Spring 2007 | Edition #97 | Circulation 6000 copies

David Duffy p3 | Festival of Sedition p6 Bernie Clarke p7 | Vincentia Subdivision Go Ahead p8

Gulaga Campaign And now it’s Patrick Thompson the beach was recently exhib- of the community 72.2% entitled to lobby for his project ited with a lack of community supported restricting height and Shelley Hancock is the local ews of yet another consultation. of buildings to two stories, Ms member. She advertisers as the Continues major development The real story, however, Hancock still made a submission local member to: ‘Please come in Virginia York proposal, this time concerns Member for the South in support of the DA claiming and see me – it will be a pleasure for Mollymook, has Coast, Shelley Hancock. Having that it was acceptable to the to help’. Apparently it doesn’t Campaigning and protest causedN widespread community commissioned a survey that community. matter what the community continues on the far south disquiet. disclosed that 94.1% of the Her submission along with feels about this particular project coast near Central Tilba where The latest proposal for a 79 community were opposed to many others arrived in advance or what her own survey found, logging has been happening in unit, six story development developments over four stories of the DA going on public Shelley Hancock supports this the foothills on the north side in Ocean Street adjacent to and the overwhelming majority exhibition. The developer is massive development. of sacred mountain Gulaga (Mt Dromedary) in Compartment 3046 of the Bodalla State Forest. After a fast announcement of the logging operation by Forests NSW, logging began in the beautiful spotted gum forests on the northern hills of Gulaga in early May and over the next 3 months the loggers were greeted each day by expe- rienced protesters and local community members blocking the road early each morning. Police presence was high - with regular despatches of 4 - 6 cars laden with up to 20 police on “truck days” when the logged trees are removed. Visits from concerned traditional land- owners and elders, flying visits from politicians Lee Rhiannon and Senator Kerry Nettle, and community based activists. After a tough cold and wet winter, the “vigil camp” packed up in late July, after a successful fundraising concert was held to help pay for arrest costs for protestors. There have been numerous arrests of both conser- vationists and local community members - including the much lauded “ granny arrests” of local women, and there has also been much local media coverage in the Narooma News and ABC Bega. Now the campaign continues in a “next phase” - with more protest and education activities designed to keep drawing atten- tion to what is happening still in the compartment. Drive on down and have a look one weekend at the damage - highly dispersible photo: Ron Doughton soils, canopy cover opened up, making ever more compromised the old growth forest ecosystems, conservationists alike. a weekly email update circu- website www.tilbalogging.com, the website, as well as lobbying and the usual devastation to Community meetings are lates to an ever growing list where email contacts are also tools such as letter templates and habitat areas - all this continues held in the small hall at Central of supporters. Further infor- given. Recent activities and arti- politicians addresses. The protest to outrage and disturb locals and Tilba every Sunday at 5pm and mation is available at the cles of interest are provided on continues ...  Spring 2007 #97

EDITORIAL L E T T E R S Howard’s THE NEW BUSH TELEGRAPH Community Will beauty of . We strolled have fallen but for the protection it EDITION 95, AUTUMN 2007 Not Be Muzzled on the white sand beaches and receives from the US led invaders. The views expressed in this Legacy wandered around the tracks in Like the Green Zone in Iraq, Kabul publication are not necessarily Booderee National Park, just is a little Yankee protectorate – a Congratulations on the revamped those of the Editor. Recently, I saw the film and new look New Bush Tele. It is taking in the scenery, watching canker that has to be removed if ‘Amazing Grace’ and it occurred great to have a “voice” of reason the wildlife, the dolphins and the progress is to be made. Editor: Patrick Thompson to me that it is a reasonable back in the Shoalhaven, and by whales, and taking an interest in Email: [email protected] proposition that had John the sound of things it is surely where you can fish and where Adam Bonner, Telephone: 0402 361 424 Howard been around in the late needed. you can’t. The wild and rugged Web Editor: Dennis Argall th 18 Century he would have coastline around Cape St. George Email: webnewbushtelegraph@ I read with dismay about the and the views from the ruined been opposed to the abolition aplaceof.info of the slave trade, if we are to Shoalhaven City Council’s decision lighthouse are magnificent. Mollymook worries judge by his performance in to allow more inappropriate devel- Typesetting & Layout: government. opment in the Shoalhaven; with The coastal village atmosphere I’m a resident of Mollymook Bungoona Technologies P/L, John Howard is an the Huskisson story leading the of Huskisson suited us just fine Beach, a quiet beachside village Grays Point NSW