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

The candidates were asked 5 questions relating to the Powerlink 275,000V power line project. Before the meeting the candidates were provided with the 5 questions, background briefing notes and clearly told that “The questions are asked of you as candidates and as representatives of the parties that you are standing for (if applicable) and your answers will be taken as being the policy that you or your party will implement in the next Parliament either in Government or if holding the balance of power, should this eventuate.”  The questions asked were:

Will you:

• Adopt a policy which mandates sustainable energy development before new network infrastructure?
• 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?
• Adopt the alternatives proposed to meet the N. Sunshine Coast’s energy needs – renewable energy & demand management?
• Adopt a policy which prevents the conflict of interest between developers and their paid environmental consultants?
• Oppose the construction of the proposed Woolooga to Cooroy transmission line and sub-station?

The audience scored by a show of hands whether the candidates answered positively, answered negatively or did not answer the question directly by waffling. The candidate’s scorecard is shown below.

Graham Smith, PAGE Coordinator said after the forum that “it was useful for the community to see where the candidates stand on this key issue for the Sunshine Coast and any sustainable future that it has. It was important to have candidates from both Noosa and Nicklin as this State Government proposal does not stop at Eumundi, but also impacts Noosa and the Biosphere.

The second half of the forum was open for the community to ask any questions of the candidates at the meeting. Complementing the panel for this half of the forum were Gary Claridge (Grn, Nicklin), Glen Elmes (LNP, Noosa) and Kent Hutton (Grn, Gympie). Questions ranged from Traveston Dam, renewable energy feed-in tariffs, unsustainable population growth as well as many more questions on the powerline proposal and the alternatives. Other community groups represented at the forum were the Sunshine Coast Environment Council, Noosa Parks Association, Save the Mary River and OSCAR.

PAGE Coordinator, Graham Smith said “This is a key election for Queensland and especially the Sunshine Coast. Last May’s council elections clearly demonstrated that the community wants a new sustainable approach to energy, water and transport. It is only for four weeks in every three years that the Government actually listens to voters and everyone should use this election as an opportunity to make your voice get heard.”

What: PAGE – Queensland Election Candidates Forum.
Where: CWA Hall, Eumundi
Date / Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm on Saturday 14 March 2009

PAGE's state election candidate forum results

The second half of the forum will be open for the community to ask any questions of the candidates at the meeting. There will be candidates from the electorates of Nicklin, Noosa and Gympie and the major parties and independents will be represented.

PAGE Coordinator, Graham Smith said “This is a key election for Queensland and especially the Sunshine Coast. Last May’s council elections clearly demonstrated that the community wants a new sustainable approach to energy, water and transport. It is vital that the community come along and find out where your candidates stand on these issues. It is only for four weeks in every three years that the Government actually listens to voters and everyone should use this forum as an opportunity to make your voice get heard.”

PAGE was disappointed to hear in our discussions with the candidates in preparation for this forum that the Labor candidate for Nicklin refused to attend the forum and debate the issues with the other candidates or with the community. Labor, however will be represented by Mr. Brian Stockwell, candidate for the Noosa electorate.

Other candidates that have agreed to participate in the forum are Mr. Steve Haines (Grn), Ms. Cate Molloy (Ind), Mr. Steve Morrison (LNP), and Mr. Peter Wellington (Ind). Also attending the forum will be Mr. Garry Claridge (Grn), Mr. Glen Elmes (LNP) and Mr. Kent Hutton (Grn)

As usual PAGE is expecting an excellent turnout to reflect the significant interest and passion generated by this State Government proposal.

What: PAGE – Queensland Election Candidates Forum.
Where: CWA Hall, Eumundi
Date / Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm on Saturday 14 March 2009
Cost: Free

Visit www.saveeumundi.org for more information.

Contact: Graham Smith
Email:  contact@saveeumundi.org

Media Release Date:             6 March 2009

PAGE has organised a candidates forum to answer specific question on the Powerlink proposal and associated issues plus an opportunity for you to score them whether they have answered the questions adequately or waffled.

You will also have the opportunity to ask the candidates directly about what most concerns you on any topic in the lead up to the election on 21 March.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by – get involved!

Date and time: Saturday 14 March from 4:30 – 6:30pm.

Where: CWA Hall, Eumundi.

What: Candidates forum

Invitations have been sent to each of the party’s candidates (Labor / LNP / Greens) with each party to nominate one candidate as spokesperson. The nominated independents have also been invited. All invited candidates are also welcome to attend and take part in the second half of the forum.

The format of the forum will be:

1.  Background info and explanation / introductions by PAGE. Outline the project and the key areas we are interested in discussing. Introduction as to who is represented at the meeting (PAGE / SCEC / NPA / Others). One minute for each community organisation to say why they are interested in this issue and the relative size of their community group. Hand-over to MC. (estimated time 10 minutes)

2.  First section will be a question on each of the 5 issues that are of significant importance for the local community and the Powerlink proposal (estimate time 40 – 50 minutes):

• Energy policy and infrastructure
• The proposed alternatives
• Acquisition of Land Act 1967 and its required revision
• Environmental Impact Statements, Consultation and Conflicts of Interest
• The Powerlink Proposal

Each nominated candidate will have an equal amount of time to answer the questions 2 min max / answers will be timed by the official timer. After which they will be rated by the audience via a show of hands as to whether the question has been clearly answered in the affirmative / clearly answered in the negative / or not answered at all. The candidates and their audience rated responses will be shown on the screen. The candidates will be provided with a copy of the questions in advance of the forum.

3.  Second section will be an open question and answer session with an opportunity for the audience to ask questions of the candidates on any topic (30 – 40 minutes depending upon need).

4.  Wrap up and thanks by PAGE (5 minutes).

5.  Light refreshments

We look forward to seeing you.