Media Releases

All Queensland Greens Media Releases

 

White runs Green in Aspley

Technology and education consultant James White will represent the Queensland Greens in the key marginal seat of Aspley in Brisbane’s north.

High profile environmental lawyer to take on Beattie

20 Aug 2006 - Voters in Premier Peter Beattie's seat of Brisbane Central will get three more years of crisis management unless they send a strong message and vote for the Queensland Greens.

Riding ahead of the pack - Greens launch transport policy

20 Aug 2006 - The Greens will mark the launch of their Transport Policy today at 12:15pm with a bike convergence in Gregory Park in Milton. Bike riders young and old will converge on Gregory Park, riding an array of bikes including mountain, street, recumbent, tandem, kids trailer bikes and more.

Southport Spit and Traveston Crossing Dam

19 Aug 2006 - The Queensland Greens have claimed credit for today's announcement by Premier Peter Beattie that the Southport cruise ship terminal would be scrapped and that the second stage of the Traveston Dam would not go ahead if the water recycling referendum was successful.

Beaudesert gets strong local candidate for Queensland Greens

Andy Grodecki, a scientist, public servant and long-term community volunteer, who lives near Beaudesert, will nominate to contest the Beaudesert seat.

Greens give cautious welcome to history teaching plans

The Queensland Greens have welcomed some outcomes of today’s National Summit on teaching Australian History in schools but warned of possible dangers and obstacles.

Greens urge electoral and constitutional reform

The Greens launched their Democracy policy outside Queensland’s Parliament House today.

Coalition split on landclearing sounds alarm bells

The National's Jeff's Seeney's comments on landclearing and acknowledgment that the Nationals would wind back landclearing legislation will sound alarm bells for voters committed to green principles who might be thinking of voting for a Coalition government.

Greens announce State Election Candidate for Lytton

The Queensland Greens today announced another strong candidate for the coming election.

Greens hail states carbon trading scheme

The Greens today congratulated the Beattie government on being part of a proposal to introduce a national carbon trading scheme based on the states, but urged that their involvement should not depend on progress in the development of clean coal and carbon capture.

Let everone else deal with global warming - Beattie

Despite giving the go-ahead to a carbon trading discussion paper, Premier Peter Beattie has immediately torpedoed any hope that Queensland might join such a scheme by the states.

Recycled water is safe. Jos takes the taste test.

Queensland Greens candidate for Mt Ommaney Jos Hall has accepted the challenge from a reader of a local paper to be a “guinea pig” and drink recycled water.

Queensland: Greens say environmental investment will be 'huge'

The Greens are looking forward to the 9 September election in Queensland, National Greens Leader Bob Brown said in Canberra today.

Flegg fails his first test on education

In his first public appearance as Liberal leader, Bruce Flegg showed he is not a leader of all the people.

Greens welcome real election debate on challenges and solutions

The Greens have welcomed today’s announcement of the 9th September general election, ending the speculation over when the election would fall.

Anna Bligh missing in action

The Green’s candidate for South Brisbane, Gary Kane says Anna Bligh is missing in action in South Brisbane on local issues. Since becoming Deputy Premier the people of South Brisbane have been neglected by their elected representative.

Greens condemn continuing spinelessness of the ALP in Council

The ALP majority in the Brisbane City Council today passed Liberal Lord Mayor Newman’s Hale Street Bridge project with minor amendments to study and consultation processes. The Queensland Greens have condemned the ALP for allowing the project to proceed.

State must dramatically increase public transport subsidy

The State must dramatically increase public transport subsidies to local councils, according to the Greens. The call comes in response to a report to the Brisbane City Council recommending commuters be discouraged from using buses due to an inability to cope with demand.

NSB Tunnel - financial close documents confirm public policy and fiscal impacts

The North-South Bypass Tunnel financial close documentation released today by Rivercity Motorway and the Brisbane City Council confirms the flaws in the project according to the Queensland Greens.

Greens call on councils to back early referendum

The Greens have called on local councils across South East Queensland to back the yes campaign on recycled water, giving Beattie his catalyst for an early referendum.

Greens to present real solutions in election campaign

The Greens will present Queensland voters with real solutions to the big challenges being faced by the state as the key feature of their state election campaign.

Beattie torpedoes states carbon trading scheme

Queensland premier Peter Beattie has been instrumental in torpedoing proposals for a multi-billion-dollar nationwide carbon trading scheme based on the states.

State Liberals must stand up for sustainable water

The Queensland Greens are calling on state Liberal leader Bob Quinn to join with Liberal PM John Howard and other prominent federal Liberals in supporting water recycling.

