrobe coal industry

Recent studies have shown that protecting native forests will be critical to offset the burning of coal. The Greens candidate for Gippsland, Dr Malcolm McKelvie has asked all candidates and voters to think about Gippsland's two big industries that are worsening climate change.

"Gippsland has one of Australia's biggest coal mining industries and we are also woodchipping our native forests at record rates. Put the two together and it's a climate change nightmare." said Dr McKelvie. "This is why Gippsland's forests must be used as ready-to-go offsets to counter the greenhouse gas output of the coal industry.

"Renewables must be the future for power supply in Victoria and while the shift takes place, our forests are essential as carbon offsets to hold and keep absorbing more CO2. We can't have both coal burning and forest burning any longer if we are to seriously tackle climate change.

Research by Professor David Lindenmayer at the ANU has shown that typical SE Australian wet forests, which cover large parts of Gippsland, store a massive 2,000 tonnes of carbon (above ground) per hectare. This means Victoria's wet forests could be worth at the very least $80 BILLION just standing there growing.

"By protecting forests as rich and valuable carbon stores, they are also providing many other services; they are water and air purifiers, rain makers, soil builders and wildlife reservoirs. They don't need hi-tech equipment, research delays or millions of dollars to build them. They are ready to start work right now, countering climate change and earning us money. All that's needed is clear thinking from governments and a strong will to tackle climate threats.

For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615 Greens Candidate for Gippsland By – Election 2008www.cgn.org.au/Malcolm_McKelvie gippsland@greens.org.au 

Green candidates pledge to Act Now on Climate Change

Greens MPs send invoice to Eden Chipmill

Greens Senator visits candidates for Ballarat City Council

•  reduce council’s net carbon emissions to zero, and encourage residents and businesses to cut theirs by 40% by 2020 at the latest;
•  work with neighbouring councils on joint projects to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions;
•  press the Victorian and Federal governments to reduce carbon emissions to a level which will preserve our natural heritage for our children and grandchildren.

Greens Want the Best Government that Money Can't Buy

The Greens are asking all candidates in the Gippsland by-election to pledge support to cleaning up the corrupting influence that political donations have in Australia by reforming our electoral laws.

“The recent scandal regarding developers’ bribes dressed up as donations to the NSW government is just the latest example,” said Malcolm McKelvie, Greens candidate for Gippsland. "We don't want these influences in Gippsland."

"The Greens welcome the Federal Government’s plan to ban overseas political donations and limit hidden donations to $1000. But this does not go far enough – to be fully accountable and tackle corruption, there’s much more to be done.

"The Greens have been campaigning on this issue for decades. We understand how large donations can corrupt our democracy and make a mockery of the voting system.

“Not only do we need to reduce the limit on undeclared donations, but the public must know who is behind larger donations, especially those from entities that are fronts for hidden interests such as lobby groups, large industries and developers.

"Recording donations on a public register is essential, but only part of the reform that’s needed. Donations clearly buy influence and favours – why else would anyone give thousands of dollars to political parties?

"In NSW $9.9 million in donations have flowed to the state ALP in the past five years from property developers. The Greens want to ensure there are clear and unambiguous commitments from all Gippsland candidates to help make our local democracy accountable and protected from vested interests.

"When unpopular developments are pushed through such as the Wonthaggi desalination plant, the gas plant on the Snowy, the Bastion Point boat-ramp at Mallacoota, as well as highly favoured and protected industries like woodchipping, we have to wonder if there are any financial influences at work.

For further information: Malcom McKelvie 0417 364 615 Greens Candidate for Gippsland By - Election

Greens Working to Prevent Domestic Violence

Greens candidate for Narracan, Belinda Rogers, expressed her support for the State Election campaign by Domestic Violence Victoria today.

Greens blast funding cuts to the Gippsland Multicultural Services

Federal funding cut to Gippsland wide community run Multicultural Service of grave concern to Australian Greens.

Gippsland Multicultural Services has lost it’s “settlement funding” to other agencies despite 25 years of experience. Workers and Volunteers at the Multicultural Centre provided a service for newly arrived refugees and migrants who were on permanent visas.

Australian Greens candidate for Gippsland, Michael Bond said that it “was of great concern that the ALP have disregarded all these years of community service and knowledge, and that it appears to be another streamlining action of the ALP with little regard for the community connections that have been established by the organization”.

“The Immigration & Refugee Policy of the Australian Greens is the most comprehensive of all the parties and supports the work the Gippsland Multicultural Service did in providing adequate, effective and timely support to refugees and migrants on permanent visas”, said Michael Bond.

“The Australian Greens would work to ensure that funding for public and community sector agencies providing these migrant-specific services is increased to a level sufficient for the Gippsland Multicultural Service to work, and continue to work, in the interests of refugees and migrants”.

“The Australian Greens policy on Multiculturalism recognizes the importance of the work done by this organization in providing services, promoting belonging and connection, and providing data that will help improve the services and programs”, said Michael Bond, "Sadly all this work seems to have been ignored by the Federal Government", he concluded.

Greens candidate running to make Ballarat a transition town

Greens challenge candidates on “hot air” audit.

Greens candidate Malcolm McKelvie is challenging the other by-election candidates to compare energy use in their campaign offices. He has offered a free audit by a professional energy assessor and is keen to help them reduce their energy use during this campaign.

“There's more than one type of hot air which political candidates produce but let's look at greenhouse gasses this month" said Malcolm McKelvie

Australia and the world urgently needs to move to a low carbon economy and eventually to a zero carbon economy if we have any hope to avoid catastrophic effects of global warming. We all need to change the way we live and use energy, but that doesn’t mean doing without. 

One vital component of the shift is being economic with the power we use. The Greens propose to introduce the Energy Efficiency Access and Savings Initiative, or EASI. It would retrofit all of Australia’s 7.4 million homes over the course of a decade, rolling out home energy audits, providing the service and paying the up-front cost, which would be recouped through savings on energy bills. EASI would require an up-front investment from the government that, at its peak, would reach $22 billion. But it would more than repay itself, not only through direct repayments but also through not having to build new power stations and electricity grid infrastructure. It would also reduce emissions and make our houses more comfortable to live in.

Greens condemn logging return to the Wombat Forest

News that the Victoria’s Environment Minister, Gavin Jennings, has signed the Wombat Forest over to VicForests has been met with total disbelief.

“Steve Bracks promised to end all woodchipping and to hand the forest over to local community management,” commented Greens Western Victoria candidate Marcus Ward. “He said publicly and clearly, that if the community decided to end all logging that this would be respected. This pomise was made in the full glare of a state election, in writing, with the involvement and agreement of the then Treasurer John Brumby.”

“Now, in a sleazy backroom deal, it’s all out the window. It’s a total betrayal. One wonders what it takes to get the ALP to honour its commitments,” said Mr Ward.

“If they think the Wombat community is going to roll over and play dead, I think they’ve grossly misjudged us. I fought for over ten years to stop the logging as did hundreds of others. We’re still here.”

