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Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
john cummins memorial fundraiser
Last night I joined with fellow Greens to attend the John Cummins Memorial Fund Dinner. The dinner raises funds to support the wellbeing of cancer patients diagnosed with a brain tumour and support social inclusion for young people experiencing financial disadvantage.
From left to right: Colleen Hartland - MLC for Western Metro, me - candidate for Eastern Victoria, Sue Pennicuik - MLC for South Eastern Metro and Kathleen Maltzhan - candidate for Richmond.
The John Cummins Memorial fund was established in 2007 in honour of John Cummins who died from a brain tumour at age 58. John was president of the CFMEU (Victorian branch) from 1996 to 2006. He dedicated his life to workers, particularly in the construction industry, for the improvement of their health, wellbeing and standing in the community. He was a political and social activist with many campaigns under his belt. This was the third dinner held in John's honour.
So far $152,725 has been distributed, these funds have helped to fund a part time health worker to support patients and carers at the Austin as well as the Melbourne City Mission palliative care equipment, scholarships for secondary and tertiary students and funds for the North Heidelberg Junior Football Club too.
The event was very well supported with hundreds attending the dinner, it was a terrific night, dedicated to a man who was totally committed to working people.
From left to right: Colleen Hartland - MLC for Western Metro, me - candidate for Eastern Victoria, Sue Pennicuik - MLC for South Eastern Metro and Kathleen Maltzhan - candidate for Richmond.
The John Cummins Memorial fund was established in 2007 in honour of John Cummins who died from a brain tumour at age 58. John was president of the CFMEU (Victorian branch) from 1996 to 2006. He dedicated his life to workers, particularly in the construction industry, for the improvement of their health, wellbeing and standing in the community. He was a political and social activist with many campaigns under his belt. This was the third dinner held in John's honour.
So far $152,725 has been distributed, these funds have helped to fund a part time health worker to support patients and carers at the Austin as well as the Melbourne City Mission palliative care equipment, scholarships for secondary and tertiary students and funds for the North Heidelberg Junior Football Club too.
The event was very well supported with hundreds attending the dinner, it was a terrific night, dedicated to a man who was totally committed to working people.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
media release date: 24 Aug
Desalination debacle – Victoria’s Unsustainable Water Future
Brumby’s lack of water vision condemned;
“The Brumby government is setting us up for an unsustainable water future, said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria after hearing Neil Rankine Vice President of Watershed Victoria speak at the recent Country Greens Network forum in Leongatha. Neil was speaking on the proposed desalination plant in Wonthaggi.
“Mr Brumby has turned his back on sustainable, energy efficient water solutions for Melbourne, said Samantha, “The focus should be on water tanks, stormwater capture and recycling for our city.
Neil Rankine said “At the last election we were promised a sustainable water future, involving efficiencies, the closure of polluting ocean outfalls, and a partnering with the community to achieve desirable outcomes.
“We now find our Government is abandoning huge quantities of recycled water, they are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to produce class-A water at the Eastern Treatment Plant, only to pump it out to sea at an existing outfall.
“Worse still, we are to pay through our water bills for a $4.8 billion desalination factory, which will create yet another polluting outfall at Wonthaggi.
Samantha said, “Melbournians 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.”
After winning the election in 2006 our Government has not worked with the people of Victoria in coming to its current position on water supply, said Neil, “Will they now at least give the people some confidence in the integrity of their chosen options?
Watershed Victoria is calling for a transparent environmental monitoring program, with the ability for public scrutiny and input, prior to contracts being signed off by Government.
Neil said, “Ongoing and transparent monitoring, of this project, and Government’s actions to implement better water supply options into the future, will be essential to restore the people’s confidence in our democracy.”
Brumby’s lack of water vision condemned;
“The Brumby government is setting us up for an unsustainable water future, said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria after hearing Neil Rankine Vice President of Watershed Victoria speak at the recent Country Greens Network forum in Leongatha. Neil was speaking on the proposed desalination plant in Wonthaggi.
“Mr Brumby has turned his back on sustainable, energy efficient water solutions for Melbourne, said Samantha, “The focus should be on water tanks, stormwater capture and recycling for our city.
Neil Rankine said “At the last election we were promised a sustainable water future, involving efficiencies, the closure of polluting ocean outfalls, and a partnering with the community to achieve desirable outcomes.
“We now find our Government is abandoning huge quantities of recycled water, they are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to produce class-A water at the Eastern Treatment Plant, only to pump it out to sea at an existing outfall.
“Worse still, we are to pay through our water bills for a $4.8 billion desalination factory, which will create yet another polluting outfall at Wonthaggi.
Samantha said, “Melbournians 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.”
After winning the election in 2006 our Government has not worked with the people of Victoria in coming to its current position on water supply, said Neil, “Will they now at least give the people some confidence in the integrity of their chosen options?
