‘‘I am a scientist ... climate change isn’t a distraction, it’s here, it’s urgent and we need to move,’’ said Greens candidate for Hawkesbury, Danielle Wheeler at the final meet the candidates forum.
Staying true to her personal beliefs and those of her party, Ms Wheeler demonstrated that with government support it would be possible, and crucial, for renewable energy to be accessible in the Hawkesbury and across the state — including in cars.
To cement that statement, Ms Wheeler arrived at the March 18 forum at Windsor RSL in an electric car — a Tesla Model S.
‘‘I believe climate change is real and the need for action is urgent,’’ she said. ‘‘There is a need for investment in renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing in Australia, and for it to be financially attainable.’’
Ms Wheeler said early adopters, like the Tesla owner, were making it available for various politicians from all sides to try out, to help make electric cars more affordable. ‘‘The price of electric vehicles is coming down. The Tesla is a luxury car. The next step is an affordable family sedan,’’ she said.
Owned by Hawkesbury resident Sally Perini, the Tesla, known as Tess, is a 100 per cent plug-in electric vehicle, with no engine, no petrol tank, no exhaust and zero emissions.
The dual motor, all-wheel-drive model has a range of up to 500km per single charge. Teslas start from around $100,000.
