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"Save our Bush" Rally Wed 24 Feb
12-2pm on Parliament House steps
The Rally aims to draw public attention to the destruction of our native bushland by the State Government's "growth-at-any-cost" policy of building freeways -- instead of promoting alternative modes of transport.
The Rally will coincide with a motion to the Legislative Council by the Greens MP, Sue Pennicuik, opposing construction of the Peninsula Link -- which would destroy much of The Pines Flora & Fauna Reserve (220 hectares) near Frankston.
Greens blast family violence "disgrace"
Last night in parliament, Greens MLC Colleen Hartland slammed the government's decision to close the Family Violence Unit (FVU), a vital service in the City of Brimbank.
"Family violence is the leading contributor to death, disability and illness in Victorian women aged 15 to 44. Brimbank has one of the highest rates of reported family violence incidents in Victoria," said Ms Hartland
Minister's bike punt answer "bizarre" - Hartland
Greens MLC Colleen Hartland has described the government's response in parliament to her question on the Westgate Bike Punt as "bizarre".
"My question* set out the increase in commuter cycling and the success of running the Punt on of Ride To Work Day, and asked him to consider funding a commuter Punt service for a year, as it would be very cost-effective."
Gunns case shows we need anti-slapp laws in Victoria
Victorian Greens justice spokesperson, Sue Pennicuik MLC, today welcomed the news that the final four defendants in the long-running Gunns 20 case can finally get on with their lives.
"More than five years has passed since Gunns issued their terrible writ against the 20 defendants", Ms Pennicuik said. "Now, on the eve of going to trial, Gunns Ltd has pulled the pin and opted to pay out the remaining four defendants, rather than go to trial".
No link between live music and violence
The recent closure of the Tote in Collingwood has generated a lot of public debate about Victoria's liquor licensing regime. Contrary to recent reports, the security requirements for venues with live music were not part of the bill that passed state parliament late last year. The requirement for live music venues to provide security staff is not enshrined in any act of parliament – it is something the government started requiring of licensees long ago.
RVL back flip proves Minister Hulls must intervene to end jumps racing
Greens MP Sue Pennicuik today condemned the additional reprieve given to jumps racing in Victoria by the sport's ruling body.
"I have to say I am not surprised that Racing Victoria Ltd (RVL) has caved in to fierce lobbying from the jumps racing industry and has backtracked on its decision to end jumps racing," said Ms Pennicuik. "I had been expecting it but it is still extremely disappointing."
Bugger the Polar Bears this is serious - Wonthaggi
22/01/2010 20:30
Rod’s latest show, “Bugger The Polar Bears, This Is 
Serious” is one with a difference. Rod is genuinely concerned about the effects of climate change on the planet, and he is extremely well educated on the subject.
So he’s done what only Rod could do: turn the grim and somewhat dry topic into a wacky and funny show.
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.
“Victorians are crying out for action on climate change, action on water reform and urgent action to help people deal with changes to our local weather patterns.
Yet the old political parties remain paralyzed, unable to imagine a world without coal. I look forward to the coming election year and the opportunity to kick-start the changes that should have begun a decade a go,” said Ward.
Victorian Greens commend Animals Australia campaign
The Victorian Greens support Animals Australia's current "Don’t buy into cruelty" media campaign which highlights the appalling conditions on intensive pig farms in Australia and congratulate 60 Minutes for airing the issue in its broadcast, "The Hidden Truth" last Sunday night.
"Greens around Australia are working with animal rights lawyers and animal protection groups to put a stop to practices that inflict extreme and unnecessary suffering on farm animals," Greens MP Sue Pennicuik said today.
Coomoora Nature Reserve facing imminent threat of destruction
As the threat posed by the VicRoads Dingley Arterial Project to the Coomoora Woodland Flora & Fauna Reserve looms large and ever closer, Keysborough residents and concerned citizens have formed a coalition to protect the local community, environmental and cultural heritage values of the affected area. see http://gwc.org.au/scrc
The VicRoads Dingley Arterial Project involves the construction of a four-lane, 3.5km dual-carriage extension of the existing Westall Road extension, from Springvale Road to the Dandenong Bypass.
The Dingley Bypass extension will run directly through the Coomoora Woodland Flora and Fauna Reserve, destroying a Habitat Zone of “Very High” conservation value, at least one registered Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Place (scarred tree), one third of all native trees with “High” conservation value, and endangering many threatened species of flora and fauna of local and potential national and state significance.
Court upholds public interest in Brown Mountain forest proceedings
The Supreme Court today refused VicForests' application for up to $163,000 in security from a small environment group. VicForests was asking for this sum to be secured before a court injunction is granted to stop logging on Brown Mountain.
"If EEG had been required to pay such a large sum of money, it could have stifled an important piece of public interest litigation", said EEG spokesperson Jill Redwood.
VicForests sued for illegal logging
Today, Environment East Gippsland commenced proceedings against VicForests in th
e 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”.
Kinglake Community Protest about Ongoing & Unnecessary Tree & Vegetation removal, 6am 17th Aug
17/08/2009 00:00
17/08/2009 10:58
A COMMUNITY PROTEST ABOUT THE ONGOING & UNNECESSARY LOCAL TREE & VEGETATION REMOVAL IS OCCURRING THIS MONDAY 17 AUGUST 2009, FROM 6 A.M.
The protest shall be in the form of a 'picket' situated at each entrance to the Kinglake Ranges; i.e. @ Kinglake West, St Andrews & Melba Highway entrance points.
The St Andrews entrance (Kinglake - Heidelberg Road) nearby the roundabout in the Kinglake Township is the designated organising / rendezvous point.
Any concerned residents / interested persons who wish to support this protest are welcome to contact me for more information and details on the mobile number below & / or by reply email.
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.
Samantha Dunn is serving her second term as a councillor with the Shire of Yarra Ranges and lives with her partner and their young son in the Dandenong Ranges on the eastern fringe of Melbourne.
"I am humbled and honoured to be elected the Victorian Greens lead candidate for Eastern Victoria as we head towards the state election in 2010. I am encouraged by the faith the members have shown in my capacity to run a strong campaign and to ultimately represent them in the Victorian Parliament,” said Samantha Dunn at the announcement of her pre-selection.
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"
"Cloth ears" Madden fails on Barwon Heads
Greens MLC Colleen Hartland has described the Planning Minister's decision to overturn her successful disallowance motion on the Barwon Heads Bridge today as "a sad day for Victoria".
"Last week I spoke in Parliament in support of the people of Barwon Heads. My disallowance motion, to revoke the Government's planning amendment to allow the construction of a second bridge, was triggered by the communities of Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove who have campaigned long and hard on this issue. Had the Government consulted effectively at the beginning it would not have come to this," said Colleen Hartland.
Capture free and clean solar energy to power your home
Join the Casey/Cardinia Solar Neighbourhood, help your community save 50 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year and reduce your impact on climate change.
From just $1,895* after the Federal Government’s $8,000 rebate, you could add $12,500 to the value of your house and save a minimum of $200 a year in energy bills.
Ballarat residents rally for renewable energy
Ballarat residents have taken to the streets to support a fair price for renewable energy. Many residents who have already installed solar energy on their homes, and many more who would like to, are angry about a State Government scheme that will do little to encourage investment in renewable energy.
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.
Rally with Bob Brown 1pm Wed 28th, Treasury Gardens
There is a press conference with Bob Brown and Liz from EEG tomorrow (wed) at 1pm to talk about the threatened species on Brown Mt. and the urgent need for govt to do something. Meet outside the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices in Treasury Gardens