“The Minister should rethink and start acting like an environment minister for a change,” Mr Ward said. “Local and state conservation groups have recently put a plan to declare the Wombat a conservation reserve. Is this the Minister’s formal response?”

“My feeling is that VicForests will not get a single stick out of the Wombat Forest. If it’s back to the barricades, then so be it.”

“Whatever happens, the government’s credibility has been permanently damaged.”

Marcus Ward is the Greens candidate for the Western Victoria Upper House Region. If elected he will join the three current metropolitan Greens MLCs as the first rural/regional Victorian Greens MP.

Contact: Marcus Ward on 54235254 or 0427235254  

Greens councillor for City of Greater Bendigo visits Ballarat

Greens reject Libs motion on desalination

Greens MLCs have rejected a motion by the Liberals for a parliamentary inquiry into the desalination option.

Greens say much more is needed for the Snowy River

Greens candidate for Gippsland Michael Bond has cautiously welcomed the Federal Government water announcements but is concerned that they will only result in minor increases in flows to the Snowy River.

Meeting with members of the Snowy River Alliance in Bairnsdale and Paynesville, Michael said: “The announcement to pay out the Snowy River “debt” will only result in a mere 2% increase to flows for the current water year (2010-11) when the legislated target for June 2009 was 15% below Jindabyne Dam and 21% by 2012.

“The Snowy River remains on life support. What the Snowy needs is action that will deliver major volumes of water down the river now” said Michael.

The Greens support the Snowy River Alliance's calls to (as a matter of priority): Permanently close the Mowamba Aqueduct to allow the Mowamba River to flow its natural course into the Snowy; Funding to deliver 21% of real water not paper water below Jindabyne Dam by 2012; return flows to the Upper Snowy in Kosciusko National Park below Guthega Dam and Island Bend Dam; an independent inquiry into the expenditure of the $425* million of taxpayers' money provided for Snowy River environmental flows, with a review of Australian water policy as part of that inquiry. “The Greens believe that a key part of saving the Snowy and in fact ensuring the survival of all Australian rivers is to legislate for minimum mandatory flows so successive governments cannot keep using 'the drought' as a reason to hold water back from the rivers.

“The Snowy Scheme must stay in public hands and The Greens will continue to oppose any moves for its privatisation or leasing.” (*includes $75 million for 70 Gigalitres for the Murray)

contact Michael Bond 0413 315 084 michael.bond@vic.greens.org.au  

Greens select candidate for Western Victoria

The Victorian Greens today announced their lead Upper House candidate for Western Victoria for the 2010 Victorian State election will be Marcus Ward. 

Greens to contest Deakin By-Election

Geelong Greens Convenor, Bruce Lindsay, today announced he will run as a candidate in the Deakin Ward by-election for the City of Greater Geelong Council, on a platform of planning reform, Council activism and better governance.

Mr Lindsay said: ‘I work out at the Deakin University campus at Waurn Ponds. I feel a part of the area. This by-election is also about issues that effect Geelong and the Bellarine as a whole.’

‘Three areas of local government I want to see overhauled:

• a new approach to urban design, not just more unsustainable urban sprawl;
• an ‘activist’ Council, one willing and able to agitate on important issues to the citizens of Geelong, especially with the State Government;
• better governance and greater transparency in Council decision-making.’

Mr Lindsay continued: ‘Poor urban design in going to have a long-term, detrimental impact on communities in Deakin Ward, especially with the proposal to put the Armstrong Creek ‘super-suburb’ on the doorstep. Even conservative estimates put increased traffic movements at 2000-10,000 more cars a day once the area is concreted and asphalted.’

‘Greater Geelong Council does not have a good record on governance and transparency – just look at the ‘cash-for-councillors’ saga. Not only does Council decision-making need to be more open – getting rid of ‘closed door’ briefings for councillors and working toward a ban on developer donations would be a good start – but we need to find ways to involve people more directly in decision-making.’

Mr Lindsay concluded: ‘Many big issues facing Geelong are outside the direct control of local government and in the hands of State or Federal Governments. For example, public transport provision is broken and needs to be overhauled.

The poker machine epidemic is rife. More than $100m lost to pokies every year in Geelong. Council is nowhere to be seen on climate change, when it should be out in front, leading local initiatives. Public opinion and action on climate change is way ahead of government action.

I want to see the Council play a grassroots campaigning role in the community. I want to see an activist Council. I have long experience as an advocate and campaigner, and I will take these skills to Council.’

Media contact: Bruce Lindsay 0439 035 277

Greens welcome Nationals support for Greens aged pension campaign

 Dr McKelvie has welcomed Darren Chester's call for all candidates to support the Greens proposal for an increase in the aged pension.

"Darren's advisors seem to have forgotten that last year, Bob Brown put up two motions calling for the Federal Government to approve a $30 a week pension rise to increase their standard of living above the poverty line," said Green candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie. "The Coalition refused to approve both motions".

"Now they want us to agree with our own policy to increase the pension. We are more than happy to, and welcome Darren Chester aboard. However, we're not sure his party will join us "

"Last August The Greens also opposed any more increases in Parliamentary salaries until pensioners receive an increase. We haven't heard a squeak from the Nationals on this one either."

"For over 12 months the Greens have had the $30 a week increase as part of our policy, but we have heard nothing from the other parties in all this time. It'swonderful to note the sudden humanity that the old parties display in the runup to an election.

"After eight weeks of the Gippsland by-election campaign its great that theNationals are finally hearing aged pensioners. Now they just have to listen to the community concerns on climate change, GE foods and forests.

For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615 Greens Candidate for Gippsland By Election 2008 

Greens will hold Chester to account on political donations

If Darren Chester is elected at this weekend's by-election poll, the Greens will hold him to the commitment he made supporting cleaning up political donations.

"At the Bairnsdale Meet the Candidates meeting Darren Chester supported the Greens campaign to reform political donations" said Dr Malcolm McKelvie, Greens candidate for Gippsland.

"The Greens have campaigned for many years against corporate donations to political parties, because this is how big business influences policy", Dr McKelvie said. 

"The Nationals are a case in point.  Their biggest donors are slush funds, Doogary, Pilliwinks and Donations Club, designed to hide the donors and mask their influence on the party.  Their three biggest named donors are Tattersalls, Tabcorp and the Australian Hotelliers Association - all big players in the gaming industry. "

"Maybe this is why Darren Chester has not taken a stand on the huge social and economic cost of electronic gaming machines. Nearly $1M in gambling revenue leaves the Latrobe Shire alone every week.  That is money that is not going into local businesses, and money which many people may not be able to afford to lose."

"The Nationals have voted against reducing the number of gaming machines, in Greens bills brought in the Victorian upper house.  Their commitment to their donors is greater than their commitment to reducing the harm of gambling in their electorate.

"If Darren Chester really supports cleaning up politics, maybe he should take a new broom to his own party."

For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615

Greens Candidate for Gippsland By Election 2008

www.cgn.org.au/Malcolm_McKelvie gippsland@greens.org.au

Hartland report challenges government on recycling

Greens MLC Colleen Hartland has released a report that details the financial, social and environmental benefits of a 10c deposit on drink bottles, challenging the Victorian government position on the scheme.

