Climate Change

On 2 December 2009. the Greens had an historic opportunity to vote with the Rudd Labor Government to pass the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).  The CPRS would have reduced our nation's emissions for the first time in history.

This scheme is designed to limit Australia's carbon emissions by making polluters pay for the pollution they produce and rewarding those who reduce their carbon pollution.

This is an issue that affects all Australians.  Failure to take action on climate change today will make future change so much harder.  That's why I am asking you to sign a petition to show your support for action against climate change - by requesting all political parties to support the CPRS next time its re-introduced into the federal parliament in February 2010.

The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS) does not need the support of the Liberal Party; it just needs the 5 Green Senators to support it.  Show them you support the CPRS by simply completing this petition.

PS - The Brumby Government supports the Rudd Federal Government's CPRS laws as Climate Change is already impacting on many Victorian's lives.  Action is needed now.

Labor candidate for Brunswick, Jane Garrett, has welcomed the announcement of a Brumby Labor Government $23 million climate change program that will help individual Victorians and communities take local action to reduce emissions. 

Ms. Garrett said the Victorian Government would work in partnership with Victorians to help drive down emissions and seize new opportunities in a climate change economy, under the new Climate Communities program.

“The actions of human beings have a direct impact on our climate,” Ms Garrett said.
“Much of the debate on national and global action on climate change centres on the negative impact human beings have had on the climate, but I want to shift the focus onto the positive impact human beings can have on our climate.

Part of $2 Million Brumby Government Funding to Improve Sustainable Transport

Jane Garrett, Labor candidate for Brunswick, has welcomed news of an $160,000 Brumby Labor Government initiative to fund a new alternative north south bike route through Brunswick and Brunswick East linking Carlton North and Coburg.

Moreland City Council has received $160,000 as part of nearly $2 million given to councils in Melbourne and regional Victoria to improve local access and overcome barriers to walking, cycling and public transport.

The $226,000 Canning Street Extension Project will be delivered thanks to joint funding from the Brumby Government’s fourth round of TravelSmart and Local Area Access Program grants and Moreland City Council.

“I am delighted to announce funding for this project, which will improve sustainable transport options in our community and encourage people to leave their cars at home for short trips,” Ms Garrett said.

The new agreement between the operators fo Yarra Trams, KDR, and the State Government includes:

• Yarra Trams to continue to be the operating name of Melbourne’s Tram Service
  
• 50 new large low floor trams on the way
  
• 33 Z Class Trams to be renovated and updated
  
• Creation of the KDR Customer Service and Safety Training Academy
  
• Improved punctuality targets – up from 78 to 82 percent
  

Vichealth has introduced a new website, VictoriaWalks.

Encouraging walking is a great way to change your neighbourhood for the better. When you walk, you meet your neighbours, get healthy, save money and save the planet. We’ve found the best, most practical tools to help promote walking so take a stroll around the site and get inspired.  The website has an extensive array of resources and tools to assist people to work together to make their neighbourhoods better for walking (both socially and physically). 

Melbourne’s public transport network has shown its support for World Environment Day today with the launch of Yarra Trams’ latest ‘greendepot’ at Brunswick.

Greendepots have already implemented at three other depots including East Preston, Malvern and Glenhuntly.

Incorporating water and energy saving systems, greendepots reduce environmental impacts and encourage sustainable practices

Member for Brunswick, Carlo Carli MP, said the existing depots save a combined 4.09 million litres of water each year, with the Brunswick Depot expected to harvest an additional 2.5 million litres of water annually.

The Brumby Labor Government has released a Climate Change Green Paper for community comment.

The Green Paper outlines in detail the risks facing our state and the likely impacts of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, and also proposes ways Victoria can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change and become a leading low carbon economy.

This release also starts a four month public consultation period, which will lead to the development of a Climate Change White Paper.

More information is available at www.climatechange.vic.gov.au

Victorians will be able to clean up with a $100 discount on the cost of energy and water efficient washing machines and dishwashers through a $1 million Brumby Labour Government initiative.

Starting on World Environment Day (June 5) and running until June 28, Victorian retailers participating in the Victorian Government Appliance Incentive initiative will provide $100 cash back on the purchase of washing machines and dishwashers with a minimum 3.5 star rating.

Sustainability Victoria also estimated that by upgrading an inefficient washing machine to a 3.5 star energy rating or 4 star water rating could save up to 7000 black balloons over the life of the appliance.

Retailers participating in the Victorian Government Appliance Incentive include: Myer, Warehouse Sales, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, Retravision, Clive Peeters, Camberwell Electrics, E & S Trading, Betta Electrical, David Jones, Clive Anthonys and Neco.

These ResourceSmart retailers can provide shoppers with additional information about purchasing energy and water efficient appliances.

For a full list of participating retailers see resourcesmart.vic.gov.au

- Carlo Carli speaks to Parliament about the State Budget
- Global financial crisis is impacting on Victorian jobs
- Budget protects jobs and builds infrastructure
- It is not a situation of our making, but it is one we have to confront to protect jobs and to protect families in Victoria.

 On May 7 Carlo Carli spoke to state Parliament about the 2009-2010 budget, as a part of the debate on the Appropriations Bill 2009.

 The Brumby Labor Government has called on residents in Brunswick to make the stimulus last. Residents may want to consider spending their Commonwealth Stimulus payments on solar hotwater systems and other investments that cut costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

Brunswick MP, Carlo Carli said the stimulus payments, combined with Brumby Government rebates are a great opportunity for households to make a long-term difference to their energy and water bills.

Zero Carbon Moreland - A sustainable future for Moreland from Zero Carbon Moreland on Vimeo.

Melbournians, both households and businesses, are being asked to further reduce their water use to avoid stage 4 water restrictions.

Target 155 will commence on 1 December, with progress reported weekly.

The campaign will include print, radio and television advertisements, an information pack for all Melbourne households and a new website, which will provide water saving tips and help individuals to track their water consumption.

 Last night, I attended a fundraiser for Enver Erdogan, one of Labor's exciting young candidates in the North West Ward.

I have known Enver for a number of years and he is a committed young progressive. He has cut his teeth on university politics, has been heavilly involved in state and federal campaigns, and is a lifelong Moreland resident.

When Enver talks about a fresh approach, it isn't just a form of words - its part of his nature. He has a solid, grounded, passion for working people. His father is a long time union activist, and Enver, as an economics graduate, understands the importance of work and dignity to the working class.

Carlo Carli MP, spoke at the gathering and spoke about the importance of grassroots politics to working people. He told us it was about whether kids will be able to play cricket or soccer this year, whether seniors can cook their meals at the senior citizens club, or whether families can save on their groceries bills by having enough water to grow vegies at home.

This is the politics that Labor stands for. And its the politics that Enver will bring to council.

So if your a voter in Oak Park, Pascoe Vale, Glenroy or Hadield, Enver Erdogan is a candidate you should consider voting for.