tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65564829654159465282024-03-06T03:40:21.939+11:00Mullum ActionThe Mullumbimby Community Action NetworkJessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168435748219972866noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-8374626068412772622010-07-12T23:49:00.003+10:002010-07-13T00:05:56.073+10:00WOOLWORTHS HOPES FOR LIQUOR LICENCEIn order for Woolworths to open a bottleshop at their upcoming Big Box in Station Street,a Community Impact Statement must be completed, by law. They have employed Back Schwartz Vaughan (who describe themselves as the "NSW Liquor Licensing Specialists") to gather submissions and of course these solicitors' online survey questions are skewed to get the answers their clients, Woolworths, want. There is even a question about how Woolworths Liquor Shop might benefit the community.<br /><br />An alternative way of submitting your comments is to send them direct to the government authority at: NSW Casino Liquor & Gaming Control Authority, 6/323 Castlereagh Street, GPO Box 7060, Sydney 2001 Fax: (02) 9299 7427. Their email is info@clgca.nsw.gov.au although they do ask for a hard copy. <br /><br />Another way is to make a submission is to download the sample letter from our website http://www.mullumaction.org or just take from it the points which are pertinent to you. Copies of the letter are also at Santos, Edens Landing and there will be a stall at the Farmers Market each Friday (in the cafe area)until the submission period ends on 26 July.<br /><br />If you want to wade thru the solicitors stuff or view their survey, go to http://www.bsv.com.au and follow the links under CIS, and scroll down. For additional (Woolworths) information go to http://www.bsv.com.au/community-impact-statement.htm scroll down to "Mullumbimby" click and enter password "BSV2406". I wonder how many of those other liquor applications listed are for Woolworths booze outlets - probably Nambucca Heads and Ulladulla are.<br /><br />My personal view is that to put an Liquor Shop right next to the supermarket (in a quiet residential area, 150m from Mullum Public School) is creating a norm that buying booze is just like going to get a loaf of bread and a bottle of milk. Since norms are ways of describing what acceptable behaviour is, they reflect assumptions people make about themselves, one another and how things "ought to be". Does this mean, by extension, that alcohol-fuelled domestic violence, crime and anti-social behaviour as well as drink driving and drink walking are to be come norms in Station Street? <br /><br /><br />WOOLWORTHS CAGE FENCE<br /><br />These ugly barricades have been up for six weeks now, and no work has been started. The roads have been blocked off which means that residents, fire engines, ambulance or other emergency services don't have access into Station Street residences. This may be illegal. I have heard stories of cage road rage and some very upset people. Please write (or call) the Echo, mullumaction.org or Byron Shire Council if you are suffering as a result of the cage.<br /><br /><br />WOOLWORTHS BENEFITS FROM INCOME MANAGEMENT WIDER ROLL OUT<br /><br />Who benefits from compulsory income management, currently part of the NT Intervention? Woolworths and Coles, of course! Why? Because Centrelink welfare recipients have half their income quarantined to the Basics Card which can only be used in Woolworths and Coles (and few other shops). ABC's The National Interest radio programme stated that now income management may be rolled out to non-indigenous communities in the NT and other disadvantaged communities around Australia. <br />Listen online or get transcript from ABC"s National Interest on 18th and 25th June at http://www.abc.net.au/rn/nationalinterest/stories/2010/2931121.htm <br /><br /><br /><br />RENEWABLE ENERGY FORUM<br /><br />"Towards Energy Self-Sufficiency" Hosted by Mick O"Regan; various prominent speakers and information tables from local groups.<br />Bangalow A & I Hall – Sunday 1st August – 9.30 – 1 pm<br />Bangalow Climate Activist Group: Green Coast Catalysts<br />For further information, contact Green Coast Catalysts" Chris Sanderson on (02) 6687 2244, or Don Page"s office on (02) 6686-7522.<br /><br /><br />"COMMUNITY VOICE" <br /><br />Working for better political representation in the Northern Rivers<br />Media Launch of "Community Voice" will take place on Friday 16 July 11 am at boat ramp on Kennedy Drive, Tweed Heads, opp Scales Fish and chippery.<br />Lifts available. http://www.nrcommunityvoice.org <br /><br /><br />YAMBA FIGHTING A CORPORATE BULLY<br /><br />Having recently beaten Byron Bay as No 1 top tourist spot, poor ole Yamba is now threatened with a bloomin McDonalds on a massive scale. For more info contact: nomaccas4yamba(@)hotmail.com or call bob at 0434 857 873. Yamba is also going to get its first farmers market scheduled in with the Yamba Fringe Festival http://http://weloveyamba.com/yamba-farmers-market/ on Saturday 21st August, with regular farmers market coming up. <br /><br /><br />LA VIA CAMPESINA<br /><br />I went to a 2-day gathering in Brisbane recently, welcoming members of "La Via Campesina" (a world-wide social movement of peasant farmers) representatives of which had come from Japan, Indonesia, Timor Leste and South Korea. The event "Food Sovereignty thru Farmer Solidarity" was organised by FoodConnect in Brisbane, who connect organic farmers with people who want to receive a box of veges each week. Wonderful place, wonderful people! http:// http://(www.foodconnect.com.au). More on Via Campesina in next newsletter – some info about the anti-globalisation movement is at: http://www.newint.org/issue338/keynote.htm <br /><br /><br />QUOTE:<br />In a foreword to "La Via Campesina – Globalisation and the Power of Peasants" book by Annette Aurelie Desmarais, Waldon Bello says that "La Via Campesina"s vision of agriculturally rich and diverse societies based on the principle of food sovereignty is a future that is not only worth fighting for, but also one that may be our only way out of the massive social and ecological predicaments spawned by corporate-driven globalisation".Deborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-11155361366017086552010-03-31T15:47:00.001+11:002010-03-31T15:51:52.927+11:00Of course big companies upturn small towns and their communities!Posted by Leigh Blackall at 3/30/2010 <br />from his blog:<br />http://leighblackall.blogspot.com/2010/03/of-course-big-companies-upturn-small.html<br /><br />On Radio National's Australia Talks tonight was a discussion and talk back session on the issue of the big chain supermarket Woolworths setting up in the iconic small town Mullumbimby. I tried to get through with my phone call, but like most people I guess, was left out and relegated to a very slowly moderated online forum. So here's my post here, just in case the ABC moderator has gone home for the night (as it seems she has).<br /><br /><br />Disappointed at the set up of the discussion. Of course Woolworths and mega businesses like them disrupt the local economy. Transport, parking, foot traffic, consumer demand, the market, even the culture of the people in a place is affected by Woolworths inevitable presence and their standardised business practice. <br /><br />And surely we can see that offering young people a minimum wage simply assists Woolworths to be accepted in the community over a generation of branding awareness.. giving kids a skewed view of what employment means to a massive company they will never meet the owners of, be treated as human resource, as a precarious casual or part timer.. little wonder kids have difficulty developing an understanding their place and responsibility in community and society.<br /><br />So I'm disappointed that the discussion questioned the impact of Woolworths and the whether it is negative. Of course it is!<br /><br />But Woolworth's success in changing the culture and market in Australia is done. It is inevitable that they, and companies like them are coming to your town. So I hope more towns will work with that relentless energy and turn it to their favour. Suggests Product or Brand Displacement, where the company's presence is seemingly invisable in the community. No logo, no standardised employment or shopping experience. <br /><br />How about a genuine effort on the part of Woolworths with its vast resources? Create a business that addresses these and many more concerns for the community with real sensitivity, that works into existing businesses, making themselves invisible, enhancing rather than competing, taking responsibility for the impacts they will have, rather than spinning it into a thing we apparently need or want - we don't.Deborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-73703985115088941842009-12-31T16:35:00.001+11:002009-12-31T16:40:52.358+11:00Land & Environment Court: Woolworths' try for Mullumbimby<p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">NEWSLETTER 70<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>31 Dec 09<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First of all, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">HAPPY NEW YEAR,</b> folks!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Many thanks to the kind people who contributed to our trip to the court case in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Sydney</st1:place></st1:city>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Much appreciated!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">WOOLWORTHS-v-BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">LAND & <st1:address st="on"><st1:street st="on">ENVIRONMENT COURT</st1:street>, <st1:city st="on">SYDNEY</st1:city></st1:address> 23/24 DEC 2009-12-31<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The above case was to challenge Byron Shire Council’s refusal of Woolworths proposed on-site sewage system?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Did they do that?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>NO!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What happened?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They thrashed out a round-table “agreement” at lunch time, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>presented their arguments for and against the latest on-site sewage management plan to the Commissioner and finished after less than one day, the second day’s hearing (Christmas Eve) was cancelled.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Now we await the Commissioner’s decision which will come around the end of January.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After 2 years of campaigning, three court cases (two of which were deferred because Woolworths didn’t have a new management plan ready, despite the fact that the case was ostensibly about the management plan which was refused by our councillors) this was a very disappointing outcome.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ratepayers have paid for this court case, and it has not been about the right and wrong of BSC councillors’s approval – it’s been about how Woolworths can get the go ahead with “agreement” from both sides, with the Commissioner being the approval authority.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If he approves it, and if things go wrong, who will be responsible?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Commissioner??</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2009/12/31/woolies-protesters-feeling-ripped-off/ </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">23 DECEMBER</b>:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the morning, various items were presented and documented as exhibits – for example the Updated Draft Conditions of Consent: Exhibit 24.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our Counsel, Tim Robertson stated that they would have to be modified.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Commissioner Hussey:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Where’s the disagreement?” [about the Conditions]</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Tim Robertson (Counsel for Byron Shire Council) made comments as follows:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">System failure:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>the way the system is designed will lead inevitably to a de facto pump out system. </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">Critical control particulars such as:<br /> - volume into the plant </li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt">- volume into the irrigation system/effluent field </p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">peak flow rate: if the re-use system breaks down the numbers double.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">CFUs one more in 100mL then you can’t use the water in the toilets </li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:36.0pt">[CFU is Colony Forming Unit, a measure of viable bacterial or fungal numbers]</p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">Inadequacy of management plan which we consider unworkable.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They have retrofitted documents rather than building from the ground up.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">Tasks given to the Woolworths Floor Manager are beyond his expertise.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Critical person is the service contractor his not someone who is skilled in effluent irrigation management.</li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Other matters such as the number of pumpouts allowed per year, and the consequences of the failure of the model were mentioned.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>McEwan (Counsel for Woolworths) made some comments – ask Deb for details.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Basically the Commissioner wanted to agreement to be reached on the Consent Conditions for Woolworths development to go ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He asked the legal teams whether agreement might be reached that day – there was a shocked silence and then the Commissioner added that the administration staff wanted to know (NB next day being 24 Dec).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The legal teams said they probably would, and lunch time was spent with them sitting around a table with the experts, coming to “agreement” about the conditions for Woolworths to operate.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After lunch, I arrived back and witnessed some of the round-table conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The soil expert Catherine Hird, commissioned by BSC, had been making a point (as I understand it) about the complexity of the on-site management plan.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She was being roundly put down by both sides with “But Catherine …” in loud voices.