"I commissioned this report to show that a 10c deposit system is not only good for the environment, but also makes sound financial sense. It takes the packaging industry spin, and unspins it"

"The report outlines the dollar saving for every local council and shire in Victoria – the medium to large councils would save hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. Imagine what your council could do with the money saved."

"There are also savings in greenhouse gases, water and air pollution, and it would create 300-400 jobs, at a time when jobs are being lost."

"We still need to Reduce our consumption of drink containers, and learn to Reuse. But this scheme takes care of Recycle."

"I'm releasing the report to the public, and I’m going to hold a series of public meetings showing the benefits in the local area."

"We know that 94% of Victorians support container deposits in Victoria, and the recycling industry is lining up to get involved. You have to ask yourself why the Victorian government doesn't support it. I hope they change their mind."

The report can be downloaded from Colleen's website (click here).

Further comment: Colleen Hartland 9689 6373  

Health system disadvantages rural areas

Greens candidate, Dr Malcolm Mckelvie, is calling for a root and branch overhaul of Australia’s health system to make it fairer and more efficient. Dr McKelvie believes Gippsland is a classic example of the system being stretched to breaking point.

Heartbreak at Brown Mountain

Greens MP, Sue Pennicuik visited the Brown Mountain area over the Australia Day  weekend and described the destruction of the old growth forest to the east of Brown Mountain Creek as 'heartbreaking'.

"I spent Sunday morning walking through one fantastic stand of old growth to the west of Brown Mountain Creek, where trees with 11 and 12 metre circumferences towered above us. They could be up to 400 years old," said Ms Pennicuik. Anyone who went there could only be awed and inspired and would want to see it protected.

"I was devastated to then visit an adjacent area that has been clear felled by Vic Forests over November and December. To see what just a few weeks ago was magnificent rainforest smashed to pieces is just terrible. It is senseless. Giant trees that have lived for hundreds of years and were home to threatened species have been just knocked to the ground in what now resembles a moonscape.

"This area is significant old growth forest of high conservation value because of the diversity of species, the age range of the trees - young, medium, and the giants that are hundreds of years old. It supports a wealth of native animals including threatened species such as the sooty owl, the greater and yellow bellied gliders and the spiny crayfish, which was spotted in the creek," she said.

During the 2006 state election the ALP pledged to protect all the remaining significant old growth forest in East Gippsland.

"It is a mistake by the government not to preserve the whole area as a vital link between the Errinundra and Snowy River National Parks. Even though one part of it has now been lost, it is not too late to prevent the destruction of any more of it," she said.

"I call on the Brumby government to take control of Vic Forests and put a stop to the planned logging in two more coupes at Brown Mountain. This area was listed as part of the National Estate in the 1980's and the values that enabled that listing are still there and are more important than ever," she said.

"This significant old growth forest is owned by the Victorian people, not by Vic Forests. It is far more valuable to the community now and in the future as carbon storage, as part of the Snowy River catchment and as an area of irreplaceable natural beauty than as a pile of woodchips heading to Japan," she said.

For further comment: Sue Pennicuik – 0409 055 875

Labor and Liberal climate policies cost jobs

Australian Greens candidate for Ballarat Belinda Coates says that both Labor and Liberal have simply moved to delay on climate change and it will cost the region jobs.

“In Julia Gillard's words, delay is denial and not only have both the old parties failed to deliver on climate change, we now know it will cost us 7,200 jobs in the region.”

A recent independent report commissioned by the Australian Council of Trade Unions and Australian Conservation Foundation shows that the Ballarat region would have over 32,000 new jobs created by 2030 with strong action on climate change. Just 24,700 would be created with weak action. The Ballarat region includes the local government areas of Moorabool, Ballarat, Ararat, Central Goldfields, Hepburn and Pyrenees Shire.*

“Catherine King committed to strong action on climate change at the last election, including a pledge to reduce carbon emissions 30% by 2020. It now seems our 'biggest moral challenge' can wait another three years after little action from the last three.”

“There seems to be a common theme developing where Catherine King gives the impression of caring about an issue but follows the Labor party line in the opposite direction, without saying a word publicly.”

“To make matters worse, the Liberal candidate, Mark Banwell has his head in the sand in regard to climate change. Why would he want to deny the people in the Ballarat electorate opportunities for new green jobs with strong action on climate change?”

“If you don't believe the evidence of our top scientists and every scientific body in the country, what evidence would you base any of your policies on?”

“People are tired of the same old style of politics. The Greens have a proposal for a simple carbon tax that will give business certainty and unleash new green job creation. We have a range of policies that will put a price on carbon and boost renewable energy and energy efficiency to help us reach our target of 32,000 new jobs by 2030.”

“Unions are beginning to join the million people who now vote Greens in Australia, supporting our policies on climate change and job creation. The ETU has recently announced that it has severed its ties with the Labor party and is putting its support with the Greens.”

* http://www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=2855

Contact: Belinda Coates on 0400 947 688

Labor shown as gutless again on education funding.

"The PM's decision to back down or delay again on the equitable distribution of education funding for public schools is a disgrace. It has been Labor policy for years to address the creeping of funds to non-public schools such that one third of government funds reach public schools that teach two thirds of students" said Dr Malcolm McKelvie, Greens candidate for McMillan.

"Only the Greens are now prepared to stand up for a better deal for public education. Our policy is to bolster funding for public schools and include two years of pre school education, ensuring all children have access to a great start in life and then can follow up with provision of quality education through primary and secondary schools. Tertiary education should also be publicly funded just as it was for the current crop of decision makers".

"There is no doubt that private schools do a wonderful job in education and our policy does not seek to remove all public funds from these schools, just to redress the imbalance in funding that has occurred. It is another policy area that just makes sense and is fair."

Further information: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615 malcolm.mckelvie@vic.greens.org.au  

Labor takes aim and misses on illness prevention.

Greens candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie says Labor has halved the funding to the highly successful Australian Primary Care Collaborative program just at the time when it should have been doubled.

Labor's dead hand smothers solar sector

Not content with signing the death warrant for the solar panel industry, Labor is now callously turning its back on the pleas for help. The Federal Government should listen to the solar industry and reverse their decision to means-test the rooftop solar rebate Greens candidate for Gippsland Dr Malcolm McKelvie said today.

"Its already clear that taking away funding to help people install solar power systems was a huge mistake.” said Dr McKelvie. “If the ALP hope to start reducing the country’s greenhouse gasses, let alone have any chance of gaining voter confidence in Gippsland, it must admit its mistake and reverse the decision immediately.

"Plans to review how the solar means test impacts on people is just stalling. It is not the ‘overheating’ of the scheme they need to worry about, it’s the planet that’s overheating, it’s our weather, agriculture, water and the many climatic extremes we are seeing from too much burning of fossil fuels.”

"Besides climate impact, the other impact of the solar rebate means-test was obvious from day one. Jobs are being lost and the viability of small renewable energy businesses is seriously threatened.

”Clear thinking and some foresight would have prevented a lot of pain for people and would have also kept the number of solar installations increasing at a time when it is so essential.