Springborg gets it wrong again on water

While Premier Peter Beattie continues to dither on water policy, the Coalition leader keeps coming up with the worst possible policy proposals.

Nationals try scare tactics on hormones in recycled water

Nationals leader Lawrence Springborg today attempted the same sort of scare tactic as that used by his allies during the Toowoomba water recycling referendum. Mr Sprinborg stated, without reference, that a major concern with water recycling was that hormones like estrogen could present health problems to people drinking water that contained recycled water.

Greens seek further commitments – but won’t oppose referendum

The Queensland Greens are seeking further commitments from Premier Beattie regarding his 2008 water referendum, but will not oppose it.

Greens members and anti-dam activists converge on Toowoomba

Members of the Queensland Greens and anti-dams activists from across southern Queensland will converge on Toowoomba today to lend their support to the ‘Yes’ campaign.

Greens distribute water samples to confront misconceptions

The Greens will invite citizens to taste test samples of tank water, Brisbane tap water and recycled water from Singapore at a street stall outside Parliament House in George Street Brisbane from 11:00am today.

Beattie’s recycled water promise means no need for dams

The Greens hailed today’s announcement by Premier Peter Beattie that he would pump recycled purified water back into the Wivenhoe Dam if the weekend referendum on recycled water for Toowoomba was successful.

Beattie's policies on climate change 'delusional'

Today’s Forum on Climate Change reflects the huge gap between the rhetoric surrounding the premier at the present time and the reality of his government’s policies. Esteemed scientist Professor Ian Lowe will today outline many ideas for a modern, carbon-constrained future and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has, over the last few days, spelt out sustainable directions for modern economies that blend economic and environmental imperatives.

Water pipeline no good for economy or environment

The only good thing about the proposed water pipeline from the Burdekin to Brisbane is that it won’t see the light of day for maybe 100 years. By that time most people should be aware of the inappropriateness of such schemes and be looking for more sustainable and economically responsible ways of providing water.

Communities fuming at ALP councillors lack of leadership

Two hundred people at a community meeting have unanimously called on the Brisbane City Council to defer a decision to proceed with feasibility studies on the TransApex Hale Street Bridge project says Gary Kane, Greens candidate for South Brisbane.

Beattie's support for water recycling must convert into policy for SEQ

Today’s statement by premier Peter Beattie that he supports the Toowoomba City Council’s move to have water recycling should now be converted into state government policy for SE Queensland with the two new dam projects being placed on the back burner.

Dams now an election issue

"The Government’s decision to build two dams at Traveston crossing on the Mary River and Wyaralong in the Logan river catchment has turned dams into an election issue."

Christine Milne to speak on nuclear matters in Brisbane

Announcement - Public Meeting with Christine Milne

Mary River decision a two stage tragedy

Queensland Greens spokespersons, Jennie Harvie and Ian Gittus, today condemned the decision by the Premier Peter Beattie to dam the Mary Valley at Traveston. “This proposal goes against the triple bottom line of sustainable development, as it is a social, environmental and economic disaster. Building this unnecessary dam in two stages will drag out the disruption to residents and comprehensively destroy ecologies”, Mr Gittus said.

Greens condemn Wyaralong Dam decision

Queensland Greens spokespersons, Drew Hutton and Juanita Wheeler, today condemned the decision by the state government to build a dam on the Logan River at Wyaralong. Greens spokespersons Drew Hutton and Juanita Wheeler described the decision as “flawed and foolish”. “This dam will not be providing water for the people of SE Queensland until 2020, if at all,” Mr Hutton said.

Greens throw down gauntlet to BCC Labor councillors on Hale Street Bridge

Labor councillors must use their majority in the Brisbane City Council and end their supine pose, according the Queensland Greens.

Nuclear Power Station for Sunshine Coast?

The Queensland Greens today called for the Beattie government to immediately reject any moves to site a nuclear power station in Queensland.

Greens call on state cabinet to defer Rathdowney dam decision until after Toowoomba water referendum

02 July 2006 - With a decision to build a dam at Tilleys Bridge near Rathdowney likely tomorrow on Monday 3 July, the Greens are calling on the state cabinet to defer the decision until after 29 July.

Greens buoyed by East Trinity declaration - will stand in three seats in FNQ

East Trinity proof that voting Green does work.

Logan Greens say "Call-In" needed

Two local Greens candidates want the State Government to use its call-in powers to halt a major industrial development in the heart of Browns Plains. The 66 Ha parcel is situated on the north west corner of the intersection of Beaudesert and Johnson Roads.