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My impression was that Ms Hird was not being heard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">A solicitor for Woolworths suggested that extra pumpout should be allowed to Woolworths in case of suspected sabotage from anti-Woolworths protesters because if they put one bottle of bleach down the toilet each day, then the whole system would be out of action.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the Commissioner returned to the court, the court attendant called out “Silence in the Court” everyone stood up, and bowed their heads.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Commissioner was asked for a little extra time, and was assured that all would be finished that day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When he returned, both legal teams gave speeches, and Tim Robertson outlined why the on-site sewage management system should not go ahead.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>His speech was reasonable, might have been convincing and yet seemed hollow since, as I understand it, they had all been thrashing out an agreement to make it a “viable” proposition.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">McEwan did his speech for Woolworths.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This man has chutzpah; his attitude is aggressive.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He summed up the extraordinarily intricate management plan which hundreds of pages long thus: “They just have to look and see if its ponding, check the dials and fill out the log sheet”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Further, he said categorically “the land is not constrained” and “This system is 1000 times better than other systems”.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I could see why Woolworths employed this man.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">TANKERING and BUFFERS:</b><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The agreement apparently includes 200,000 litres of sewage leaving the site in tanker trucks – about 3 months of the sewage produced per year.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Effectively this makes in an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">off-site</i> and not an on-site system, and tankering is still illegal in Byron Shire.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As for the buffer zones, apparently the current proposal is for 1m buffer zones and not the 3-6m zones currently required for human and environmental health.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ask Shannon McKelvey or Ray Darney at Byron Shire Council for confirmation of the above.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">L & E COURT PURPOSE:<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:black">From the Court’s website, their purpose is to safeguard and maintain <o:p></o:p></span></p> <ul type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">the rule of law <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">equality of all before the law <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">access to justice <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">fairness, impartiality and independence in decision making <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">processes that are consistently transparent, timely and certain <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">accountability in its conduct and its use of public resources <o:p></o:p></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="color:black;mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt">the highest standards of competency and personal integrity of its judges, commissioners and support staff.<o:p></o:p></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:black">It will be interesting to find out whether the Commissioner will construct a new rule of law in the case of Woolworths – in particular the Clause 45 (1) of the Byron Local Environment Plan 1988 which does not permit pump-out of effluent.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A precedent set to refuse pump-out was set in the Codlea-v-BSC case 1999.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Local Government Act and Local Government Regulations set standards for on-site systems which were acknowledged by Byron Shire Council in their refusal of Woolworths on-site system.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:black">Address for contact: Commissioner Hussey, L & E Court, <st1:address st="on"><st1:street st="on">PO Box 3565</st1:street>, <st1:city st="on">Sydney</st1:city></st1:address> 2001 or see Lawlink.nsw.gov.au for details.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let him know you care!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto"><span style="color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div align="center"> <table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="601" style="width:450.75pt;mso-cellspacing:0cm;background:white;mso-padding-alt: 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt"> <tbody><tr style="mso-yfti-irow:0;mso-yfti-firstrow:yes;mso-yfti-lastrow:yes; height:18.75pt"> <td valign="top" style="padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;height:18.75pt"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#000020">QUOTATION:</span><span style="color:#000020"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> <td valign="top" style="padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt;height:18.75pt"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000020">“If the law supposes that,” said Mr. Bumble,… “the law is a ass—a idiot. If that’s the eye of the law, the law is a bachelor; and the worst I wish the law is that his eye may be opened by experience—by experience.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(Charles Dickens: Oliver Twist).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000020"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000020"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000020"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#000020">************************************************<o:p></o:p></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The following info comes from Mark Byrne from the Environmental Defenders Office (EDO) Lismore.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Contact: mark.byrne(at)edo.org.au </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><strong><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444">1. Climate change</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444">In the washup to the <st1:city st="on">Copenhagen</st1:city> summit, in early February the <st1:place st="on">EDO</st1:place> will present a series of free evening seminars on climate law. They will feature our man on the ground (or out in the snow) on Copenhagen on what went wrong, the prospects for a legally binding global treaty, and what the commitment by major polluters in the Copenhagen Accord to limit the global atmospheric temperature rise to not more than 2 degrees C might imply. Northern Rivers staff will also speak about where that leaves the CPRS and alternatives, and recent and current climate change cases in domestic and international courts. Full details including venues next month, but the </span></span><strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444">tentative</span></strong><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444"> schedule is as follows:</span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444">Port <st1:place st="on">Macquarie</st1:place>, Thursday 4 Feb</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444">Bellingen, Friday 5 Feb</span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444">Ballina, Wednesday 10 Feb</span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444">Murwillumbah, Thursday 11 Feb</span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><strong><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444">2. Timber plantations</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444">The Plantations and Reafforestation Act and Code have been under statutory review since 2005. On 14 December the NSW DPI finally released the two Bills with amendments to the Act and Code Regulation. The <st1:place st="on">EDO</st1:place> intended to hold a public meeting and workshop to discuss the proposed amendments. However, as the Bills are only on public exhibition until 12 February, this will not be possible. Anyone who wishes to make a submission can get more information at <a href="http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/resources/private-forestry/plantation-authorisations/review" target="_blank">http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/resources/private-forestry/plantation-authorisations/review</a>. </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><strong><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444">3. Biodiversity</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444">Also on exhibition over the summer holidays is the Draft Far North Coast Regional Conservation Plan. It "outlines mechanisms to offset the unavoidable impacts on biodiversity arising from the implementation of the [2007 <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Far</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">North</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Coast</st1:placetype></st1:place>] regional strategy." On 7 December DECCW announced that the Draft Plan will be on public exhibition until 29 January. Anyone interested in reading the Draft Plan and making submissions can get more information at </span></span><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444"><a href="http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity/regconsplans.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:Calibri">http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/biodiversity/regconsplans.htm</span></a></span></span><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444">. </span></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span style="font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><strong><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma;color:#444444">4. Planning law reform</span></strong><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family: Tahoma;color:#444444"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background:white"><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-font-family:Tahoma; color:#444444">In November the EDO and the Total Environment Centre held workshops in Ballina and <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Coffs</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Harbour</st1:placetype></st1:place>, among other places, to update the community on the recent changes to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and to seek community feedback on the NSW planning system. The workshops were based on a discussion paper entitled 'Planning in NSW: Reconnecting the community with the planning system' which outlines the NSW planning system and the opportunities for public participation. People who could not attend the workshops are encouraged to give their feedback on the NSW planning system by completing our online survey at <a href="http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/survey/planning_survey.php" target="_blank">http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/survey/planning_survey.php</a>.</span></span><span class="ecx402291420-20122009"><span style="font-family:Calibri"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Deborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-22910918555819578972009-12-21T22:08:00.005+11:002009-12-21T22:39:28.877+11:00WOOLWORTHS-v-BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL: LAND & ENV COURT CASE 23/24 DECNEWSLETTER 69: 21 December 2009<br /><br />LAND & ENVIRONMENT COURT SYDNEY - 23/24 December this week.<br /><br />This is Woolworths’ last ditch attempt to persuade the Commissioner that they have a viable proposal for an on-site sewage system for the too-small boggy site in Station Street, Mullumbimby. Wws cannot start building until they have approval for the on-site system, or else wait for Mullum’s new sewage treatment plant (STP).<br /><br />THE HISTORY:<br /><br />13 August 2009: Byron Shire Councillors rejected (6-1) Woolworths S68 onsite sewage proposal. Woolworths now have to wait a few years for Mullum’s new STP to be built. Not wanting to wait, Woolworths (Wws) challenge our councillor’s refusal in Land & Environment Court.<br /><br />28 September 2009: Land & Environment Court hearing in Station Street; community submissions given by Duncan Dey, Garry Scott and Deborah Lilly. Next day case moves to Ballina Court House. Instead of the hearing being based on the proposal which was refused by our councillors, the commissioner agrees to let Wws come up with a new and different proposal – but, hey, its not ready – so case is adjourned, till next time, never mind the expense. By being late with their new information, Wws become liable to pay Council's costs. The issue of costs would be heard in a different Court. Council would have to mount that case and, unfortunately, the substantial costs of that court case are not recoverable.<br /><br />18/19/20 November 2009: Sydney Land & Environment Court – Guess What!! Woolworths new plan is still not ready. Commissioner agrees to give them another month to come up with a plan.<br /><br />23/24 December: Sydney Land & Environment Court ALL WELCOME!!! The new plans are ready!!! Are they final??? Of course not, each page is stamped with “Preliminary for Discussion” Will they work? My on-site septic is 'flush and forget'. Not so for Woolworths – the Management Plan is 178 pages long and is so complicated they will have to train experts to operate it.<br /><br />The Commissioner has been excessively and suspiciously generous to Woolworths in allowing them THREE (3) attempts to convince the court that they can come up with a plan that will work, and it is plain for all to see that our councillors WERE RIGHT TO REJECT Wws original proposal.<br /><br />I shall be flying to Sydney tomorrow for the court case and Duncan Dey and friend are driving overnight to get there so Mullumbimby community will be represented – we feel its crucial to keep an eye on proceedings and let them know we’re watching.<br />Any donations for our efforts will be welcomed, please go to: http://www.mullumaction.org/donate.html. Thanks Param in Bristol UK for offering some financial support.<br /><br />WOOLWORTHS PLAN<br />The Wws plan has plenty of inadequacies, despite its 178 pages. Contentious issues include, for instance, the buffers between the effluent disposal area and the boundaries being considerably less than 1 metre; management of foul odours and putrid gases have not been properly evaluated; Dept of Health apparently has not been consulted about the use of recycled effluent for flushing toilets and whether the inhalation of fine droplets and possible pathogens is a health hazard; the extraordinary complexity of allowable situations when tankers might be used to remove the effluent (currently illegal in Byron Shire); the impact of the mainstream chemicals for cleaning the supermarket and food preparation areas & utensils which are designed to kill microbes, bacteria and algae which will then go into the on-site septic tanks and irrigation systems and probably render them useless.