Minister Stitt: Its time to end native forest logging now OPEN LETTER

Letter to Minister Stitt, Victorian Minister for the Environment.  You can send a similar letter to Minister Stitt here

Save Falls Creek cross country skiing area

The proposal to clear the road during winter from Windy Corner to the ANARE shed at Rocky Valley will destroy cross country skiing access and amenity. The existing snow-covered road provides access to cross country skiers and snow shoe users free of wheeled vehicles. 

This access route provides a quiet, scenic and sheltered route for cross country skiers and snow shoe users to access and use the XC trail network including the Nordic Bowl. The route is wide enough to accommodate many skiers.

The road that Falls Creek resort wants to keep cleared all Winter.

Current users of this area are cross country skiers of all ages and abilities, snow shoe users and XC racers who train there regularly and compete in events such as the Kangaroo Hoppet.

Clearing the road to create additional carparks will prevent current users from skiing on it and put spoil down the slopes above and below it. Road traffic would destroy the serenity of the current XC ski area including the Nordic bowl. This will ruin the cross country ski experience and amenity at Falls Creek, which is the main reason our family visits the resort. 

On our last visit our daughter skied on the lifts for 4 days, I skied on the lifts for one day and cross country for 4 days. We used the Windy Corner shelter and cafe every day.

The proposal to provide new XC facilities close to or next to Rocky Valley dam is ill-considered. This area gets significantly more adverse weather than the sheltered Nordic Bowl, XC trails and currently uncleared road. Frequent adverse weather at or close to the dam includes very strong winds, a much higher chill factor and poor visibility.

If this proposal proceeds we will be unlikely to visit Falls Creek again in winter.  Windy Corner and the existing XC trails are the main reason our family visits Falls Creek.

I recommend improving bus services to Falls Creek as an alternative to providing more parking for private cars. This would provide increased access for more visitors without further damaging the alpine environment and experience that people come to Falls Creek for.

You can provide your feedback on this proposal (closing Sunday 18 Sep 2022) here.

The section of road they want to keep cleared in Winter

Sking down to Nordic Bowl

Nordic Bowl

ANARE shed

Windy Corner car park, the road stops here in Winter

Additional information

• Save Falls Creek xc 
• Save Falls Creek XC, Facebook
• Plans revealed for Falls Creek Lakeside Development project, Mountain Journal 
• Development Proposal for the Lakeside Precinct at Falls Creek – Implications for Cross Country Skiing, Birkebeiner Nordic Ski Club Inc. 

Peter Dutton's track record

Peter Dutton MP has the front running to become the Liberal National opposition leader in the federal government. 

It is worth remembering some of his recent political history, Peter Dutton:

• Refused to commit to aiming for a 1.5% limit on climate warming at the Pacific Island Form in PNG, where he was heard to joke about island nations with "waves lapping at your door"
• Boycotted the Apology to the Stolen Generations
• Claimed Victorians were scared to go out because of African Gangs
• Blamed Laa Chol's death on "Sudanese Gangs", contrary to Victoria Police advice
• Accused Ali France, who is an amputee, of leveraging her disability for political gain
• Referred to Murugappan children as "Anchor Babies"
• Claimed refugees [medivac'd from detention] will cause locals to be "displaced from those services"
• Referred Bruce Pascoe to AFP claiming he lied about indigenous identity
• Called journalist Samantha Maiden a "mad f***ing witch" in a text message
• Described Brittany Higgins rape allegation as "She said, He said"
• Claimed women are using rape and abortion claims as a ploy to get to Australia
• Used SLAPP suits to silence critics (Shane Bazzi)
• Marked Anzac Day 2022 by invoking the spectre of Nazi Germany and declaring that Australia can only preserve peace by preparing for war.

*Credit to Helen Smart for this list.

There are now media attempts to portray him as a nice family guy to soften is reputation as a hard right political warrior, a hard-line border protection minister and, more recently, a China hawk beating the drums of war.

It will be interesting to see how he goes as opposition leader.

See also

• Election 2022 results: Peter Dutton battles to reform image as Coalition faces three difficult years 
• Peter Dutton marks Anzac Day by again comparing China and Russia to Nazi Germany before World War II - ABC News
• Dictator Dutton’s Disdain for Democracy: Part 1, Building the Surveillance State

Independent candidates partly funded by Climate 200 reset representational democracy

Climate 200 is a ​​community crowdfunded initiative established in 2019 to support pro-climate, pro-integrity, and pro-gender equity candidates.

