Safer places far from clear
The Mail Newspaper Group
By Tania Martin
15 Dec 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
peninsula link
I recently joined with concerned residents to walk through the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve in Frankston. The Pines is one of the reserves impacted on by the construction of “Peninsula Link” (once known as the Frankston Bypass).
The Pines is a special place, containing intact remnant vegetation and habitat for the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot, so close to Melbourne it’s a little known gem. Speakers on the day included Sue Pennicuik MLC, myself as Eastern Victoria Candidate, Colin Long as the candidate for South East Metropolitan and Richard Di Natale, Greens Senate Candidate for Victoria.
From left to right: Samantha Dunn, candidate for Eastern Victoria, Colin Long, candidate for South East Metropolitan, Sue Pennicuik MLC for Southern Metropolitan and Dr Richard Di Natale, senate candidate for Victoria.
This is what we said on the day: http://tinyurl.com/yzgpodr.
Residents are keen to see local road upgrades and improvements in public transport services as a way to address congestion issues, far more sensible long term solutions. Building roads does not relieve congestion, it only adds to congestion. Congestion costs Victoria an estimated $1.3 to $2.6 billion per annum (VCEC inquiry into Road Congestion 2007/08). The freeway will cut through many reserves in the region including the Pines Flora & Fauna Reserve, Carrum Downs wetlands, Pobblebonk Wetland Reserve, Wittenberg Reserve, Belvedere Reserve & woodlands and the Westerfields Heritage Woodlands.
Not only are Southern Brown Bandicoots threatended, Dwarf Galaxias, Swamp Skinks, numerous orchid species are all threatened by the construction of this road. The freeway will see the removal of approximately 100 hollow bearing eucalypts, habitat for Sugar Gliders and a suite of hollow dependant birdlife.
The extent of the impact doesn’t end here, in the Mornington Peninsula the freeway will have severe impacts on green wedge land and the future of agriculture in this region. Not to mention the amenity impacts and effect on peninsula biodiversity.
It is a travesty that this project continues when other solutions are available for Melbourne’s South East. Roads are not a solution to congestion, they only create congestion and cost us and our environment dearly.
The Pines is a special place, containing intact remnant vegetation and habitat for the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot, so close to Melbourne it’s a little known gem. Speakers on the day included Sue Pennicuik MLC, myself as Eastern Victoria Candidate, Colin Long as the candidate for South East Metropolitan and Richard Di Natale, Greens Senate Candidate for Victoria.
From left to right: Samantha Dunn, candidate for Eastern Victoria, Colin Long, candidate for South East Metropolitan, Sue Pennicuik MLC for Southern Metropolitan and Dr Richard Di Natale, senate candidate for Victoria.
This is what we said on the day: http://tinyurl.com/yzgpodr.
Residents are keen to see local road upgrades and improvements in public transport services as a way to address congestion issues, far more sensible long term solutions. Building roads does not relieve congestion, it only adds to congestion. Congestion costs Victoria an estimated $1.3 to $2.6 billion per annum (VCEC inquiry into Road Congestion 2007/08). The freeway will cut through many reserves in the region including the Pines Flora & Fauna Reserve, Carrum Downs wetlands, Pobblebonk Wetland Reserve, Wittenberg Reserve, Belvedere Reserve & woodlands and the Westerfields Heritage Woodlands.
Not only are Southern Brown Bandicoots threatended, Dwarf Galaxias, Swamp Skinks, numerous orchid species are all threatened by the construction of this road. The freeway will see the removal of approximately 100 hollow bearing eucalypts, habitat for Sugar Gliders and a suite of hollow dependant birdlife.
The extent of the impact doesn’t end here, in the Mornington Peninsula the freeway will have severe impacts on green wedge land and the future of agriculture in this region. Not to mention the amenity impacts and effect on peninsula biodiversity.
It is a travesty that this project continues when other solutions are available for Melbourne’s South East. Roads are not a solution to congestion, they only create congestion and cost us and our environment dearly.
Monday, November 30, 2009
wonthaggi walk against warming
WONTHAGGI WALK AGAINST WARMING11am on Saturday 12th October
Wishart Reserve, opposite the Wonthaggi Library.