"We would like to hear Darren McCubbin announce during this election on behalf of the ALP, that they will do away with means-testing the solar power rebates.

For comments Dr Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615

Greens Candidate for Gippsland By – Electionwww.cgn.org.au/Malcolm_McKelvie gippsland@greens.org.au 

Labor’s Kindergarten Hypocrisy

Labor’s grubby preference deal

Today the Greens have come out on the front foot over Labor’s sneaky preference deal with extremist party, Country Alliance.

In a deal that could see Country Alliance elected through Labor preferences, Greens Victorian lead Upper House candidate Samantha Dunn has expressed her anger. "This grubby deal done by the ALP with Country Alliance has all the hallmarks of the Steve Fielding deal done in 2004 that shocked and outraged so many voters," said Samantha.

"I cannot be clearer, a vote for the ALP in the Upper House is likely to lead to the election of the shooters and hunters party. Country Alliance’s vision is clear – they want less investment in renewable energy and more investment in dirty coal. Is that the future you want for you and your children?" said Samantha.

"Labor pledged to protect our forests and now they turn around and do a deal with a party that wants to destroy them. Country Alliance opposes the creation of any more National Parks and wants to continue logging in catchment areas. Labor clearly cannot be trusted. Voters in this region are smart; they will see this deal for what it is. Any credibility that Labor had with voters has disappeared."

"At the federal election the Victorian community was loud and clear on the vision they wanted when they voted in their first Greens Lower House member, Senator and record high Green vote across the region. The Victorian community said yes to the vision that supports investment in renewable energy, public transport, preventive health, climate change and making sure our forests are protected."

"Voting for the ALP this election will crush the vision that the Eastern Victorian community so clearly called for. Our community needs progressive, common sense politics, not out dated, backwards thinking, extremist policy. Think carefully about what future you want after this election. This time your vote is very powerful" Samantha concluded.

Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Latrobe City ratepayers prop up coal industry by $10 million a year

Latrobe City ratepayers should be outraged at another level of subsidy for the coal industry that they are paying, says Greens candidate for the Gippsland by-election, Dr Malcolm McKelvie.

 "When Jeff Kennett privatised the power industry he granted them a 5 year stay on paying the local government rates - the same situation that existed for SECV. For some reason this moratorium has been extended by the State Government ever since. As a result Latrobe City Council is missing out on around $10 million every year.

No prizes for guessing who makes up the shortfall- other rate payers" said Dr McKelvie.

"This is a small amount of money for these big foreign owned companies but it means an extra $100 each year for everyone else. John Brumby promised to heed the call from Latrobe City Council to reverse the decision when he was in opposition but still hasn't done so. What makes it worse is that he did gain an increase in the coal royalty payable to the State government, reaping an extra $12 million per year into the states coffers, while the Latrobe City families are paying the rates of this huge industry."

"Latrobe City ratepayers should be angry with the ALP for not honouring its promises. Once again, another example of old parties favouring big business at the expense of the ordinary family and small business."

"It seems that generous subsidies for looking at the unproven clean coaltechnology are just the latest in a string of tax payer and rate payer gifts tothe coal companies."

For comments Dr Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615

Greens Candidate for Gippsland By - Election 2008www.cgn.org.au/Malcolm_McKelvie gippsland@greens.org.au 

Latrobe Valley takes the first bite at a new future.

The people of the Latrobe Valley have responded to the need to change to a clean sustainable future said Greens candidate, Dr Malcolm McKelvie.

“The Greens primary vote in the Latrobe Valley has grown significantly this election while the ALP vote has fallen which shows more people are aware of the need to move away from the pollution and global warming coal industry to a better, more sustainable future in renewables and associated manufacturing.

The old major parties paid lip service to the problem of global warming and the impact that emissions trading will have on our lives” said Dr McKelvie.

“What we do in the next 2 years is crucial to our childrens’ future. We need urgent action to reduce CO2 emissions, so let’s grasp this reality as an opportunity to grow jobs in renewables, to transform transport options towards public transport and cycling or walking and improve people’s health in the process.”

“The Greens will continue to provide the vision for a peaceful, sustainable future for our children while the old parties continue with the self interested short term thinking that dominates the political scene.”

For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615

Let's inject some sense into the debate over marine parks

"What a stir the debate on marine parks is causing and what a storm in a teacup", said Dr Malcolm McKelvie, Greens candidate for McMillan.

"Even our coalition candidates won't find the concept too hard to understand- protect some sites from fishing so the fish populations can breed and thrive and spread out so there are more fish to catch everywhere else for people now as well as their children and grandchildren. It's not difficult nor very complicated- it's another policy that makes good sense and works."

"Australia is in the fortunate position that we control our fisheries and can act to protect them. Other parts of the world share fisheries with close neighbours so effective regulation and enforcement is difficult and the result is that fisheries are overused and collapse. Voters won't fall for the cheap shots taken by the coalition on this issue".

Contact Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615 malcolm.mckelvie@vic.greens.org.au

Liberal MP deserves praise for stance on genetic modification

Greens candidate, Dr Malcolm McKelvie has praised Russell Broadbent for his vigorous campaign to stop  genetically modified food crops getting into our food supply .

• GM crops won’t solve the problems of hunger, war, poverty or bad governance. There is already enough food grown to feed the world, it is just poorly distributed.
•  The US and Canada lost the big European and Japanese markets for their canola, corn and soy worth billions so GM crops won’t boost agricultural profits.
• The GM industry has run most trials. Governments  have accepted industry tests despite evidence against the claimed safety and boosts in yield.
• A child would have to eat 54 cups of the GM vitamin A enriched rice to prevent blindness. A normal varied diet including green leafy vegetables and other foods is enough to supply kids with all their Vitamin A needs.
• GM crops mean more herbicide use. Roundup resistant GE crops means farmers can spray more Roundup and at higher rates to kill weeds more efficiently. However, resistance to Roundup has spread to weeds making weed control much more difficult.
• The nutrition value of GM foods is unproven and avoids the main problem that most people don’t eat enough fruit and vegetables.
• An ANU trial found that both cooked and uncooked GM peas harmed the rats they were fed to disproving claims that cooked GM foods are harmless.

Local Doctor Stands for Greens in Gippsland

Yarragon doctor Malcolm McKelvie is the Greens candidate for the Gippsland by-election.

Dr McKelvie, who has lived in West Gippsland for 12 years, said health was a major issue that especially touched the Gippsland communities.

“As a local doctor I know there is a critical shortage of doctors and nurses throughout the region and services are stretched to the limit,” he said.

“Few GPs offer bulk billing and there are long waiting lists to see specialists and counsellors. This is an added burden in country areas, where many people are battling drought and financial hardship.

"After years of neglect by the Howard government the health service needs serious attention, but there is no indication from the Rudd Government that it has the commitment to provide this.

“The Greens will plough proposed tax cuts back in to health and education. We will also scrap the $3.6 billion federal government subsidy to private health insurance and put that money back into public health.

“We believe the health system needs the kind of root and branch overhaul that Mr Rudd has announced for the taxation system.