Climate 200 is not a party. It does not start campaigns, select candidates, speak for candidates, dictate policies, or have members.

Climate did not prelect any of the above candidates, control them, or dictate any policy matters.

They simply give strong community campaigns a leg up with funding and support.

The following candidates were partly funded by Climate 200 during the 2022 Australian Federal election:

 Alex Dyson, Independent candidate for Wannon

• VIC, Liberal incumbent

Allegra Spender, Independent candidate for Wentworth - ELECTED

• NSW, Liberal incumbent

Andrew Wilkie. Independent MP for Clark  - ELECTED

• TAS, Independent seeking re-election

Caz Heise, Independent candidate for Cowper

• NSW, National incumbent

Claire Ferres Miles, Independent candidate for Casey

• VIC, Liberal incumbent

David Pocock. Independent candidate for ACT Senate  - ELECTED

• ACT Senate

Despi O’Connor, Independent candidate for Flinders

• VIC, Liberal incumbent

Dr Monique Ryan, Independent candidate for Kooyong  - ELECTED

• VIC, Liberal incumbent

Dr Sophie Scamps, Independent candidate for Mackellar  - ELECTED

• NSW, Liberal incumbent

Georgia Steele, Independent candidate for Hughes

• NSW, UAP incumbent

Dr Hanabeth Luke, Independent candidate for Page

• NSW, National incumbent

Helen Haines, Independent member for Indi  - ELECTED

• VIC, Independent seeking re-election

Jo Dyer, Independent candidate for Boothby

• SA, Liberal incumbent

Kate Chaney, Independent candidate for Curtin  - ELECTED

• WA, Liberal incumbent

Kate Hook, Independent candidate for Calare

• NSW, National incumbent

Kim Rubenstein, Independent candidate for ACT Senate

• ACT Senate

Kylea Tink, Independent candidate for North Sydney  - ELECTED

• NSW, Liberal incumbent

Leanne Minshulll, Independent candidate for TAS Senate

• TAS, Senate

Nicolette Boele, Independent candidate for Bradfield

• NSW, Liberal incumbent

Rebekha Sharkie, Independent member for Mayo  - ELECTED

• SA, Independent seeking re-election

Zali Steggall, Independent MP for Warringah  - ELECTED

• NSW, Independent seeking re-election

Zoe Daniel, Independent candidate for Goldstein  - ELECTED

• VIC, Liberal incumbent

See also 

• Climate 200 - Wikipedia 

Dr Monique Ryan will be a strong independent voice for Kooyong if she is elected

I got involved in politics are working on campaigns to protect Victoria's native forests.  Elections presented an opportunity to get change for the better.  However, we were not able to "make Australia woodchip free in 1993"...

I joined the Greens and was the Greens candidate for Kooyong in 2001, 2004 and 2007 running against Petro Georgiou, a decent and friendly man who showed great compassion to refugees.

I resigned from the Greens in 2011. All political parties carry baggage and pollute democracy. MPs  mostly represent their party as their first priority rather than their constituents.

I ran as an independent (unsuccessfully) for the state seat of Burwood in the 2014 Victorian election.

People mostly join political parties because the believe in something and want to effect change. I was focussed on protecting forests, the environment, climate change and transitioning to renewable energy. 

However, I found myself diverted into lengthy often toxic state and national council meetings. My energy was diverted into internal battles over policy, priorities and pre-selection. All political parties also engage in branch stacking.

When I send emails to Josh Frydenberg asking him to represent my views in the federal parliament he refuses to do so.  Instead I get a spiel from him on what "their policy" is. He has also blocked me on Twitter without any explanation. He's just not a good representative for me and many others.

I am volunteering for Monique Ryan's campaign for Kooyong because I  believe she will be the best person to represent Kooyong in the federal parliament.

Vote 1 Monique Ryan. Remember to number EVERY square.

We want a Federal representative who takes the time to listen, and act and represent us on the important issues - including climate change, an anti-corruption commission, decent treatment of refugees and protection of our environment.

The campaigns such as Monique Ryan in Kooyong, Zoe Daniel in Goldstein, Allegra Spender in Wentworth and other "teal" seats are fantastic and inspiring. 

Thousands of people are engaged and active.