<br /><br />I have researched some of the chemicals in the products as the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) supplied by Woolworths do not have the relevant information, such as the ingredients of the cleaning products, their toxicity, and Hazchem codes. We have been fobbed off with dummy MSDS sheets that look official! I have googled some of the products, and checked out the ingredients – in particular J512 which is used to sanitise sinks, all surfaces, all items which are handled, buckets, J-fill kits (sprayed onto walls, cabinets, etc) floors, etc has ingredients which are algaecidal, microbicidal. The Panclean product is bactericidal and microbicidal. I list here the other products and if anyone out there has a chemistry background and can explain the effects of these products, especially whether they will negatively impact the microorganisms in a septic system, please contact me, Deborah(at)mullumaction.org and the legal representative from Byron Shire Council, Shannon.Mckelvey(at)byron.nsw.gov.au<br /><br />The products to be used at proposed Woolworths supermarket, Mullumbimby:<br />View Quick WW diluted 1:100<br />Pronto WW diluted 1:4<br />Reveal WW diluted<br />Revive WW diluted<br />Sanibrite liquid diluted 1:200<br />Soft Care antibac<br />Sparkle JF diluted<br />Panclean JF diluted<br />Pinnacle WW<br />Breakup Diluted 1:300<br />J512 JF diluted 1:512<br /><br />J512 Ingredients:<br />n-Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Chloride CAS 68391-01-5 which is algaecidal and microbicidal - and<br />n-Akyl Dimethyl Ethylbenzyl Ammonium Chloride CAS 68956-79-6 which is bactericidal/microbicidal<br /><br />Furthermore, the Department of Planning News Release of 22 January 2008, when they approved the Woolworths Stage 2 with onsite, stipulated Woolworths’<br /><br /><em>• "Deferring introduction of in-house, water-intensive fresh food preparation areas until a later stage of development which will be linked to the introduction of a reticulated sewer at the site."</em><br /><br />It will be interesting to find out whether or not Woolworths are now planning to introduce an in-house, water-intensive fresh food preparation area, before the new Mullumbimby reticulated sewer STP is built.<br /><br />More news post case.<br />Merry Christmas to all our readers.<br />May the New Year be Woolworths-free in Mullumbimby.<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Deborah<br />Our contact at the L & E court: Duncan Dey: 0429 845440<br />My mobile: 0435 421053 (Deborah Lilly)<br /><br />PS: Please see our website www.mullumaction.org and check out the article about Woolworths marketing pokie gambling pubs to children … and how the debate about pokies at the Woolworths AGM was shut down. Woolworths are the biggest operators of pokies in Australia.Deborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-71131409461159818502009-09-15T19:23:00.001+10:002009-09-15T19:30:06.504+10:00climate change art competition for schoolsBallina Byron ‘Fair-Go 350’ Art Competition<br /><br />As part of the International Day of Action on Climate Change, Ballina Climate Action Network (BCAN) and North Coast Climate Action Group (NCCAG) are planning an event in Ballina - at Missingham Park by the Amphitheatre - and invite students to participate in an Art Competition depicting local sustainable solutions <br /><br />Art: drawings, paintings or other creations (eg using recycled materials)<br />When: closing date Fri 16th October. Winner to be announced at the Fair on 24th Oct.<br />2 Categories: under 12 and 12 to 18 years<br />Entries mailed or delivered to: address and postal address TBA <br />Prizes:- 1st $80 voucher and 2nd $40 for both categories. (Vouchers donated by Ballina businesses: Eco-options & Jack Ransom Cycles.)<br />Enquiries: for Ballina ring Sue on 66860602, for Byron ring Tracey 66871056 or email bcanlist@gmail.com <br /><br />Studies by NASA’s James Hansen - globally respected climatologist - and his team last year produced studies that show with over 350 ppm Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere:<br />• we will not have a planet as we know it and,<br />• to which life on Earth developed – and is adapted.<br /><br />The present level of CO2 is 390ppm and rising. That is why we are already seeing many adverse effects around the world including: widespread droughts and fires accelerated melting of most glaciers and Arctic Summer ice, and tropical diseases spreading to new areas.<br /><br />We have one planet and one chance to prevent runaway Climate Change. To do this we need a commitment to immediate and deep cuts, especially from the developed nations, at the Kyoto talks in Copenhagen at the end of this year.<br /><br />100 countries so far have registered to host at least one event on the 24th of October <br />While the discredited sceptics are still finding fertile ground many ordinary people around the world, concerned for their children’s future, are uniting to tell their politicians that they want strong action NOW<br /><br />Ballina Byron ‘Fair-Go 350’ will provide information on sustainable local solutions and highlight initiatives in place by our local councils, businesses, and environmental groups. <br /><br />Sue Fielder on behalf of BCANDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-937112591628691872009-09-15T19:19:00.002+10:002009-09-15T19:22:59.191+10:00Rally to STOP Woolworths in Newport, NSWIt’s now been a couple of months since we started the campaign to stop Woolworths from ruining the beautiful village of Newport. <br />Thank you very much for signing the petition. The numbers have now swelled to a staggering 2,000 plus, both on line and on paper but we do need more people power to beat the likes of Woolworths, so we’re holding a<br /> <br /> Public Rally, on Sunday, 27 September at 10.30 am meeting outside the Surf Club.<br /> <br />Please tell everyone – relations, friends, man, woman and child, to come to the rally to make it clear we don’t want this ugly monstrosity in our village. <br /> <br />Now here’s the latest on the progress of the development by Woolworths. <br /> <br />The council has entered into an automatic agreement to sell the carparks to Woolworths if the two carparks are zoned commercial. Then it’s game set and match as Woolworths automatically become owners of the land and push through their DA with minor compromises designed to palm off residents.<br /> <br />Woolworths rezoning application is now with an independent consultant for assessment. With the application are Woolworths “indicative concept drawings” that are the justification for the rezoning of the council’s carparks. <br /> <br />An independent consultant is being used because the council has a financial stake in the rezoning deal and submissions via Pittwater Council to the consultant, SJD need to be made by 9 October 2009 (see details below).<br /> <br />So what are the main points everyone finds so abhorrent about Woolworths’ proposal?<br /> <br />A typical submission might read as follows: (please feel free to use this one if you want to)<br /> <br />“The Woolworths zoning application should be rejected. It will destroy the village of Newport for the following reasons:<br /> <br />1. This is a key site because it is the last off-mainroad opportunity for Newport to develop its village character.- with landscaping local shops and open areas as embodied in the letter and spirit of the Newport Master Plan, endorsed by residents and passed by council. <br /> <br />2. The Woolworths proposal would dominate the site in the crudest possible way. It covers the entire site, is extremely bulky, allows for no community use, is designed to funnel people only into Woolworths supermarket and will therefore be detrimental to local shops.<br /> <br />3. Newport has sufficient supermarket space with the opening of the 1600 sq mtre Coles supermarket. <br /> <br />4. Because of its size and layout, this development would result in excessive traffic congestion, noise and pollution in Foamcrest Ave and surrounding streets. <br /> <br />5. Because the site is bounded by local streets and the escarpment at the rear, a large number of residents would be affected by after hours noise.<br /><br /> <br />6. Many residents look down on the site. Viewed from above, the above ground carparks will be ugly in the extreme. This plan allows for more parking than Newport needs. This type of crude development is no longer acceptable in modern urban planning. <br /> <br />Even if minor modifications were made to the Woolworths plan, the effects as described above would still apply. To rezone council carparks commercial at this stage would result in the broad concept Woolworths have put forward. Therefore this application should be rejected. <br /> <br />At a later time, after this application is rejected, a fresh approach to this site could be undertaken. Other financially viable concepts that embody the spirit of the Master Plan, allow for community access and enhance Newport as a village would be welcome. “<br /> <br /> <br />To make your submission, you need to fill out a form asking whether you have looked at the rezoning proposal. The application is on the council website at http://tinyurl.com/ovwtdm. <br /> <br /> <br />The form you need to fill out is attached as a PDF which can be easily printed out. It is essential we get our submissions in by 9 October - and the more the better.<br /><br /> <br />It’s great that just about everyone in Newport is pulling together on this. We can beat them! Look forward to seeing you at the rally.<br /><br /> <br />David Catchlove<br />Newport Versus Woolies Community Group<br /> (nowoolies@gmail.com)Deborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-16424844851411053212009-09-08T10:42:00.000+10:002009-09-08T10:43:25.463+10:00Rally to stop Shooters Games, SydneyUrgent Rally<br />Keep up the pressure!<br /><br />STOP THE SHOOTERS GAMES<br />- there's no such thing as conservation hunting -<br />Thursday 10 Sept 12.30 pm<br />Parliament House Macquarie St Sydney<br /><br />Keep up the pressure on the Rees Govt:<br />No Hunting in National Parks<br />No Blood Sport Reserves<br />No hunting native animals<br />No release of exotic birds for hunting<br /><br />ALSO<br /><br />Free Public Meeting<br />National Parks Under Attack - Help Nature Claim them Back!<br /><br />Wednesday 9 September, 5.30-8.00pm<br />Light supper, 5.30pm - Free<br />Theatrette, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney<br /><br />Stop the exploitation of nature and national parks<br />by blood sports and commercial facilitiesDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-38052344782915385902009-09-07T13:00:00.002+10:002009-09-07T13:01:34.204+10:00Many balloons for JaiDear Friends of the Story Tree,<br /><br />Here in little Mullumbimby, the whole community has been shaken by the tragic death of a teenage boy in a scuffle at school. The pain of that has been compounded by the distorted and sensationalised stories coming out of the media- even sadly our ABC didn’t get to the facts accurately.<br /><br />The truth is only just emerging and it seems it was more of a freak accident than anything. There was never a vicious brawl or a mob as some media have reported. In Mullumbimby, the whole community has come together to offer support to those affected, not only by the incident itself and Jai's death but by the papparazzi-like press who descended upon our small town.<br /><br />Two days after Jai's death, his parents urged Jai's friends to embrace peace and forgiveness. A memorial march was held at the school (not a walk out). On Saturday there was a funeral for Jai in our beautiful Heritage Park with hundreds of people attending. It was partly led by his teenage friends who read poems and sang songs for him. The adults and teenagers supported eachother in their grief. Balloons and doves were released at the end.<br /><br />You may have heard that one of Jai's young friends called for people to tie coloured balloons to their letterboxes to symbolise peace and co-operation to honour Jai, who was a very peacable, beautiful boy and to start a National Day to recognize the need to stand up and say 'No' to bullying in all forms. The message travelled around Australia. Many of the streets of Mullumbimby were lined with balloons on Saturday.<br /><br />Maybe our loving thought balloons are more ecological but just as powerful.<br /><br /><br />Pe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2EfXiTx3GCK463wx8vzkOwd1mql0hgd2rUsnwEfo6bwJOh7j13tu9G8nOUePt3cTlmQw_THfNboRZ1sUt9Mn-SGuKub404uAoe9H93ZHQsEvzqgmzjj9ZpRrVGSvh-cSJE1vUopxbsA/s1600-h/cartoon+ballon.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 86px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX2EfXiTx3GCK463wx8vzkOwd1mql0hgd2rUsnwEfo6bwJOh7j13tu9G8nOUePt3cTlmQw_THfNboRZ1sUt9Mn-SGuKub404uAoe9H93ZHQsEvzqgmzjj9ZpRrVGSvh-cSJE1vUopxbsA/s200/cartoon+ballon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378555168424790626" border="0" /></a>ace and harmony to you,<br /><br /><br />Jenni Cargill-StrongJessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04168435748219972866noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-25867558007283054692009-07-01T17:12:00.002+10:002009-07-01T17:16:10.870+10:00WOOLWORTHS SEWER AT COUNCIL AGAINNEWSLETTER 50 - 1 July 2009<br /><br />BSC TOMORROW: WOOLWORTHS SEWER-ON- A BOG s68: The 12 questions asked of council staff about the s68 meeting the required standards/policies/guidelines have not been answered satisfactorily in our view; the answers were ambiguous, incomplete and a gift to Woolworths. Tom Tabart will be raising this matter again tomorrow at Council’s meeting on 2 July. Garry Scott will speak during public access between 9-10 am. <br /><br />TELSTRA SITE in Station Street, Mullumbimby, will also be up for discussion at Council meeting tomorrow. Will the Telstra Site be awarded to the Sustainable food Network for their market??? (see next item).<br /><br />CONGRATULATIONS to local sustainable food people bringing 7 councils together to create sustainable food network called “Northern Rivers Food Links”. They have been awarded grant of $2m from NSW Dept Environment and Climate Change to develop new approaches to food growing and distributing to protect communities from climate change.<br /><br />WWS & COLES BLOCK GROCERY CHOICE SCHEME: “This was the site the big supermarkets didn’t want you to see…” Choice CEO Nick Stace said about the scrapping of the Grocery Choice Scheme after Woolworths and Coles apparently would not co-operate with providing the data to the website, so shoppers could search for best prices. Scrapping the new website also scraps Kevin Rudd’s election promise to force grocery prices down. http://www.smh.com.au/national/grocery-choice-project-in-tatters-20090626-czot.html <br /><br />EATING OIL<br />“Industrialised, globalised agriculture is a recipe for eating oil. Oil is used for the chemical fertilizers that go to pollute the soil and water. Oil is used to displace small farmers with giant tractors and combine harvesters. Oil is used to industrially process food. Oil is used for the plastic in packaging. And finally more and more oil is used to <br />transport food farther and farther away from where it is produced.” <br />(Vandana Shiva: “Soil Not Oil: Environmental Justice in a Time of Climate Crisis” (2008) South End Press, Cambridge, MA, USA.