“That's why we propose to dismantle the current funding system and pool all state and federal funding for distribution by a health commission to end the bickering over responsibilities and control.

“We will establish a network of primary health care centres across the nation, where people can see a doctor, a nurse practitioner or a counsellor. We will also extend free dental care to those on low incomes and in special need, and build a network of 24-hour mental health centres.”

Dr McKelvie said health was just one area where the Greens stood apart from the old parties.

“The Greens want to future-proof our country in a range of areas – climate change, education, establishing renewable energy industries in places like the Latrobe Valley to tackle our reliance on fossil fuels such as coal.”

If elected to parliament, Dr McKelvie would join Prime Minister Kevin Rudd as an MP with an interest in China and its language. He has been studying Mandarin as part of his initiative to build a business importing electric-assisted bicycles from China.

For further information: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615

Lynette Keleher elected to City of Casey

I am so very thrilled and honoured to be elected as one of the two councillors for River Gum Ward in the City of Casey. This really seemed an impossible task as I was up against the Mayor Janet Halsall and Cr. Wayne Smith who has been here for long time.

 

Thank you to everyone who supported me and I am so proud to now be able to represent the Greens at Local Government level. I foresee many opportunities to initiate and implement Green initiatives and I will work hard to promote core Green values for the benefit of the whole community.

Major parties don’t deserve preferences

The Gippsland Greens today announced that they would not be directing preferences in this election.  “None of the major parties deserve our preferences,” said Dr Malcolm McKelvie, Greens Candidate in the Gippsland By-election.

Major party calls for aged pension increase ring hollow

Greens candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie says there is a surprising number of issues the Greens have been fighting for over the past decade that the Nationals, ALP and Liberals are now starting to talk about. Increasing the aged pension is one example that reeks of political opportunism.

Manage forests for all values

The Greens believe the topic of forest protection is a critical matter of concern for many voters in the Gippsland region as it is so closely linked to our clean secure water supplies, carbon storage, climate stabilisation and protection of rare and threatened wildlife.

“The Labor and Coalition parties are turning a blind eye to the devastation that is being wrought in the Strzeleckis and Central Highlands”, says Michael Bond, Greens Candidate for Gippsland.

“My great Uncle, John Youl, worked for the Forest Commission in the 1920s and through the Great Depression with postings throughout Gippsland including Yarram and Heyfield. He won an OBE for ‘services to the timber industry’ in 1970 and loved the forests. In those days small scale local timber-getting operators cut chosen trees only for sawlogs. Today the intensive clearfell operations of VicForests and HVP are driven by giant woodchipping interests and much of this is to supply overseas companies”, said Michael Bond “I think Uncle John would be horrified to learn what’s now happening to his beloved forests.”

“We should be developing long term secure employment such as nature tourism and looking after existing industries like honey production. These industries are being undermined as the native forest logging industry continues to devastate areas of public forest.”

“The last of our unprotected intact forests on public land in the Strzeleckis that were promised to be protected are now being chainsawed and bulldozed. The old growth forests of East Gippsland, with trees; some over 600 years old, are still on the government’s plans to be clearfelled and converted to industrial tree farms for the export woodchip industry.

"It’s just outrageous. These are carbon dense forests and should be our front-line defence against climate change and bushfires.” Michael declares.

“With climate change giving us drier and hotter summers, it is absolutely critical that our governments protect the last untouched parts of our healthy forests. These have been shown by scientists from the Australian National University (ANU) to be more fire resistant than regrowth and damaged forests.” Michael concluded.

For more details, contact Michael Bond 0413 315 084

New approach needed to urban and regional planning in Geelong

Geelong’s approach to urban design and planning is unsustainable in the long-run and largely ad hoc, Deakin Ward candidate, Bruce Lindsay, said today. Mr Lindsay made his comments in the context of the recent release of a planning panel report into the proposed Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Plan. The Plan envisages approximately a 25% increase in the size of Geelong by mid-century. The Panel report has recommended removing from the Plan many of the ‘greener,’ more progressive elements.

Mr Lindsay said: ‘Council and Geelong communities need to look at the basic principles and models underpinning planning in the region, to move away from an uncritical "carpet" sprawl on the urban fringe. This sort of urban sprawl needs to be subject to considerable scrutiny. There is ample evidence of social and health problems associated with it, such as isolation and obesity. Then there are the adverse environmental effects, not least loss of green spaces and increased greenhouse emissions from high dependency on cars.’

‘Among other things, the Armstrong Creek proposal will put up to 24,000 more cars on local roads over coming decades.'

He continued: ‘Essentially, that is a product of the car dependency that goes hand-in-hand with this model of development. It imposes considerable cost-shifting onto families, especially with the inevitable reliance on two or more cars, and inadequate planning and delivery of services.’

‘Although the original Armstrong Creek proposal had its shortcomings, the Planning Panel’s report is a much more retrograde step. For instance, it removes ‘greenways,’ cuts the amount of proposed open space significantly, and in regard to many important services and community infrastructure just says "Oh, don’t worry, sort that out later, or just take it out." In effect, the Panel has backed the developers’ ambit claim.’

‘It is irresponsible to give the green light to development without processes for signed and sealed delivery of all relevant infrastructure and services before development starts. That means having funding and arrangements in place to make sure the public transport is going to be there, the kindergartens are going to be there, the local police station is going to be there, and the open space and biodiversity corridors are protected.’

Mr Lindsay concluded: ‘I am calling for a wide-ranging inquiry, under the auspices of Council, into Geelong’s urban and regional design, with terms of reference to include:

    * A vision for the sustainable and long-term form of urban and peri-urban Geelong;    * How such a vision can be delivered in the context of climate change and/or peak oil constraints;    * How urban form will contribute to the development and engagement of community;    * How urban form affects the delivery of community services and infrastructure;    * The role of urban design in the delivery of affordable housing.’

For comment or more information, contact Bruce Lindsay 0439 035 277

No helipad just part of Ballarat health woes

Australian Greens candidate for Ballarat West Leon Dwyer will speak at a community meeting tonight called to support a helipad in Ballarat. He will tell the meeting that he supports the community call for a helipad, but other critical health issues must also be addressed.

“This is an emotional issue, like many others in the community I have been touched by grief from recent events,” said Leon Dwyer.

Leon knew Claire Smith, aka “Becky Bloodnut”, through his involvement in the Ballarat Roller Derby League.

“I have spoken with those working at the coalface in our emergency services and while no one would refuse the offer of a helipad, there are clearly other priorities that must also be addressed.”

“At the same time, everyone feels that if it was one of our friends or family in need of rapid transit we would want the appropriate facilities to be there.”

“People want a health system that first of all keeps us out of hospitals. Mental illness accounts for a significant proportion of admissions to emergency departments, we need serious investment in early intervention mental health services.”

“The emergency department at the Base Hospital is stretched, our paramedics are under staffed, underpaid and work long hours with short brakes.”

“A shortage of GPs puts further pressure on the system. The ambulance depot at the Base Hospital needs work, it is not efficient and difficult to transfer patients there.”

