“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