By KATH GANNAWAY
IF anyone has any doubts about Marie Sellstrom’s stamina in the face of the coming State Election, she proved on Sunday that she can walk the talk.
The Greens’ Eildon candidate walked from Warburton to Healesville in blistering heat on Sunday to show the party’s support for the establishment of the Great Forest National Park.
It’s a contentious issue in Eildon with the Liberal, National, Country Alliance and Labor parties coming out against the proposal.
While The Greens claim it is an issue that has galvanised the state, and cite polls showing Victorians overwhelmingly support the concept, mainstream parties say it will cost jobs and tie up the parks.
Ms Sellstrom, 73, was joined by Greens leader Greg Barber and candidate for Eastern Metropolitan Region Samantha Dunn during the walk.
She said it was very much about getting a message out that The Greens can go the distance.
“I wanted to show that this is what we’re prepared to do to support the forest which in turn will support jobs in both Healesville and Warburton, and also to promote those towns as the gateways for the forests,” she said.
Leaving Warburton at 8am, Ms Sellstrom said she was able to get the first 10 kilometres of the 31-kilometre walk under her belt before the heat set in.
“There was a really fabulous atmosphere on the road.
“We were getting so much support from motorists waving which was extremely rewarding and it was wonderful coming into Healesville with all the cars tooting,” she said.