<br />(I would add to that list the post-harvest chemicals and the pesticides)<br /><br />REPCO CAR RALLY: How would you like it? Tweed and Kyogle areas are targeted.<br />Sign petition http://www.petitiononline.com/NRG01e/petition.html also see blog by Julie Boyd of Hastings Point jboydedu.wordpress.com/ <br /><br />NEW TRAFFIC FINES FROM TODAY: I called Highway Patrol, Byron Bay, about the Left Bank Road traffic problem yet again, and the Sarge told me about new fines.<br />Less than 10 k over speed limit: 1 point $84 fine<br />More than 10 k 3 points $197<br />20k over limit: 4 points $338<br />30k over limit: 5 points $647<br />45k over limikt: 6 points $1744 <br /><br />STILLNESS IN ACTION RETREAT Ballina 24-28 July www.stillnessinaction.net<br /><br />Please note you can put up your own event on our website calendar www.mullumaction.org <br /><br />Cheers<br />DeborahDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-73124186656650992232009-06-15T11:04:00.002+10:002009-06-15T11:08:12.621+10:00WHAT HAPPENED ... re: sewer-on-a-bogCELEBRATING A REPRIEVE FOR MULLUMBIMBY FROM THE WOOLWORTHS MAMMOTH.<br /><br />Greetings Community<br /><br />BOTTOMS UP! What I mean by this is:<br /><br />a) “Bottoms up” is the toast of the celebratory glass bottoms going up as we toast each other and the 6 Byron Shire Councilors who showed care and concern for our community in their vote last Thursday (more details below).<br />b) “Bottom up” is the people-propelled change – rather than top-down change from those in charge. Our councilors listened from the bottom-up last week, and we got change! We were inches away from loosing our campaign; luckily we have some savvy people on our team who spotted the noose.<br />c) Finally, I am thinking of the brown-eye greeting that was given to George W Bush when he came here last year.<br /><br />WHAT HAPPENED? Last week my newsletters had to be very discrete and strategic. In the Agenda last week, two options were given to the councilors regarding the Woolworths s68 on-site sewage application: <br /><br />1. To follow the Precautionary Principle and vote “no” (this is what BSC recommended). by BSC giving an alternative option, they implied that the Precautionary Principle is disposable.<br />2. To follow a “pragmatic risk-based approach” and vote “yes” to the s68 as long as Woolworths adopt the “draft consent conditions” annex 31(f).<br /><br />Notice the language: “pragmatic” sounds so practical, and “risk-based” sounds exciting. In fact the option is very unpragmatic and very risky. The Consent Conditions are tough and Woolworths would have to jump through hoops as well as move the water mains from under the site, at their own expense. The only problem with having tough consent conditions is – who will be watching if Woolworths breaks their consent conditions? <br /><br />If councilors had voted “no” then Woolworths would have gone to the Land and Environment Court. All they would have to do is show the judge the “Consent Conditions” which are a list of what Woolworths need to do, authorized by staff at Byron Shire Council, to get an approval for their on-site sewer-on-a-bog. Therefore both a “no” and a “yes” vote would have been a win for Wws.<br /><br />However, our smart MCAN wastewater experts smelled the rat. Garry and Duncan, in conjunction with Tom Tabart formulated 12 questions for council staff and Woolworths which demand to know how the s68 sewer-on-a-bog meets the standards/policies/guidelines of the local/state/national government. Tom put forward a motion to have these questions answered before councillors commit themselves to approving (or otherwise) Woolworths sewage application. We are confident that these questions cannot be answered (we will get them up on our website soon) so it may well be that the Woolworths development will not go ahead until the new sewage treatment plant (STP) is built, and that could be some years away. However, they are a wily bunch and goodness knows what they’ll come up with in the meantime. <br /><br />Besides Tom, Basil Cameron seconded the motion and the other supporting councillors were Mayor Jan Barham, Richard Staples, Simon Richardson and Patrick Morrisey. Tom gave a lovely metaphor for the Woolworths sewage proposal; for it to work they would need “goat entrails and a PhD in Astrology”. Jan spoke passionately about the influx of corporations into the Shire which we’ve worked hard to preserve, as well as expressing distress at the way local councils are being overridden by corporations and State Government; Basil said that asking the 12 questions was a “sensible solution which is the nuts and bolts of this proposal”; Simon described the options offered by staff as being like “being given a bucket with holes in it and being told to put out a fire. We will get burnt”. He also mentioned there are cultural, environmental and social implications of having a Wws in Mullumbimby. Richard referred to the “silver bullet” product Wws propose that will supposedly clean/sanitise and not upset the microbes needed for the septic system saying that it would most likely contain large amounts of sodium, also detrimental to soil. <br /><br />‘WE ARE THE PEOPLE WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR”: quote from Harvard Students about changing the world. I head this quote on ABC Radio National, Background Briefing, today. This was the best synopsis I’ve heard about the world situation, and the way forward, by ex-Greenpeace Global Head Paul Gilding. He is funny and wise as well as very pragmatic (!) and inspiring. The programme will be repeated 7pm Tuesday or you can listen online to “The Great Disruption”<br />http://www.abc.net.au/rn/backgroundbriefing/ <br /><br />Another interesting snippet this week is SMH/Brisbane Times article http://business.smh.com.au/business/how-two-supermarket-giants-divide-your-familys-weekly-spending-20090613-c6pc.html <br /> <br /><br />THANKS TO ALL THE PEOPLE who have supported our campaign, written to councillors and sent us words of encouragement and cheer (and cash – hey we still need some more for next round of stickers: Mullum: a Woolworths-free zone). Together we have made a difference. Special thanks to Garry and Duncan for being alert and knowledgeable and to Robert for keeping our website updated all the time. Had a look lately? The full Stateline clip (complete with the final minute which was cut) is up now (thanks to Susie Forster for making this) and the last minute is my best!<br /><br />As Tom Tabart said, let’s hope this matter can be laid to rest.<br /><br />Cheers<br />Deborah<br />www.mullumaction.org <br /><br />Duncan Dey's synopsis:<br />On Thursday 6 Councillors (four Greens plus Basil and Patrick) supported MCAN's request to not support the staff recommendation or their report on Woolworths' Section 68 on-site sewage application. In reality, it is an off-site sewage proposal relying heavily on tankers with occasional watering of minor landscaped areas. The application continued to use poor technical advice form Woolworths' same consultant BRW of Toowoomba - who spends more energy denying faults in its proposal than fixing them. The Council Resolution should be on Council's website by now. It asks our Council staff to categorically state that the proposal complies and is quite sound. This of course cannot be said but will be a much healthier report to take to the L&E Court than one saying "... if Council wanted to approve the poor design, they could" and listing all the steps to do so. The report our Councillors have "thrown out" did just that and detailed how approval could be gained. Obviously, it argued the perfect case FOR Woolworths. Hopefully someone in Council now has the hiccups.Deborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-46035215447140590812009-06-10T12:46:00.002+10:002009-06-10T12:50:31.492+10:00newsletter 46: Vote on sewer-on-a-bog tomorrowCOUNCILLORS VOTE: Tomorrow Thurs 11 June on the Woolworths sewer-on-a-bog s68 application (does this make it a sewermarket?) Duncan Dey will be speaking on behalf of MCAN during public access between 9 and 10 am. The meeting starts at 10.30 am. <br /><br />COMMUNITY is invited to this council meeting and MCAN will be there at 8.30 am with some signs which focus on the issue upon which we want to focus. This sounds mysterious and all will be explained when we meet outside council chambers at 8.30 am. This ain’t a protest although it is an opportunity to protest! Supporters are requested to be “orderly” so our cause gets the best hearing. The more people, the better! Please call me if you want more info: 66843723.<br /><br />STATELINE: Thanks again to all who supported our demo last week – we got on national TV (ABC Stateline on World Environment Day 5.6.09) as well as two local TV news, local ABC radio news and the local papers. It is your support that creates The Tipping Point. Well done!! The full clip is on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJEK_4SA5i4 (the Stateline version lost the last bit.)<br /><br />WHAT’S GOING ON?? Council’s Director of Planning and Environment Services, Ray Darney, has written a nice letter to all the people who expressed concern about the Wws s68, assuring them that Council officers have recommended refusal of Wws onsite sewer. What he doesn’t say in this letter, and which is written on p148 of the Agenda for 11.6.09, is that Council staff have written nine pages of “what you need to do to get your sewerage system passed” (Annexure 31(f) #857453 Draft Approval Conditions: http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/meetings/meeting/221).<br /><br />SUBSIDISING WOOLWORTHS? Council’s preparation of the “Draft Approval Conditions” is an extraordinarily unusual course of action which indicates the lengths they have gone to please Woolworths, apparently at ratepayers expense. As a Byron Shire ratepayer, I would very much like to know why I, apparently, am subsidising Woolworths on-site sewerage plans for a supermarket which I don’t want. Furthermore, Woolworths, according to their 2008 Annual Report, ranked no 25 in the world’s top global retailers, and their revenue for that year was $47 billion. They don’t need my money!!<br /><br />More news on the situation after the meeting tomorrow.<br /><br />***********************************************************************<br /><br />WOOLWORTHS AND ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY? A local woman is running a campaign and has a petition to protect orangutans in Sumatra because Woolworths are still selling products from Asia Pulp and Paper. APP’s reputation is for the worst environmental standards, logging practices and habitat destruction in Sumatra. Woolworths could source local sustainably produced paper products and help keep Australians employed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhdUW3LI2po Please contact the website if you want more information about the local orangutan campaign. <br /><br />*******************************<br />UNFAIR FOOD PRICING: Southern Sydney Retailers Association submission to ACCC Grocery Enquiry on Woolworths pricing of food in one shop being outrageously more expensive in others: Geographic Price Discrimination and price gouging – Craig Kelly http://www.accc.gov.au/content/item.phtml?itemId=831957&nodeId=6347a6bfcdad107f1de7541a4039577b&fn=230%20(late%2013%20June)%E2%80%94Southern%20Sydney%20Retailers%20Association%20(sub.11)%20(7%20pages).pdf<br /><br />********************************<br />Our Maleny siblings are working on a new site to be called AWFUL (Anti-Woolworths Fighters United League) (Democratic, clean and lawful) to contain information as it comes to hand. The name springs from this poem by Michael Leunig, who will be asked to be a patron.<br /><br />Every night and every day<br />The awfulisers work away<br />Awfulising public places,<br />Favourite things and little graces<br />Awfulising lovely treasures<br />Common joys and simple pleasures<br />Awfulising far and near<br />The parts of life we hold so dear<br />Democratic, clean and lawful<br />Awful, awful, awful, awful.<br /> <br /><br />This one’s a laugh: http://WWW.youtube.Com/watch?v=jedd2FiZTqM<br /><br />FLAT TO RENT: Short term rent, furnished granny flat close to Mullum market,<br />avail from July 19th-Sept15th at $140 per week, plus bills, and cat to feed<br />and cuddle. Contact: 66846623/0421650653<br /><br />QUOTE: “The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to the point where it becomes stronger than their democratic state itself. That, in its essence, is fascism.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1938 (Speech to Congress about the dangers of monopoly).<br /><br />Cheers<br />DeborahDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-24484866460627591602009-05-29T12:34:00.001+10:002009-05-29T12:35:52.720+10:00ROCK THE VOTE: sewer on a bog???SEWER ON A BOG: demo last Tues. This was a brilliant turnout after only two days warning! Glad we got some splashing shots. Thanks to you all who could make it, and for others who were disappointed – we will have another event soon. Watch this space (and see below). <br /><br />TV CLIPS can be viewed on: <br />http://lismore.iprime.com.au/index.php/news/prime-news/mullum-residents-fight-a-retail-giant-video,99131 and <br /><br />http://www.nbntv.com.au/index.php/2009/05/27/protestors-say-no-to-mullum-woolies/#<br /><br />Robert has also put a clip on www.mullumaction.org <br />Susie Forster is busy editing her clip for ABC Stateline (in next week or two); the SAE students doco-makers got some footage, as well as Hillary Bain for her doco.<br /><br />ROCK THE VOTE: Councillors will vote on the SEWER ON THE BOG either on 11 June or 2 July. This will be a grand occasion for community to rock the chambers again. Let’s make this memorable! Jenni may be singing our theme song – any creative ideas for pre-vote publicity? See our website if you want the serious details, and the local papers next week. <br /><br />OTHER EVENTS:<br /><br />Mullum iNTervention Awareness group will be meeting today 3 pm at Karen’s Place, 39 Prince Street Mullumbimby. 02 6684 6407. – karen_hodder@bigpond.com for more info re: the plight of our indigenous first peoples, the Alice Springs land grab, etc. (sorry for late notice)<br /><br />Building Community Centred Economies<br />17 – 20 June, Brisbane convention & Exhibition Centre http://www.cdconference.com.au/ a think, talk and do conference focused on how we can build strong, creative and sustainable local economies into thefuture.<br /><br />MICHAEL SHUMAN: internationally respected author and economist will take on how business can grow local living economies as we respond to climate change. (I hope he includes peak oil!). 