the campaign is dunn and dusted

It's been a fantastic journey, campaigning on behalf of the Greens in Eastern Victoria. I'm pleased to see an increase in Greens votes across the region in an election where there was a significant swing to conservative politics.

The campaign started quite a long time ago, but ramped up in earnest in November. I've had wonderful support from the Greens Lower House candidates across Eastern Victoria, Brent Hall - Gembrook, Jo Tenner - Monbulk, Tania Giles - Evelyn, Martin Rush - Mornington, Catherine Manning - Hastings, Anton Vigenser - Nepean, Neil Rankine - Bass, Belinda Rogers - Narracan, Kate Jackson - South Gippsland, Dan Jordan - Morwell and Jill Redwood - East Gippsland.

I've travelled the length and breadth of Eastern Victoria, from Lilydale to Portsea, from Berwick to Mallacoota. I've spoken to countless people about a myriad of issues and enjoyed it immensely.

I've had a check of the most recent results for the Upper House, I was curious to find out where the greenest places in Eastern Victoria are based on primary votes (going down to 20%):
32.57% Selby (Monbulk district)
32.45% Kallista
31.85% Belgrave (Gembrook district)
29.33% St Andrews Beach
29.29% Warburton
28.10% Selby (Gembrook district)
27.90% Mt Dandenong
27.45% Tecoma (Gembrook district)
26.61% Tecoma (Monbulk district)
26.09% Ferny Creek
25.88% The Patch
25.70% Belgrave (Monbulk district)
25.56% Mallacoota
25.52% Sassafras
24.32% Shoreham
23.68% Somers
22.34% Cape Patterson
21.90% Balnarring (Hastings district)
21.89% Upwey
21.88% Olinda
21.42% Red Hill
21.24% Dalyston
20.45% Menzies Creek
20.44% Newhaven

For the latest election result data click here.

My thanks to all of the candidates and their support teams, the people who worked closely with me on my campaign, the volunteers who tirelessly letterboxed, doorknocked and handed out on election day, the generous support of people who donated to the campaign and supported our fundraising events. You made this campaign the great success it was.

Where to from here for me, well at this stage it seems like a place in the legislative council is out for me so I'll return to local government as the Lyster Ward councillor in the Shire of Yarra Ranges, where I will continue to be a strong voice for the community.

samantha in the press - election

Hall upbeat about Coalition's Upper House Chances
ABC Gippsland
30 November 2010

Why vote Green in the Victorian Election?

Why vote Green in the Victorian election?

Here’s why. And if you like the answers, or this video which explains The Greens’ vision for Victoria, pass them on – because you’re far more influential among your friends, family and colleagues than any amount of political advertising.

Top 10 Reasons to Vote Green in the Victorian Election

1. The Greens stand up for what’s right, not just what’s easy. Whether it’s protecting our environment, introducing universal dental care or advocating for better education for all, The Greens are driven by values, not polls.

2. It’s the party changing Australian politics. The Greens are the third largest and fastest growing political party in Victoria. Last federal election, 1 in 7 Victorians voted Green. This election, the Greens are poised to win our first lower house seats in the Victorian Parliament, and double the Greens representation in the Victorian upper house.

3. For public transport that comes when you need it. The Greens will deliver a system that takes you where you want to go, when you want to go. This means more frequent trains and trams to cut overcrowding, all night services from entertainment areas, and buses that connect to trains. The Greens will establish a single public transport authority to connect transport across the whole state.

4. Provide future generations with clean water. It’s about having the political will and vision to better manage the water we have. The Greens will focus on securing Victoria’s precious water supplies through better capture and treatment of rainwater, protecting our catchments and improving water efficiency standards.

5. To tackle climate change and reduce pollution. The Greens want a price on carbon pollution and investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency for a strong, sustainable economy. The Greens also want to ensure jobs, by supporting re-training programs for Victorian workers moving from coal power stations like Hazelwood, to new industries like manufacturing wind turbines.

6. For better schools. For years, Victoria has spent less on school education than any other state in Australia. The Greens will introduce two years of free publicly-funded kindergarten. We’ll also invest properly in our State’s education from pre-school to university – reducing class sizes and TAFE fees.

