Green with Envy for Gold Coast

Greenstock is a new event that will transform the Gold Coast from an icon of the high-carbon economy to a world leader of the low-carbon economy, says Colman Ridge, who is also organising this year’s Walk Against Warming in Brisbane on 12 December.  Look out for Captain Paul Watson at a Brisbane function for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society on 24 November.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is inviting people to an evening with Captain Paul Watson.

On the 24th of November, Sea Shepherd Brisbane will be holding a fundraiser at the Museum of Brisbane from 6:30pm until 8:30pm, in support of Sea Shepherds upcoming Whale defense campaign, Operation Waltzing Matilda.

To reserve your tickets e-mail: australia@seashepherd.org

Silent Auction and news on the upcoming Antarctic Campaign with special guest speakers Terri Irwin & Amy Barker

Time Magazine proclaimed Captain Paul Watson as one of the top twenty environmental heroes of today.

By Graham Readfearn in Courier Mail (18 November 2009):

THE bureaucrat investigating the SuperGP debacle has been handed a blueprint for a festival that could revitalise Gold Coast tourism.

Greenstock could replace roaring V8s with a more planet-friendly event, with the potential to draw young environmentalists from around the globe to share knowledge and see acts such as Sting, Justin Timberlake, and Kings of Leon.

The $20 million plan by Brisbane-based entrepreneur Colman Ridge depends on a $5.8 million injection from the State Government, and has already secured the support of Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke, the United Nations and an international talent agency.

Mr Ridge proposes to roll his successful Greenfest yearly environmental expo, currently held in Brisbane, in with six music and film stages, a major green games event at Main Beach and an “Economy Hub” at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

On Tuesday, Mr Ridge presented the Greenstock plan to David Williams, the Government-appointed consultant preparing a report on the future of the motor race for Premier Anna Bligh.

This year’s Super GP was hit with controversy when the drawcard international A1GP race was cancelled just days before the event.

“It will transform the region from an icon of the high-carbon economy to a world leader of the low-carbon economy,” Mr Ridge said.

“We are looking for half of what the Government put into the A1GP.

“With the motor race you have a very narrow demographic with fences and road blocks.

“Greenstock is gentler, more inclusive. It’s about having a good time that’s healthy for yourself, your family, the community and the planet.

“We expect to attract 200,000 in the first year and then grow significantly past Indy numbers from there. Super GP was down to just under 200,000 this year. We plan to hand back the highway to the residents of the coast.”

A letter of support from Los Angeles-based Creative Artists Agency states the company would be willing to help promote the event. Currently on CAA’s books are Justin Timberlake, Sting, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Santana, Kings of Leon and The Spice Girls. Australian acts include The Living End, The Veronicas, AC/DC and Keith Urban.

The United Nations Environment Programme has written to Ms Bligh encouraging support of Greenstock.

Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke, who met Mr Ridge’s team last Friday, said: “I think this is a great proposal – a wonderful alternative and a positive event that would attract great attention. I would be advocating this (to Premier Bligh) for sure.”

Source: www.news.com.au