Beattie fails to act against another dangerous doctor

21 Aug 2006 - Months after being made aware of the prospect of dangerous doctors being re-registered to practice medicine, the Beattie government has still not introduced legislation to stop this happening.

Greens back JCU Student Association

21 Aug 2006 - The dispute between the James Cook University and the JCU Student Association comes after protracted negotiations have broken down between both parties.

Sniffer dog laws heighten racial tensions in Townsville

The Townsville Greens believe the Beattie government’s record on the administration of justice in Queensland needs to be placed under the microscope; a topic which is especially relevant in the Townsville region.

Pull the Plug on the Pipeline!

22 Aug 2006 - A multi-million dollar pipeline to pump the Burdekin’s water to Brisbane proposed by the Beattie government, the Coalition and Family First is a ludicrous idea, according to Greens candidate for the Burdekin, Anja Light.

Traveston dam water too expensive, ecologically, socially and economically

22 Aug 2006 - "On polling day the people of South East Queensland will send the government a strong message on the damming of the Mary River at Traveston Crossing" said Paul Marshall, Greens candidate for Gympie.

SEQ dams worth $3,600 for every home

22 Aug 2006 - EVERY Brisbane home could have guaranteed water for their gardens if the State Government scrapped its dam-building frenzy, Queensland Greens Brisbane Central candidate Larissa Waters said today.

Greens stand record number of candidates

22 Aug 2006 - The Queensland Greens will be standing a record number of 75 candidates in the Queensland State election on 9 September.

Greens support choice in childbirth

23 Aug 2006 - A midwife-led birth centre is a priority for Townsville, Greens candidate for Mundingburra, Ms Jenny Stirling said.

Parties and candidates must declare on uranium mining

23 Aug 2006 - All political parties and candidates must declare their positions on uranium mining to the people of Queensland and their electorates before the next State election, according to the Greens.

Greens call for daylight savings

23 Aug 2006 - The Queensland Greens today slammed the Opposition for its refusal to take a positive stance on daylight saving.

No vision for Townsville from Beattie

24 Aug 2006 - John Boucher, the Greens candidate for the seat of Townsville today called on the Beattie government to tell the people of Townsville what they see for our future.

Climate Change Critical – Political Response Pitiful

24 Aug 2006 - The political response to the most critical environmental issue of our time, climate change, has been pitiful, according to Greens candidate for Burdekin, Anja Light.

Community and environment denied by Labor

24 Aug 2006 - The Greens say the Premier’s promise to further fast track State development laws is a denial of community right to comment and a death knell for fulsome environmental impact assessment of major infrastructure proposals.

Greens outraged at Lungfish Report Destruction

25 Aug 2006 - The Greens today expressed outrage at reports the Beattie government had ordered the shredding of studies into the lungfish and other endangered species in the Mary River.

Flegg should follow his leader on water recycling

25 Aug 2006 - The Queensland Greens call on Dr Flegg to follow his federal leader and commit to water saving, instead of supporting the National’s proposal for four new dams.

Liberals backflip on Wild Rivers

25 Aug 2006 - The Greens today criticised Liberal leader Bruce Flegg for his backflip on protecting Wild Rivers, Queensland’s remaining free-flowing, pristine rivers.

Coalition Moreton Bay policy short-sighted & irresponsible

27 Aug 2006 - “The recently released Coalition Policy on Moreton Bay is short-sighted and irresponsible,” Greens candidate for Lytton, Dr David Wyatt said today.

Greens leadership on water shines through in Chatsworth since by-election

26 Aug 2006 - The Greens candidate for Chatsworth again pushes the importance of a better housing sustainability code a year later, highlighting that the Greens were leaders in pre-empting Queensland’s water crisis.

Straight talk needed on climate change

27 Aug 2006 - The Queensland Greens have called on Premier Peter Beattie to bunker down on climate change policy rather than creating political storms.

Townsville threatened by uranium mine

27 Aug 2006 - John Boucher, the Greens candidate for Townsville, today confirmed his support for the Greens policy of opposing uranium mining in Queensland and opposing nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons in the state.

Greens Senator Brown Launches White in Aspley

28 Aug 2006 - National Greens leader Senator Bob Brown yesterday launched the party’s campaign in the key marginal seat of Aspley.