7. For a focus on preventative health, better mental health services, and shorter wait times. The Greens understand that healthcare is about more than just hospitals. We prioritise funding for preventative healthcare and early intervention mental healthcare.

8. The Greens have vision. Bob Brown first spoke to the Senate about climate change 14 years ago, well before it became the world's most talked about issue. During Bob's speech, his Labor and Liberal colleagues actually laughed. Today, they are following his lead. In Victoria and around Australia, The Greens focus on what’s right for the next generation, not just what's popular for the next election cycle.

9. For a more powerful vote. Your vote for The Greens is a powerful one. Just look at what has been achieved in the last few months since Adam Bandt has sat in the lower house in Canberra. Now imagine the difference The Greens in the Victorian lower house could make.

10. Because politics can be different. The issues that matter need a lot more of ‘yes’, not more of the familiar ‘no.’ The Greens are about solutions, not just problems and factional party politics.

Together, we can let everyone know that this state election the voters of Victoria do have a choice. Please forward this email, and check out our video which briefly explains The Greens’ vision for Victoria.

Greens caring for carers

The Greens are the only party who want to see appropriate government funding for a statewide regional carers support network. Other parties continue to pay lip service to this vital area but the Greens are taking action now.

“As a starting point to achieving the full implementation of the Statewide support network the Greens have sought a meeting with Gippsland Carers Association next week to discuss a fully funded pilot project in Gippsland of a Carer Support Network. We believe that such a pilot would clearly demonstrate the need for State-wide Carers Networks, and a pilot would set up a model that could be applied by all Carer Groups across the State who run future Networks,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria.

“Carers Networks have traditionally been expected to run without adequate resources and funding and this needs to change, if we’re to make headway on this critical issue.

“By supporting the demonstration model we will have a clear basis to argue for ongoing resources and funding that enable them to meet the needs of carers and families,” continued Samantha Dunn.

“Carers already shoulder an enormous burden and having to also take on unpaid roles in peer support is unsustainable," said Belinda Rogers, candidate for Narracan. "Having local access to a fully funded Community Support Network will make a significant difference in carers lives."

“The Greens will be seeking support in parliament to back this project which would provide a model to use across the state. It is a priority for us in the next term of government,” concluded Samantha.

Further information: Samantha Dunn Upper House Candidate, 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au
Or Belinda Rogers Candidate for Narracan: 0427 924 013

Voters disapprove of major party tactics to shut out the Greens

A new Galaxy Poll commissioned by Senator Bob Brown has revealed overwhelming disapproval by voters of major party tactics to shut out the Greens and other parties with colluding preference deals.

The national poll of 1066 people taken between November 19-21 shows 63% of voters disapprove when asked their opinion of one major party, such as Labor or Liberal, directing preferences to the other major party, to prevent any candidate other than Labor or Liberal from winning the seat.

68% of Coalition voters disapproved, 58% of Labor voters disapproved and 72% of Greens voters disapproved.

"This poll shows two things: One - voters are wise to the major parties tactics to lock up Parliament, and two - they won't cop it," said Australian Greens Leader Bob Brown.

"In Victoria the Liberal Party strategists have put their traditional enemy, the Labor Party ahead of the Greens on preference cards because they can't cope with the growing swathe of voters who don't want to vote for either of them.

"My advice to voters is to put their preferences where they want to - don't listen to any party.

"This poll indicates that a large majority of Victorians are likely to do that on Saturday."

Media contact: Erin Farley 0438 376 082, www.greensmps.org.au

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

samantha in the press - renewables

Greens pledge to divert millions from coal into renewable energy
Energy Matters
19 November 2010

Greens urge backdown on Bastion Point

The Victorian Greens today called for a commitment from Labor, Liberal and Independent Craig Ingram to join the Australian Greens in backing the community’s proposal for a low impact boat ramp at Bastion Point, Mallacoota.

Photo: June, Jenny, Samantha and
Dave near Bastion Point, Mallacoota
“The community has worked hard to come up with an alternative that meets the needs of locals, it’s up to the other parties to step up to the plate and endorse the community’s plan,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria on a visit to Bastion Point today.

“The independent panel found the project, currently backed by Minister Madden, doesn’t demonstrate any socio-economic and environmental benefits, is likely to be of detriment to tourism and be a financial burden into the future. It’s time to put the brakes on this expensive white elephant and support the community’s win-win solution.

