The Greens have begun their campaign for representation on the Bayside City Council by selecting Hampton resident Dr David Low, as their representative for Central Ward in November’s local government elections.

Dr Low became interested in Green issues after visiting the tropical rainforests of Borneo in 1986.

“The rainforest was being destroyed to supply Australian homes with low-grade timber products that should have been sourced locally. When I returned to Melbourne I joined the Rainforest Action Group and we began a campaign to halt rainforest imports. People asked us what they could do to avoid using tropical rainforests to build their homes. We started a group called the Good Wood Advisory Service in response. We produced a book called the Good Wood Guide to advise builders and architects about sustainable alternatives. The Good Wood Guide is now in its ninth edition and shortly to be revised and updated for a tenth time.”

Dr David Low lives in Central Ward where he raises a young family. David started his working career in computer and data processing. After a short time in accounting, he decided to pursue his interest in environmental issues by studying at university. He gained a degree in Social Science, a Master of Environmental Science Degree, and a Doctorate (PhD) in Environmental Communication.

After completing his PhD in 2003, Dr Low worked as a senior research consultant for a corporate research company. He then moved to Monash University where he helped start a community engagement unit called ‘The Understandascope’ (www.understandascope.com). Most recently he has been working as an independent communications consultant for organisations such as the Australian Universities Community Engagement Alliance (www.aucea.net.au). His role as a consultant is typically to design and implement leading-edge communication strategies that use the latest information and communication technologies.

David is committed to acting locally and thinking globally. If:

• there are any issues which you believe Council should be tackling or tackling better, or

• you would like to find out more about the Greens local government campaign please contact him on 0410 355 611 or david.low@vic.greens.org.au