Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Sunshine Coast, hemp capital of Australia?

By Kathy Sundstrom

Political candidate Mark McGuire says hemp should be cultivated on Sunshine Coast caneland
Political candidate Mark McGuire says hemp should be 
cultivated on Sunshine Coast caneland Photo: Warren Lynam

A new political hopeful for Peter Slipper's seat has a plan to save the Sunshine Coast caneland and generate more jobs for the region - plant hemp.

The Australian Independents' candidate for Fisher, Mark Maguire, says he hopes the commercial cultivation of hemp for manufacturing purposes will get the green light.

"We no longer have sugarcane," Mr Maguire said. "Hemp is a sustainable industry. It can grow where sugarcane grows and provide longevity of employment."

Mr Maguire admits he has "only done a little bit of research" on hemp production and is hoping to poll the Sunshine Coast to get its view on whether it is a desirable solution.

But his party leader, Patricia Petersen, has been walking Gympie Terrace in Noosaville, gauging reaction.

Dr Petersen said she had polled some 500 people and "87% said yes".


No comments:

Post a Comment