I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the Franklin electorate at the state level.
My six years as a Huon Valley councillor have given me a good feel for the issues in the southern part of the electorate and I look forward to learning more about the eastern shore.
Climate change is the biggest issue facing humanity. Tasmania, with our renewable energy, relatively high rainfall, coastal towns and protected wild places, should be leading the response.
We should develop a 100-year plan to respond to climate change which covers everything from electricity generation, education, IT infrastructure, planning, agriculture, population and tourism.
Tasmania has led the country in genuine renewable energy production and we shouldn’t start going backwards now.
We’ve got unfinished business when it comes to forestry: we need to clarify the transition out of native forest logging, stop moves for wood-fired electricity and stop once and for all the industry’s reliance on government handouts.
Pressure to re-start the woodchip industry to fuel wood-fired electricity in Franklin must be resisted. It’s a failed business model and we know our forests are worth more standing than going up in smoke.
Nick McKim’s are big shoes to fill but I’ll do my best to carry on the important work the Greens have undertaken over the past 25 years in the Tasmanian Parliament.
I will resign my roles on council immediately as I intend to give 100% as member for Franklin.
