Candidates for Flinders - May 2022
In late 2021, the Ross Trust announced that it was not proceeding with plans for a large quarry on land they own – between two sections of State Park – on the Arthurs Seat escarpment.
The decision was the result of a long and hard-fought community campaign to stop inappropriate development on the site.
However, the Trust has not withdrawn its Environmental Effects Statement and the area is still vulnerable to further inappropriate development. The Peninsula Preservation Group is now campaigning to have the land permanently protected by being included in the State Park. To find out more please visit https://www.savearthursseat.com/a-solution
Last week we asked candidates for the 2022 federal election, to respond to the following questions:
Would you oppose any future quarry proposals on Arthurs Seat?
Do you support the proposal for 115 and 121 Boundary Rd, Dromana to be permanently protected?
If yes, what steps will you take to ensure the land is permanently protected?
And if not, why not?
What are your environmental priorities for the Mornington Peninsula?
What action have you taken on environmental issues in the past?
Here are their responses. Candidates are listed in the order they appear on the ballot paper.
Alex Van Der End - United Australia Party
In answer to your questions:
1. Would you oppose any future quarry proposals on Arthurs Seat?
Yes
2. Do you support the proposal for 115 and 121 Boundary Rd, Dromana to be permanently protected? If yes, what steps will you take to ensure the land is permanently protected?
The solution for this ultimately rests with the State, but as a federal candidate, I can certainly advocate for this, especially if I am elected and the United Australia Party sweeps the Andrews Government out of power and directly to jail!
3. What are your environmental priorities for the Mornington Peninsula?
I've had many emails from constituents expressing their concerns for the birdlife, sealife and even dingo population (which I wasn't aware was on the Peninsula!). Again, most of these concerns can be addressed at a State level. and a United Australia Party State Government will certainly not be able to ignore the requests from residents, unlike both of the major parties currently do.
4. What action have you taken on environmental issues in the past?
The United Australia Party has got a strong environmental track record in Parliament. They have:
Saved the Climate Change Authority.
Saved the Clean Energy Finance Corporation.
Saved ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Authority).
Saved RET(Renewable Energy Target).
Both Liberal and Labour continue to ignore the real people in our communities and the concerns they may have. Together Liberal and Labor have left us with a $1 trillion debt with no plan to ever repay it. The United Australia Party DOES have a plan and this will ensure more money can be used on benefitting Australians rather than serving our debts.
Cyndi Marr - Pauline Hanson's One Nation
No reply
Chrysten Abraham - Liberal Democratic Party
No reply
Zoe McKenzie - Liberal
Sent this link:
https://www.zoemckenzie.com.au/local-plan-article/preserving-our-local-environment
Jefferson Earl - Australian Federation Party
No reply
Colin Lane - The Greens
Would you oppose any future quarry proposals on Arthurs Seat?
Local Greens members and our elected representatives have actively opposed a new quarry from the beginning.
Do you support the proposal for 115 and 121 Boundary Rd, Dromana to be permanently protected?
Yes. Open spaces on the Peninsula are rare and precious. Permanent protection of remnant flora and fauna must be a priority if the Peninsula is to retain its semi-rural nature.
I will advocate to incorporate these areas into the Arthurs Seat State Park. If the State will not take this action I will investigate the opportunities to incorporate the area into the Mornington Peninsula National Park.
What are your environmental priorities for the Mornington Peninsula?
The environmental priority for the planet is to reduce emissions and avoid the consequences of catastrophic climate change. Australia and the Mornington Peninsula must play a leading and active part on this journey. Whilst pursuing this international imperative I will also work in any ways open to me to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the Mornington Peninsula.
What action have you taken on environmental issues in the past?
I have been an active member of the Greens for the past 5 years, and on a personal level have taken part in numerous beach cleaning, tree planting type activities. Our local Greens branch have been active in all of the local environmental issues - against AGL in Westernport, Arthurs Seat quarry, the kangaroos trapped at Cape Schanck to name but a few of the more recent issues. I believe that of all the Candidates standing for election In Flinders, you can most reliably rely on me as the Greens Candidate to lead the fight against anything that arises that our community feel will be detrimental to our beautiful Peninsula and its flora, fauna and landscape.
Sarah Russell - Voices of the Mornington Peninsula
Professor Floyd’s proposal, A Vision for the Arthurs Seat Parklands requires state and federal bi-partisan support. The State Government should acquire the land owned by the Ross Trust. This would enable the land to regenerate, restoring habitat and improving biodiversity. It would be wonderful for the Mornington Peninsula to have a continuous habitat and wildlife corridor across the Arthurs Seat escarpment.