Watershed Victoria is calling for a transparent environmental monitoring program, with the ability for public scrutiny and input, prior to contracts being signed off by Government.
Neil said, “Ongoing and transparent monitoring, of this project, and Government’s actions to implement better water supply options into the future, will be essential to restore the people’s confidence in our democracy.”
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
desal comes to yarra ranges
Just recently I learnt that pipe works for the Desalination Plant in Wonthaggi would be coming through a small part of the Shire of Yarra Ranges in order to deliver desalinated water to Cardinia Reservoir.
To read on visit my Councillor blog
To read on visit my Councillor blog
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
the campaign trail
Wednesday night saw the start of the campaign for the Greens in Eastern Victoria. Greens and supporters came from far and wide to listen to myself and Green’s Senate candidate Richard Di Natale talk about Green Jobs and the Green Economy.
It was a great night, I appreciate the support given to Richard and I as we embark on our election campaigns.
I look forward to travelling around Eastern Victoria to talk to the community about how the Greens can help them secure their future.
excerpts from my speech:
"Climate Change, global warming is the greatest crisis facing us. Climate Change is a time of great challenge but it is also a time of great opportunity. Human beings have a great capacity and in our short time on this planet we have achieved many great things.
Before us now we face the greatest challenge, we have the technology, we have ability, we have the knowledge but what we need is leadership and the political will to drive change.
….To respond to climate change requires changes on many fronts, renewable energy a big one for Victoria. Our state is so very dependant on coal fired energy, which is contributing vast amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. Imagine a government that provided incentives to those workers, a future in renewable energy, a transition plan out of old fossil fuel technologies to a bright new and secure future manufacturing in the renewable energy sector.
Victoria is very well placed to develop a renewable energy sector, we already have a heavy industry manufacturing region in the Latrobe Valley with infrastructure already in place, it is time to revitalise this region of Victoria. The Latrobe Valley has a declining population, a lower than average amount of young people live there as they leave the area to seek jobs elsewhere. The privatisation of power industry has seen the gradual decline in employment in the valley, no apprenticeship opportunities for young people, no skilling up of our future generation and a region that is struggling to retain its viability and vibrancy as a community.
Imagine a government prepared to put serious money into revitalising the renewable energy manufacturing industry. And it will take government money, the industry will not move by itself, it hasn’t to date and it won’t in the future. Without serious government intervention and changes to policy and regulation it won’t happen. The Greens are committed to a renewable energy future and revitalising Victoria as a hub of renewable manufacturing.
….The fundamental driver to all of this, is a commitment to real targets to start to reverse our ever increasing greenhouse gas emissions. 5% isn’t going to cut it, this is a time where we need leadership from government and real action on climate change. It is the Greens who are committed to targets that will drive changes across our economy and save the planet.
Transitioning to green jobs will see expansion in education and training, manufacturing, construction and public administration. That’s a lot of employment opportunities across a range of sectors, that’s a bright future for our young people who want a job to secure their prospects and who want to actively participate in doing something to reverse global warming.
We don’t have long to respond, we cannot afford to wait, we need the change now, we need Greens in government pushing for green jobs and a green economy. It is the Greens who have the political will to see it happen, securing a sustainable and just future for all Victorians.
Protecting the climate is a job for everyone."
It was a great night, I appreciate the support given to Richard and I as we embark on our election campaigns.
I look forward to travelling around Eastern Victoria to talk to the community about how the Greens can help them secure their future.
excerpts from my speech:
"Climate Change, global warming is the greatest crisis facing us. Climate Change is a time of great challenge but it is also a time of great opportunity. Human beings have a great capacity and in our short time on this planet we have achieved many great things.
Before us now we face the greatest challenge, we have the technology, we have ability, we have the knowledge but what we need is leadership and the political will to drive change.
….To respond to climate change requires changes on many fronts, renewable energy a big one for Victoria. Our state is so very dependant on coal fired energy, which is contributing vast amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. Imagine a government that provided incentives to those workers, a future in renewable energy, a transition plan out of old fossil fuel technologies to a bright new and secure future manufacturing in the renewable energy sector.
Victoria is very well placed to develop a renewable energy sector, we already have a heavy industry manufacturing region in the Latrobe Valley with infrastructure already in place, it is time to revitalise this region of Victoria. The Latrobe Valley has a declining population, a lower than average amount of young people live there as they leave the area to seek jobs elsewhere. The privatisation of power industry has seen the gradual decline in employment in the valley, no apprenticeship opportunities for young people, no skilling up of our future generation and a region that is struggling to retain its viability and vibrancy as a community.
Imagine a government prepared to put serious money into revitalising the renewable energy manufacturing industry. And it will take government money, the industry will not move by itself, it hasn’t to date and it won’t in the future. Without serious government intervention and changes to policy and regulation it won’t happen. The Greens are committed to a renewable energy future and revitalising Victoria as a hub of renewable manufacturing.
