Greens launch Gold Coast light rail network - 31 August 2007 - This morning at the Gold Coast Show, Australian Greens Lead Senate Candidate for Queensland, Larissa Waters has launched an initiative to provide federal funding for a light rail network on the Gold Coast. [QLD Greens Media Releases]

See the nine coverage below:

Gold Coast Greens Marella, Steve, Craig & Petrina (sorry Petrina you didn't get in the photo!) went to see David Suzuki at the Irish Club this evening. Not only did we get our books signed - but he was nice enough to pose for a photo with us. Thankyou David for an inspiring talk - you're our hero!

Dear Alex and Phil,

I understand why you did not show up to talk about public transport today. Being professional politicians, I appreciate that you are very busy men. Buses running late, not connecting or not showing up are going to cost you precious time out of your day. Time is money.

Although the morning 20A turned up on time, my evening bus was 14 minutes late (or 16 minutes early, depending how you look at it). I understand that, as busy men, an extra quarter of an hour at home with your family is important in the evening.

Being men of means, you probably also have a fairly good comfort zone in terms of rising petrol costs. The rising cost of fuel would be a small price to pay for the convenience of getting to work on time and getting home at a reliable hour.

On the eve of my bus ivitation to other Gaven candidates, I recieved this reply from Alex Douglas:

Dear Glen
Thanks for the invitation. Buses are a crucial key to our transport infrastructure. At short notice I can't manage the time.

Many thanks
Alex Douglas

So, Alex, what do you propose to do about fixing public transport, or has that escaped your attention?

I haven't got a reply from Phil Gray yet. I expect that means he'll turn up tomorrow morning.

I will let you know.

Hello Alex and Phil,

One of the long term weaknesses in infrastructure in South East Queensland is the ability to efficiently move the workforce to where it needs to be. This is a serious threat to the long term economic viability of many Gaven communities.

The reliance on single passenger private vehicles will have an increasingly negative impact on economic growth in the region.

Fortunately, the Greens have many good ideas in this regard. I therefore invite you to catch a bus with me. Please join me on the 20A on Wednesday 6 September at 6:03 am outside Boonaroo shops on Neilsens Road. Please note that the bus can leave up to five minutes early and/or five minutes late.

I try to do the right thing. Use public transport. Leave the car at home. But why don't buses always show up? I normally try and get to the train station by walking or jogging. But a few of weeks ago I injured my foot and have been a regular bus user ever since. In the last three weeks there have been three occasions when the scheduled bus has not shown up.

The Beattie government wants us to use more public transport because our region is struggling under the weight of poorly planned development. I invite my fellow Gaven candidates, Alex Douglas and Phil Gray, to hop on the 20A with me one day so we can discuss what needs to be done to fix public transport on the Coast.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, let me know which bus, when and where (or if you have any other P.T. war stories) and I will take the information to Translink.

RACQ - The Road Ahead
August/September 2006
"You Said It" Letters to Editor

ROADS TO RUIN

I read your "advocacy" section with interest and alarm.

I am concerned that RACQ is pushing the government for more roads. I realise you are standing up for motorists, but this view seems short sighted.

How much more tarmac do we relly want? No matter how much there is, it seems to be the case of build it and they will come.

The reason few people use public transport right now is because not enough money is being spent on improving it.

As a motorist, I would prefer that my taxes greatly improve our public transport options. If public transport was more efficient, accessible and cost-effective, people would use it (myself included).

We need to start thinking of future generations. They will need clean air to breate and open spaces to enjoy.

I, for one, am not keen to leave a legacy to my children of gridlocked highways and bypasses choking us all with noxious fumes.

Inge Light, Tugun

The CEO of Insurance Australia Group, Australia's largest personal lines insurer, Michael Hawker sees the possibility of significant damage from a storm surge on the Gold Coast.

IAG have spent considerable effort in studying the effects of climate change since 1999 when a massive hail storm hit Sydney and cost the company (then NRMA) millions of dollars in claims. So they know what they are talking about.

The REIQ also thinks it is a good idea to start planning for the worse.

Reposting this excellent cartoon that everyone should see to get an understanding of preferential voting and why it is so important to Vote 1 Green!

Authorised by Mark Jeanes, Australian Greens. Suite 7, Lwr Gnd Floor, Ethos House, Ainslie Ave, Canberra ACT 2600

Provided by http://www.doubleyourvote.com.au

Al Gore's film about global warming, An Inconvenient Truth, has made a big impact in the US and will soon be screening in Australia. Make sure you check it out - many are not aware that Al Gore was a big environmental activist before he ran for president. I have not seen the film yet, but heard a review of the film on ABC Science show and it sounds very interesting.

For more information on the film, check out the excellent website http://www.climatecrisis.net

Gold Coast Arts centre website (http://www.gcac.com.au) currently shows the film as "Coming Soon" - I'll keep you updated if I hear anything more about when it is on.