Mitch Pope to contest Corangamite for the Greens

ENVIRONMENTAL campaigner and eco-tour guide Mitch Pope will contest the federal seat of Corangamite for the Greens in the upcoming 2025 election, with a campaign focused on climate action and community needs over corporate profits.

Pope, who grew up on the Bellarine Peninsula, has been a key figure in the fight against seismic blasting and offshore gas drilling along the Victorian coast.

He said a lack of federal action on climate issues has driven him to step forward.

“I will fight to end new coal and gas, to protect our oceans and climate, as well as expand publicly owned renewable energy, freeze rents, invest in essential services, and to pay for it, we’ll make the big corporations pay their fair share of tax,” Pope said.

The Greens candidate has pledged to oppose any new offshore fossil fuel developments, warning of the environmental damage caused by oil spills and continued fossil fuel extraction.

“I want to see an end to new offshore fossil fuel development, which is threatening our oceans and coastline, from the impacts of ongoing gas spills, as well as seismic blasting, which has devastating impacts on marine species such as endangered whales.”

Pope’s campaign will also focus on cost-of-living pressures and housing affordability, calling for rent caps and increased investment in public services.

“The major parties could have enacted change to act on the climate crisis and support those doing it tough, but instead they’re worried about upsetting fossil fuel corporations and wealthy property investors.”

“As someone who has grown up in this community, I will fight for real change in our community.”

Pope will run alongside Emilie Flynn, who has been named the Greens candidate for the seat of Corio. Flynn, who came within 3% of securing a Geelong Council seat in a recent election, will challenge Deputy Prime Minister and long-time sitting member Richard Marles.

Flynn said she plans to highlight local concerns such as the proposed Viva Gas Import Terminal, and advocate for stronger action on climate change, housing, and foreign policy.

“We need immediate and meaningful action to protect communities like Geelong from the worsening impacts of climate change, from extreme weather events to rising sea levels,” she said.