Just as the Tasmanian government has sold out the tourism and fine foods and wines industries in the Tamar Valley, the EPA in WA this week has rejected a coal mine 15km from Margaret River wine region to protect the area's social fabric.

"WA Premier Colin Barnett said last year that whilst his government was pro mining and predevelopment, he recognised there was a potential conflict of interest between a mine and the character of Margaret River.

The Australian Greens will support the flood levy in the House of Representatives and the Senate after important gains from the Government on their proposed funding cuts.

Greens Leader Bob Brown, Deputy Leader Christine Milne and MP Adam Bandt took their concerns directly to the government and negotiated a good outcome that will release funding for flood recovery and protect key programs.

The Australian Greens will support the flood levy in the House of Representatives and the Senate after important gains from the Government on their proposed funding cuts, Greens Leader Bob Brown, Deputy Leader Christine Milne and MP Adam Bandt said in Canberra today.

“The Greens have taken our concerns directly to the government and have negotiated a good outcome that will release funding for flood recovery and protect key programs,” Senator Brown said.

Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Christine Milne will join hundreds of Tasmanians this weekend in remembering road victims on an international day of remembrance.

"The World day of Remembrance for road traffic victims on Sunday is a day that will no doubt affect many families in Tasmania.

"It is a day for remembrance, but also a day for considering how we can end needless deaths and injury on our roads.

The launch of the www.organicshub.com.au website by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) yesterday points to exciting opportunities for farmers and communities across Australia, Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

Senator Milne also congratulated Josef and Antonia Gretschmann whose Elgaar farm in Tasmania won RIRDC's Diversification Farmer of the Year Award this week.

Thousands of children across Australia would be made safer everyday if governments delivered on their promises for seatbelts on rural school buses, Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Christine Milne said today.

Senator Milne's announcement was made as numerous football teams show support for Victoria's ‘Buckle Up' campaign this weekend by wearing seatbelt sashes on their jumpers.

"Whether you are driving two minutes to the shops or driving all day, wearing a seatbelt is a major aspect of reducing our road toll.

The Australian Greens are today announcing an innovative policy to revitalise local communities by making empty shopfronts available to be used by creative small businesses at no cost to the owners.

The policy will be announced this afternoon with the idea's originator and founder of Renew Newcastle, Marcus Westbury, as well as Greens candidates for the Victorian Senate and Melbourne, Richard Di Natale and Adam Bandt.

Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Christine Milne, and Greens Minister for Alternative Transport, Nick McKim joined forces today to commit to an improved and innovative public transport system for Tasmania.

"A Hobart Light Rail public transport system that links the state's capital with the northern suburbs will free up time and increase the attractiveness of Hobart to young people who realise that car commuting is a time waster.