“This is a stunningly beautiful part of Victoria, it beggars belief that the Labor Party and Independent, Craig Ingram support this industrial scale proposal which puts at risk boats exiting and entering broadside to the waves whilst the break wall would impact on sightlines.

“The people of Mallacoota don’t want this massive overdevelopment which would have huge impact on the natural values of Bastion Point. It’s time to see sense and support the community’s more sensitive and cost effective plan to upgrade the boat ramp. Their proposal is less than one fifth the cost of the current plan.

“The Greens in parliament support the community’s proposal as it improves ocean access, upgrades the boat ramp, provides safety for all and maintains the beauty of Bastion Point.

“We need political representatives who are for the local community, not vested interests.

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

Come and meet your Greens Team for Monbulk

When: Saturday, 20 November 2010, 10:00am to 4:00pm

Where: at the Grassroots Community Market, behind the Main Street shops in Upwey

Meet your Greens Team for Monbulk:
Jo Tenner, Greens Candidate for Monbulk
Samantha Dunn, Greens Candidate for Eastern Victoria

Come and say 'hello', learn more about Greens policy and how the Greens will keep the government accountable.

samantha in the press - renewables

Greens pursue renewable energy
Latrobe Valley Express
by Jarrod Whittaker
18 November 2010

samantha in the press - candidates forum

Candidates come out
Pakenham Gazette
by Jade Lawton
17 November 2010

the campaign trail

It’s the pointy end of election time and I’ve had a great time getting out across the electorate of Eastern Victoria.

Last week, Neil Rankine, our candidate for Bass and myself spoke to residents at a forum put on by the Cardinia Residents and Ratepayers association.

Last Friday I joined our candidate for Narracan, Belinda Rogers, for the ballot draw in Drouin. Belinda got the luck of the draw getting number one position on the ballot paper.

On Saturday I went to the launch of our candidate for Gippsland South, Kate Jackson in Mirboo North. It’s terrific to talk to locals about the issues that affect them.

Sunday was the Great Green Groove-a-thon fundraiser for the Monbulk campaign for our candidate, Jo Tenner. All the artists donated their time towards the Greens, with Adalita headlining the gig.

Monday I was back in Drouin, to do some grass roots campaigning with Belinda Rogers, our candidate for Narracan. We received a great response with a vast array of issues concerning locals.

Today I travelled to Churchill to launch the campaign of Dan Jordan, our candidate for Morwell. It was terrific to have the support of locals and be able to join with Dan to announce the redirection of public monies from HRL to renewables.

It’s a great electorate, I’ve travelled to many corners of it already and will continue to do so right up to election day.

samantha in the press - forests

VicForests faces the chop
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison-SowdenShare
16 Nov 2010

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

Greens commit $150 million to renewables

The Victorian Greens are opposed to the building of the HRL Brown Coal Power Station in Morwell and will redirect $150 million dollars of public funding earmarked for HRL to renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

At today’s launch for the lower house seat of Morwell the Greens lead candidate for the Eastern Victoria Region Upper House, Ms Samantha Dunn, joined the Greens seat of Morwell candidate Mr Dan Jordan in announcing the Greens intention to redirect the public funding.

“The Victorian Greens are opposed to the HRL Plant being built and will regulate to make sure it does not go ahead because it will not reduce carbon emissions,” said Ms Dunn.

“The Greens will redirect the $150 million dollars of public monies earmarked for this project by the current State and Federal Labor Governments into renewable energy projects such as geothermal power, wind farms and solar power, as well energy efficiency measures with industry and homes,” said Ms Dunn.

Scientists from the University of Melbourne have recently identified the Latrobe Valley as being an ideal location for geothermal power due to the layer of brown coal acting as a thermal blanket.

“The development of geothermal energy in the Latrobe Valley is an exciting possibility,” said Mr Jordan.

“It would attract new industry and create new jobs in the Latrobe Valley and has the potential to become a base load generator of electricity that could replace Hazelwood and possibly other brown coal fired stations as they reach the end of their lives,” concluded Mr Jordan.

For more details, contact Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or Dan Jordan 043 787 0954

A New Life for Old Gippstown

At the Hold Hands for Gippstown rally on Sunday the Greens candidate for Narracan, Belinda Rogers, congratulated the Old Gippstown Committee of Management on their visionary plan for the future.

