Local Greens officially launch election campaign

THREE Victorian Greens candidates running for Ballarat seats, along with a Western Victoria upper house hopeful, and the state party leader, launched their party’s local campaign last Sunday.

During the event, held at Ballarat Mechanics Institute, Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam spoke about her party being recognised for integrity and had a focus on planning for the long-term future.

She praised local candidates and their grass roots supporters and expressed confidence in building upon previous voting gains in the three local seats.

“We want fast, affordable public transport across this State, affordable housing for all and are the only party that will put the environment first,” she said.

“We want to clean up politics and will always put the community first in contrast to the other parties that seem to be more interested in doing favours for their corporate mates.”

“More and more people are voting for change and electing Greens who they know will genuinely represent them, not the big end of town.

“It is great to see support for the Greens grow across Ballarat, and across Victoria.”

The three lower house candidates outlined their highest priorities for their electorates.

For Buninyong candidate Linda Zibell action for Climate Change is the top priority.

“Impacts are expected to be severe on farm productivity which threatens local food security and employment, on water security and river vitality, and impacts on eco-systems and habitat for native species,” she said.

“Effects will be felt in human health through heatwaves and increased extreme fire weather. We have to act now. It’s urgent that we shift to 100 per cent renewable energy and restore the land with revegetation corridors at landscape scale.”

For Ripon candidate, Serge Simic, it is about planning for climate change and urban growth.

“Many of Ripon’s farmers will struggle to find sufficient water to remain viable, whereas places like Miners Rest are susceptible to flooding from more intense storms,” he said.

“Without proper transport planning, Ballarat West will go into grid-lock.”

Wendouree candidate, Alice Barnes, said it is also about transport and climate change.

“The sale of public land at Ballarat Station for non-transport uses is extremely short sighted. We want the contract with the private developer renegotiated, to ensure the redevelopment benefits the people, not just the developer’s bottom line,” she said.

“High frequency buses every 10 minutes on key routes, and longer hours of operation, including on weekends, is needed if public transport is to be an attractive alternative to reliance of private cars.”