Friends of the Earth (FoE) Melbourne  is a non-for profit organisation working for a socially equitable and environmentally sustainable future. The international Friends of the Earth network is  active in 77 countries with over 2 million members. Read more.

In November 2018, Victorians will head to the polls. With community concern about climate change on the rise, it's an issue that all political parties must address in detail.

Our state is undergoing profound change as the population grows, entire industries go to the wall, and climate change starts to really impact on our landscapes, economy and lifestyles. Yet Melbourne continues to sprawl, as low density development covers valuable farmland and remnant vegetation, supported by transport infrastructure that will perpetuate our current reliance on cars.

An election provides all parties with the opportunity to demonstrate leadership on the interconnected issues of climate, energy, social justice, and the economy.

This morning Matthew Guy and the Victorian Coalition announced their intention to build a new ‘baseload’ 500 MW power station if elected at the November state election.

Friends of the Earth say the Liberal party's decision to release an energy policy open to new gas and coal power fails the climate change test when renewable energy is the best option to cut emissions and deliver cheaper power for Victorians.

After decades of government inaction, it’s time for decisive leadership to protect Victoria’s forests.

The Victorian state election is a great opportunity for all political parties to act and protect our native forests.

Send your local MP and the leaders of the three major parties a message - call on them to protect our forests from logging and provide a just transition for the industry into plantations and non timber sources of fibre.

We've launched this website to outline where the main parties stand on forest protection.

Environment group Friends of the Earth have welcomed the Andrews government's announcement they will increase Victoria's Renewable Energy Target to 50 percent by 2030 if re-elected at November's state election, and say it overshadows the Matthew Guy opposition's poor stance on climate and renewables.

"When it comes to renewable energy in Victoria, more ambition means more jobs and investment across the state" said Pat Simons, Friends of the Earth's renewable energy spokesperson. 

In the leadup to the state election both Labor and the Greens have unveiled plans to boost the state's supply of renewable energy, yet Matthew Guy's Liberal opposition still has no solid renewable energy plan just weeks out from the poll.

Environmental group Friends of the Earth has welcomed the announcement that the Andrews government will create more than 6,500 hectares of parkland across Melbourne if re-elected.

“Melbourne will soon pass Sydney as Australia’s most populous city” said Friends of the Earth campaigns co-ordinator Cam Walker. “The urban sprawl that is happening to accommodate this growth is putting enormous pressure on the livability of our city and is encroaching on remnant vegetation and open space. At this rate of growth, we are running out of time to future proof our city against sprawl”.

“We welcome this announcement, which would see new urban parks and walking and bike trails created across the metropolitan area”.

The vast majority of Victorians want state forests protected, not logged and woodchipped, and Victorians want workers supported while leaving the industry, according to polling in three key marginal seats three weeks out from the Victorian state election. 

WHY A VICTORIAN PUBLICLY-OWNED ENERGY RETAILER WOULD HELP THE TRANSITION TO 100% CLEAN, FAIR & AFFORDABLE ENERGY.

Victoria's energy system fails the community and the climate.  It allows for massive profits for polluting coal companies, while households face a confusing array of bad deals and overpriced energy. The true cost of coal is obscured by the energy market, indirect Government subsidies and a confusing retail system that fuels climate change and serves consumers poorly.

By creating a not-for-profit, publicly owned, renewable-energy-focused energy retailer, Victoria has an opportunity to deliver real solutions to the state - creating more investment in renewables and forcing coal companies to reduce their profits to remain competitive in the market.

As state election writs are issued today, ten leading cross-sector organisations unite in demanding that candidates and political parties do not divide Victorian communities with hate and fear this state election.

The open letter, calls on all sides of government to put an end to dirty politics and targeted fear campaigns, and to compete in this election based on a vision of a safe and equal future for all members of the Victorian community.

The survey results are in!

95% of Werribee constituents surveyed support the proposal for a new Great Forest National Park!

Today, volunteers from the Friends of the Earth Forest Collective delivered hundreds of community surveys about Victoria's native forest to Werribee MP and state treasurer, Tim Pallas.

In total, 292 surveys were collected from constituents of Werribee and surrounding districts including Tarneit, Altona, Laverton, Bellarine and Melton. 231 of respondents were from the district of Werribee itself.  

Read a summary of the survey data here