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PAGE invited candidates not on the panel in the first half of the forum to submit their written responses to the Forum questions, and that we would publish their responses in advance of the election.

The following is the response we received from Garry Claridge (Greens – Nicklin):

Will you:

Question 1: Adopt a policy which mandates sustainable energy development before new network infrastructure?

We have just published our “Sunshine Coast Economic and Jobs Policy”.  (It can be seen on our web-site at http://www.scgreens.org ). This policy includes many points of action for the production of  renewable energy from both “small generators” and “large generators”.  It also speaks of methods and incentives for demand management.

The recommendations from me will be that the capacity of current Coal  Fired Power Generators not be increased and that the network for  distribution not be expanded.

Question 2: Adopt a policy which changes the ALA ’67 to  compensate indirectly affected landowners and give landowners the  right to sell their properties at fair value?

Yes, I certainly will support changes to this Act. The Government has  to compensate at a fair market level for many reasons. They also need  to compensate “indirectly” affected people; the definition of  “indirectly” affected will be set through community consultation.

If the Treasury cannot afford to pay this compensation then the  project does not proceed!

Question 3. Adopt the alternatives proposed to meet the Northern Sunshine Coast’s energy needs – renewable energy & demand management?

The same as the first part of the answer to the first question.

Question 4.  Adopt a policy which prevents the conflict of  interest between developers and their paid environmental consultants?

I believe the policy to prevent this would be based on having the  Consultants appointed by State and Local Governments and the  Community. Hence, a three-way appointment.

The other aspect of the consultancy which, I believe, needs addressing  is a process during project evaluation. In many projects this process  is called “Multiple Criteria Analysis” during this phase many criteria  are identified and allocated rankings of importance. It is at this  stage I believe that community consultation is extremely important.

Question 5.  Oppose the construction of the proposed Woolooga  to Cooroy transmission line and sub-station?

Yes

Some people expressed concern that the Greens are recommending  preferences to the ALP. Only 14 electorates are recommending a  preference for the ALP as #2. The significant majority of electorates,  being 75, are not recommending preferences to the ALP. The leadership  of the LNP were not interested in liaising with the Greens on  preference allocations.

I believe if Rohan Lee is elected he will be a strong voice for  opposing the Powerlink proposal (and the Traveston proposal). Note  that the LNP, as a party, have not rejected the Powerlink proposal!

Thank you for hearing my thoughts on the subject. And, good luck with  your quest. I believe that this issue is a pattern which exists in  “power-over” governments and should be broken to prevent this type of  pain being imposed on any other people.

All the best.

Garry Claridge
0418 366 590
Greens Candidate for Nicklin