STAFF WRITERS
LATROBE City councillor Tracie Lund will again run as an independent candidate for the seat of Morwell at this year’s state election, with a just transition from coal power to renewable energy a key plank in her election bid.
Ms Lund, manager of Morwell Neighbourhood House, received 11 per cent of the vote at the 2014 state election.
She moved to the region in 2011 with her husband, who works for the Country Fire Authority, and her three children.
She has been a community worker since starting with Morwell Neighbourhood House in 2012.
Cr Lund has taken leave of absence, effective immediately, from Latrobe City Council.
Her vision for the seat of Morwell has seven priorities. These are a just transition from coal to renewable energy, mine rehabilitation and water allocation, social and public housing, health and community services, health in the context of planning and environmental protection acts, climate action and response, and long-term funding for the Latrobe Valley Authority.
“Immediate action is required to achieve a just transition from coal-powered to renewable energy that is centred on the diversification of industry. Significant investment is needed in employment opportunities that support and highlight the abundance of large and small-scale renewable energy projects and opportunities in our region,” she said.
“Power stations are coming to the end of their working lives. Without a more strategic and integrated approach for the future of the Latrobe Valley, the region could end up with a patchwork of fenced-off lakes. We need to explore all the options we have for mine rehabilitation.”
Cr Lund said access to safe, adequate housing support and services had a huge impact on health and quality of life.
“Everyone deserves to have a place to call home. This builds confidence, connectedness and pride of place.
Covid-19 has exacerbated the pressures on already stretched local health and community service systems,” she said.
“People in the Latrobe Valley are faced with poorer health outcomes than their metropolitan counterparts.
Investment is vital to level the playing field and give communities access to the care they need, when and where they need it.
“The Latrobe Health Innovation Zone is designed to give voice to community aspirations in the planning and delivery of better health and wellbeing outcomes. To fully realise this vision and harness the power of the LHIZ, it must be embedded into state government planning legislation.”
Cr Lund said the climate crisis was now having an impact on weather patterns, the environment, health and the local economy. “A just transition starts with supporting impacted and displaced workers, and our broader community, through the uncertainty of coal-closure timelines. We need to enhance and expand the skills and strengths of our local workforce to aid employment in new industries,” she said.
Cr Lund said her experience in supporting the community on the ground every day had given her insight into what is required as “we navigate the future.
“I am passionate about grassroots democracy and wholeheartedly believe that investment in and support of the community improves health and wellbeing, resilience, and employment opportunities,” she said.
“The needs of local business, community and our environment have never been so vital as we work through recovery from COVID-19 and towards a strong, sustainable future. I want to take steps to bolster our local economy so we can recover from the impacts of climate change, mine closures and the pandemic.”
Cr Lund said the people of the Latrobe Valley were future-focused and open to change.
“Candidates should be judged on their record of community advocacy and elected on merit. I want to restore integrity and trust in government,” she said.
“I have been humbled by the number of people who have asked, urged and encouraged me to run in this year’s state election and I am determined to prove their trust and confidence in me is well-placed.”