….The fundamental driver to all of this, is a commitment to real targets to start to reverse our ever increasing greenhouse gas emissions. 5% isn’t going to cut it, this is a time where we need leadership from government and real action on climate change. It is the Greens who are committed to targets that will drive changes across our economy and save the planet.
Transitioning to green jobs will see expansion in education and training, manufacturing, construction and public administration. That’s a lot of employment opportunities across a range of sectors, that’s a bright future for our young people who want a job to secure their prospects and who want to actively participate in doing something to reverse global warming.
We don’t have long to respond, we cannot afford to wait, we need the change now, we need Greens in government pushing for green jobs and a green economy. It is the Greens who have the political will to see it happen, securing a sustainable and just future for all Victorians.
Protecting the climate is a job for everyone."
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
does melbourne really need expanding?
It was alarming to see the proposed changes to Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). Rather than driving changes to create a more compact city, the state government’s proposed changes will see a loss of Melbourne’s “Green Wedges”. These are regions valued for the ecological services they provide and are prized for rich agricultural soils that provide a close source of food for Melbourne.
The expansion of Melbourne will create significant environmental damage, which will destroy wildlife, including endangered species and impact on vast areas of grasslands. Expanding our city will see the construction of even more freeways and roads and see the loss of prime agricultural land.
Allowing low density sprawl in Melbourne defies all sensible urban design principles and turns it back on sustainable transport land use. The creation of greater sprawl will reinforce the dependence and reliance of motor vehicle transport for those communities on the fringe. In a time of climate change and peak oil, it is not a time to sprawl our city, it is a time to compact it and make it a vibrant and liveable place to be.
We already have many areas of Melbourne that are poorly serviced by public transport, to consider increasing these regions fails our communities in their desire to access fast and frequent public transport and stop their reliance on motor vehicles for transport. Communities who are car dependent face increased costs as the price of petrol rises, causing severe limitations to the family budget. Car dependent communities also contribute to rising greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.
There is no need for the expansion of the UGB, higher densities are achievable within the current extent of the UGB. Much work has been done on this, depending on housing densities, already existing development land would supply Melbourne with opportunities for increased housing for the next 15 to 25 years.
The proposed changes in the south east of Melbourne will sound the death nell to agricultural activities close to this part Melbourne. This particular region is well placed to continue its significant contribution to agriculture and horticulture, with the Eastern Treatment Plant ensuring ongoing water supply for farmers and the rich soil providing a great basis for the production of food staples.
To consider covering up such a great agricultural asset with houses is a short sighted proposition. One of the keys to responding to climate change is to encourage food production close to consumers, to consider building over this land in the south east is foolhardy and shows a disregard for the true value of viable, rich agricultural soils.
I will be fighting against the expansion of Melbourne’s UGB, if it becomes a reality it will limit Melbourne’s ability to be a liveable and vibrant city. It will relegate future generations to a sprawling endless city, that will hinder opportunities for those on the fringe and create longer term social, environmental and economic impacts for our city.
The expansion of Melbourne will create significant environmental damage, which will destroy wildlife, including endangered species and impact on vast areas of grasslands. Expanding our city will see the construction of even more freeways and roads and see the loss of prime agricultural land.
Allowing low density sprawl in Melbourne defies all sensible urban design principles and turns it back on sustainable transport land use. The creation of greater sprawl will reinforce the dependence and reliance of motor vehicle transport for those communities on the fringe. In a time of climate change and peak oil, it is not a time to sprawl our city, it is a time to compact it and make it a vibrant and liveable place to be.
We already have many areas of Melbourne that are poorly serviced by public transport, to consider increasing these regions fails our communities in their desire to access fast and frequent public transport and stop their reliance on motor vehicles for transport. Communities who are car dependent face increased costs as the price of petrol rises, causing severe limitations to the family budget. Car dependent communities also contribute to rising greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector.
There is no need for the expansion of the UGB, higher densities are achievable within the current extent of the UGB. Much work has been done on this, depending on housing densities, already existing development land would supply Melbourne with opportunities for increased housing for the next 15 to 25 years.
The proposed changes in the south east of Melbourne will sound the death nell to agricultural activities close to this part Melbourne. This particular region is well placed to continue its significant contribution to agriculture and horticulture, with the Eastern Treatment Plant ensuring ongoing water supply for farmers and the rich soil providing a great basis for the production of food staples.
To consider covering up such a great agricultural asset with houses is a short sighted proposition. One of the keys to responding to climate change is to encourage food production close to consumers, to consider building over this land in the south east is foolhardy and shows a disregard for the true value of viable, rich agricultural soils.
I will be fighting against the expansion of Melbourne’s UGB, if it becomes a reality it will limit Melbourne’s ability to be a liveable and vibrant city. It will relegate future generations to a sprawling endless city, that will hinder opportunities for those on the fringe and create longer term social, environmental and economic impacts for our city.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
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