“It would be a major loss to Moe and its community if Gippstown did not receive appropriate government funding, now and into the future as it moves towards both environmental and economic sustainability,” Ms Rogers said.

“The objectives put forward by the Old Gippstown committee to make it a sustainability hub is a wonderful initiative which the Greens would be delighted to support,” added Samantha Dunn, Upper House candidate for Greens in Eastern Victoria.

“Making use of the existing windmill and waterwheel, introducing a solar system and wind turbine, upgrading the use of the waste management system with composting, a worm farm, chicken feeding, the recycling of glass, aluminium and cardboard and expanding their vegetable garden into other forms of planting as well can only be a positive thing, not only for Gippstown but the wider Moe community,” Ms Dunn said.

“Greens policy states very clearly that our cultural heritage has value to all Victorians as it provides a unique way to understand our history; the changes that have occurred over time and the contribution that earlier generations have made to our culture. This really sums up what Old Gippstown has been, is currently and most importantly what it wants to be into the future,” said Belinda Rogers.

Samantha Dunn, the Greens Upper House candidate, and myself will do more than merely Hold Hands for Gippstown. We will fight for the commitment from Government to ensure this vision achieves reality,” said Belinda Rogers.

Further information:
Belinda Rogers 0427 924 013 or belinda.rogers@vic.greens.org.au
or Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Futureproofing the food bowl

Samantha Dunn – candidate for Eastern Victoria
Tania Giles – candidate for Evelyn
12 November 2010

“It’s time for government to step up to the plate and commit to funding the Recycled Water Pipeline Scheme for the Yarra Valley instead of wasting taxpayers money on poorly executed water projects like the North South Pipeline,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria.

The Yarra Ranges Council are advocating for the construction of a recycled water pipeline from the sewerage treatment plant in Lilydale, to guarantee a secure source of water for growers in the Yarra Valley.

“We need to get cracking on these innovative water recycling schemes like the one proposed by Yarra Ranges Council,” said Tania Giles, Greens candidate for Evelyn.

“A secure water supply for agricultural use in the Yarra Valley is a sound investment in Melbourne’s food bowl and food security.”

“The benefits to growers in the region are enormous, with a broad net economic benefit of $37.8million, this project would secure the valley's future as a key food growing area.”

“The Greens want to see these sustainable water options implemented across our food bowl areas, we need to be smarter with water and this is a project that fits the bill,” concluded Samantha.

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

ALP still paralyzed over forests

The Greens Gippsland East Candidate, Jill Redwood has said today’s forest policy announcement by the ALP is business as usual dressed in drag.

“It’s nothing to be overjoyed about. Announcing a meeting process, that won’t meet until after the election is very underwhelming. We’d much prefer to hear a firm date as to when the inevitable transition into plantations will occur”, said Jill Redwood. “A firm industry plan with exit packages is what is needed. The Greens and the majority of the public have been opposed to the destruction of public forests through industrial scale logging for decades.”

“There’s nothing new in this announcement at all. We don’t need another committee; we don’t need another VicForests look‐alike commercial logging monopoly; we don’t need a government entity that is constantly in conflict with itself – profit vs environment.”

“What we urgently need is a different culture within the government and its forester dominated environment department. It took four years to see the Labor government’s 2006 promises acted upon and even that was 70% spin.

“The Greens are pleased to see the government commit to carrying out threatened species surveys before they plan to clearfell native forests, but this was forced on them by the recent Supreme Court case. It remains to be seen if this will happen in all forests and across all seasons. Proper and credible assessments would require this”, said Ms Redwood.

Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria said it’s virtually business as usual."We will still see our forests logged while these talks go on, loosing precious carbon stores and biodiversity, this announcement today fails to meet expectations that logging of our high conservation forests will cease.”

“The Greens in parliament will keep working until old growth forests, high conservation value forests and town water catchments are given protection, and then work to shift the dwindling native forest logging industry into the security of the plantation sector.

For comment: Jill Redwood 5154 1045 / Samantha Dunn 0429 292 904 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Greens are go for Green Wedge

Jo Tenner, Greens Candidate for Monbulk is delighted to announce the Greens support for the purchase of the Knox Glenfern Green Wedge/Cattle Run.

