MULLUMBIMBY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK
www.mullumaction.org
NEWSLETTER 28 – 15.12.08
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!
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.
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.
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!!
HOW YOU CAN HELP – please go to www.mullumaction.org 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!
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.
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.
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) http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4aEBfIJsFB3owEi0_2fG7u0w_3d_3d
and/or write to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Climate Change Minister Penny Wong at Commonwealth Government Offices, 70 Phillip Street, Sydney 2000.
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?
http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=613261
MCAN CHRISTMAS GATHERING 16 DEC: (Also My 60th Birthday and Duncan’s birthday). Please call Deb for directions 66843723
QUOTE: DYLAN THOMAS
Do not go gentle into that good night.Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
My version:
Do not go gentle into Mullum’s plight
Rage, rage against the Big Box fight
(with your keyboard).
Blessings
Deb
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
2 days left to lobby Councillors
Greetings
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.
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.
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.
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?
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:
“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).
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. cr.basil.cameron@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.diane.woods@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.jan.barham@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
DEPT OF PLANNING has organized soil tests on Station Street Site. No news re: S96 result.
WWW.MULLUMACTION.ORG is being continually updated: see our new campaign button. Thanks to Robert.
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.
AVOID GMOs IN YOUR FOOD: 5 top ways
http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=612062
HELP STOP FARMER SUICIDES: 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
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.
LUNCH WITH Wws NEW SPIN MAN: http://i.mysunshinecoast.com.au/bm/oid35994/doc/November_Lunch.pdf
QUOTE: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (J. Ife, 1999)
Ecological principle: sustainability
Consequences: Conservation, Reduced consumption, no-growth economics, constraints on technological development, anti-capitalist.
Cheers
Deborah
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.
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.
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.
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?
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:
“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).
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. cr.basil.cameron@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.diane.woods@byron.nsw.gov.au; cr.jan.barham@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
DEPT OF PLANNING has organized soil tests on Station Street Site. No news re: S96 result.
WWW.MULLUMACTION.ORG is being continually updated: see our new campaign button. Thanks to Robert.
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.
AVOID GMOs IN YOUR FOOD: 5 top ways
http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=612062
HELP STOP FARMER SUICIDES: 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
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.
LUNCH WITH Wws NEW SPIN MAN: http://i.mysunshinecoast.com.au/bm/oid35994/doc/November_Lunch.pdf
QUOTE: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (J. Ife, 1999)
Ecological principle: sustainability
Consequences: Conservation, Reduced consumption, no-growth economics, constraints on technological development, anti-capitalist.
Cheers
Deborah
Monday, November 10, 2008
stuff up the shire for $2m!!
NEWSLETTER 25
Greetings MCANics
URGENT LOBBYING WANTED!!
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.
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.
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???
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?
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???”
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.
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; cr.tony.heeson@byron.nsw.gov.au also send to Don Page at don.page@parliament.nsw.gov.au and ray.darney@byron.nsw.gov.au
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 http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=610706.
Avaaz petition to Barack Obama on human rights, climate change and peace
http://www.avaaz.org/en/million_messages_to_obama
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”.
Seen our website lately??? New movie of Bob Brown, and check out RAID rally movie. www.mullumaction.org Robert our webmaster has done brilliant work.
“Will your grandchildren thank you for this decision?” (Bob Brown).
Cheers
Deborah
Greetings MCANics
URGENT LOBBYING WANTED!!
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.
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.
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???
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?
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???”
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.
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; cr.tony.heeson@byron.nsw.gov.au also send to Don Page at don.page@parliament.nsw.gov.au and ray.darney@byron.nsw.gov.au
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 http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=610706.
Avaaz petition to Barack Obama on human rights, climate change and peace
http://www.avaaz.org/en/million_messages_to_obama
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”.
Seen our website lately??? New movie of Bob Brown, and check out RAID rally movie. www.mullumaction.org Robert our webmaster has done brilliant work.
“Will your grandchildren thank you for this decision?” (Bob Brown).
Cheers
Deborah
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Newsletter 24
Greetings MCANics
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.
Co-incidentally, the Sat Star last week announced that Woolworths proponents are now intending to connect directly to new STP when it comes online.
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.
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).
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
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.
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.
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
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.
“What’s more important, coal or food?” Bob Brown.
Regards, Deborah.
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.
Co-incidentally, the Sat Star last week announced that Woolworths proponents are now intending to connect directly to new STP when it comes online.
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.
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).
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
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.
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.
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
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.
“What’s more important, coal or food?” Bob Brown.
Regards, Deborah.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
NEWSLETTER 23
TONIGHT – 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.
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.
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.
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 www.friendsofcurrawong.com the main RAID website).