“Some things are unavoidable, there will always be emergencies like Claire's case, which perhaps highlights why we should have had a helipad long ago. Taking the pressure of our emergency system by investing in preventative health allows us to better deal with the unavoidable.”

Greens MP Colleen Hartland wrote to the ombudsman two weeks ago calling for an inquiry into ambulance services. The Greens will be seeking improvements in line with the recommendations of that inquiry.

“The helipad is a capital expense with little ongoing costs and it's something I support along with increased staffing, better working conditions and equipment upgrades.”

“I congratulate the community for their work on this campaign and hope we can work together to get better health outcomes for all.”

For media and comment contact Leon Dwyer via 0415 755 181

Old parties ignore big Gippsland issues

The big issues facing the people of Gippsland have escaped the attention of the old political parties in this by-election campaign said Greens candidate, Dr Malcolm McKelvie.

"It's as if the old parties had a policy free zone in relation to climate change, strengthening public health and education, ensuring our food supply is safe before allowing GM foods to be grown and providing adequate dental care.

Where they did make a lot of noise it is obvious to all they are all talk and no action - just look at their track record on opposing raising the aged pension above the poverty line.

 "Consider the short term thinking behind the push for a few cents off fuel prices instead of a clear vision for a future free of dependence on oil. Or the hullaballoo about duplicating the highway between Traralgon and Sale instead of the long term thinking of increasing our access to user friendly frequent rail and bus services.

"The old parties prefer to talk about protecting old jobs in outdated industries instead of creating more jobs in new industries like renewable energy, energy efficiency and environmental repair. These jobs will be needed into the future.

"Voting Green isn't a waste of a vote. It has twice the voting power - firstly to tell the other parties what voters are concerned about and if we dont get elected, you get another vote with your second preference. Both are counted equally and will decide who eventualy gets across the line." said Dr McKelvie.

 "Greens voters think about big picture issues, not those of postage stamp magnitude".

For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615

Pakenham needs more proactive youth services

Peter McGauran's legacy - a Green Senator

Sarah Hanson-Young, recipient of a prize sponsored by Peter McGauran, has urged Gippsland voters to vote Green in this weekend's by-election.

"Now is the time for people in Gippsland to turn to the Greens.  We offer real vision, and we are serious about representing the whole community in the parliament," Senator-elect Hanson-Young said. 

"We will be pushing for an increase in the old age pension in budget negotiations after July 1".

The new Greens Senator grew up in East Gippsland and attended Orbost Secondary College.  She won the 'Peter McGauran Prize' there for two years in a row.  Peter McGauran sponsored the annual prize as a way of fostering community leadership amongst young people in Gippsland.

Sarah takes a Senate position for South Australia, after moving there for University  almost nine years ago.  

"The Greens will bring both maturity and youth to the balance of power in the Senate" Sarah said. "Bob Brown and Christine Milne have lead the Greens in both balance of power and minority government in Tasmania.  Our two new senators, myself and Scott Ludlam, will bring youth and fresh ideas to the Senate."

The new Senate, which takes its place from July 1, features two new Green senators, of whom Sarah is one.  Together, the five Greens Senators, and South Australian Nick Xenaphon and Victorian Steve Fielding will control the balance of power in the national parliament's upper house. 

Further information:

Sarah Hanson-Young, 0411 524 724

Postage stamp politics

“There are bigger and more important things in this election campaign than where the people of Traralgon buy their postage stamps”, said Dr Malcolm McKelvie, Greens candidate in the Gippsland by-election.

“For example, are our forests worth more to the community standing or as woodchips?” he asked.

On Friday Senator Bob Brown, Australian Greens leader told a gathering outside the Traralgon Post Office on Friday that Gippslanders earned less than the price of a postage stamp from every tonne of their forests exported as woodchips”, Dr McKelvie said.

“We earn 11c royalties as a community for every tonne of woodchips our forests are turned into.  But our forests clean water and provide a valuable sink for the carbon produced by our energy industry, cars and homes”, Dr McKelvie said.

For more information:Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615

Preference power to the people

The Greens in the Ballarat electorate will be reinforcing the message that people control where their preferences go and strongly encouraging voters to make up their own mind.

"The Greens have moved to ban pesky and wasteful 'how-to-vote' cards but both Labor and Liberal opposed that move," said Belinda Coates, Australian Greens candidate for Ballarat.

"Unfortunately some people don't realise that 'how-to-vote' cards are just a guide and people have the power to choose exactly where their preferences go."

"People are disillusioned with the old parties and are looking for a good alternative. I would say to them, vote 1 Greens and then make up your own mind."

"People are asking 'where does my preference go if I vote Greens?' We're saying it's your choice."

The Greens 'how-to-vote' card in the Ballarat electorate will reinforce this message by not recommending preferences. It will simply recommend a 1st preference to Greens candidate Belinda Coates and tell voters to number each box in the order they choose.

"The Greens are not beholden to any party and people shouldn't be either. Voting Greens sends a strong message to the old parties that they need to lift their game. If your party of choice isn't elected, the whole value of your vote goes to the next party of choice."

"A Greens vote is a double value vote - send a message and decide your own preferences."

For more information on how preferences work, go to: http://greens.org.au/getthefacts/preferences

Contact: Belinda Coates on 0400 947 688

Premier ignores economic costs of GM canola

Media Release December 13, 2007 Premier ignores economic costs of GM canola The Country Greens Network has called on Premier John Brumby to conduct a full economic audit of the costs of GM canola. Country Greens convener Louis Delacretaz condemned Mr Brumby for refusing to extend Victoria’s moratorium on genetically engineered crops. “Mr Brumby acted in a cavalier fashion and in the face of opposition from the community, farmers and even substantial internal dissent in the ALP,” said Mr Delacretaz. “The full costs of this decision have not been considered. We need to know the likely economic effect, as well as the impact on crop contamination and health.” Before the moratorium is lifted the Country Greens demand that the following conditions are met:

Renewables plan to create thousands of Gippsland jobs

A recently released report called “Zero Carbon Australia Stationary Energy Plan” outlines a plan to convert the nation's entire energy sector to renewable energy. It could be a blueprint for the Latrobe Valley’s future direction turning it from a coal based economy into a jobs-rich renewable energy region.

Gippsland Green’s candidate; Michael Bond says that Australia with its abundance of sunshine, consistent prevailing winds, miles of coastline and other renewable resources is well placed to be a world leader in these technologies. The Latrobe Valley’s existing infrastructure and skilled workforce would be an ideal place for manufacturing these renewable energy projects” he said.

The plan includes a mix of wind farms and concentrated solar thermal plants with molten salt storage to provide base load power. All are existing technologies that are commercially established in Europe, China and the US. Indeed, Spain is currently building approx 2GW (much more than the capacity of Hazelwood) of solar capacity and China is building and planning on having 100GW of wind power installed by 2020.That’s approx 75 “Hazelwoods” of wind power alone!  

“Unfortunately we are dragging the chain” Michael Bond says. “Thousands of desperately needed manufacturing jobs could be created for Gippsland if authorities embraced renewables. The problem is if we don’t take the lead soon, other countries such as China will have set themselves up as the experts in the field and will take these jobs,” he laments.