Greens call for strong leadership in protecting Brisbane and Pine Rivers Water Catchment Areas

28 Aug 2006 - Terry Jones, the Greens candidate for Kurwongbah, is deeply concerned that the Queensland Government, together with local Councils, are considering a large scale, regional trail bike facility be located in the environmentally fragile Lake Samsonvale (Pine Rivers Shire Dam) and the Lake Kurwongbah water catchment area.

Blind Candidate with Transport Vision

28 Aug 2006 - Blind Greens candidate for Moggill, Geoff Munck, has a transport vision for beleaguered motorists travelling from Moggill, Pullenvale, and Kenmore to the city. He’s asking why both major parties have been blind to this solution for the past 40 years.

Voters declare they’ll vote Green for the first time

27 Aug 2006 - Many voters at the Rainbow Carnival in Bardon today declared they would vote Green for the first time in protest against the inadequacy of the major parties.

Nationals Set to Wreck Moreton Bay if Allowed Back into Government

27 Aug 2006 - The Queensland Nationals are continuing their tradition of advocating the most outrageously anti-environment agendas with yesterdays announcement that they would allow recreational and commercial fishing in all areas of Moreton Bay.

Beattie Slammed over Bunker Plan

27 Aug 2006 - Premier Peter Beattie is planning to build bunkers for Queenslanders fleeing mega-cyclones caused by global warming, the Greens say.

Greens endorse rail as key Townsville infrastructure

29 Aug 2006 - John Boucher, Greens candidate for Townsville, today confirmed the Greens policy of promoting rail transport in Queensland. Mr Boucher said that rail transport is much more energy efficient than the use of private cars and semitrailers.

Beattie Content to See Jobs and Export Income Lost

29 Aug 2006 - Last night's 4 Corners program highlighted in no uncertain terms how the Queensland premier wants to maintain the State's economy as a twentieth century backwater.

Greens give in principle support to stormwater recycling

29 Aug 2006 - The Greens have today given in principle support to the prospect of stormwater recycling for South East Queensland, following the launch of such a project in Adelaide this morning.

Greg Thomas – Greens candidate for Capalaba

24 Aug 2006 - The Queensland Greens candidate for Capalaba is Greg Thomas, a retired policeman who is now self-employed.

How many houses in the Redlands?

24 Aug 2006 - Greens candidate Brad Scott expects Redlands urban planning issues will have voters thinking extra carefully about their choices at the September 9 State election.

Where will the children play?

21 Aug 2006 - Current planning for the development of Redland Bay makes no provision for public spaces or state schools.

Save Mary, not Peter

28 Aug 2006 - Leader Bob Brown came up to Queensland on the weekend to launch the Greens carefully researched urban water policy which calls for rainwater tanks and water efficiency devices, repair of leaking infrastructure, purification and reuse, stormwater capture, and real incentives to developers to aim for water self-sufficiency.

Politicians – on your bikes!

30 Aug 2006 - The soaring price of fuel may provide a ray of hope for the future according to Anja Light, Greens candidate for Burdekin. She says as fuel prices go up people will use their cars less and demand will increase for good public transport and a better bicycle infrastructure.

Greens call for Queensland women to have a voice in parliament

30 Aug 2006 - Greens Senator Kerry Nettle will be in Brisbane today to join with local Greens candidates calling for reproductive rights for Queensland women.

Vision, values and governance

30 Aug 2006 - According to Professor Nick Harvey (U. Adelaide), Dr. Scott Smithers (JCU) and Associate Professor Kevin Parnell (JCU), State government approved projects such as the Breakwater Canal Estate and Northern Beaches are not sensible developments in that they are not safe from storm surges.

Stolen policies, and no credit

30 Aug 2006 - John Boucher, Greens candidate for Townsville, today welcomed the change of election tactic by the Beattie government. He said, "Up until now the Labor party have been stealing the policies of the coalition, according to the Courier Mail (29/8/06), but now they have started stealing Green policies, with the announcement of a birthing centre in Townsville, and now the reopening of the Greenvale rail line."

Greens challenge ALP to public debate

30 Aug 2006 - The Greens Brisbane Central candidate has challenged Premier Beattie to a public debate on local issues. This morning the Premier confirmed he was unable to attend, but will send the member for Mt Coot-tha instead, Mr Andrew Fraser MP.

Greens launch ‘solar on every roof’ initiative today

31 Aug 2006 - The Greens will launch their ‘solar on every roof’ initiative this morning at Brisbane’s sustainable house in Wynnum.