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 www.mullumaction.org).
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”.
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.
Deborah and Robert will travel to Sydney to support the rally and fly the banner “MULLUMBIMBY – SHAFTED BY THE STATE GOV”
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).
WWS PLANS – still no news yet on whether Minister Katrina Keneally has approved these.
LABEL GM FOODS PETITION: http://www.truefood.org.au/OurRightToKnow/
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.
“Study: mobile phone use raises children’s risk of brain cancer fivefold” (also cordless phones and wi-fi). http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=606796
Article in The Age “Behind the smoke, Byron Bay is just another Theme Park”
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/behind-the-smoke-byron-bay-is-just-another-theme-park-20080924-4n5o.html
JOHN LENNON’s birthday celebration at Strawberry Fields NY: movie on YouTube.
“A day without laughter is a day wasted” – Charlie Chaplin
Regards
Deborah
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.
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.
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 www.friendsofcurrawong.com the main RAID website).
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 www.mullumaction.org).
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”.
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.
Deborah and Robert will travel to Sydney to support the rally and fly the banner “MULLUMBIMBY – SHAFTED BY THE STATE GOV”
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).
WWS PLANS – still no news yet on whether Minister Katrina Keneally has approved these.
LABEL GM FOODS PETITION: http://www.truefood.org.au/OurRightToKnow/
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.
“Study: mobile phone use raises children’s risk of brain cancer fivefold” (also cordless phones and wi-fi). http://www.mathaba.net/rss/?x=606796
Article in The Age “Behind the smoke, Byron Bay is just another Theme Park”
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/behind-the-smoke-byron-bay-is-just-another-theme-park-20080924-4n5o.html
JOHN LENNON’s birthday celebration at Strawberry Fields NY: movie on YouTube.
“A day without laughter is a day wasted” – Charlie Chaplin
Regards
Deborah
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
NEWSLETTER NO 20
ABC 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 www.abc.net.au/4corners
NATIONAL WOTTING DAY last week was carried out in dozens of Wws supermarkets around the country. Wot is it? Outlined in http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,17395086-3102,00.html... “ 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.”
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 edonr@edo.org.au.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE NORTHERN RIVERS
1. Earth Spirit Action film now on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6jCpChUxOw
2. Forest and Climate Change Action Forums - September 5-7th Lismore, Byron Bay & Mullumbimby
3. Upcoming Youth Bicycle Tours (see below)
________
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.
**************
2. Get the facts on Australia's carbon bank! 3 Forest and Climate Change Action Forums
Friday 5th Sept, 7pm - 9pm - Byron Bay
Railway park, next to Byron Bay Environment Centre's rotunda.
Saturday 6th Sept, 10am -2pm - Mullumbimby
Heart Space, Santos Centre, 51 -53 Burringbar st.
Sunday 7th September, 5-6PM Upstairs at Winsome Hotel, Lismore
Costs: Free Entry
Organised by: The Wilderness Society
The Australian National University recently released a report called Green
Carbon. This exciting new science shows that Australia's forests store huge
amounts of carbon, and they help reduce climate change. The research shows
that Australia's forests store at least three times more carbon than we
previously thought. On top of that, logging our forests releases dangerous
CO2 into the atmosphere, shrinking the size of the carbon bank and making
climate change worse.
Gemma Tillack from The Wilderness Society will be presenting an exciting
powerpoint about the Green Carbon report and will lead a session about how
local groups and individuals can contribute to the campaign.
For more information contact Gemma from The Wilderness Society on 0427 057
643 or email gemma.tillack@wilderness.org.au
*************
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 http://www.otesha.org.au/biketours/joinatour before the September 19, 2008 deadline!
MULLUMBIMBY UPDATE: We still await news of the last S96 Amendments to Wws plans from paula.tomkins@planning.nsw.gov.au 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.
WWS CEO: mluscombe@woolworths.com.au … keep up the pressure!
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.
WWS CREDIT CARD LAUNCHED which will collect data on customers shopping habits http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/woolies-new-card-will-trail-shoppers/2008/08/26/1219516518185.html. 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” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSBC. Info about HSBC predatory lending has been removed from Wiki, although www.householdwatch.com have plenty of horror stories about this financial institution, including the credit card interest rate being increased to 50% in India.
WWS SUSTAINABILITY IS SPIN DEEP exposure on www.wakeupwoolworths.com about Wws connection with APP (Asia Pulp and Paper) allegedly the worst offenders re: environment and treatment of indigenous inhabitants.
LETTER TO IEMMA – This month’s edition is on our website www.mullumaction.org (download and send). I heard on the news today that the Premier may be reshuffling the position of Minister for Planning! Maintain the rage!!
