Vic Greens are now support the continuation of the coal industry (See Vic Green policy release below).<br><br>In light of the four corners program on the "A Team" and its infiltration of the Vic ALP in a successful effort to support a cheep wood supply for AMCOR's reflex paper, this amazing shift in policy raises questions as to what is going on in the Victorian Greens and where they might go in the future.
<br><br>I have included there policy and a response to it I have written if you interested.<br><br>By the way the Four Corners show is a must see for anyone interested in countering the power of big business.<br clear="all">
<br>-- <br>Adrian Whitehead<br>Beyond Zero Emissions<br>Kindness House<br>Suite 10<br>288 Brunswick St<br>Fitzroy 3065
<br>0403 735 118<br><br><br><h1>A retrofit for Loy Yang Power Stations means cleaner power for Victoria and more jobs for the Latrobe Valley say the Greens
</h1>
<p>04-10-2006 The state's oldest and dirtiest power station at Hazelwood can be closed
down if the Latrobe Valley's Loy Yang power stations are retrofitted.
This will not only create cleaner, more efficient and environmentally
friendly power for Victoria, but also jobs for the Valley's community as
well.
</p>
<div>
<p>"We
must act to deal with climate change immediately," said Louis
Delacretaz, the Greens Energy spokesperson. "We can't dodge it."
<br>
<br>"However, this does not mean we have to shut down the economy and
live a frugal life. On the contrary, action on climate change will help
produce a sustainable economy as well as skilled, long term jobs," said
Louis Delacretaz.
<br>
<br>"Retrofitting the Loy Yang plants is a good example," said Louis
Delacretaz. "This is a $3 billion project that could cut the state's
greenhouse emissions and create skilled jobs. It will also add to the
lifespan of the state's newest, most powerful and cleanest coal-fired
power stations."
<br>
<br>Technological innovation know as "re-powering" can add coal
drying/gasification/gas turbine capacity to existing boilers and steam
turbines in power stations.
<br>
<br>"Re-powering Loy Yang will increase the plants' output by 40 per
cent," said Louis Delacretaz. "This, along with other Green incentives
to reduce electricity demand by improving energy efficiency will allow
Hazelwood to be closed down - and Victoria to reduce our total
greenhouse gas emissions by 15 per cent."
<br>
<br>The Greens in state parliament after the November 25 will work to
take real action to reduce greenhouse gases. This will include the Loy
Yang retrofit project.
<br>
<br>
<br>For more information and comment, please contact:
<br>Louis Delacretaz on (mob) 0407 300 188<br>or
<br>Dave Lane on (mob) 0419 156 213</p><font size="4"><br>Adrian's Response</font><br><p>It would seem that the Victorian greens have joined the coal industry
in promoting coal use as a solution to climate change and I'm sure John
Howard and his coal industry mates couldn't be happier.<br><br>When
looking at the The Vic Greens recent opposition to the Bald Hills wind
farm and their new position on refitting Loy Yang coal power plant
which is so contrary to the Greens own policy at national level and
even doesn't fit well with the Victorian Greens own state policies,
you must wonder if a similar type take over has been begun in the Vic
Greens as was described in the Four Corners analysis of the activities
of the Amcor company in maintaining the woodchipping of Victoria's
forests for the production of reflex paper.
<br><br>The coal industry must realise Australia is the key battle
ground for their survival, for if Australia can shift from relying on
coal for power and export earnings then coal use could be stopped
anywhere in the world
<br><br>It is most disappointing that the actions of the Victorian
Greens will be used against those Greens who have been doing such a
great job on promoting a sustainable clean energy future, including
Christine Milne, John Kaye, and Lee Rhiannon, all who will be now faced
with constant accusations of supporting coal and not supporting wind
power thanks to the Victorian Greens.
<br><br>Good luck to all those within the party in turning the Vic
Greens around, however given such a serious diversion from a nationally
agreed policy in an area that will dominate politics for decades to
come, perhaps the Vic Green should be expelled form the National Greens
Body to allow those with a genuine commitment to sustainable solutions
to climate change to continue their good work without being dragged
down by those supporting the coal industry within the Victorian Greens.
<br><br>I light of all of this the founder of the "A Team" Derek Amos,
may not have needed to be disappoint about the legacy of his "A Team"
work, when he said<br><br>"...I'm just sad that this model hasn't been taken up across Australia,
because it's one way of ensuring that workers, the employees, can get
involved in fighting for their jobs, their industry."<br><br>Maybe time will tell why the Vic Greens are choosing to oppose wind and support coal?<br>
<br><br>Adrian</p><p><br></p>
</div><br><b><span></span></b><br>