Push for Green

THE Greens will make a party push for the Greater Dandenong council at this November’s election.
Jim Reiher and John Ward, Greens members, have been endorsed by the party to run for council positions in the Red Gum Ward covering Dandenong, Dandenong South, Bangholme, Lyndhurst and Keysborough South. Mr Reiher ran for an Upper House seat at the 2006 State Government election, but was beaten.
“The issues of Red Gum Ward are unique and need some new blood – green blood – to input them,” Mr Reiher said.
“We have a serious problem with housing and rental accommodation that is crying out for attention: every time a flat or house is up for rent 15 or 20 people go to consider it.
“We need action to help fight the shortage. And while housing is primarily a State Government issue, there are some local councils doing their bit to help. We should too.”
Mr Ward said he was concerned about a lack of services and facilities for young families, and the region accepting toxic waste.
“Compared to the rest of Melbourne, Dandenong has considerably more families with children,” Mr Ward said.
“That means Greater Dandenong must make a bigger effort to supply the services and facilities that support them.
“This includes childcare, healthcare, recreational areas, parklands, and sporting facilities.”
Mr Ward said he would lobby the State Government to stop dumping toxic waste at Lyndhurst.