Regards
Deborah@mullumaction.org
NATIONAL WOTTING DAY last week was carried out in dozens of Wws supermarkets around the country. Wot is it? Outlined in http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,17395086-3102,00.html... “ 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.”
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 edonr@edo.org.au.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE NORTHERN RIVERS
1. Earth Spirit Action film now on YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6jCpChUxOw
2. Forest and Climate Change Action Forums - September 5-7th Lismore, Byron Bay & Mullumbimby
3. Upcoming Youth Bicycle Tours (see below)
________
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.
**************
2. Get the facts on Australia's carbon bank! 3 Forest and Climate Change Action Forums
Friday 5th Sept, 7pm - 9pm - Byron Bay
Railway park, next to Byron Bay Environment Centre's rotunda.
Saturday 6th Sept, 10am -2pm - Mullumbimby
Heart Space, Santos Centre, 51 -53 Burringbar st.
Sunday 7th September, 5-6PM Upstairs at Winsome Hotel, Lismore
Costs: Free Entry
Organised by: The Wilderness Society
The Australian National University recently released a report called Green
Carbon. This exciting new science shows that Australia's forests store huge
amounts of carbon, and they help reduce climate change. The research shows
that Australia's forests store at least three times more carbon than we
previously thought. On top of that, logging our forests releases dangerous
CO2 into the atmosphere, shrinking the size of the carbon bank and making
climate change worse.
Gemma Tillack from The Wilderness Society will be presenting an exciting
powerpoint about the Green Carbon report and will lead a session about how
local groups and individuals can contribute to the campaign.
For more information contact Gemma from The Wilderness Society on 0427 057
643 or email gemma.tillack@wilderness.org.au
*************
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 http://www.otesha.org.au/biketours/joinatour before the September 19, 2008 deadline!
MULLUMBIMBY UPDATE: We still await news of the last S96 Amendments to Wws plans from paula.tomkins@planning.nsw.gov.au 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.
WWS CEO: mluscombe@woolworths.com.au … keep up the pressure!
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.
WWS CREDIT CARD LAUNCHED which will collect data on customers shopping habits http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/woolies-new-card-will-trail-shoppers/2008/08/26/1219516518185.html. 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” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSBC. Info about HSBC predatory lending has been removed from Wiki, although www.householdwatch.com have plenty of horror stories about this financial institution, including the credit card interest rate being increased to 50% in India.
WWS SUSTAINABILITY IS SPIN DEEP exposure on www.wakeupwoolworths.com about Wws connection with APP (Asia Pulp and Paper) allegedly the worst offenders re: environment and treatment of indigenous inhabitants.
LETTER TO IEMMA – This month’s edition is on our website www.mullumaction.org (download and send). I heard on the news today that the Premier may be reshuffling the position of Minister for Planning! Maintain the rage!!
Regards
Deborah@mullumaction.org
Saturday, August 23, 2008
newsletter no 19
Greetings MCANics! (thanks, Echo for the collective noun)
TELEPHONE TREE urgently needed this week. Please ring me 66843723 (or your contact person) or email deborah@mullumaction.org 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.
This Tree will also be useful if any building works are intended.
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.
Two evening workshops are for professionals, community groups and members of the public.
Ballina
When: 6-8 pm, Thursday 21 August 2008Where: Richmond Room, Regatta Ave, Ballina
Murwillumbah
When: 6-8pm, Thursday 4 September 2008Where: CWA Hall, 20 Queen St
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.
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.
Truck Drivers apply Pressure to Woolies
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/01/2321142.htm?section=justin
-some interesting comment re Coles /Woolies http://www.pigswillfly.com.au/?p=1090
“What Women Want” – registered as a political party one year ago – subscriptions $20 for this year now due http://www.whatwomenwant.org.au/home/modules/content/index.php?id=42
cheers
Deborah
TELEPHONE TREE urgently needed this week. Please ring me 66843723 (or your contact person) or email deborah@mullumaction.org 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.
This Tree will also be useful if any building works are intended.
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.
Two evening workshops are for professionals, community groups and members of the public.
Ballina
When: 6-8 pm, Thursday 21 August 2008Where: Richmond Room, Regatta Ave, Ballina
Murwillumbah
When: 6-8pm, Thursday 4 September 2008Where: CWA Hall, 20 Queen St
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.
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.
Truck Drivers apply Pressure to Woolies
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/01/2321142.htm?section=justin
-some interesting comment re Coles /Woolies http://www.pigswillfly.com.au/?p=1090
“What Women Want” – registered as a political party one year ago – subscriptions $20 for this year now due http://www.whatwomenwant.org.au/home/modules/content/index.php?id=42
cheers
Deborah
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