too, it’s what we identify with and suburb of Ulladulla that most peo- accomplished politician, as way in the latest edition of NBT. Printer: However, even more daunting (but easily fit into. Then we picked up ple on the South Coast know and I his record attests. With skill Weston Print, Kiama NSW he ‘divides and rules’ our sadly predictable) is the attack on a copy of The Bush Telegraph and have a serious problem. community through his careful the community itself by the Coun- read with alarm and disappoint- Send your letters, comments, promotion of racial and social cil saying that they will discommu- ment about the plans for future Last week locals received notice pictures, or contributions to: division. When the history nicate community groups seen to development of Huskisson. Why of a development application that The Editor, New Bush Telegraph, of his government is written, be involved in political activities. on earth would anybody in their Shoalhaven City Council would PO Box 2210, this is what Howard will be right state of mind suggest using allegedly like to pass. The ap- NSW 2540 This dramatic move by the Shoal- remembered and for little else. Port Stevens or Terrigal as models plication is for a six storey mega haven City Council is not only in- BUSH TELEGRAPH on the WEB As the federal election for future development here? The building to be built near the beach appropriate, but I am left wonder- http://newbushtelegraph.net approaches, one of John unique natural assets of Jervis at the end of our street and that ing who the Council will consult Howard’s predictable skills is his Bay and surrounds must be the doesn’t include the carpark under- benefits? Have councillors or staff - local scout groups - or are they ability to produce ‘rabbits’ from envy of many a coastal district, so neath. The building will contain been ‘persuaded’ in any way to too political? How can you have his hat. This time it started with why copy someone else’s model 79 home units, on eight blocks of vary height restrictions or urban a democratic community without the ‘nuclear’ one. Following for development? There must be land, most with homes. My maths density considerations? When my political opinion? Through this tells me that this is nearly a 10 one of his visits to President better options for this pristine objections arrive in Council do I action the Council is clearly saying fold increase in population. One Bush, Howard returned with place. have any guarantee that they will that giving voice to community doesn’t have to be Einstein to real- his nuclear vision for be fairly considered? What exactly opinions is of no importance to We were even more disappointed ize that the people who will own or was it rather his hope to are those guarantees and who them. to read of the impending sale the units and their friends and divide the ALP and splinter guarantees them? of the RSL Club car park. We visitors will have to drive down our the climate debate. Somehow I Surely consultation is the essence completely agree that the view quiet street to reach the Princes We’ve been reading and hearing doubt we will ever see Australia of good government, as well as is stunning and could rightly be Highway, changing it forever. Of about many such projects of late go nuclear. It was a loony idea being fundamental to sound lead- described as Huskisson’s soul. course, car parking will become in the Shoalhaven. I don’t oppose and politically has so far turned ership and democracy. Councils, We are saddened that the Council chronically overcrowded; spilling sensible development that’s in into a bit of a fizzer. like any other form of govern- would allow it to be ruined by into surrounding local streets. keeping with the area but creating Then came Howard’s ten ment, which do not consult their property developers. This piece of Increasing numbers of weekend a totally inappropriate mega build- billion plan to ‘save’ the constituents, cannot retain the real estate and its views should drunks returning from local clubs ing to line the pockets of a select Murray-Darling Basin. It came confidence of their community. A be preserved forever! will add to an already serious few, while destroying local amen- in response to the drought and strong, healthy community rowdiness problem at night. ity, has my total opposition. climate change. Any pretence ensures everyone has a voice, Phillip & Monica Clarke, that Howard was concerned regardless of whether everyone Inverell, NSW Now, this potential for social and I’m sure many Mollymookers about the environment is agrees with it. urban problems raises a few ques- feel the same way but maybe we ludicrous. John Howard’s tions. don’t count… concern for the environment Councillors should know that the Afghanistan War has never stretched further than community will not be muzzled. For example, how is it possible Ron Doughton the green lawns of Kirribilli Initiatives like the New Bush Afghanistan should never have that the two storey building code Mollymook House. Most of the money is to Telegraph prove how important been invaded in 2001. It was for this area can be lightly brushed compensate the farmers for past a strong community voice is, and vengeful overkill by the United aside? How is it possible that mistakes of over