Poll: Greens set to challenge Labor on water, climate

Responding to today's Taverner state voting intentions poll published in the Sun Herald Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said the high level of concern about water, climate change and the environment will reposition the election debate onto key Greens' issues.

"91 percent of those polled named water and the environment as the most important issues," Ms Rhiannon said.

Ms Rhiannon is the lead candidate for the Greens in the Upper House. The Greens will stand candidates in all 93 Lower House seats.

"The unprecedented level of concern for the environment is reflected in the Greens' high level of support. If the poll carries through to March 24, the Greens are set for a record high vote.

"Last week I announced the Greens' water policy. We are winning strong support for our position of stronger water restrictions so we can cancel the desalination plant. The money saved would be used to subsidise more rainwater tanks, local grey water treatment, stormwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and improved water efficiency. In the Murray-Darling we are working to phase out cotton and rice farming.

"Today's poll has greatly encouraged our Balmain election team. Voters in this electorate are deeply troubled by climate change and we are finding growing support for our call for no new coal projects.

"Antony Green estimates that a swing of 7.5 per cent would see the Greens candidate Rochelle Porteous take the seat of Balmain from Labor.

"The Greens come into this election with a strong record of achieving outcomes in the NSW parliament so the voters know we can deliver on our promises.

"Greens MPs in the NSW Upper House were successful in having the Save Snowy Scheme private members bill passed in the both Houses of parliament. We used the Upper House to force the government to release secret documents that exposed the dodgy Cross City Tunnel deal. And we embarrassed the government into legislating against schools for profit," Ms Rhiannon said.