The Victorian Minister for Energy signed on to the climate emergency declaration.

At the Brunswick prepoll station for the Victorian election the Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio was handing out How to Vote cards for Brunswick Labor Candidate Cindy O’Connor.

As Cindy has already signed the climate emergency declaration, I asked Ms D’Ambrosio if she would consider signing the declaration. After a short period considering the request, she accepted and signed the declaration.

Minister d’Ambrosio joins Federal Labor MPs Peter Khalil (Wills), Ged Kearney (Cooper) and her state Labor colleague for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn in signing the Climate emergency declaration.

The Minister has done important work as part of the Andrews Victorian Labor Government with the passage of the Climate Act (2017) and Victorian Renewable Energy Targets, the newly announced solar for homes and solar for renters programs.

I also passed her a copy of Jane Morton’s booklet on Don’t Mention the Emergency: making the case for climate emergency messaging

Lighting upgrade promise for Upfield Bike Path

Lily D’Ambrosio later committed to an extra $250,000 for lighting upgrades of the highly used Upfield shared Use cycling Path, with Cindy O’Connor.

 
John Englart, Convenor of Climate Action Moreland and a sustainable transport campaigner with the Extend the Upfield Bike Path to Upfield campaign, commented:

“Good investment, but priority really needs to be given extending the path from Western Ring Road Path to Upfield. We call it the Upfield Path, but it doesn’t go to Upfield? How silly is that?”

“There needs to be more done with cycling infrastructure and the Upfield Bike Path than just more lighting.

“The Upfield Bike Path also needs to have an elevated veloway included as part of the level crossing removal elevated rail viaduct (Skyrail) design.” he said. “This is so important for improving cycling infrastructure, reducing pedestrian/cycling conflict, and providing incentives for increasing cycle commuting.”

“Good cycling facilities also encourage better gender balance with more women and children cycling. Cycling is booming in Brunswick and we need facilities built for present and future use.

“So if Lily can have a word with Transport Minister Jacinta Allan about including the veloway, that would be super.” said John Englart.

Climate Action Moreland included an elevated cycle veloway as well as shared ground level paths as part of our Level Crossing Removal submission which also referenced the Extend the Upfield Bike Path submission.

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