A thesis for the past was focus, when we should have been discussing the future

Candidates for the Seat of Shepparton (L-R):
 Greg Barr, Rod Higgins, Suzanna Sheed,
Dianne Teasdale, and Michael Bourke.

A thesis that would have been warmly welcomed in the mid-twentieth century prevailed in Shepparton on Wednesday night.

Candidates for tomorrow’s Victorian election for the State Seat of Shepparton, well, five of them at least as Greens candidate, Damien Stephens, was missing, all seemed oblivious to the unfolding changes that will impact on everything from that which is economic to social.

Four of the five candidates said the “believed” in climate change, but then proceeded to talk of their hopes and dreams for the Shepparton electorate as if the science warning of significant changes was irrelevant.

Independent candidate, Dianne Teasdale, has not been convinced by the rigour of climate science and so stands proudly with those who deny that our climate is changing.

Nationals’ candidate, Greg Barr; Labor’s representative, Rod Higgins; Australian Country Alliance candidate, Michael Burke; and independent, Suzanna Sheed, all declared that are “believers” in climate change.

The Committee for Shepparton organized function at Shepparton’s Harder Auditorium attracted about 150 people, most of whom it seemed, bar one questioner, had little grasp that the future, something which will be the focus of whoever win tomorrow’s State Election, will be an unavoidable reality.

And that future, of course, is going to be quite different from what was with too much rain, too little rain, an increased intensity of heatwaves and so bushfires, floods and events such as that which tor through Brisbane yesterday.

Colliding with climate change induced social and physical difficulties will be restrictions on energy that will further complicate life for all in the State seat of Shepparton; complications that we not at all address.

Polite bunch doesn't press for answers Beneath the Wisteria

by Robert McLean

Few matters of consequence were discussed Beneath the Wisteria on Saturday morning.

Those who gather each month are a polite bunch, rarely being confrontational in that they demand others, or guests, to clearly articulate their position on any process that worsens carbon dioxide emissions.

 

Guests on the Saturday just gone (October 25) were candidates for the Seat of Shepparton in the November 29 State Election, Rod Higgins (Labor), Greg Barr (Nationals), Fern Summer (independent) and Dianne Teasdale (independent).

Michael Burke, the Country Alliance candidate, was an apology.

Each candidate was allowed several minutes to talk about their response to climate change, explaining policies they would pursue and how they would do it. However, their observations and comments were largely rhetorical and rarely, if ever, alluded to what positive steps they would take to mitigate our emissions and how they would instigate the needed societal changes.

The general congenial nature of Beneath the Wisterians was on display last Saturday and most of the hard questions were simply not asked.

There appears to be a sense that, and maybe this is my interpretation, the process in which such things as state elections are embedded and integral to, is a societal behaviour that is at the root of worsening circumstances that are manifesting themselves as climate change.

Subsequently, as all four candidates had no idea of what impact they could, or would have on a deeply entrenched political system, their observations and replies were somewhat superficial.

Beyond that their generosity in spending an hour Beneath the Wisteria was appreciated.

Acidification of the world’s oceans appears remote from Shepparton concerns, but is of critical importance to everyone who lives here, but was something that most certainly wasn’t discussed on Saturday.

The world’s oceans impact dramatically on Australia’s weather and can bring weather of massively damaging dimensions to the Goulburn Valley, in terms of protracted droughts, exceedingly hot weather which combined with conditions worsened by drought produces bushfires that quickly become unstoppable wildfires and rainstorms of a magnitude that produce never seen before floods.

Scientific American tells us that acidification of the world’s oceans, a serious implication of our relentless burning of fossil fuels, is costing the world dearly.

A story headed: ”Oceans Could Lose $1 Trillion in Value Due to Acidification” says one estimate looking only at lost ecosystem protections, such as that provided by tropical reefs, cited an economic value of $1 trillion annually.

Rod will explain Labor's stance on climate change

Rod Higgins and his dog "Brutus".

Rod Higgins will outline Labor’s stance on climate change Beneath the Wisteria in Shepparton on Saturday, April 26.

Shepparton lawyer and former ALP candidate for the Federal Seat of Murray, Mr Higgins agreed this week to talk on Saturday with those who gather Beneath the Wisteria in the Maude St Mall.

Pre-selected unopposed by the ALP, Mr Higgins will represent the party for the Shepparton seat at the November 29 Victorian election.

Although he has a busy schedule on Saturday, Mr Higgins said he will gladly spend at least 30 minutes with the group talking about how the state Labor Party would approach the unfolding dilemmas of climate change.

Saturday’s gathering at the northern end of the mall, starts at 11:30am, is free, open to anyone and usually lasts for about an hour.

Some public seating is provided, but those attending are encouraged to bring a folding chair.