3.15 pm Friday 19 June, Zest, Central Campus, Southern Cross Uni – contact Annie Kia 66207504 mailto:annie.kia@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au> Coordinator, Resilience: building health from regional responses to climate change for the Northern Rivers Climate Change Collaboration<br /><br />QUOTE: This is what you should do: Love the earth and sun and animals, despise riches, give alms to everyone who asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labour to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, re-examine all you have been told in school or church or any book, dismiss what insults your very soul, and your flesh shall become a great poem. <br />Walt Whitman (1819-92) American poet, essayist, journalist and humanist.<br /><br />See you at the VOTE!<br />DeborahDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-67869256952449323582009-05-24T16:19:00.001+10:002009-05-24T16:21:37.222+10:00LATEST WOOLIE NEWS; COUNCILLORS GET THE VOTE!!Yes! Our elected councilors will decide on whether or not to approve the Woolworths on-site sewage application. Have you seen the site lately? It is saturated!! <br /><br />Byron Shire Council staff have now received the “further information” from Woolworths and they are preparing an “Assessment Report” to give to the Councillors. I have asked Council for a copy of this report.<br /><br />Having the s68 sewage application approved is pivotal for Woolworths so they can then get a construction certificate and start to build their big box. <br /><br />We have been told by Ray Darney that MCAN will be advised of the council meeting when the s68 application will be discussed; I’ll send out the news to you as soon as I get it. This council meeting might be a good time for us to show up with full colours, banners and community response (TV, newspapers, etc).<br /><br />Co-incidentally, after six months of asking, I have now received a copy of the “Whitehead Review”. Whitehead Associates are the environmental consultants employed by the Dept Planning late last year to make a report on the Woolworths modified plans for their big box in Mullumbimby. It is because of this Whitehead Review that the Dept Planning approved the Woolworths plans on 12th Jan this year. Finally, I got a copy through FOI (Freedom of Information Act) from the Dept Planning and it cost me $30. As I read it, one word comes to mind – one that Garry uses a lot when referring to Woolworths sewage proposals: “ludicrous”. <br /><br />I will now try to explain, in ordinary language, what’s been going on and what the Review says. Basically, Woolworths need to make their proposal look as if it will work. They need to convince us that they will only be using a very little water so it will all sink away into the ground, and everyone will be happy. The thing is, the ground they are hoping to use as “irrigation” for their wastewater is soggy, boggy and just 500metres from the tidal river. It’s that bit of paddock by the railway line that floods. Furthermore, it’s a big supermarket on a very small site. <br /><br />In order to get the on-site wastewater treatment system approved, Woolworths need to supply figures showing they’ll only be using a little water. Woolworths propose a number of things to reduce the amount of wastewater that is usually generated by a supermarket of that size. For instance:<br /><br />Woolworths won’t be processing meat or most delicatessen items on the Mullumbimby site (until it is connected to the new mains sewer at least 2 years away). Who is going to ensure this? Byron Shire Council??<br /> <br />Woolworths will have high level water efficiency fixtures and practices. (The efficiency, however, of any tap or fixture is only as efficient as the person who uses it.) <br /><br />SPECIAL CLEANING PRODEDURES: Woolworths have prepared a special “cleaning procedures document” which shows how the cleaners will save water by using a 7L bucket instead of a hose which is normally used for many these jobs. The bucket is specified for some 58 jobs, eg cleaning meat rails. benches, pumpkin cutters, walls, rubbish bins and coolroom doors, walls and floors. Estimated daily water usage in litres is listed for each job. An example is the cleaning of the shelves and racks in the coolroom with a bucket will use 1.28 litres of water and it will be done once a week. (That’s about a kettleful of water: how big are the shelves and racks?) The coolroom walls get the same weekly treatment using 1.28L water. The cabinets/displays in the trading area are also allocated 1.28L water for a weekly wash with a bucket. Is this hygienic for a supplier of “fresh food”? How big is each of these areas to clean with a kettleful of water? The meat and cheese slicers however get 27L water per day and are washed every 4 hours. (Perhaps there is a regulation here).<br /><br />Using a 7L bucket for 58 jobs is going to be far less efficient than the usual hosing. Again, who will be watching to see the “special cleaning procedures” are carried out as specified?<br /><br />PUBLIC TOILET ALLOCATION: Whiteheads estimate the amount of water per day for the public toilet will be 250L; that is for the loo and for hand basin. Since Woolworths, in their little green book entitled “Woolworths in Mullumbimby” given out at the public meeting last May, estimates that their catchment population is over 17,000 people, 250L per day seems a very small amount of water for public toilet use. What will Woolworths do when their daily allocation is used up? Lock the toilet doors? Who is going to count the flushes??<br /><br />CHEMICALS IN WASTEWATER: Whiteheads encourage Woolworths to find cleaning/sanitation agents which won’t decimate the microorganisms which are crucial for the septic tanks, sand filter and soil in the effluent irrigation areas. Have Woolworths come up with an alternative which will sanitise the equipment and surfaces in accordance with health regulations, AND not have a detrimental effect on the vital microorganisms???<br /><br />EFFLUENT DISPOSAL BY IRRIGATION: To stop the effluent seeping across carparks, footpaths and boundary buffers a 15mm kerb will be put around the irrigation area which will also (supposedly) stop floodwaters entering the irrigation area. An intricate system of soil moisture sensors will have to be installed to continually monitor the soil’s carrying capacity. Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling stress that “the effluent should never cause the soil to become saturated”. Interestingly, the site is usually saturated anyway and the Station Street ditch alongside the Woolworths site has had water in it since the Woolworths announcement in Jan 2008. <br /><br />HALF METRE BUFFER ZONE: Has Byron Shire Council agreed to accept the half a metre buffer which is proposed between the on-site irrigation system and the Council’s boundary? How can Woolworths predict the effluent won’t seep beyond this decreed line? Are Woolworths like King Canute who decreed the tide not to rise? <br /><br />CONCLUSION: Have Woolworths been able to come up with answers to the above questions in their latest “information” supplied to Council this week? Are their stringent controls and management practices likely to work? Who will be making sure they comply with their own promises? The whole thing looks, as Garry Scott would say “ludicrous”. We eagerly await Council’s assessment of Woolworths “new information”.<br /><br />CONTACTING COUNCILLORS: Although they are super busy and earn only peanuts, we do have a democratic right to contact them to share our concerns. Separate messages to each councilor may get a response. Congratulations to Cr Simon Richardson and his partner on the birth of their first child.<br /><br />Councillors details are: cr.jan.barham@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.basil.cameron@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.diane.woods@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.patrick.morrisey@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.richard.staples@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.ross.tucker@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.simon.richardson@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.tom.tabart@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.tony.heeson@byron.nsw.gov.au; Graeme.faulkner@byron.nsw.gov.au; ray.darney@byron.nsw.gov.au<br /><br />Ideally Woolworths should wait for the new Mullum STP and send their sewage over there. This was what was originally approved for the Mallams Stage Two. Everybody else has to wait for the STP, why not Woolworths?<br /><br /><br />*****************************************<br /><br /><br />GE FOOD LABELLING PETITION: http://www.truefood.org.au/OurRightToKnow/ Do you want to know whether your bread contains GE wheat? If so, sign the petition! We need to lobby to get food labeled, otherwise it won’t happen.<br /><br />TRANSITION TOWN IN VICTORIA? How can a community survive in the face of peak oil and climate change? Transition Towns are happening in Queensland and now Victoria. http://www.pigswillfly.com.au/?p=4092. Our local TT contact is David Hall 66804728: See our website calander for David’s DVD showings on Tuesdays.<br /><br />QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Treasurer Wayne Swan’s Budge Speech: “Small business is the backbone of the economy and are the largest employers, employing 4 million people”.<br /><br />Regards<br />Deborah<br />www.mullumaction.orgDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-20889556143646142872009-05-17T16:43:00.003+10:002009-05-17T17:19:29.382+10:00Update: 17 May 2009The situation in Mullumbimby re: Woolworths is that building cannot commence until Byron Shire Council (BSC) approves the crucial S68 sewage application. They have been sitting on it for weeks. Apparently BSC is waiting for “more information” from Woolworths – which looks like they are "negotiating". Byron Shire Council seems unwilling to give the straight “no” that the s68 (sewage application) deserves for an on-site sewage application on a soggy site that’s too small. Please check our website for full letter you can copy and send to Mayor, Councillors, General Manager and Director of Planning & Environment of Byron Shire Council. <br /><br />Robert suggests: "I am sure Council would feel much happier taking on an appeal by Woolworths in the Land and Environment court, with support from the community, rather than Council facing a challenge by the community if they approve the unsound application."<br /><br />YOUR SUPPORT NEEDED – send a message – even one line will do such as “Please reject Woolworths S68 application” to http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/contact <br /><br />FRESH FOOD???? Check this:<br />ttp://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/08/2565046.htm<br /> <br />Snippet:<br />The poor pig with maggots infested in the wound was honestly the worst thing I've ever seen," she said. The piggery is a supplier to Woolworths, but did not have industry accreditation.<br />The supermarket chain says it has given the operator a list of improvements.<br />A statement released by Woolworths said: "Woolworths responded immediately upon being informed with our head livestock buyer arriving in Tasmania within 48 hours to investigate the allegations." "We were not happy with the conditions on the farm and provided the supplier with a list of improvements to be met". Woolworths says it is visiting the farm every fortnight. <br /><br />VARIOUS UPCOMING EVENTS on our website www.mullumaction.org calendar (just click on the date for info): Transition Towns DVDs on Tuesdays at Ocean Shores; Repco Car Rally Demonstration in Murwillumbah on 28 May - see also Julie Boyd’s blog about this http://jboydedu.wordpress.com/ You too can add an event to our calendar on the website.<br /><br />TWEED COAST DEVELOPERS IN ADMINISTRATION: Owing more than $300 million (see http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2009/03/04/55431_gold-coast-business.html). Resortcorp’s extravagant developments right up to Noosa are viewable on http://www.resortcorp.com.au/developments. Are these the same guys who intended to create new housing estates in Mullumbimby like “Casurina” (now in receivership) and make it the “major town” as projected by Frank Sartor (ex Planning Minister) in his Draft Regional Far North Coast Strategy? Because of the so-called potential “major town” status, this was the reason, Frank said, that we need a “full line supermarket”. The financial crisis may have a silver lining. <br /><br />YOUR SUPPORT NEEDED – send a message – even one line will do such as “Please reject Woolworths S68 application” to http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/contact <br /><br />Message from the Rainforest Information Centre, Lismore www.rainforestinfo.org.au <br />TASSIE FOREST WARRIORS UNDER SEIGE!! (22 arrests just two days ago!)<br />Call out for crew to get down to Tassie. Please Come to Tassie to help or do what you can from afar, contact all Tassie politicians and Prime Minister Rudd, Enviro Min. Garrett and Climate Change Min. Penny Wong. Visit stillwildstillthreatened@gmail.com for contact details and more info,<br /><br />Politicians need to know of your serious concerns about the destruction of the globally significant forests of the Upper Florentine Valley. Become an active citizen and exercise your democratic right to let the government know that old-growth logging and the destruction of ancient ecosystems is unacceptable, and that serious changes to legislation and policy need to happen now!<br /><br />Write a letter (every hand written letter is viewed as representing the opinions of 100 voters, so it's certainly worth making the extra effort) or send an email to your local federal member and any (or all!) of the following members of parliament. Make an appointment with your local MPs. They are your employees and need to listen to your concerns. Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper and call up talk back radio. Get the word out in the media!<br /><br />DONATIONS? - BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS-<br />Donate online or at any Westpac Bank to help the campaign to save these precious forests.<br />Account name: Tasmanias Southern Forests<br />BSB #: 737001 AC#: 715846<br /><br />LOCAL RESILIENCE-BUILDING STRATEGIES: What can we do to make Mullumbimby resilient in the face of the economic meltdown and forthcoming post-peak-oil petrol price rises? How can we be ready and self sufficient? Watch this space for more news. If you have suggestions and would like to write something for our newsletter, contact Deborah@mullumaction.org<br /> <br />In this life we cannot always do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother TeresaDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-47351134569480213092009-01-25T14:06:00.001+11:002009-01-25T14:06:53.836+11:00newsletter 31WOOLWORTHS APPROVED - Despite all odds, the Minister Hon Kristina Keneally, has approved the Woolworths supermarket & bottleshop in Mullumbimby. Byron Shire Council’s submission has been ignored, the Environmental Consultants Whitehead & Associates have been ignored, 1500 community letters to ex-Premier Iemma and ex-Minister Sartor have been ignored, and 150 recent clicks on our campaign button have been ignored. Is this a symptom of rot in the system? Does something need to change?