Warming concern 'widespread', says Green candidate

There is widespread community concern about global warming, according to Greens candidate for Robertson Ms Mira Wroblewski.

Ms Wroblewski recently took part in the Central Coast Walk Against Warming and also a Climate Change forum on November 11.

Ms Wroblewski said around 200 people of all ages took part in the walk held at Woy Woy.

"The turnout shows the widespread concern in this community about global warming and environmental issues generally," Ms Wroblewski said.

"We were marching to show that Central Coast residents are deeply concerned about government inaction on climate change."

There was standing room only at the forum following the march.

During the forum, which followed the march, local candidates answered questions from the public about issues about coal mining and the Gunns Pulp Mill.

Ms Wroblewski said she echoed the audience's concerns about the possibility of a new coal mine on the Central Coast and so-called "clean coal".

"Clean coal is a dirty lie" said Ms Wroblewski.

"It is an unproven technology, and we don't have time to gamble on an unproven technology.

"Even the most optimistic estimates say it won't be on line for 20 to 30 years, even if it does work.

"It also does nothing to change the damage to the local water catchment and the health of local residents which would result from a local coal mine."

Ms Wroblewski said that Labor candidate Ms Belinda Neal could give "no guarantees" that the local coal mine would not go ahead once the election was over.

"She also said that the Gunns Pulp Mill was a done deal and that a Rudd Labour Government would not reverse the approval," Ms Wroblewski said.

"She was unable to guarantee a fast train linking the Central Coast to Sydney."

Ms Wroblewski said that improved public transport was vital to combating greenhouse gas emissions.

"People need a real alternative to expensive and polluting petrol-fueled cars," Ms Wroblewski said.

"Neither of the two major parties even have a target for greenhouse gas emissions.

"How can we take them seriously on the issue of climate change?"

Other speakers included speakers Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans from The Democrats and Dr Klaas Woldring from Beyond Federation - Abolish State Governments.

Ms Wroblewski said that Liberal Candidate for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd was invited to speak but did not attend.

Press release, 11 Nov 2007 Mira Wroblewski, The Greens