allocation. how important it is to recognise States and its allies to attack a ‘developers’ can propose huge Perhaps Howard’s most the full spectrum of political nation because of 9/11. If they urban buildings housing hundreds wanted to take out known Al Machiavellian plot to date has opinions ... whether Council likes of people in a tiny space and SUPPORT YOUR it or not. Qaeda sites they could have have their plans accepted? Why been his recent intervention LOCAL COMMUNITY into indigenous affairs with his done so without killing tens of is our council so keen to put a sudden concern for the welfare Brenda Duffy thousands of innocent Afghani’s. city building in the middle of a ADVERTISE IN of children. This from a man St Georges Basin It isn’t our job to keep the Taliban beach side village? Of the $25 THE NEW BUSH who can never bring himself to from returning to power. That’s the million construction cost quoted, TELEGRAPH say ‘sorry’ for past wrongs and job of the Afghan people. who apart from the developers, injustices to a stolen generation Saddened Visitors benefits? Are their any benefits to ONLY $6 of children and who found The current puppet government Council or Councillors? If so, how PER COL/CM On a recent short visit to Husk- it necessary to keep refugee in Kabul under Hamid Karzai has much and why? Also, if monies isson we thoroughly enjoyed TELEPHONE children behind barbed wire for little or no credibility outside of have been accepted, how can ourselves just taking in the natural years. the capital. His government would councillors ethically explain such And along came Dr Haneef. 0402 361 424 Fully acquainted with the facts that the public have thus far been denied, Howard’s government has tried to orchestrate a TSO Position Under Threat national security crisis, unable Rebecca Rudd when assessing Development threatened species and is now charter the first point is: “to to separate national security Applications. If Council fails to looking at using consultants to provide directly or on behalf of from electoral security. And so Shoalhaven City properly consider this issue, any fill this role. other levels of government, after it goes on. Council has one of the highest development consent is open to Indicative cost estimates consultation, adequate, equitable What follows now is hard to numbers of Threatened Species legal challenge by a third party suggest that outsourcing the and appropriate services and predict. Having choked off much and Endangered Ecological and a lengthy and expensive threatened species assessment facilities for the community and revenue to the States, Howard Communities of any local govern- court case can ensue. role will be more costly than to ensure that those services and will now try to buy our votes, ment Council’s Threatened Currently Council relies employing a staff member and facilities are managed efficiently as his treasurer Peter Costello Species Officer area. Council on the position of Threatened it is unlikely that there will be and effectively”. has complained. Just may be has a responsibility under the Species Officer to provide this any decrease in the time taken I do not believe that sacking John Howard is running out of EP&A Act 1979 to consider expert advice. However, Council for assessment review using the Threatened Species Officer is luck and the public is waking whether there is likely to be a has decided to make this position environmental consultants. working in anyone’s best interest. up and growing tired of the significant impact on threatened redundant with a review in Council has a responsibility Please write to the General Howard brand of politicking. species, populations or ecological four months. Council still has to the ratepayers to manage Manager expressing your view We deserve better! communities or their habitats a legal requirement to consider effectively. Under Councils on this issue. Spring 2007 #97  Lessons In Rta/community Clash Chris Noble crash occurred in 2002 and by their proposal to fell 97 trees tears of joy, whilst to others it law a hazard identification and when the public meeting clearly is just a green thing that stands n July 23rd 2007 the risk analysis were required. demonstrated overwhelming in the way. As a community we RTA began cutting The outcome was not only to opposition as did the 607 people have to develop the capacity to down the trees that remove the “offending” tree who signed the petition. At the acknowledge that others see it graced the entry to but 96 others, to allow for same public meeting, the RTA differently and avoid the wedges Othe Kangaroo Valley town- an “area of forgiveness”. This spokesperson promised that “no that occur when intolerance ship. There is no doubt that refers to the area that allows a final decision” had been made, overtakes a reasoned response. the majority of residents were driver to correct a vehicle if they nor would be made for another I am saddened that the trees opposed to this action although lose concentration for a few 6 months and yet it appears that have been felled but like many many amongst them expressed seconds and is able to correct the relevant contractors had was prepared to reluctantly willingness to negotiate a reason- the wheel before crashing into already been booked. accept that some may have to jaffray able outcome which would aim a tree. Had the under-aged boys This is not the way to win come down. I’m disappointed diana