The plan forecasts that 80,000 jobs could be created in the construction of these plants, with 45,000 on-going permanent jobs in operations and maintenance. This compares with approx 20,000 that would be lost in coal and gas during the transition. “Not only would we have zero carbon emissions but we would have created 1000’s more jobs; I don’t know what we’re waiting for” he says.

The government has set a target of 20% renewables by 2020. The Greens are calling on the government to set a price on carbon and to step up to the plate on its renewable rhetoric. “With uncertainty over a carbon price, financiers won’t be willing to invest. If the government won’t set a carbon price, they need to replicate US President Barack Obama's offer to guarantee loans on renewable projects to kick off this energy revolution” Mr Bond states. For further details and to download the plan in full go to the Beyond Zero Emissions website at: beyondzeroemissions.org

For media and comment contact Michael Bond 0413 315 084  

Rudd lacks vision on fuel

Our Prime Minister has shown himself to be out of ideas when it comes to solving our fuel problems. Greens candidate, Malcolm McKelvie has outlined practical actions the government could take.

For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615

Greens Candidate for Gippsland By – Election

Rural Press Club Snub

Greens candidate for the Gippsland by-election Dr Malcolm McKelvie says the Rural Press Club is misguided in its decision not to include him in its lunchtime debate on Wednesday, 18th June.

Save the plantations for timber and the forests for carbon!

A forum on BioCarbon has determined that native forests are much more valuable being kept as carbon stores to reduce the damage caused by climate change.

Margaret Blakers from the Green Institute presented at a forum on BioCarbon on Saturday at Traralgon to a packed room.  She analysed the government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper and found that it found that it has flaws.

“By ignoring native forest logging it falsely promotes converting of plantation timber into carbon storage, thereby locking up plantations and encouraging continued logging of native forests.”

“It makes no sense to throw away the carbon already sequested by native forests, instead we should be utilizing our plantation timber for construction and paper making” said Margaret Blakers. “Stopping the logging and clearing of native forests will produce an immediate decrease in Australia’s annual carbon emissions of about 18%.”

“Native forests are best at storing carbon and plantations are best at growing wood” said Ms Blakers.

For more information:

Margaret Blakers 0419 877 325

Andrea Millsom 0417 555 742

Scales tipped on mental health

“If you could do a PET scan of the state to pick up psychiatrists, inner Melbourne would glow red hot. Gippsland might register a glimmer” said Greens candidate Dr Malcolm McKelvie.

Snowy river madness

The recent explosion in WA at a gas processing facility highlights the risks being taken with the Santos gas plant on the Snowy river estuary says Greens candidate, Dr Malcolm McKelvie.

State government shows contempt for planning process with Frankston Bypass announcement

Greens member for Southern Metropolitan Region and spokesperson for Roads and Ports, Sue Pennicuik said today that "the Premier’s announcement this week to proceed with construction of the Frankston Bypass1 before the panel inquiring into the project had even finalised its Inquiry once again demonstrated the government’s contempt for Victoria’s planning and environmental assessment processes."

The panel inquiring into the Frankston Bypass is understood to be producing its report to the Minister for Planning, Mr Madden by the 24th April 2009. The minister will then need to determine whether to approve the project.

"Even then we won't be sure that any decision made by the Minister is soundly based because, as with channel deepening and the desalination plant, the Minister sets his own terms of reference and the scope of the Inquiry and controls the process," she said.

"It is well past the time that we had a truly independent environmental assessment process in Victoria," said Ms Pennicuik.

1 Frankston Bypass aka Peninsula Link http://www.seita.com.au/pages/peninsula-link.asp

The Brown Mountain landmark trial has concluded in the Supreme Court on Thursday 25th March – after a 16 day trial

Justice Osborn has reserved his decision. It could take anywhere from one month to six months to hand down a finding, but of course we are hoping sooner.
 
The four week trial has been marked by finger-pointing between government logging bodies VicForests and DSE about who is responsible for endangered species. The behavior of those charged with protecting our wildlife has been exposed to public scrutiny and the Supreme Court’s enquiry.

 
We believe the government doesn’t survey for endangered wildlife before they log old growth forest, because they don’t want to find anything that would prevent logging. The Court heard that VicForests doesn’t employ wildlife experts, and EEG has argued that both VicForests and the DSE sideline the opinion of the government’s biodiversity unit.
 
We now hope the Minister is fully informed about the very high conservation values in this area. EEG presented evidence of a new species of crayfish in Brown Mountain Creek, plus experts claiming the stands of old growth are high quality habitat for two species of rare frogs, and the Spot-tailed (Tiger) Quoll. The evidence for the Tiger Quoll was heart-breaking – the three last remaining viable colonies are in East Gippsland.
 
This case has been all about whether irreversible damage would be caused by logging. And as our legal team stated “ You can’t get damage that is more irreversible than extinction.”
 
The outcome of this case is important for the protection of wildlife in other stands of high conservation value native forests under threat of clearfelling.
http://eastgippsland.net.au/

The time for clean energy is now

Greens candidate, Malcolm McKelvie says Labor has dropped the ball on climate change. Labor's budget is rewarding the carbon polluters and wiping out the solar industry.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd must reverse the budget gaffe which has devastated solar power businesses around Australia. A Yarragon based solar power supplier servicing the whole state estimates their business will suffer an 80% decline in grid interactive system installations. The effect is drastic and contrary to the stated policy of the government.

"This is a stunning solar stuff up for Labor's first budget. Australianvoters expected the Rudd government to tackle climate change. Instead,this was an Exocet missile into a key industry for reducing greenhousegas emissions. The removal of the rebate for households earning morethan $100,000 per annum was not thought through.

If either Peter Garrett or Penny Wong were consulted or backed thisabsurd move, they should hang their heads in shame. Their silence hasbeen deafening”, Malcolm McKelvie said.

This episode, along with a string of other greenhouse worsening budgetoutcomes, shows the Rudd government is inept when it comes to tacklingthe need for urgent action on climate change.  

However, Brendan Nelson's two billion dollar plan to reduce petrolexcise by 5 cents a litre is in the same category; perverse policy in anage of huge climate change problems.

The up side to fuel price rises

“Rising fuel prices are triggering changes in our behaviour that need to bepermanent, as we adapt to a world of higher energy and fuel prices” Greens candidate for Gippsland, Dr Malcolm McKelvie said today.

”The law of the world markets can be ruthless” said Dr McKelvie. “The unpleasant truth is that there is more demand than there is supply - and confronting the end to cheap energy and global warming is going to take some good old Australian resilience and adaptability.”

“Politicians are trying to trick us to believe that blow torches or short term price reduction will save the day. But rising prices are here to stay and we’re just going to have to find solutions - and fast.”

“Already we are seeing more car pooling, walking and cycling to work, an increase in public transport use and sudden new plans to build fuel efficient cars. Just as our parents and grandparents did during the wars, we will have to make changes to our lives.