<br /><br />OBAMA’S CHANGE - “The world is changing – and we need to change too” said Barack Obama in his inauguration speech. On his first day of office he shut down Guantanamo Bay, other CIA “ghost prisons” as well as freeing up Bush’s secrecy over records. Obama’s orders will create transparency around political prisoners and transparency about records from the Bush, Bush Snr and Regan eras http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=616132 <br /><br />TRANSPARENCY - Where do we in NSW need political transparency? My initial suggestions are as follows:<br /><br />• Transparency about the Woolworths current proposals, plans and the Environmental Consultants Whitehead Associates Review – none of which were made available to the public despite our repeated requests. (We have seen nothing new from Wws or DoP since for nine months – since the public meeting in BSC Council chambers).<br /><br />• Transparency about political donations made by private individuals, developers etc to political parties. In particular, any Woolworths donations to the current State Labour party.<br /><br />• Transparency about why State Labour Planning Dept has swiped power of consent authority from local governments. Byron Shire Council is now powerless to reject inappropriate development in our Shire, as are all NSW local councils. Our Environmental Protection (EPA) Act (1970) has been undermined by “25 years of concerted determination to strip away our rights” (see Sylvia Hale Greens MP & Spokesperson on Planning speak on movie “RAID Rally a Resounding Success” on www.mullumaction.org where she explains why the EPA Act is now ineffectual, discusses developer donations, etc.) Also search Sue Higginson, EDO on our website for her paper on Climate Change Issues and explanation of Part 3A of EPA Act. <br /><br />UNHOLY ALLIANCE - The new Minister for Planning, The Hon Kristine Keneally’s allegiance with Woolworths appears more important than the fact that Byron Shire Council (BSC) condemned the current Woolworths plans as “unacceptable” and said that if BSC were the consent authority, consent would not be forthcoming. <br /><br />Furthermore, according to the BSC submission of 8.12.08 to DoP, the Environmental Consultants Whitehead Associates did not endorse the Woolworths proposals and said that “We stress the design stretches the land capability of this constrained site to its limits”. Have these “environmental experts” taken climate change into account?<br /><br />CLIMATE CHANGE - The Woolworths site was selected for a local supermarket some 6 years ago, and since then climate change has become a no 1 issue. For example the King Tide last week was half a metre higher than usual and the Woolworths on-site sewage and wastewater disposal is just 500 metres from the tidal river. Furthermore Wws floor level is just 18 cm higher than the Mothers Day flood of 1987. <br /><br />UNITED NATIONS stated last Thursday 22/1/09 that in 2008 there was a “dramatic increase in … worldwide disasters” and that floods and weather disasters were the most frequent disaster events. <br /><br />CLIMATE RISK HOTSPOT Just over the border, SE Queensland has been identified as a “climate risk hotspot” and the Qld Government has embedded climate change as its no. 1 issue in its draft Regional Plan for S E Qld - see “latest news” on www.mullumaction.org.<br /><br />Given the above, we can confidently expect that the Wws development, just 3.5m above sea level and 500m from the tidal Brunswick River, is going to be affected by climate change and in particular their on-site sewage disposal may well be dispersed around the town in the event of a flood. Get this ….<br /><br />WWS STORAGE OF FLOODWATERS ONSITE!!! The Department of Planning’s News Release of Thurs 22/1/09 p2 states:<br /><br />“The design also mitigates flood impacts by ensuring that the development does not reduce the area available on the site for the storage of floodwaters”. <br /><br />(Are they joking?) I will happily send copies of Dept Planning (DoP)’s News Release and Byron Shire Council’s submission to DoP on the Woolworths proposal to anyone that wants it. Contact me via www.mullumaction.org <br /><br /><br />MCAN FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY will be on Australia Day 26.1.09 at Heritage Park at end of Stuart Street, by the river from 5 pm. Bring a picnic to share. We will be brainstorming our next strategy and welcome input from community. Entertainment will be community based – have you got a song or a poem? Come and perform your party piece!<br /><br />We are not fazed: this is just the next phase. As George W Bush said “The future will be better tomorrow”.<br />In solidarity<br />DeborahDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-79494256866761338102009-01-16T13:48:00.001+11:002009-01-16T13:55:25.528+11:00MCAN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION/strategies/Erskineville winNEWSLETTER NO 30<br /><br />Greetings MCANics<br /><br /><strong>MCAN FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY</strong> – We are nearly one year old! Born on Australia Day 26 January 2008, we will be having a birthday celebration, gathering and update at Heritage Park at the end of Stuart Street, by the river at 5 pm. Please bring a plate to share and a poem, song or performance piece. All welcome!!<br /><br /><strong>WORLDS LEADING ENVIRONMENTALIST</strong> will be giving a short video and talk with Helena Norberg-Hodge on Monday 19 January at Mullum Civic Hall, 7 pm, gold coin donation.<br /><br /><strong>Strategies to Save the Earth</strong><br />An Evening with Doug Tompkins<br />Founder of North Face and Esprit<br />turned Passionate Ecological Activist<br /><br />Doug Tompkins has just spent more than a month on the Sea Shepherd. He will be in Australia for three days, and will be giving only one public talk. Doug is quite possibly the most influential environmentalist in the world today. Following an extremely successful business career, he has poured all his energy and almost all his money into restoring ecosystems and supporting strategic initiatives for political and economic change. He lives in Chile and Argentina, where he has bought millions of hectares of land in order to create national parks. For two decades he has been a primary funder of the deep ecology, anti-globalisation and pro-localisation movements worldwide.<br /><br /><strong>ERSKINEVILLE WINS AGAINST WOOLWORTHS!!</strong> In May 2008 City of Sydney Council refused an application for a Woolworths (and ancilliary shops). The developers then made an appeal at the Land and Environment Court, which has this week been dismissed because of the scale, intensity, traffic generation and adverse impact on the village.. Bravo to the community group <a href="http://www.erskinevillevillage.org/">www.erskinevillevillage.org/</a><br /><br /><strong>KING TIDE</strong> at Northern Rivers on Monday 12 Jan was 0.50m higher than usual. CSIRO said it was the highest tide in 18 years, and we can expect more King Tides. Being just 500 metres from the Brunswick River on the floodplain, Woolworths site is vulnerable to tide surges. They have set their floor just 0.50m above the height of the 1 in 100 year flood average. If there was another King Tide at 0.50m plus a major flood …. Would their shop floor be inundated … and what about the on-site sewage? This is a potential health hazard and environmental disaster.<br /><br />Please click on our website <a href="http://www.mullumaction.org/">www.mullumaction.org</a> CAMPAIGN BUTTON which sends a direct message to Premier Nathan Rees and Planning Minister Kristina Keneally.<br /><br />Erskineville won by public support – lets follow their example!!<br />See you on Australia Day.... let's party!Deborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-77053358817136054912009-01-16T13:46:00.000+11:002009-01-16T13:48:08.018+11:00HAPPY NEW YEAR MCANicsThanks everyone for their support this year – we have kept the behemoth at bay! It was 1st January 2008 that the Woolworths announcement was in the Echo.<br /><br />OUR FIRST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION – will be on Australia Day, 26 January. We could gather on-site and have another bonfire, early evening, weather permitting.<br /><br />LATEST NEWS: BYRON SHIRE COUNCIL’S SUBMISSION TO DEPT PLANNING ‘UNACCCEPTABLE” on-site wastewater management plan. Woolworths latest efforts to gain on-site sewage approval and abuse the Consent Conditions of the original DA approved by ex-Minister Sartor have been met with disapproval from Byron Shire Council who say “if they were the consent authority … consent would not be forthcoming”.<br /><br />Details of the December 08 submission are on <a href="http://www.mullumaction.org/">www.mullumaction.org</a> and if anyone wants a full copy, please contact Deborah. Some of the concerns raised by Whitehead Associates Environmental Consultants employed by DoP are on our homepage, such as the half-metre buffer zone for Wws sewage system, the use of their cleaning chemicals rendering the on-site system inoperable, proposed illegal pumpout of sewage setting a new precedent for other developers in the Shire, etc.<br /><br />CLIMATE CHANGE media release for S E Queensland – a potential hotspot on our doorstep…. article on our website.<br /><br />NEW STP: Why is this being built on a floodplain next to the tidal river, surrounded by high hills? Watch out for our guessing competition coming up.<br /><br />Here’s hoping the State government hasn’t got any silly season surprises in store for us.<br />Please click on our website campaign button to let them know we care. (Thanks Robert for all your website work).<br /><br />Perhaps the economic downturn might save Mullumbimby from rampant expansionism. Small is really beautiful!<br /><br />Cheers,<br />DeborahDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-67131169240719347722008-12-16T08:10:00.001+11:002008-12-16T08:12:27.306+11:00NEWSLETTER 15.12.08 - MORE WOOLLY PROMISESMULLUMBIMBY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK<br />www.mullumaction.org<br />NEWSLETTER 28 – 15.12.08<br /><br />WOOLWORTHS GONE VEGETARIAN?? They’re promising not to process meat or chicken at their proposed Mullumbimby supermarket!! Have they gone vegetarian? No, it’s their latest ruse to get on-site sewage accepted on the floodplain; they reckon if they don’t process these products they will have less wastewater!<br /><br />Dept of Planning (DoP) and Woolworths (Wws) have been having intercourse; 3 communications dated 7 Aug, 19 Sept & 19 Nov were sent from Wws to DoP, copies of which were sent to Byron Shire Council (BSC) recently together with an “independent” consultants review from Whitehead Associates commissioned by DoP. Presumably Whitehead Assoc were the persons taking soil samples from the site a few weeks age. BSC was invited to make a submission to DoP re: this “new information” from Wws, the closing date being 8 December. Did BSC buy the vegetarian promise from Woolies? I am attempting to get a copy of their submission. Watch this space.<br /><br />I contacted Paula Tomkins (DoP) asking for copies of the above documents and for some time in order that MCAN could make a submission. She simply replied thus: “The Department is not inviting public submissions at this time” and failed to respond to my request for copies of the documents.<br /><br />I applied to BSC for the documents and was told to go to DoP for them. DoP are not answering me. Hello, what’s going on? Christmas is traditionally a special time for government to slip things through – remember last New Year’s Day when Woolworths was announced. Congratulations team, for keeping them at bay for a whole year!!<br /><br />HOW YOU CAN HELP – please go to <a href="http://www.mullumaction.org/">www.mullumaction.org</a> and click on our CAMPAIGN BUTTON which will send a message direct to Premier Nathan Rees and Minister of Planning Kristina Keneally. Please ask your friends to click too. It’s easy!<br /><br />MULLUM’s POO PIES – BSC councilors voted 6-3 to fix up (and replace if necessary) the leaky sewage pipes which dispatch raw sewage into the Brunswick River. This happens in times of heavy rain when the water table rises and groundwater infiltrates the pipes. Their Resolution 08-748 sounds great and this is my summary of it.<br /><br />That should the pipes be deemed in need of replacement that funding will be made available for this work as a priority of 2009/10. Also, the moratorium will not be lifted until the rainwater going into the pipes is no more than five times the average Dry Weather Flow, and that residents will be kept informed of what’s going on re the pipes.<br /><br /><br />RUDD’S ROTTEN 5% EMISSION TARGET: Is this adequate for protecting Great Barrier Reef, Murray Darling and Kakadu? Is Kevin showing leadership and commitment to a meaningful target?? Complete on-line survey (2 mins) <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4aEBfIJsFB3owEi0_2fG7u0w_3d_3d">http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4aEBfIJsFB3owEi0_2fG7u0w_3d_3d</a><br />and/or write to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Climate Change Minister Penny Wong at Commonwealth Government Offices, 70 Phillip Street, Sydney 2000.<br /> <br />CLASS ACTION RE CLIMATE CHANGE: Article from The Guardian: “You could soon sue oil and power companies for climate change” – how about a class action against Wws for contributing to climate change? Or Kevin perhaps?<br /><a href="http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=613261">http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=613261</a><br /><br />MCAN CHRISTMAS GATHERING 16 DEC: (Also My 60th Birthday and Duncan’s birthday). Please call Deb for directions 66843723<br /><br />QUOTE: DYLAN THOMAS<br />Do not go gentle into that good night.Rage, rage against the dying of the light.<br /><br />My version:<br />Do not go gentle into Mullum’s plight<br />Rage, rage against the Big Box fight<br />(with your keyboard).<br /><br />Blessings<br />DebDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-37436954366053323212008-11-25T00:14:00.001+11:002008-11-25T00:16:29.067+11:002 days left to lobby CouncillorsGreetings<br /><br />POLLUTION AND MULLUM PIPES: I have today lodged an official complaint to EPA (now known as Dept of Environment and Climate Change) about the sewage pollution in the town and in the river.<br /><br />VOTING ON STP THIS THURSDAY This week the councilors vote on whether to go ahead with the new STP (sewage treatment plant) or fix up Mullum’s broken pipes – or even delay the decision whilst exploring all options. Cr Staples has suggested piping (more) liquid wastes to fertilise farmland – this has been done usefully in Main Arm, and could well ease the pressure on the old STP.