“The Greens wholeheartedly support the public purchase of this land for both it’s cultural and natural significance. It must be protected for future generations. The Green Wedge is supposed to stop the city from sprawling outwards across land of this type, it appears that adding it to the public estate is the only way to ensure it is protected.”

The Glenfern Green Wedge/Cattle Run represents a unique piece of the Dandenong Ranges Foothills; a key link in the chain of environmentally significant land that comprises the Glenfern Bushlands and Gilmore Park; and one of the few large areas of land in Knox that has not been subject to the sprawl of urban development.

Further information:
Samantha Dunn: 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au
Jo Tenner: 0408023386 or jotenner@gmail.com

Wood or Water Wellington Shire? Greens

The Wellington Shire’s recent majority decision to support the continued logging of Melbourne’s water catchment in the Central Highlands shows a lack of understanding of the connection between logging and water.

Jill Redwood, long time forest campaigner and now Greens candidate for the seat of Gippsland East said she was astounded at the lack of thought by councillors on such an important issue.

“If the logging continues, it will dry out entire catchments of up to 50% of their normal stream flow for at least the next 80 years. This phenomena is acknowledged by Melbourne Water and many scientists. It will make the water shortage even more critical for not only Melbourne but many Gippsland towns as well. Our local town’s water supplies come from the very forests which Wellington councillors want to see clearfelled.

“Would Wellington Shire oppose moves by Melbourne to take water from Gippsland’s storages and rivers?

“Those Councilors seemed to believed that the Gunns‐owned Heyfield Mill was only dependant on more and more access to public forests for its future survival”, said JR. “In fact Gunns has already declared it will be closing down its native forest logging operations on the mainland in the near future.

“The sawn timber market is also on a steep downhill run with over 80% of all building materials now being supplied by plantation wood. This trend is continuing despite large public financial assistance that native forest logging still enjoys. So any amount of council support will be confetti in the wind. “The Greens would be looking to help transition the industry into a conflict‐free plantations future as soon as possible. Those in the industry should be allowed to exit with dignity, be retrained or assisted to move their skills to the substantial plantations in western Victoria. Those companies are screaming out for workers and are in fact importing workers from overseas to fill the jobs.”

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

the great green groove-a-thon

The Greens are great supporters of live music and now some of the best of Melbourne and Hills muso’s are returning the favour. Recently, with parliamentary support from Greens MPs, live music representatives were able to broker a deal with State government to lift onerous licencing conditions that was stifling Melbourne’s music scene by requiring venues to hire additional bouncers when live music was performed.

This gig will celebrate the success of the Music Doesn’t Cause Violence Campaign.

Where:Ruby's Lounge Belgrave

When: Sun 14th Nov, 3-8pm

Cost: $ 15.00Regular and $ 10.00 Concession
You can book online or just pay at the door.

It would be great to see you there, the line up includes:
Adalita (Magic Dirt)
Courtney Barnett + the olivettes (Folk-pop blues with a summertime feel)
Jed Rowe Band (roots rock with white-hot lap-steel guitar)
Jenny Biddle (Infectious, soulful voice, with blistering guitar excursions)
Michelle Chandler and Christina Green
Penelope Arvanitakis, Charles Baby, Carol McCoy
MC - Mal Webb (vocal gymnast and looping beatbox legend)

Come and get Green and groovy!

The battle for Hastings

Greens candidate for Hastings Catherine Manning says Mr. Brumby’s grand plan for the destruction of Westernport is becoming clear now that the Port of Hastings has been earmarked for export of brown coal within a decade. A Transport Department document released to The Greens reveals 12 million tonnes of Victoria’s brown coal could be shipped offshore each year within a decade along with another 4 million tonnes of liquid fuel derived from coal. Woodchip exports from East Gippsland have also been touted as possible future exports through the Port of Hastings.

“Clean coal is an oxymoron and it’s not going to be the economic saviour for Westernport either” says Catherine, who has been leading a campaign against the proposed major expansion of the Port of Hastings for several years. “Government continues to churn out the same tired old “business as usual” plans when what is really needed is a new mindset and a new economy built around clean renewable technologies.

