Linda Eisler – Canterbury Greens Candidate for Canterbury in 2015 State Election

Linda Eisler, Candidate for Canterbury

I have been a Greens Councillor on Canterbury Council for 6 years and prior to that I was a Public School teacher for 20 years.  These roles have increased my awareness of the need for good communication with residents and for transparency and honesty in government.

Local environmental groups have always found me at the forefront, helping them access information; being a spokesperson; and assisting their discussions with relevant people. Whether it is alerting to a rezoning that might affect Wolli; meeting with the General Manager regarding a community building; preventing a public path being privatised;  as Chair of the GreenWay, being interviewed for Radio National; or putting a motion on the WestConnex to Council, I have been there campaigning in my role as a politician.

Encouraging Southern Sydney Region of Councils to fund a Renewable Energy Scoping Study, carried out by UTS, was one of the big wins in my career. It is something that is continuing to be developed. It will have a positive effect on Councils in the Inner West, and residents, in carbon reduction and moving to renewables.

However, it is working with the diverse community of Canterbury, whether it is attending their functions, or, sponsoring one, as I did with a Vietnamese children’s sporting group, where the single mothers were celebrated, that I find myself most at home. I really enjoy participating in the community and helping establish greater harmony. Through the Multicultural Committee, I helped create the Interfaith Committee which is working to foster harmony through understanding. Together we wrote a statement of common values for Canterbury: harmony and cooperation; mutual respect; actively working together; building trust and hope.

I really enjoy talking to residents about their issues, whether it is a problem with traffic or rubbish. Being able to get them the help or information they need is important to developing a sense of empowerment. Negotiating the bureaucracy can be overwhelming.

Although I am the only Green on Council I have been able to make change. Some of my achievements include funding for Community Gardens; community forums for Ewen Park Community Centre and the Aquatic Centres; objection to WestConnex; support for GreenWay.

I want to take the skills I have developed to State Government. The Greens’ policies are my guide. Grassroots Democracy; Ecological Sustainability; Social Equality and Economic Justice; Peace, Non Violence and Disarmament are the cornerstones of The Greens.

Honest and open communication with residents; ensuring all are cared for; a green, safe and sustainable environment. That is the philosophy which directs all of my actions.

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Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) Renewable Energy Initiative

Min. No. 66 RESOLVED (Councillors Eisler/Kritharas)

THAT

The report regarding the proposed tender for the development of a Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) Regional Renewable Energy Master Plan be noted.

1. The objective of 30% renewable energy use by 2030 be endorsed.
2. The need for councils to facilitate and potentially actively participate in the development of renewable energy infrastructure be supported.
3. Expenditure of up to $10,000 as Council’s contribution to the cost of the consultancy required be endorsed.
4. The calling of tenders to develop a single Regional Renewable Energy Master Plan for all SSROC Councils be supported.

The SSROC project has come into being through Green Councillors initiating a Renewable Energy Master Plan in 2010/11.

FILE NO: S-105-13 PT2

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City of Canterbury Internal ESD

THAT Council recognise and congratulate the work of the City in incorporating sustainability principles and practices into the City’s programs and projects, and request the Directors to incorporate this work into a set of guidelines to guide and shape public works projects undertaken by the City and which –

(A) include:

(i) energy efficiency;

(ii) local energy generation via cogeneration, trigeneration, solar panels or other existing or emerging technology as appropriate;

(iii) rainwater capture and storage supplemented by grey water and black water recycling;

(iv) use of sustainable materials;

(v) opportunities for growing food;

(vi) the use of reflective materials on roadways and pathways to reduce heat sink effects;

(vii) inclusion of facilities to support and enhance sustainable transport;

(viii) use of native vegetation and trees;

(ix) opportunities for plantings and policies to attract native fauna, insects and birds; and

(x) other measures that reduce GHG emissions and improve sustainability as identified by staff.

(B) will further enable the City of Canterbury to demonstrate leadership in designing and constructing cutting edge sustainable projects; and

(C) will serve as a model for other public authorities, state and federal government departments and the private sector to apply in the design and construction of public works and buildings.

Moved: Cr Linda Eisler

Read Linda’s Speech

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Call for Power to Stay Public

From the Valley Times on February 21st, 2008

By JEANETTE STEPHEN

THE Greens’ Canterbury representative has challenged Mayor Robert Furolo to take a stand against the State Government’s plans to privatise the electricity sector.

Linda Eisler has written to the Mayor requesting he introduce a motion at the next council meeting to condemn the government proposal to sell the State’s power stations.

“Privatisation of the electricity industry would be a greenhouse catastrophe and a social and economic disaster for council residents,” Ms Eisler said.

“Electricity is a core part of the State’s infrastructure. Shifting responsibility for essential services to the private sector undermines the public’s capacity to ensure critical needs are met.”

In her letter, Ms Eisler said residents of other states with privatised electricity paid higher prices than NSW, while private retailers often tried to “push” demand through various promotions.

She said the effects of electricity privatisation would impact on the council’s Social and Environment Plans for 2008, despite the provision of electricity being a State responsibility.

“Privatisation will disadvantage council residents because it will reduce the ability of the government to create a sustainable energy future to avoid dangerous climate change, and lead to higher bills, reduced services and job losses.”

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Greens Challenge Labor on Electricity

From the Torch on February 21st, 2008

By JEANETTE STEPHEN

THE Greens’ Canterbury representative has challenged Mayor Robert Furolo to take a stand against the State Government’s plans to privatise the electricity sector.

Linda Eisler has written to the Mayor requesting he introduce a motion at the next council meeting to condemn the government proposal to sell the State’s power stations.

“Privatisation of the electricity industry would be a greenhouse catastrophe and a social and economic disaster for council residents,” Ms Eisler said.

“Electricity is a core part of the State’s infrastructure. Shifting responsibility for essential services to the private sector undermines the public’s capacity to ensure critical needs are met.”

In her letter, Ms Eisler said residents of other states with privatised electricity paid higher prices than NSW, while private retailers often tried to “push” demand through various promotions.  She said the effects of electricity privatisation would impact on the council’s Social and Environment Plans for 2008, despite the provision of electricity being a State responsibility.

“Privatisation will disadvantage council residents because it will reduce the ability of the government to create a sustainable energy future to avoid dangerous climate change, and lead to higher bills, reduced services and job losses.”

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