<br /><br />For me the priority is to find out why the river is so polluted and whether the new STP will fix the problem. This fix seems doubtful to me as the ancient terracotta pipes under Mullum are leaky and have perished seals; when it rains heavily the water table rises and there is an exchange of rainwater and sewage. The sewage is diluted up to 15 times and overwhelms the old STP and ends up in the river (untreated). More gets into the river at Heritage Park near the end of Dalley Street, and some bubbles up into Susan Skyvington’s garden in Dalley Street, much to her disgust.<br /><br />There is some rush to get the STP happening as a State Gov grant of $2m may expire soon. This is maybe 4% of the total cost of around $40-$50million; a massive capital expenditure about 5 times the cost of the Council Chambers which kept us in the red for some 5 years. This begs the question: will other projects like Lighthouse Road and Helen Street bridge still be attended to?<br /><br />OPEN SLATHER: If the STP gets the green light, the building moratorium will be lifted and there will be open slather – some 2000 new houses, Woolworths and whatever else the State Gov decides for us. According to the Local Government Association:<br /><br />“NSW communities are the big losers in changes announced by the Planning Minister that will see 90% of major development applications (DAs) in coastal and metropolitan areas decided by state government appointees.” (Deb will forward full media release or for more info contact or Local Gov Assoc Media Officer: Kristie Down - 0427 109 593; Media Comment: Cr Genia McCaffery - 0419 404 867).<br /><br />PLEASE ASK COUNCILLORS TO FIX THE PIPES! You have two days left, voting is this Thursday. This is a pivotal decision for the future of Mullumbimby. <a href="mailto:cr.basil.cameron@byron.nsw.gov.au">cr.basil.cameron@byron.nsw.gov.au</a>; <a href="mailto:cr.diane.woods@byron.nsw.gov.au">cr.diane.woods@byron.nsw.gov.au</a>; <a href="mailto:cr.jan.barham@byron.nsw.gov.au">cr.jan.barham@byron.nsw.gov.au</a>; <a href="mailto:cr.patrick.morrisey@byron.nsw.gov.au">cr.patrick.morrisey@byron.nsw.gov.au</a>; <a href="mailto:cr.richard.staples@byron.nsw.gov.au">cr.richard.staples@byron.nsw.gov.au</a>; <a href="mailto:cr.ross.tucker@byron.nsw.gov.au">cr.ross.tucker@byron.nsw.gov.au</a>; <a href="mailto:cr.simon.richardson@byron.nsw.gov.au">cr.simon.richardson@byron.nsw.gov.au</a>; <a href="mailto:cr.tom.tabart@byron.nsw.gov.au">cr.tom.tabart@byron.nsw.gov.au</a>; <a href="mailto:cr.tony.heeson@byron.nsw.gov.au">cr.tony.heeson@byron.nsw.gov.au</a> <br /><br /><br />DEPT OF PLANNING has organized soil tests on Station Street Site. No news re: S96 result.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mullumaction.org/">WWW.MULLUMACTION.ORG</a> is being continually updated: see our new campaign button. Thanks to Robert.<br /><br />THE GENERATOR (Bay FM 9am Mondays) was highly commended at the National Radio Awards in Alice Springs over the weekend and The Generator News is now appearing in a New York newspaper, fortnightly. Bravo Giovanni and Charlie.<br /><br />AVOID GMOs IN YOUR FOOD: 5 top ways<br /><a href="http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=612062">http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=612062</a><br /><br />HELP STOP FARMER SUICIDES: <a href="http://www.newint.com.au/cotton/?utm_source=ni-enews-oz-2008nov24&utm_medium=email&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=new-internationalist-enews-oz-shop">http://www.newint.com.au/cotton/?utm_source=ni-enews-oz-2008nov24&utm_medium=email&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=new-internationalist-enews-oz-shop</a><br /><br />GREEN DRINKS – Mitra Ardron invites sustainably-minded people to get together and network at Poinciana Café, Thurs 4th December from 5 pm. Come when you like, leave when you like, and there will be a table for business cards, leaflets, etc.<br /><br />LUNCH WITH Wws NEW SPIN MAN: <a href="http://i.mysunshinecoast.com.au/bm/oid35994/doc/November_Lunch.pdf" target="_blank">http://i.mysunshinecoast.com.au/bm/oid35994/doc/November_Lunch.pdf</a><br /><br />QUOTE: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (J. Ife, 1999)<br />Ecological principle: sustainability<br />Consequences: Conservation, Reduced consumption, no-growth economics, constraints on technological development, anti-capitalist.<br /><br />Cheers<br />DeborahDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-42290133963293740302008-11-10T14:48:00.001+11:002008-11-10T14:51:18.695+11:00stuff up the shire for $2m!!NEWSLETTER 25<br /><br />Greetings MCANics<br /><br />URGENT LOBBYING WANTED!!<br /><br />What is the source of pollution in the Brunswick River? Is it the old Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), the ancient leaky pipes under Mullumbimby or upstream contamination? Please ask councilors to investigate this before voting on proposed new STP on 27.11.08. This is especially important for those impacted by sewerage smells in town, or had raw sewage bubbling up into your back garden or under your house.<br /><br />Please ask councilors to investigate the source of pollution before voting for the behemoth. A new STP may not solve the problem of pollution in the Brunswick River. <br /><br />Ask them to delay the decision to think this through -new councilors need time to consider the implications. There is some pressure to have the councilors vote “yes” (see ad in Byron Shire News 30.10.08 p5). A new STP will lift the 10-year building moratorium but will it fix the pollution problem??? <br /><br />A new STP may be the largest ever capital expenditure in the Shire. Even the $8m Council Chambers had us in the red for years, and the new STP may cost between $40m and $50m (they still don’t know the full cost). Who’s paying for it? Us!! Our rates may well have to rise to meet this. When might it be paid for?<br /><br />A State Government grant for $2m has been offered to BSC and this may soon expire, causing more pressure on councilors. The grant may only cover about 4% of the total STP cost, which is as yet unknown. As Nadia Pietramale said “Stuff up the Shire for $2m???” <br /><br />Richard Staples has proposed that reducing pressure on the STP by siphoning off liquid wastes to fertilise agricultural land would be a cheaper and greener alternative to a massive new chemical plant. This system is currently used successfully in Main Arm, and could be expanded.<br /><br />Councillors addresses are: cr.patrick.morrisey@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.tom.tabart@bigpond.com; cr.ross.tucker@bigpond.com; cr.basil.cameron@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.richard.staples@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.jan.barham@bigpond.com; cr.simon.richardson@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.diane.woods@byron.nsw.gov.au; <a href="mailto:cr.tony.heeson@byron.nsw.gov.au">cr.tony.heeson@byron.nsw.gov.au</a> also send to Don Page at <a href="mailto:don.page@parliament.nsw.gov.au">don.page@parliament.nsw.gov.au</a> and <a href="mailto:ray.darney@byron.nsw.gov.au">ray.darney@byron.nsw.gov.au</a><br /><br />The Councillors are our vehicle of democracy. Democracy rests on an ideal of equality in which everyone has a voice. Barack Obama has shown the power of democracy, see his “YES WE CAN” speech on <a href="http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=610706">http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=610706</a>.<br /><br />Avaaz petition to Barack Obama on human rights, climate change and peace<br /><a href="http://www.avaaz.org/en/million_messages_to_obama/?cl=142807752&v=2373" target="_blank">http://www.avaaz.org/en/million_messages_to_obama</a><br /><br />Powerlessness is passé, and our web network is our most powerful ally. Please forward this to your contacts. Our voices must be heard as all future capital works in the shire may be at stake for years to come. Peter Cundall (Gardening Aust) sent message to RAID Rally “If you don’t fight, you lose”.<br /><br />Seen our website lately??? New movie of Bob Brown, and check out RAID rally movie. <a href="http://www.mullumaction.org/">www.mullumaction.org</a> Robert our webmaster has done brilliant work.<br /><br />“Will your grandchildren thank you for this decision?” (Bob Brown).<br /><br />Cheers<br />DeborahDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-4970944279761123392008-11-05T16:20:00.001+11:002008-11-05T16:24:54.515+11:00Newsletter 24Greetings MCANics<br /><br />MULLUM STP – renew or fix the pipes instead? This is being debated by councilors (proposed by Richard Staples : cr.richard.staples@byron.nsw.gov.au). See ad p.5 of BSN 30.10.08 urging us to contact local councilors with an opinion on the debate. Many articles in the Echo (and letters from Duncan Dey and Garry Scott) have said the dilapidated state of the ageing pipes under Mullumbimby are the cause of the raw sewage being flushed into the river during rain. Will a new STP fix the pollution problem…. or will upgrading the pipes? Councillors workshopping the issue will present findings at Ordinary Meeting on 27 Nov.<br /><br />Co-incidentally, the Sat Star last week announced that Woolworths proponents are now intending to connect directly to new STP when it comes online.<br /><br />RAID DOSSIER given to the press at the RAID rally, representing each group (including Mullumbimby) and all that is wrong the NSW planning laws is at: http://www.friendsofcurrawong.com/RAID/raidgroups.htm. It will be presented to Planning Minister when Friends of Currawong meet her on 11 November and contains resolution passed at the Rally.<br /><br />RAID MOVIE: on www.mullumaction.org shows easy-to-digest speeches on the crux of the planning issues. Brilliant speakers such as Sylvia Hale (Greens) stating “What we’ve seen in the last 25 years is a concerted determination to strip away those rights (of the EPA Act)” In other words, we have now lost the environmental protection won in the 1970s by the likes of Jack Mundy. She goes on to say that the development industry poured millions of dollars into the coffers of the Labour party, who used it for saturation tv advertising, and 12 months after the election provided a set of “reforms” to the planning legislation based on the wish-list of the development industry. Have a click on this informative, inspiring and motivating movie. (Thanks to Robert Hart for making this).<br /><br />MULLUMBIMBY UPDATE: We await new Minister Kristina Keneally’s decision on the S96 changes to the DA proposed by Wws. The best we can hope from her is to give the decision-making process back to Byron Shire Council. A flurry of requests for her to do so around the time of receiving the RAID dossier on 11 Nov, might be good: office@keneally.minister.nsw.gov.au<br /><br />BOB BROWN MOVIE: After Bob’s speech at BBCC last Saturday, Robert has added movie and article to www.mullumaction.org. What I appreciate about Bob’s speech is they way he makes info accessible; one kilo of CO2 can be emitted just by taking the car to the shops. Click for inspiration and news of the threatened lungfish to provide small amount of water to Brisbane – the city without tanks! Hear about the logging phenomena gathering pace in Australia and about the greenhouse gasses its producing.<br /><br />THE COALY MOLEYS: Greenpeace Video on Rudd’s $1.2billion handout to coal industry – bottom line is “Imagine paying someone to be a prick”. Funny.<br />http://www.yourcalloncoal.org/gpcm/landing.php?utm_source=ni-enews-oz-2008nov04&utm_medium=email&utm_content=body&utm_campaign=new-internationalist-enews-oz-shop<br /><br />JENNI CARGILL STRONG will be on Bay FM this Friday 7 Nov on Shakedown – Red Terra interviewing her about social change, trees, personal healing tales, etc. (plus CD giveaway). Jenni’s ACE course “Storytelling from the Heart” starts 12 Nov. Call her 6684 6548.<br /><br />“What’s more important, coal or food?” Bob Brown.<br /><br />Regards, Deborah.Deborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-14503121232114822492008-10-14T16:22:00.001+11:002008-10-14T16:24:36.292+11:00NEWSLETTER 23TONIGHT – Organics and Community Food Systems: Community Film and Forum Night at Mullum Council Chambers (the Round House). 6 – 8.30 pm celebrating National Organic Week.<br /><br />The evening will commence with the short film 'Think Global, Eat Local: A Diet For A Sustainable Society'. The film celebrates local food projects in communities around the world - farmers markets, food box systems, food coops, community farms, community gardens and school gardens, touching on many of the issues caused by our current unsustainable food systems and providing strategies for relocalisation. Following the film, hear a series of inspiring presentations from local farmers and sustainability experts then join the interactive forum to discuss organics and sustainable food systems as a means of relocalisation. Speakers include Tim Winton and local farmer Alasdair Smithson, chaired by Jan Barham.<br /><br />RAID RALLY – SYDNEY – Sunday 19 October. Meeting at Hyde Park (St James Station) at 10am: will be community groups from all over NSW – all of them angry about recent changes to Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act), particularly Part 3A, which has given extraordinary powers to the Planning Minister to override local councils, community wishes and expert opinion as well as blithely ignoring issues of sustainability and climate change.<br /><br />Speakers include Jack Mundey, Shane Withington, speakers from political parties, National Trust, National Parks Association, and community groups – Currawong, Sandon Point, Catherine Hill Bay and many others (see <a href="http://www.friendsofcurrawong.com/">www.friendsofcurrawong.com</a> the main RAID website).<br /><br />Sue Higginson from the EDO (Environmental Defenders Office, Lismore) has written a paper concerning the integration of considerations of ESD, BASIX Climate change and offsets (Bio banking) into the Environmental Assessment process. (view via <a href="http://www.mullumaction.org/">www.mullumaction.org</a>). <br /><br />Sue explains what the new Clause 3A to the EPA Act means, that inappropriate developments which can adversely impact the environment are now mostly assessed under Part 3A of the EPA Act and issues of climate change and sustainability are “simply not provided for”.<br /><br />In other words, the Minister can approve Woolworths Development application in Mullum even with sewage capacity for a single bedroomed house … not to mention all the other disastrous issues involved with this application.<br /><br />Deborah and Robert will travel to Sydney to support the rally and fly the banner “MULLUMBIMBY – SHAFTED BY THE STATE GOV” <br /><br />Donations towards our costs, however small, may be made at Southern Cross Credit Union, BSB 802 185 a/c 132418 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby (account: Mullumbimby Community Action Network - type S10).<br /><br />WWS PLANS – still no news yet on whether Minister Katrina Keneally has approved these.