You’d have to wonder if any of our elected Labor of Liberal representatives have heard of, let alone understand the implications of climate change, sea level rise and peak oil. On one hand scientists tell us that Westernport is particularly vulnerable to the impending impacts of climate change[1] and yet according to Mr. Brumby its future lies in reliance on the very industries that have cranked up the impacts of climate change: coal production, woodchips, and moving millions of containers of low value items in pollution belching ships and trucks”.

Planning Minister Madden recently approved the Crib Point Boral bitumen plant despite an Independent Panel recommending against it. The Port of Melbourne Corporation juggernaut recently took over the Port of Hastings Corporation and plans to turn Hastings Port into something twice the current size of the Port of Melbourne.

"It’s pretty clear that Mr. Brumby and his operatives reckon Westernport and Hastings Township is of no use other than as a massive polluting container port and storage hub for dirty industries."

Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria said of the uncovering, "These documents show how smitten with coal this government is. It has no plans to stop using coal, but wants to expand ways to use this dirty, greenhouse emitting fossil fuel as Victoria's economic saviour, at the expense of not only the RAMSAR listed Westernport, but of our sustainable economic future too.”

Ms Manning says that being elected as the Greens MP for the Hastings electorate will ensure that the concerns of local residents, leading scientists and experts concerned about the impacts of the proposed Port of Hastings development are brought to the table, and that the Government is held accountable instead of riding rough shod over the community.

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

Greens call for forest transition to plantations

The Victorian Greens today called for Labor and Liberal to join the Australian Greens in backing a new dialogue between the State's logging industry and conservation groups on how to complete the transition out of native forests and into plantations.

"Some of the key players involved in the historic Tasmanian logging agreement are also involved in the Victorian native forest logging industry—and they are ready to enter into a similar process," said Damian Magner, Greens candidate for Eastern Metropolitan.

“If we could give clear tripartisan support for the talks, it could be a matter of weeks or months before we can see the industry on a new path that completes the transition out of native forest logging and into jobs rich plantations.

“The Greens are committed to assisting affected workers with a targeted package of vocational training, relocation subsidies and generous redundancy payments to affected workers.”

“We must stop wood-chipping our native forests and start protecting them for the immense value they provide for climate, biodiversity and water,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria. "Our native forests should be protected and managed for these purposes, not squandered for woodchips."

“The people of Victoria don’t want to see our unique forests destroyed in this way, over 80% of Victorians are against wood-chipping. They want our beautiful forests conserved so that current and future generations can enjoy and value them.

“Every Green vote at the coming state election is a step closer to a win-win breakthrough on the logging issue, as the result in Tasmania clearly demonstrated."

“The transition in Western Victoria has been a resounding success," said Marcus Ward, Greens candidate for Western Victoria.

"In the Otways and the southwest, plantation logging is booming, employment is growing and the old conflicts are in the past. Plantation workers are being sourced from overseas. Across the state, the wood products industry continues to innovate and thrive with 85% of wood for building and processing now coming from plantations.

“Ending native forest logging east of the Hume will greatly reduce Victoria's carbon footprint, equivalent to removing 2.4 million cars from the state's roads as well as releasing an extra 60 gigalitres per annum of water into our domestic water supply. That's more than enough to supply the cities of Ballarat and Bendigo,” said Mr Ward.

“An historic window of opportunity has opened thanks to our Tasmanian neighbours. It's time to put the conflict of the past behind us and help Victoria's loggers secure a competitive, profitable future in plantation logging.”


Further information:

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

Damian Magner 0402 687 472 or damian.magner@vic.greens.org.au

Marcus Ward 0427 235 254 or marcus.ward@vic.greens.org.au

Greens announce new train station on Lilydale line

The Victorian Greens have announced plans to build a new train station on the Lilydale line, along with the construction of the second track between Mooroolbark and Lilydale stations.

Photo: Tania Giles, Samantha Dunn & Damian Magner at
the site of the proposed new railway station

Speaking at the site near the intersection of Hull and Mooroolbark Roads, Tania Giles - Greens candidate for Evelyn District, outlined the benefits of a new station at the location.

“The distance between Mooroolbark and Lilydale stations is nearly 5 kilometres. A new station located half way between, near the intersection of Hull and Mooroolbark Roads, would service residential areas to the north-west and east of this location, including Mt Evelyn,” Ms Giles said.