The recent “No quarry on Arthur’s Seat’ campaign demonstrated that the Environment Effects Act (1978) is deficient. Victoria urgently needs a new Environment Effects Act. However, it is also critical that the federal government act on all the recommendations made by Professor Graeme Samuel who reviewed the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Australia is among the top seven countries responsible for 60% of the world’s biodiversity loss between 1996 and 2008, according to a study published in Nature.
The Coalition seems intent on continuing to destroy the environment. It plans to allow some projects, including mining, to bypass federal environmental approvals. (1)
It is flouting its own review by proposing 'watered down' environmental standards (2)
That’s why we need Independents in politics with the power to stand up to vested interests and bring integrity and evidence-based policy back to decision making.
Since learning about the damaging impact of climate change in 1992, I have been involved in a numerous environmental campaigns. I also worked as a volunteer with Australian Conservation Foundation and Friends of the Earth in 1990s.
(1)
(2)
Surbhi Snowball - Australian Labor Party
No reply
Despi O'Connor - Independent
I unequivocally oppose any future quarry proposals on Arthur’s Seat. I have been an adamant supporter of the Save Arthurs Seat movement since its inception, and that will continue as a federal representative.
I absolutely support permanent environmental protections for Arthur’s Seat and have been campaigning on this issue. This is an issue that requires collaboration between state and federal government, which an Independent member is best placed to achieve. I have a strong track record of collaboration and support for environmental issues as Mayor, including support for the Save Arthurs Seat and Stop AGL movement, and I will continue this as a federal representative.
My environmental priorities for Flinders include:
Fight to preserve our Green Wedge
Advocate for our primary producers and farmers
Provide permanent environmental protections for Arthur’s Seat
Protect Western Port Bay’s UNESCO listing
Support the Save Flinders Pier movement
Protect our coastlines
Support community-based renewable energy projects
Consult with community on major issues (including environmental issues) before every major vote
My federal environmental policies also include:
At least 65% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030
Redirect fossil fuel subsidies towards renewables
Help households adopt renewables renewables and electric technologies
Support and train fossil fuel workers in their transition to renewable sectors
I have long been involved in local environmental issues, including:
Support for the prevention of the AGL gas terminal in Western Port bay
Revived the Hopetoun Norfolk group in Mount Martha
Member of the Balcombe Estuary Rehabilitation Group
Vocal supporter of the Save Arthurs Seat movement
Supporter of the anti-dredging movement in Port Phillip Bay
Long-time attendee of Clean up Australia Day events
Pamela Engelander - Animal Justice Party
Would you oppose any future quarry proposals on Arthurs Seat? Yes
Do you support the proposal for 115 and 121 Boundary Rd, Dromana to be permanently protected? Yes
If yes, what steps will you take to ensure the land is permanently protected? Arthur’s Seat must be incorporated into the State Park.
And if not, why not?
What are your environmental priorities for the Mornington Peninsula?
I am inspired to read of Jeff Floyd‘s respectful alternative proposal to the dismissive Ross Trust.
Going back to the benefactor’s values!
- naming the Nature Sanctuary in its benefactor Roy Edward Ross’s name.
Jeff Floyd’s other proposals are so much in keeping with the vision, respect and love of that beautiful and diverse environment which both Michelle and Mark so passionately shared with me and the other members of our group of Animal Justice Party members when we were shown over this land. It seemed they knew every tree, plant and piece of earth (plus the rogue trees and bushes which weren’t meant to be there which they and their Landcare group cleared regularly).
The old quarry mined into Arthur’s Seat by Ross Trust at the bottom of our walk was enormous. Gladly there won’t be another one - was it 10 times or more - larger.
Thank you both Michelle and Mark for your years and days and hours of labour - and the opportunity you’ve given so many of us to feel such happiness peace and awe at this beautiful Australian land - flora and fauna but then such horror at what Ross Trust was planning to do with it.
Thank you Jeff for planning to bring to Arthur’s Seat and the peninsula what the Animal Justice Party seeks to do;
The Animal Justice Party seeks to reframe our relationship with animals to improve the lives of all.
Our survival as a species depends on it,
If you share our values of kindness, equality, rationality, and non-violence, then you can be confident that the Animal Justice Party will help create a better world for animals, people and the planet.