“We are facing a rapid change in the way we will have to go about things. Instead of sending materials to Thailand to be made up and flying them back here, it might soon be cheaper to pay Australians to do the work. 

“If rising fuel prices will make Gippsland grown food cheaper than imported fish from Denmark, or cheeses from France, then this should be seen as a positive.” said Dr McKelvie.

“We must get started on the road to adaptation and permanent solutions rather than pinning our hopes on false promises of cheaper fuel one day. It is so important that we don’t just wait for politicians to act. Get fit, get to know your neighbour, buy locally, grow a vegie garden, and reduce consumer goods to the essentials.

“This could be the prompting we’ve all needed.”

For further information please contact: Malcolm McKelvie 0417 364 615

Three Greens MPs visit Eden Chipmill

Greens MPs from Victoria, NSW and the ACT will converge on South East NSW to step up the Greens campaign to end the logging of native forests.

Turning point in campaign against desalination plant as Bob Brown joins protest

Bob Brown has thrown his support behind the campaign against the desalination plant near Wonthaggi.  The Greens leader will fly down to the Bass Coast site for a protest rally today.

The rally against the $3.1 billion plant will be addressed by Senator Brown and Greens lead Senate candidate in Victoria Richard Di Natale.

"This greenhouse polluting project is every bit as destructive as the pulp mill proposed for the Tamar Valley in Tasmania," Dr Di Natale said.

"The opposition to the desalination plant is clearly growing as more people learn about the climate change implications of this project," he said.

"The Bass Coast Board Riders will today take to the water to spell out the words: 'Desal - The Big Lie$$$' as part of the protest.

"Already local residents, fishers and environmentalists have joined the campaign against the plant, which will spew out the equivalent in greenhouse emissions of 280,000 vehicles on the road for a year.

"As well as carbon emissions, the plant will produce toxic chemical waste and brine. Much of this will be returned to the ocean, threatening local marine habitats.

"The Brumby Government hasn't even conducted an environmental effects inquiry.

"We can do so much more by water efficiencies, recycling and harvesting - as all the reports to the government have made clear.

"Desalination should be our last resort, not the first."

 Further information: Richard Di Natale 0425 771 246

 Media inquiries: Jim Buckell 0400 465 459

VicForests sued for illegal logging

Today, Environment East Gippsland commenced proceedings against VicForests in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

A writ was filed with the court this morning and has just been served on VicForests.

“We ask the Court for a permanent injunction to stop VicForests from logging Brown Mountain” said Jill Redwood, Coordinator of EEG. “We also ask the Court to declare that the logging of Brown Mountain is unlawful”.

Brown Mountain is known habitat for at least five species of wildlife listed as vulnerable or threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. The Court has not yet set a date for the hearing of the case.

For comment: Jill Redwood 5154 0145.

Victorian desalination plant may send the state broke!

A forum held at Wonthaggi on Saturday 22nd May heard some shocking revelations about Victoria's desalination plant.

Secrecy surrounding the contracts between the government and the desalination consortium led Kenneth Davidson, a senior journalist at the Age, to question the Victorian Auditor General. Mr Davidson found evidence of further secret contracts and indications of the real cost of the plant. “$900 million a year will eventually come from the pockets of Victorians, to pay for the desalination plant and its water”.

He considers this amount to be unaffordable and could send the state broke within five to ten years.

Already hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent by Bass Coast Council on work required in the municipality, as a result of the desalination project. This is money that will not be refunded, according to councillors present at the meeting.

“30,000 tonnes of prescribed toxic waste from the desalination plant will need to be disposed of each year” said representatives of RATWISE - Residents Against Toxic Waste In the South East who expect that this will be sent to Victoria’s only toxic waste dump at Lyndhurst. This facility is fast filling up, with no current plans for an alternative site. The question left hanging was whether Bass Coast could be chosen as a future toxic waste disposal site.

Samantha Dunn, Greens Upper House candidate for Eastern Victoria said, “Melburnians have shown their willingness to change their habits and use less water but the Brumby government is ignoring the community’s conservation of water. With the desalination plant churning out 150 gigalitres (150 billion litres) of water a year, the government has signalled that there will no longer be a need for water conservation, leaving Melburnians with the most energy intensive, environmentally unfriendly and expensive water conceivable”.

Western Port ecosystem more important than plans to expand Port of Hastings

The Greens have rejected the government's proposal to abolish the Port of Hastings Corporation and incorporate it into the Port of Melbourne Corporation, under the Ports Integration bill in state parliament this week.

Sue Pennicuik, Greens spokesperson for Ports said. "The Greens have grave concerns about the impact of a larger Port of Hastings on the local environment and on Western Port Bay, which is a Ramsar-listed wetland."

"This is the Year of Biodiversity and our wetlands are havens for biodiversity - we should be protecting and enhancing them. We have already lost too much," she said. "Western Port Bay is a haven for the thousands of water birds that visit it from all around the world every year and a unique tidal mud flat ecosystem that is very precious to Victorians."

"While the Coalition also rejected the Ports Integration Bill, they and the government want to see the Port of Hastings develop full steam ahead into a significant container port," she said. "This is the wrong way to go, we should be looking first at preserving and enhancing the integrity of Western Port for future generations."

"The health and long-term integrity of Western Port is paramount. Any development at Hastings needs to fit in with the long term needs of the ecosystem, not the usual approach of dreaming up a massive development proposal and then trying to 'manage' the environmental damage," she said.

"Western Port has already suffered much damage, in terms of pollution and loss of sea grass and mangroves, due to Port and other activities on its shores," she said. "This level of damage cannot continue into the future and that is the threshold issue that needs to be addressed before any Port expansion plans are entertained."

"The inconvenient truth is most likely that the Port of Hastings should be down scaled, not expanded, in order to preserve the Western Port ecosystem for future generations."

For further comment: Sue Pennicuik – 9530 8399

Amanda Sharp Office of Greens MLC Sue Pennicuik Southern Metropolitan Region

Wombat Forest logging denial not credible: Greens

Greens candidate for Western Victoria Marcus Ward says the denial from DSE that Wombat Forest has been opened up to logging from 2012 is not credible.

"The Government's native forest logging plan has been revealed and their damage control is in tatters," said Marcus Ward. "DSE says Wombat Forest will not be logged, but the VicForest allocations are clear as day, come 2012 it's open slather." *  

"Geoff Howard must step up and categorically rule out logging in the Wombat Forest and tell us exactly what native forests in Western Victoria will be open to logging after 2012."

"It's not enough to make empty promises before the election, if the Wombat Forest isn't going to be open to logging it has to be removed from the VicForest allocations."

"Promises from the Brumby Government are coming thick and fast in the lead up to the state election, but people are smarter than that, they know the promises hold no water and can't be trusted beyond November, let alone 2012."

"The community has spoken, they don't want logging in the Wombat Forest and after years of work they deserve certainty. The Wombat must be removed from the VicForest allocations."

* attached is a DSE map clearly showing the Wombat Forest included in VicForests Allocated Stands for 2010

Contact: Marcus Ward on 0427 235 254 or 5423 5254