Setting the right example for water conservation in Yeerongpilly

29 Aug 2006 - The Queensland Greens candidate for Yeerongpilly, Sean McConnell, welcomes the idea of bring- ing a state tennis centre and residential housing to Tennyson for the tremendous benefits it will have for the community in terms of encouraging our youth to be more active and social, but recognises the wonderful opportunity that exists in making this new development THE shining example for all other building pro jects in south east Queensland for communities soon to be facing level 4 water restrictions.

To fish or not to fish

31 Aug 2006 - Robyn Thomas, Greens candidate for Cleveland, notes the concerns of the Fishing Party.

Beattie Dam Threatens End of Lungfish: DNR Report

31 Aug 2006 - A leaked report from the Department of Natural Resources warns against any further water infrastructure being built before thorough studies into lungfish ecology are conducted, bringing into serious doubt the feasibility of the proposed Traveston Dam on the Mary River.

Greens call for legalised euthanasia

1 Sep 2006 - The Greens have today called for legislation to be introduced to the Queensland Parliament to legalise euthanasia.

Greens will not recommend preferences in 69 of the 89 seats

1 Sep 2006 - The Greens have decided to not recommend preferences in 69 of the 89 seats in the forthcoming election, instead recommending that voters use their informed judgment to allocate preferences as they see fit.

Greens are Farmers' Friends

3 Sep 2006 - Farmers need support to explore and experiment with new techniques to sustainably manage and diversify their farms and to resist pressure from big corporations, according to Greens candidate for the Burdekin, Anja Light.

RACQ Congestion Charge on the Right Road

4 Sep 2006 - The RACQ's support for the Greens’ policy of a traffic congestion charge is welcome, according to North Brisbane Greens candidates Larissa Waters (Brisbane Central), James White (Aspley), Justin Wells (Clayfield) and Sam Clifford (Stafford).

Greens join ‘Flotilla for Water’

3 Sep 2006 - The Greens will join forces with the Save the Mary River Coordinating Group and concerned Queenslanders in a flotilla for water on the Brisbane River today.

Beijing or Brisbane

5 Sep 2006 - The statement (TB 2/9/06) by the Premier’s representative in North Queensland, Lindy Nelson Carr, that the Chinese government Aluminium Corporation (Chalco) and not the Beattie government will decide the location of the proposed alumina refinery, confirms what many have suspected for a while.

Invest in health solutions, not problems

5 Sep 2006 - Frank Reilly and Jenny Stirling, Greens candidates for Thuringowa and Mundingburra, today called on the Beattie government to rethink its priorities in relation to the port access road. "We are sure the people of South Townsville would rather spend $100 million on the hospital, rather than to create a corridor for conveyor belts and pipelines to carry noxious products from the port to Stuart," Mr Reilly said.

Premier’s Promise to Protect Species a Fact Free Zone

5 Sep 2006 - The Greens have demanded that the State Government immediately release all documents and advice received by the Premier’s office relating to the operation of the “fish lift” at Paradise dam on the Burnett River.

Greens Candidate for Clayfield Justin Wells to address BCC on TransApex.

Noted sustainable transport advocate Justin Wells makes his case to City Hall and the State Government.

Fishing gone?

5 Sep 2006 - Greens Candidate for Redlands Brad Scott says, “It is interesting how the proponents of fishing NO GO zones have shifted their position during the campaign. The Greens position is quite simple: We want all stakeholders involved in deciding policy and decisions that offer the best long-term sustainable future for Moreton Bay and its users.”

Burdekin’s precious water under threat by Poaching and Pollution.

6 Sep 2006 - In the final days before the State election, Greens candidate for Burdekin, Anja Light, is urging people to vote for the protection of what she believes is our most important asset – our water.

Greens clear winner in public debate

6 Sep 2006 - Last night’s public debate and question and answer session with candidates for the Brisbane Central electorate showed up the ALP’s poor record on health, open space, public transport and quality of life in South East Queensland, while the Greens policies were a clear winner with the audience.

Solar on every roof

6 Sep 2006 - The Greens called today for ‘solar on every roof’ as a way of increasing the security of the supply of electricity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Most electricity in Queensland is generated using climate damaging coal fired power stations.

Both Majors Short Sighted on Moreton Bay

6 Sep 2006 - The Greens have expressed disappointment today that both major parties have opted for short term electoral benefit over long term environmental and economic interests by failing to commit to no go zones in Moreton Bay.

Lord Mayor must come clean on tunnel promises

6 Sept 2006 - Greens Candidate for Clayfield and noted urban transport advocate, Mr Justin Wells, today is calling upon the Lord Mayor Campbell Newman to come clean on his failed promises about transport in Brisbane.