The Greens commitment to the new station and track duplication is part of their ‘Public Transport Plan for Melbourne’s East’, which was launched in October by Damian Magner, Greens Upper House candidate for the Eastern Metropolitan Region.

“Over 1 million people live in Melbourne’s middle to outer eastern suburbs, yet the level of investment for public transport by successive governments has been lacking in recent decades,” Mr Magner said.

The proposed station site is located on the boundary of the Kilsyth and Evelyn electorates. Justin-Paul Sammons - Greens candidate for Kilsyth District, said, “Building a new station and providing the long awaited second track will make it easier and more convenient for people to use public transport and help to prevent hold ups caused by the single track sections of the line.”

Samantha Dunn, Greens Upper House candidate for Eastern Victoria Region, said “Improvements to the Lilydale line will give people in Melbourne’s outer east far better travel options beyond the private car. We see an over reliance on cars out here, it’s about time people had a public transport system that takes you where you want to go when you want to go.”

The estimated cost for the new train station and track duplication is $54 million. See the Greens plan at: www.vic.greens.org.au/easternPTplan


For further information contact:
Tania Giles 0408 364 066 or tania.giles@vic.greens.org.au
Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Salt overload kills lakes' ecosystem – Greens

Greens candidate for Gippsland East Jill Redwood has accused the State government of thumbing their nose at the Gippsland Lakes communities, at environmental responsibilities and at the law.

Photo: A once common sight in spring, the Greens
say black swan populations are greatly reduced
since the dredging in 2008.
“Red tides, algal blooms and dead seagrass beds are a serious warning to us. The mass kill of shellfish, the disappearance of most swans, waterbirds and even the tough little water rats tell us that the lakes are in serious decline”, said Jill Redwood, Greens candidate for Gippsland East. “The Greens water policy recognises that healthy freshwater ecosystems are the lifeblood of a healthy landscape, and underpin the health of our communities and economies” she said.

“Many locals have noticed this latest death rattle of the Lakes. It could have been prevented if the local government authorities had have taken some advice, acted with caution and made a decision that favoured the community and Australia’s largest freshwater chain of lakes.

“But the government and local politician’s bull‐at‐a‐gate support for dredging the entrance has tripled the depth and ignored environment legislation. Even basic monitoring to understand impacts has been bypassed. The Lakes are now so salt laden they are toxic to its natural life.

“Without any consultation and without adhering to minimal regulations, a deep sea port has been constructed at Lakes Entrance at great cost to the Lakes. We were led to believe it’s for the fishing fleet, but evidence points to it primarily being to accommodate the needs of the offshore gas operations and Esso’s desire to have larger boats to service their rigs”.

“Now this disastrous decision has been executed, the Greens are urging the Brumby government to take urgent action and install barrage structures to protect Lakes King, Wellington and Victoria.

“The Greens in parliament have always spoken out against the close relationship between big business and government. Unless this is challenged, it will always skew our system of democracy. Corporate influences of political decisions often come at great environmental and social cost.


Further information: Jill Redwood, 5154 0145, jill.redwood@vic.greens.org.au
or Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

samantha in the press - public transport

Steam over station
Mail Newspapers
by Casey Neill
9 November 2010

Rosebud foreshore threatened by mega complex

Anton Vigenser, the Greens Candidate for Nepean, believes the foreshore is the wrong location for the Southern Peninsula Aquatic Centre (SPA).

“Why can’t the Shire and our local MPs do the research that the Minister for Environment Gavin Jennings requested in 2007 about viable alternative sites?” asked Mr Vigenser.

“We need the SPA now in a convenient and appropriate area. We don’t want a mega complex on our beautiful foreshore which would destroy current community activities and amenities such as the iconic Rosebud Carnival, the scout hall, impose on the heritage listed Sound Shell and encroach on our Village Green,” said Mr. Vigenser.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council 2005 feasibility study showed widespread support from the community for the Aquatic Centre. Mr Vigenser said: “I share the frustrations of the community about the delays. The project could already be going ahead on an alternate appropriate site.”

Mr Vigenser said “The focus to date has been on building the SPA on the foreshore yet on November 27th, 2006 in a letter to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, the Department of Sustainability and Environment advised that siting the SPA on the foreshore would contradict the Victorian Coastal Management Act and would not be supported.”