March down McBride Avenue to Apex Park, for speeches, music and BYO picnic.
Join the world-wide action to halt climate change. Meet others who share our concerns that the planet is being irreversibly depleted by our carbon-heavy footprint.
Monday, November 23, 2009
jo tenner preselected for monbulk
Jo Tenner has been preselected to stand for the Greens in the seat of Monbulk. To kick off the campaign Jo is holding a fundraiser and screening The Age of Stupid at the Upwey Community Hall this Sunday 29th November.I look forward to seeing you there and introducing Jo as our candidate.
For more information on Jo and her campaign you can visit http://www.jotenner4monbulk.wordpress.com
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
clive hamilton hits higgins
Last night I joined with greens supporters across Victoria to launch Australian Greens Candidate Clive Hamilton’s election campaign for Higgins. People came from near and far to listen to Clive talk about a sustainable future for Australia.
Clive spoke about taking leadership on climate and the economy.
“To stop the Murray darling basin becoming a dustbowl, to keep the Arctic frozen, to protect our bayside suburbs from flooding – we need to reduce Australia’s emissions as soon as possible….We have to think of our children and the legacy we’re leaving them.”
A poll released by Clive Hamilton shows 69% of Australians want the government to negotiate with the Greens on the CPRS.
The Greens say no more delays. Let’s take the leap we know we have to make. Our children and our grandchildren are counting on us.
If you’d like to follow the campaign:
For information visit www.greens.org.au/higgins
Be a facebook fan Clive4higgins 2009
Follow Clive’s blog http://clivehamilton09.blogspot.com/
or follow Clive on twitter http://twitter.com/CliveHamilton09
to volunteer or register for a postal vote email higgins@vic.greens.org.au
Clive spoke about taking leadership on climate and the economy.“To stop the Murray darling basin becoming a dustbowl, to keep the Arctic frozen, to protect our bayside suburbs from flooding – we need to reduce Australia’s emissions as soon as possible….We have to think of our children and the legacy we’re leaving them.”
A poll released by Clive Hamilton shows 69% of Australians want the government to negotiate with the Greens on the CPRS.
The Greens say no more delays. Let’s take the leap we know we have to make. Our children and our grandchildren are counting on us.
If you’d like to follow the campaign:
For information visit www.greens.org.au/higgins
Be a facebook fan Clive4higgins 2009
Follow Clive’s blog http://clivehamilton09.blogspot.com/
or follow Clive on twitter http://twitter.com/CliveHamilton09
to volunteer or register for a postal vote email higgins@vic.greens.org.au
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
Berwick says no to GMO
Residents show their concern about a local GM Canola Crop
This morning I met with concerned Berwick residents outside a farm growing genetically modified canola. The farm, owned by the family of the State Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu, is not labelled as growing GM crops but was recently uncovered by CropWatch. Residents were none the wiser, not realising they lived so close to a GM crop.
Back in February 2008 the Brumby Government lifted the moratorium on GM Canola. As recently as four weeks ago GM pollen outbreaks were confirmed in Geelong and had found their way into the honey of a local apiarist.
Victoria's clean green image has been sacrificed by the Brumby Government and puts at risk our agricultural exports. Contaminating our agricultural industry with GM can only reduce Victoria’s estimated $1.755 billion export trade.
Residents in Berwick were alarmed to learn this GM crop was so close to the suburbs in which they live.
The closest GrainCorp depot for receival of GM Canola is in Geelong, some 120kms from Berwick. This increases the potential for contamination from the suburbs of Berwick all the way through to the city of Geelong.
Reports have confirmed that canola seed can germinate up to 16 years after it is spilled.
Contamination by GM Canola is inevitable and leaves communities and local councils with clean up headaches into the future. This is a ticking time bomb on our roadsides.
The people of Victoria don't want GM food and don't want GM crops, it's time to restore Victoria's clean, green reputation.
This morning I met with concerned Berwick residents outside a farm growing genetically modified canola. The farm, owned by the family of the State Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu, is not labelled as growing GM crops but was recently uncovered by CropWatch. Residents were none the wiser, not realising they lived so close to a GM crop.
