Event convener Robert McLean is cynical about the National Party doing anything to address the climate crisis.
“We'd like to hear lots of things from Sam,” Mr McLean said, but added, “he’ll just give us National Party policy, which is not in my view adventurous enough.
“The Federal Government is spending money to open new coal mines and new fracking arrangements in the Northern Territory; it’s just totally wrong.”
The government has been accused of not taking the climate crisis seriously after approving a third new coal mine development less than four weeks before the UN Climate Change Conference that was held in Glasgow on November 13, 2021.
Mr McLean says he believes the current government isn’t doing anything about the climate crisis, and is making it worse.
“We want to hear about them taking positive action like closing down coal mines,” he said.
“I'd like to see investing (in) renewable energy in every sense, like wind and solar ... it can all be done, it just takes a bit of thought.”
Ample time will be allowed for discussion with Mr Birrell about his position on many topics, in particular the climate crisis and what he would do in response to it for those who live in the Nicholls electorate.
“People will be asking questions about whether he can do what he thinks he can do, and how he will do it and why he will do it, and what it means for the climate,” Mr McLean said.
Mr McLean says he would like to host Liberal Party candidate Steve Brooks at a Beneath the Wisteria event to discuss how he intends to address the climate crisis.
Mr McLean started the event a decade ago to discuss climate change in a public forum. It’s been hosted almost every month since, with “Wisterians” gathering over Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Progress has claimed the wisteria in Shepparton’s Maude St Mall beneath which the group formerly met, but the environmental movement relocated to the Chinese Gardens, where it can gather beneath another wisteria.
The gardens are part of Monash Park, immediately behind the Senior Citizens’ Hall in Welsford St.
Beneath the Wisteria is free, lasts for about an hour and although some pubic seating is provided, those planning to attend are advised to bring a folding chair.
