Climate change a focus

By Melissa Grant
CLIMATE change will be at the top of Linda Hamilton’s list as she runs for council next month.
The long-time Greens Party member will stand against current councillors Ed Chatwin and Graeme Legge who will both seek re-election.
Ms Hamilton said her policies would focus on climate change and the need for better transport in the hills.
“One of the reasons why I’m keen to represent the people around here is there’s a lot of people that are concerned about the environment and climate change, and I think our federal and state governments have let us down quite a bit – people in their own backyards are leading the government in a lot of ways,” the Emerald resident said.
“Because we’re remote from the major services we’re going to be badly affected by peak oil and the cost of petrol, so public transport is important.”
Ms Hamilton said she was also concerned about some developments in the hills region and was keen to maintain the area’s neighbourhood character.
But Ms Hamilton said there were a lot of broader issues she would address if she was successful at the 29 November poll.
“As a councillor you make decisions that are going to be affecting people throughout the whole of the shire,” she said.
“I’m quite concerned about the services provided for young families in the growth areas, young mothers are quite isolated.”
Ms Hamilton joins a list of new candidates which includes union official Collin Ross, ex-mayor Garry Runge, Pakenham’s 2020 summit representative Kate Hands, Southern Victoria Community Action Group founder Catherine Manning, Kooweerup Township chairman Ray Brown, local cop Stuart Halligan and youth worker Tracy Montgomery.
The new candidates are likely to stand against all but one current councillor.
Port Ward councillor Doug Hamilton indicated in June he would not run again, but all other civic leaders are likely to stand for the November poll.
Cr Chatwin, Cr Legge, Bunyip Ward councillor Bill Pearson and Central Ward councillors Brett Owen and Kate Lempriere will run.
Mayor Bill Ronald didn’t respond to calls from the Trader before deadline.