Democracy has been restored to citizens, breaking the shackles of party politics.

Simon Holmes a Court has provided funding for many of these campaigns via the Climate 200 with no strings attached. This has enabled local independent campaigns to compete against well-funded political party campaigns.

One of the great things about Dr Monique Ryan's campaign is meeting new people from all walks of life and getting out and about door knocking, riding bikes and visiting cafes.

Over 2,000 volunteers are united in a common goal - to get Dr Ryan elected in Kooyong.

This is the first time in Kooyong's history that there has been a real contest for the seat. 

This might be the only chance we get, let's make it happen!

See also

• Independent candidates funded by Climate 200 reset representational democracy 
• Monique Ryan will be a great member of parliament for Kooyong. Ignore Liberal dirty tricks! 

Monique Ryan will be a great member of parliament for Kooyong. Ignore Liberal dirty tricks!

With the long 6 week election campaign drawing to a close there is a buzz in the air in Kooyong.

Monique Ryan, the genuine independent for Kooyong, now has a team of over 2000 volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life.  

Josh Frydenberg covets the seat of Kooyong and is desperate to cling to office.

While Frydenberg still has his nose in front (don't believe the polls) he has ramped up familiar dirty tricks.

If the Liberals polling tells them this isn't working they go dirty

• The Liberal Dirt Unit trawls for something they think discredits the other candidate.
• Ramp up attacks via media
• Distribute attack leaflets to all letterboxes (at taxpayers expense!)
• Other Liberal MPs amplify attacks

If they feel REALLY threatened they escalate

• Deface or pull down opponent corflute posters (several hundred of Monique Ryan's have been stolen or damaged)
• Put up anonymous "attack corflutes" attempting to discredit all independents (new!)
• Ramp up personal attacks via friendly media and social media (ads)
• Prime Minister Morrison and ministers amplify attacks
• Attempt get corflute poster banned on residents property (Tim Wilson in Goldstein, )
• Attempt to restrict number of volunteers at polling booths (Kooyong, unsuccessful)
• Lean on the local council to restrict permits for A frames while distributing flyers

They might even get REALLY dirty

• Try to insert someone into opponent's campaign (or try to bribe someone to defect)
• Abuse other candidates and their supporters in public
• Attempt to provoke a confrontation to discredit their opponent and amplify it via media
• Paint over of Monique Ryan's murals! 

Dr Ryan's campaign is positive

Dr Monique Ryan and all her supporters are committed to an honest and positive campaign that includes:

• Community engagement via forums, street walks, bike rides etc
• Door knocking - the entire electorate of Kooyong has now been visited!
• Transparent declared funding 
• Over 2,000 local volunteers
• No dirty tricks

Volunteers pizza night

Door knocking team

Monique Ryan also debated Frydenberg and proved she will be a great representative for Kooyong if she is elected. Here is the debate in full.

Monique Ryan vs Josh Frydenberg's how to vote cards in Kooyong

How to vote cards are a window into candidate leanings and possible political deals.

Monique Ryan, the community independent candidate for Kooyong, has published the How to Vote instructions below.

• The order of candidates shown is the order on the ballot that voters will use
• Monique Ryan asks people to vote 1 for her
• Then voters select other candidates according to THEIR choice (values alignment, policies etc.)
• This is the best for democracy.

Josh Frydenberg is the incumbent Liberal member of parliament for Kooyong.

His How to Vote is below, with annotations.

Frydenberg has directed preferences to the following candidates:

• 2. Liberal Democrats (right wing)
• 3. Derryn Hinch (Justice) - centrist
• 4. UAP (Clive Palmer, right wing)
• 5. Australian Values Party (right wing)
• 6. Dummy candidate for Frydenberg (fake independent)
• 7. Animal justice
• 8. One Nation (Pauline Hanson, right wing)

Ahead of the following progressive candidate and community independent Monique Ryan:

• 9. Peter Lynch (Labor, progressive)
• 10. Piers Mitcham (Greens, progressive)
• 11 Monique Ryan (Independent)

This indicates possible preference deals between the Liberals, Justice, Liberal Democrats, UAP, AVP and possibly One Nation.

Frydenberg's preferences will not be distributed but they do indicate his political leanings to the right.

When voting:

Make sure you number EVERY square 1 to 11 to ensure your vote is valid.

There will be two ballot papers - House of Reps (green, 11 candidates) and Senate (big, white).