And the Greens are the only party prepared to tackle Victoria's worst greenhouse polluting industry.

"Australia has the capacity to be the 'clever country'. Billions of dollars need to be spent on wind, solar, public transport and energy efficient buildings. Instead billions of dollars are goinginto expanding coal," said Catheryn Thompson. "Why is it that Labor, the Liberals and Nationals are all lining up for dirty coal? Have they missed the point that global emissions are increasing at a rapid rate and climate change is a real threat to our farmers?"

"The Greens in State Parliament after Saturday's election will work to ensure there is significant investment in a mix of renewable technologies, water saving and water re-use efficient technologies," said Catheryn Thompson. "Many of these will be local, small scale projects that will give towns and regional areas new industries, more skilled jobs and a much more secure future."

"Investments in renewables such as wind, solar and biofuels will improve community health and create jobs. And switching to rail and increasing public transport will reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Catheryn Thompson. "Along with increased funding for health and education, country Victorians can look forward to a brighter future with the Greens in State Parliament."

"The Greens will provide access to health services on the basis of need, not wealth. Carers, families, people with disAbilities, the young and the elderly will be gain much with the Greens in Parliament," said Catheryn Thompson. "We will keep all public hospitals and community health services in public hands. Our $200 million policy package for
Victoria's health and well-being puts the emphasis on long term health promotion and illness prevention. More - and more accessible - public dental health services are also a priority for the Greens."

"Victoria is Australia's lowest spending state per head on education," said Catheryn Thompson. "The Greens will rebuild run-down school buildings, allocate additional funds to disadvantaged schools, reduce class sizes, and fund more permanent teachers."

"The Greens forest policy protects our old growth, high conservation forests and domestic water catchments from logging," said Catheryn Thompson. "Land stewardship is honoured with increased funding for Landcare, Ecotender and riparian revegetation projects."

"Voting the Greens into the Victorian parliament on Saturday will see Spring Street finally focus on issues of social justice, workplace rights and environmental care," said Catheryn Thompson.

For more information and comment please contact:
Catheryn Thompson (mob) 0410 109 887 (w) 5169 6625
or
Dave Lane on (mob) 0419 156 213