It’s time to choose a side

By Kath Gannaway
ABC radio’s visit to Healesville last week aimed to provide a forum for locals to have their say on the upcoming Federal election.
While broadcaster Jon Faine managed to steer McEwen candidates Steve Meacher (The Greens), Rob Mitchell (ALP) and Cameron Caine (Liberal) towards federal issues including broadband, paid parental leave and childcare, it was all about logging, the environment, roads and the continued impact of the Black Saturday bushfires for most when they got to the microphone.
Teacher Pam Miskin rebuked Mr Faine’s proposition that The Green’s had “stacked the audience” saying there had been no organised rally. She said the people who had taken the time, and made the effort to come were there because they were committed to the environment.
“Ruth Herdman, a local nurse, said she had seen increases in stress-related conditions after the bushfires and in cases of diabetes and breast cancer.
Steels Creek resident Joanne Spears spoke of the ‘Green Police’ saying Greens pressure had contributed to restrictions on burning off and clearing, adding to the bushfire threat.
Former Yarra Ranges councillor Di Moore called for a greater emphasis on social, environmental, economic and cultural sustainability and for governments to look at how that can be achieved at a local, state and federal level.
Introduced as one of the town’s ‘characters’, Ray Donkin called for a stop to over-development of township areas in the shire and for government spending on the Maroondah Highway over the Black Spur.
Lyn Gunter, former Shire of Murrindindi mayor said improved broadband services were a big issue for her communities, with poor internet access holding back businesses.
Casey Bennetto, creator of Keating The Musical, had his own bit of advice for the “always flirtin’, never certain”McEwen voters.
With McEwen the most marginal seat in the country, and the 2006 result going not only down to the wire, but to the Court of Disputed Returns for a result, his plea … “Hey McEwen, when will you choose a side” hit a chord.