Wonder if some of the online political parties could combine.
Seperately we are not going to accomplish much.

A larger pool of resources may help.
Would have experts in most fields to discuss things in their own ara of expertise .

Our future is more online, mentally led .

Sprintcyclist wrote on Apr 24^th, 2007 at 11:26pm:


Aussie backyard becoming a dying icon

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Aussie-backyard-becoming-a-dying-icon/2007/09/05/1188783277732.html

Australia's outdoor lifestyle is being threatened by the disappearance of an Aussie icon, according to new research.

Queensland's Griffith University professor Professor Tony Hall said the backyard was fast becoming a thing of the past with new estates brimming with sprawling low-set homes taking over from the traditional suburb.

The former UK town planner began his research two years ago after he moved to Australia and noticed homes and their backyards seemed to contradict the open-air lifestyle for which Australia was internationally renowned.

But while urban sprawl was happening in other countries, they were not losing their back yards the way Australian families were, he said.

He said people were building "cheap", square, single-story homes rather than more expensive two-story homes which would allow for maximum floor area and a back yard.

"Walls and the windows cost money, the second story costs money, but this gives you the cheapest way," he said.

"But it's not very nice living in terms of you don't get no view out and it's not a very nice environment compared to the older suburbs."

Prof Hall said his research had concluded the trend was being spurred by people building to increase resale value and longer working hours which meant people were rarely at home.

"The real problem I think though is what is happening to the Australian lifestyle - what's happening to this idea of the outdoor lifestyle, the barbie, the swimming pool?" he said.

The trend also would have damaging effects on the environment with the homes costing more to heat, cool and light.

The lack of trees also meant a lack of biodiversity, a poor microclimate with loss of shade in hot weather and increased runoff in wet weather, he said.

He said a return to the traditional backyard could only be achieved through planning regulations.

freediver wrote on Apr 22^nd, 2007 at 5:48pm:



I'll read more later but for now just 1 question.

Didn't the Greens initially have what is now Labors target for Renewable Energy by 2050?

Greg wrote on Nov 18^th, 2007 at 12:27am:


But didn't the Greens initally propose 60% Renewables by 2050 and then Labor stole the idea?

That's a powerful third force IMHO.

Didn't the Greens initially have what is now Labors target for Renewable Energy by 2050?

For overall emissions reductions they have the same or at least a similar target for 2050. Labor has no short term target.

I think the Democrats have come closest. The Greens will be the next to take a crack at it. I think the Democrats probably did a good job of keeping the two major parties honest and could make a comeback again if necessary. I'm not sure if the Greens will ever be able to go mainstream. However they could reach a similar status to the Nationals if they start to get some lower house seats in the inner city. Unfortunately for them their support base is not as concentrated in terms of electorates as the Nationals. I wouldn't be looking for 'micro' parties to challenge the big two. It takes a long time to establish the credibility the public requires.