Back in February 2008 the Brumby Government lifted the moratorium on GM Canola. As recently as four weeks ago GM pollen outbreaks were confirmed in Geelong and had found their way into the honey of a local apiarist.
Victoria's clean green image has been sacrificed by the Brumby Government and puts at risk our agricultural exports. Contaminating our agricultural industry with GM can only reduce Victoria’s estimated $1.755 billion export trade.
Residents in Berwick were alarmed to learn this GM crop was so close to the suburbs in which they live.
The closest GrainCorp depot for receival of GM Canola is in Geelong, some 120kms from Berwick. This increases the potential for contamination from the suburbs of Berwick all the way through to the city of Geelong.
Reports have confirmed that canola seed can germinate up to 16 years after it is spilled.
Contamination by GM Canola is inevitable and leaves communities and local councils with clean up headaches into the future. This is a ticking time bomb on our roadsides.
The people of Victoria don't want GM food and don't want GM crops, it's time to restore Victoria's clean, green reputation.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
in the press - fire bunkers
Death fear over Yarra Valley fire bunkers
Lilydale Leader
19 Oct 09 by Bryan Allchin
'Fiery tomb' fears for bunkers
Yarra Valley Journal
20 Oct 09 by Gilbert Gardiner
Bunker mentality
The Ranges Mail
20 Oct 09 by Tania Martin
Lilydale Leader
19 Oct 09 by Bryan Allchin
'Fiery tomb' fears for bunkers
Yarra Valley Journal
20 Oct 09 by Gilbert Gardiner
Bunker mentality
The Ranges Mail
20 Oct 09 by Tania Martin
Thursday, October 1, 2009
in the press - fire preparedness & heritage
Clearing concern
Belgrave Mail
By Tania Martin
29 Sep 09
Hitch on Belgrave hall ditch
Leader Newspaper
by Kimberley Seedy
30 Sep 09
Belgrave Mail
By Tania Martin
29 Sep 09
Hitch on Belgrave hall ditch
Leader Newspaper
by Kimberley Seedy
30 Sep 09
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Secure Future for the Valley
Valley Workers Have a Right to a Sustainable Future
The people of Victoria have shown that they want to see a transition from coal fired power to renewable energy, hundreds of people came out to Hazelwood Power Station today to show the government they want change.
"What we need is a transition plan out of old fossil fuel technologies to a bright new and secure future manufacturing and the renewable energy sector", said Samantha.
Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, who addressed the rally said “hundreds of people have gathered here today because the old political parties have failed to act. This filthy dinosaur was meant to have been shut down in 2005.
Instead of the clean jobs transition so desperately needed in the Latrobe Valley it has been licensed to pollute till 2031."
Samantha said “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.
Without The Greens insisting on serious government intervention and changes to policy and regulation a sustainable Victoria 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. 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 Victorians who want a job to secure their prospects and who want to actively participate in doing something to reverse global warming.
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"The people of the Latrobe Valley deserve a secure future. That's a future based on renewable energy and a reinvigorated manufacturing industry", said Samantha Dunn, Greens Upper House Candidate for Eastern Victoria at a community action outside Hazelwood Power Station today.
The people of Victoria have shown that they want to see a transition from coal fired power to renewable energy, hundreds of people came out to Hazelwood Power Station today to show the government they want change.
"What we need is a transition plan out of old fossil fuel technologies to a bright new and secure future manufacturing and the renewable energy sector", said Samantha.
Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, who addressed the rally said “hundreds of people have gathered here today because the old political parties have failed to act. This filthy dinosaur was meant to have been shut down in 2005.
Instead of the clean jobs transition so desperately needed in the Latrobe Valley it has been licensed to pollute till 2031."
Samantha said “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 privatisation of power industry has seen the gradual decline in employment in the valley, few 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.
Without The Greens insisting on serious government intervention and changes to policy and regulation a sustainable Victoria 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. 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 Victorians who want a job to secure their prospects and who want to actively participate in doing something to reverse global warming.
It is the Greens who have the political will to see it happen, securing a sustainable and just future for all Victorians."
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
10/30 clearing concerns
Cleaning up fine fire fuels is the best way to make your property safer and that includes regular gutter cleaning and sometimes roof sweeping too.click on image for the full story
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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
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