Rob launched his campaign at his Monbulk home in front of some 70 supporters.

"The Greens regard the Dandenong Ranges as a treasured natural asset to be nurtured and protected from over development," said Rob Stephen. "We have a delicate balance of National Parks and gardens, horticultural industry, water supply, infrastructure, urban areas and tourism."

"Sometimes these various interests conflict with each other and so we need efficient planning and administrative mechanisms to deal with these interests," said Rob Stephen.

Rob has lived in the Dandenongs for over 16 years. He has made a career of bushland and waterways restoration and currently works for the City of Monash.

Rob Stephen has been active in a wide variety of community interest groups and bodies such as the Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery, the Monbulk Soccer Club and the Save The Dandenongs League among others.

Rob will work to further protect the Thompson catchment.

"The CSIRO predicts climate change will reduce water in Melbourne's catchments by up to 35 per cent by 2050," said Rob Stephen. "Continued clearfelling in the Thompson and other catchments means an even greater reduction in run-off into our reservoirs."

"Water is more valuable than woodchips", said Rob. "Our children won't understand the short-sightedness of the pro-woodchipping policies of current governments."

Rob Stephen is campaigning for:
* better public transport for the Hills region to reduce pressure on the roads,
* improved health and education facilities for Hills residents,
* an end to clearfelling in the Thompson catchment to protect and improve Melbourne's water supply.

Attached picture is Photo caption: Robert and his wife Anne seen here with one of their Alpacas, "Tango". They knit jumpers scarves and gloves? from the wool.


For more information and comment please contact:
Rob Stephen (mob) 0403 396 001
or
Dave Lane on (mob) 0419 156 213