<br /><br />LABEL GM FOODS PETITION: <a href="http://www.truefood.org.au/OurRightToKnow/">http://www.truefood.org.au/OurRightToKnow/</a><br /><br />MOBILE PHONE RESEARCH: Alarming new research from Sweden on the effects of radiation raises fears that today`s youngsters face an epidemic of the disease in later life.<br /> “Study: mobile phone use raises children’s risk of brain cancer fivefold” (also cordless phones and wi-fi). <a href="http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=606796">http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=606796</a><br /><br />Article in The Age “Behind the smoke, Byron Bay is just another Theme Park”<br /><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/behind-the-smoke-byron-bay-is-just-another-theme-park-20080924-4n5o.html">http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/behind-the-smoke-byron-bay-is-just-another-theme-park-20080924-4n5o.html</a><br /><br />JOHN LENNON’s birthday celebration at Strawberry Fields NY: movie on YouTube.<br /><br />“A day without laughter is a day wasted” – Charlie Chaplin<br /><br />Regards<br />DeborahDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-3962790523586732472008-08-27T16:40:00.001+10:002008-08-27T16:42:05.947+10:00NEWSLETTER NO 20ABC 4 CORNERS this Monday, 1 September, features enquiry into the big box supermarket and will show footage of our demo held 12 July. If you miss the programme, you can see it online at <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/4corners">www.abc.net.au/4corners</a><br /><br />NATIONAL WOTTING DAY last week was carried out in dozens of Wws supermarkets around the country. Wot is it? Outlined in <a href="http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,17395086-3102,00.html">http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,17395086-3102,00.html</a>... “ As well as the majority of residents boycotting the new store, there would be "wotters" lining up to fill their trolleys with goods and then abandoning them in the aisles. The term "wotting" comes from Woolworths Operation Trolleys and is a practice encouraged by anti-Woolworths demonstrators who see it as a way of expressing their opposition to the Maleny store.” <br /><br />ENVIRONMENT DEFENDERS OFFICE is presenting a series of free talks (ca.30 - 45 mins. long) on Human Rights and the Environment on the last Fridaysof the month at the Byron Community Centre Verandah Room (first floor), withdrinks and nibbles from 6 for 6.30pm, followed by questions. Friday 29 August: SANITATION, with Ben Fawcett, ex-Southampton UniversityFriday 26 September: MINING, with Techa Beaumont, Mineral Policy InstituteFriday 31 October: WATER, with Ilona Millar, Baker and McKenzieFriday 28 November: CHEMICALS, with Dr. Mariann Lloyd-Smith, National ToxicsNetwork Although they are often thought of as two distinct realms, many human rightsdepend on environmental protection, and vice-versa. Come and hear local andvisiting experts talk about the interdependence of the social and naturalworlds, with a focus on international issues and initiatives. For more information call Mark Byrne, Education Officer, EDO NorthernRivers, on 6622 8470 or email <a href="mailto:edonr@edo.org.au">edonr@edo.org.au</a>.<br /><br />UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE NORTHERN RIVERS<br /><br />1. Earth Spirit Action film now on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6jCpChUxOw<br />2. Forest and Climate Change Action Forums - September 5-7th Lismore, Byron Bay & Mullumbimby<br />3. Upcoming Youth Bicycle Tours (see below)<br />________<br /><br />1. If you haven't seen Earth Spirit Action, produced and directed by Ruth Rosenhek, you can view it now (16 mins) online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6jCpChUxOw. The film features Starhawk, Vandana Shiva, Ruth Rosenhek, John Seed and Matthew Fox speaking on Deep Ecology, Living Democracy and Revolution in Consciousness in a fast moving discussion of the type of change that needs to take place for a Sustainable Future. An inspirational and stimulating film including beautiful nature footage and a colourful array of global action shots.<br /><br />************** <br /><br />2. Get the facts on Australia's carbon bank! 3 Forest and Climate Change Action Forums<br /><br />Friday 5th Sept, 7pm - 9pm - Byron Bay<br />Railway park, next to Byron Bay Environment Centre's rotunda.<br /><br />Saturday 6th Sept, 10am -2pm - Mullumbimby<br />Heart Space, Santos Centre, 51 -53 Burringbar st.<br /><br />Sunday 7th September, 5-6PM Upstairs at Winsome Hotel, Lismore<br /><br />Costs: Free Entry<br />Organised by: The Wilderness Society<br /><br />The Australian National University recently released a report called Green<br />Carbon. This exciting new science shows that Australia's forests store huge<br />amounts of carbon, and they help reduce climate change. The research shows<br />that Australia's forests store at least three times more carbon than we<br />previously thought. On top of that, logging our forests releases dangerous<br />CO2 into the atmosphere, shrinking the size of the carbon bank and making<br />climate change worse.<br />Gemma Tillack from The Wilderness Society will be presenting an exciting<br />powerpoint about the Green Carbon report and will lead a session about how<br />local groups and individuals can contribute to the campaign.<br />For more information contact Gemma from The Wilderness Society on 0427 057<br />643 or email gemma.tillack@wilderness.org.au<br /><br />*************<br /><br />3. The Otesha Project (Aus.) is making massive preparations for it's two upcoming bicycle tours in NSW and Victoria to educate youth and raise awareness about environmental sustainability and social justice issues. The Otesha crew combines theatre performances with interactive workshops to empower high school students to consider different life choices. With much success they have been able to fill the NSW tour with 20 enthusiastic individuals from all walks of life. Come live in a roving community to educate youth about sustainable consumption from January 18th to March 1st, 2009 while "being the change you want to see in the world." Spots on tour are quickly filling up so get your application in at <a href="http://www.otesha.org.au/biketours/joinatour" target="_blank">http://www.otesha.org.au/biketours/joinatour</a> before the September 19, 2008 deadline!<br /><br /><br /><br />MULLUMBIMBY UPDATE: We still await news of the last S96 Amendments to Wws plans from <a href="mailto:paula.tomkins@planning.nsw.gov.au">paula.tomkins@planning.nsw.gov.au</a> who will be making recommendations to Minister Sartor. Sending her a message to show her you care will help us achieve our goal to stop Wws coming to Mullumbimby.<br /><br />WWS CEO: <a href="mailto:mluscombe@woolworths.com.au">mluscombe@woolworths.com.au</a> … keep up the pressure!<br /><br />MESSAGE FROM MALENY: As part of the ongoing resistance to woolworths Maleny, Reply paid feedback forms (available at any woolworths store) are regularly completed and mailed.... with ww paying the postage. Thousands of these forms have been sent in past couple of years.... We have no idea who the perpetrators are but perhaps persons unknown in your area may wish to join in. Apparently it is driving them wild.<br /><br />WWS CREDIT CARD LAUNCHED which will collect data on customers shopping habits <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/woolies-new-card-will-trail-shoppers/2008/08/26/1219516518185.html">http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/woolies-new-card-will-trail-shoppers/2008/08/26/1219516518185.html</a>. Creation of this card is a Wws partnership with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) described on Wikipedia as “the most profitable bank in the world” <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSBC">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSBC</a>. Info about HSBC predatory lending has been removed from Wiki, although <a href="http://www.householdwatch.com/">www.householdwatch.com</a> have plenty of horror stories about this financial institution, including the credit card interest rate being increased to 50% in India.<br /><br />WWS SUSTAINABILITY IS SPIN DEEP exposure on <a href="http://www.wakeupwoolworths.com/">www.wakeupwoolworths.com</a> about Wws connection with APP (Asia Pulp and Paper) allegedly the worst offenders re: environment and treatment of indigenous inhabitants.<br /><br />LETTER TO IEMMA – This month’s edition is on our website <a href="http://www.mullumaction.org/">www.mullumaction.org</a> (download and send). I heard on the news today that the Premier may be reshuffling the position of Minister for Planning! Maintain the rage!!<br /><br />Regards<br /><a href="mailto:Deborah@mullumaction.org">Deborah@mullumaction.org</a>Deborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-25298547832231232072008-08-23T15:10:00.000+10:002008-08-23T15:11:35.836+10:00newsletter no 19Greetings MCANics! (thanks, Echo for the collective noun)<br /><br />TELEPHONE TREE urgently needed this week. Please ring me 66843723 (or your contact person) or email <a href="mailto:deborah@mullumaction.org">deborah@mullumaction.org</a> with your phone number – how it works is I ring two people, they each ring two people, who each ring two more people – the message spreads like wildfire .... we have a message to send about a DIRECT ACTION happening very soon! This will have national repercussions.<br /><br />This Tree will also be useful if any building works are intended.<br /><br />EDO WORKSHOP: Solicitors from the Environmental Defenders Office, Lismore, will be explaining the major changes to NSW’s planning and development legislation, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, passed in June 2008.<br />Two evening workshops are for professionals, community groups and members of the public.<br />Ballina<br />When: 6-8 pm, Thursday 21 August 2008Where: Richmond Room, Regatta Ave, Ballina<br />Murwillumbah<br />When: 6-8pm, Thursday 4 September 2008Where: CWA Hall, 20 Queen St<br />The seminars are free of charge, however RSVP is essential. For more information or to register your interest, contact Mark Byrne on 02 6622 8470.<br />MULLUM COMMUNITY GARDENS official opening last Saturday – a beautiful celebration of a grassroots initiative deserving much success. A magical occasion – contact Jeanette at jl.martin@bigpond.com for more info.<br /><br />Truck Drivers apply Pressure to Woolies<br /><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/01/2321142.htm?section=justin">http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/01/2321142.htm?section=justin</a><br /><br />-some interesting comment re Coles /Woolies <a href="http://www.pigswillfly.com.au/?p=1090">http://www.pigswillfly.com.au/?p=1090</a><br /><br />“What Women Want” – registered as a political party one year ago – subscriptions $20 for this year now due <a href="http://www.whatwomenwant.org.au/home/modules/content/index.php?id=42">http://www.whatwomenwant.org.au/home/modules/content/index.php?id=42</a><br />cheers<br />DeborahDeborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556482965415946528.post-20961068178414247792008-07-31T23:31:00.002+10:002008-07-31T23:35:31.665+10:00newsletter no 18STATE-WIDE PROTEST: SARTOR’S PRO-DEVELOPER LAWS Sunday 3 August. We will be having our own gathering and photoshoot after the Mullum-to-Bruns walk/run on Sunday, at about 11.30 am.<br /><br />MULLUMtoBRUNS WALK/RUN: Sun 3 August – walkers depart Apex Park, 8.30 am. See p20 this week’s Echo for details or call Mehil 0419 220 897 <a href="http://www.mullumtobruns.org.au/">www.mullumtobruns.org.au</a> This event is non-political. However, with the Statewide Sartor protest happening on the same day, we can’t ignore it; as Jan B said at the demo “We have been shafted by Sartor” (visit our website to hear her speech <a href="http://www.mullumaction.org/">www.mullumaction.org</a> its in the video of the demo) MCAN and protesters can gather after the raffle prizewinners are drawn at the Bruns Soundshell (opp dolphin café) for our separate photoshoot for the press. Bring yer banner!<br /><br />SYDNEY MORNING HERALD printed an article about Mullumbimby, the demo and our campaign on Sat 26 July. Taking almost a full page, the informative article by local journalist Kate Hamilton gave the background to the Wws proposal as well as a fantastic picture of marchers at the recent demo, with plenty of colour & placards. View article on-line (no picture) <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/a-big-box-comes-knocking/2008/07/25/1216492732938.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2">http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/a-big-box-comes-knocking/2008/07/25/1216492732938.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2</a> Article with picture will be at our info table on Sunday at Bruns Soundshell, with DVDs for sale.<br /><br />ABC STATELINE (REGIONAL NEWS): “Bega Valley councillors have decided not to challenge the State Government's approval of new supermarket projects at Merimbula. This week the Council knocked back a proposal for a referendum on the proposed developments. Earlier, the Planning Minister refused to let the Council put a cap on the size of retail development in the town.” (from ABC on-line).<br /><br />WOOLWORTHS PLANS – what’s going on? Phone Paula Tomkins at Department of Planning (02) 9228 6397 or email her at <a href="mailto:paula.tomkins@planning.nsw.gov.au">paula.tomkins@planning.nsw.gov.au</a> for update on Sartor’s decision-making process. Remind her we care – she is the one to present recommendations to Sartor. Remind her that the Mullumbimby Settlement Strategy 2003 states on p17 “NO STAND-ALONE SHOPPING CENTRES WILL BE PERMITTED” <a href="http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/pub_comm_plan/settlement_strategies/Mullumbimby_Settlement_Strategy.pdf">http://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/pub_comm_plan/settlement_strategies/Mullumbimby_Settlement_Strategy.pdf</a><br /><br />IAN COHEN’S QUESTIONS TO SARTOR (in newsletter 17 last week)<br /><br />2. Q: Were you aware that this proposal contravened the Mullumbimby Settlement Strategy adopted by Byron Shire Council to not allow any stand alone supermarkets? A: I am advised by the Department of Planning that the approved development does not contravene the Mullumbimby Settlement Strategy 2003. <br /><br />The Minister is mistaken!!<br />This could be a theme for placards on Sunday. This is a splendid opportunity to come up with some original artworks – the standard of banners at the demo was brilliant! Thanks to everyone who showed up with their creations. The photo in SMH was so vibrant with a sea of colourful people and at least 14 placards on view. The Mullum message about Woolworths has reached across NSW and will soon go on national TV (more news about that soon). Let’s get a message out for Sartor!<br />See you Sunday.<br />Regards, Deborah<br /><br /> “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.<br />Margaret Mead 1901-1978Deborah Lillyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06306502456333538976noreply@blogger.com0