The letter, obtained under FOI, clearly stated the case against the location:

• The proposed facility is not coastal dependent and could be located in a non coastal location;
  
  
• Potential detrimental impact on pedestrian and visual access and amenity; and
  
  
• Potential detrimental impact of construction and operation on vulnerable coastal vegetation and dune systems.
  

Mr. Vigenser said: “There are also many unanswered questions about the project coming from the community including the Mornington Peninsula Rate Payers and Residents Association. Concerns have been about sea level rise, increased traffic on the highway and setting a precedent on our coastlines which destroys vulnerable vegetation and dune systems.”

“The Shadow Climate Change Minister Greg Hunt and local Liberal MP Martin Dixon are supporting the location of the SPA on the foreshore, yet their campaign platform includes protecting Victorian coastlines” said Mr. Vigenser.

In the Southern Peninsula News (02/11) Martin Dixon was quoted saying: “If elected, we'll give immediate consent for it to go on the foreshore. People have got sick of waiting. I never thought I'd be going to the election with this as a policy”.

“Immediate consent effectively means Dixon and the Liberals would make a major, alarming change in the current Victorian coastal legislation so this inappropriate development can go ahead on our precious coast. This could open up the Peninsula foreshore to wholesale development - the Gold Coast comes to the Peninsula” said Mr. Vigenser.

For more details, contact Anton Vigenser 0435 588 503
or Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au

Urban and Land Use Planning Policy

The Greens will work towards returning democracy, clarity, sustainability and integrity to urban and land use planning


Our planning-system is currently complex, inefficient, and unaccountable. More transparency and accountability needs to be injected into our planning system with decision-making powers being returned to local Victorian communities.
When elected to the Victorian Parliament in 2010, The Greens will work towards implementing the following improvements to Victoria’s Planning system.


Democracy

International experience demonstrates that given the opportunity to genuinely participate in decision making, people are more likely to support difficult, yet critical, decisions, leading to a better city. The Greens will protect people’s right to a say in planning our cities and state by:

1. Opposing the government’s proposals to: allow developers to prepare private planning scheme amendments; create processes with no third party rights (code assessment).

2. Improving the Planning and Environment Act in line with the views of councils and submissions to the review process.

3. Maintaining third party rights for planning applications, reviewing where these have been removed and legislating for third party rights under the Heritage Act.

4. Ending ad hoc call-ins by the Planning Minister.

5. Funding councils to work with communities to identify sites for higher density residential developments.

6. Allowing councils and communities to set mandatory height limits and stronger provisions in Development Design Overlays.

7. Dissolving Development Assessment Committees and return decision making to councils and communities in these areas.


Clarity

Current planning laws are unclear and lacking in direction. They fail to protect environmental values, public open spaces, social equity and heritage. With community input, The Greens will provide certainty for residents and applicants by:

8. Turning local planning ‘guidelines’ (ResCode) into enforceable rules that are consistently applied to all buildings and enforced by Responsible Authorities and VCAT.

9. Strengthening ResCode for developments to improve environmental design and better protect neighbour’s amenity, internal liveability and accessibility including overshadowing, overlooking and private open space.

10. Implementing rules for developments over four storeys rather than current discretionary design guidelines.

11. Respecting Heritage including consulting with people on the recommendations from the 2007 Heritage Overlay Review.[1]


Sustainability

The Greens will build homes that use less energy, protect our environment and are affordable by:

12. Including environmental sustainable design priorities and standards for energy and water use for housing in the Planning and Environment Act.

13. Prioritising public transport, education facilities, walking and cycling paths for new developments.

14. Protecting green wedges and open space in urban areas for healthy living, protection of biodiversity and productive land.

15. Addressing housing affordability by investing in more social and public housing.[2]

16. Introducing minimum rental housing standards.


Integrity

Independence in planning is compromised when political parties receive donations from developers. The Greens will restore confidence in the planning system by:

17. The Greens will ban donations to political parties other than from individuals and these will be capped. All donations must be disclosed prior to an election.

18. Requiring responsible authorities to maintain records of all meetings, including pre-application meetings, with applicants, councils and residents


1 www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/.../Heritage_Review_Consultation_Paper.pdf
2 www.parliament.vic.gov.au/publications/...inquiry...public-housing...victoria/download