Speaking at the announcement of his selection, Gordon Watson asked, "Why has VCAT overturned the Shire of Yarra Ranges' decision to block clear fell logging at Hoddles Creek?"

"The State Government's current controls are clearly not good enough if VCAT can overturn a local Council decision that was made in the best interests of the community and in line with planning regulations," said Gordon Watson. "That's why the Greens are needed in Spring Street to ensure communities are protected by adequate environment and planning controls."

Gordon Watson's selection as Greens candidate for Gembrook was announced at the Gembrook Market (Sunday September 24, 2006). "We need to build a sustainable future. The Gembrook market shows us how we can help do that, by trading in local produce and products, and through creative recycling."

Gordon Watson started his working life in the forest industry and has seen, first hand, how the industry, once focused on selective logging for high value timber, has become engaged in unsustainable clear felling
to produce low value products like woodchips. These days, Gordon is a model-rail engineer and lives in Clematis.

Gordon believes that the Dandenong Ranges and Upper Yarra Valley - from Berwick in the south to Warburton in the north - contain a unique and precious mix of rural and township landscapes that coexist in balance with each other.

"We have important and valuable natural assets to preserve," said Gordon Watson. "We need to protect them so we can build a sustainable future, dynamic recreation industries and to teach the value of conservation."

"The Gembrook District needs better public transport to help the local population and tourists get around with less impact on the environment," said Gordon Watson. "The Greens in state parliament after November 25 will work to protect our sensitive environment and build a better public transport system across Victoria."

For more information and comment please call:
Gordon Watson on (mob) 0417 565 275
or
Dave Lane on (mob) 0419 156 213.

Attachment: photo. Caption: Gordon Watson, left, is congratulated by Louis Delacretaz, the Greens Eastern Victoria Region Upper House lead candidate, at the Green's Gembrook District candidate launch at the Gembrook Market.