at increasing safety whilst main- not been drinking and driving : respect and trust. that it was all carried out with taining the visual beauty of this well above the speed & alcohol The impetus for the tree unnecessary haste and without particular section of a scenic limits this scenario may not have photo felling was always stated by authentic consultation and I’m drive. Trish McClure, head come about. Drink driving will Clearly communication skills the RTA as a safety issue. This disappointed to read letters to of Safety NSW RTA, received always be the greater danger. need to be taught to the RTA poses the need to more fully the editor that are personally copious letters opposing the And whilst the alcohol industry management: fundamental protect our heritage Hampden attacking those who stood up to proposal to take down 97 trees has so much power to influence conflict resolution skills, nego- Bridge from being destroyed by defend what they thought was and eventually agreed to hold our youth and target underage tiation skills and demonstration heavy trucks. The serious conse- right. an information evening and drinkers with drinks that delib- of genuine consultation. quences of not attending to this However, we also witnessed a public meeting. It is hard to erately mask the alcohol taste I think it is possible that type of threat have been seen in Joanna Gash (Lib MP), Lee believe that neither of these we are fighting a formidable we can learn from this and I the tragic loss of life in the bridge Rhiannon (Greens MP), events made the slightest bit of foe. The hotel lobby has been don’t propose that the RTA collapse in America recently. Councillors Bates and Anderson difference to the final outcome. compared to the National Gun act on public opinion alone. But where are the efforts to standing united and in support Suggestions were sought by the Lobby of USA for its power & If that were the case, we’d see apply weighing devices near the of the community. We saw RTA but, as far as I know, not influence in Government. If the the felling of most of the trees bridge or even advertising the children participating and a single one was acted upon. RTA is doing its job in ensuring that line the Appin Way as fact that RTA officials will be witnessing a peaceful protest. The public could not be blamed safer roads let us demand the apparently the RTA are being randomly booking those drivers Without such will and courage, for thinking it was a complete same vigilance from the State constantly requested to cut whose trucks are more than 4.2 change would rarely take place. waste of their time. Sadly public Government in standing up down trees along that beautiful tonnes? It is time to move on. We participation in any future to that industry. We cannot stretch of road. I’d like to see the There will always be those need to ensure that scenic drives consultative approach is likely talk about road safety without RTA act with more integrity. For who have a different point of are protected. If we have to to be boycotted as a result. including the subject of youth, example they reported to the view about these issues. I often change legislation to do it then The RTA was required to alcohol, immoral advertising South Coast Register that the think of Blake’s words: To some we must. If we have to protest inspect the area after a fatal and lobbying. community broadly supported a tree is of such beauty it brings to be heard, we will. ■ The Shoalhaven’s millionaire vandals If the Shoalhaven was turned into a Monopoly proactive when dealing with Collingwood beach could be board, Collingwood Beach at Vincentia would be a foreshore vegetation clearance, a positive way to manage including some such as ’s vandalism. good candidate for the blue-blooded positions of Waverly council which install “These signs could be Mayfair or Park Lane. large signs in place of the sponsored by the local destroyed vegetation. community and businesses,” David Duffy or severely trimmed vegetation “There are some councils she said. “Otherwise, what is - including the remains of many up north that put shipping Council meant to do? Unless roperties along this mature Banksias. containers in places where people are prepared to state foreshore strip of Jervis While Clr Watson did not vegetation has been poisoned or what they saw, the chain of Bay regularly fetch $1 want to be drawn on who has removed,” he said, “but I don’t evidence breaks down.” million and have always been destroying vegetation on think that would work in this Clr Rudd also expressed her Pbeen prized since first being this Council-owned land, he did case. concern that Council’s current

subdivided and sold for £300 say that Council take a very dim duffy “I think they should use tape Foreshore Reserves Policy has each in the late 1950s. view of vegetation clearing. with writing on it to let people no funding specifically dedicated david

According to Mayor Greg “I am aware that a number : know what they’ve done, to protection against vandalism. Watson, the land in question of the properties are only embarrass them a bit. As it is, “Unfortunately, what can was a series of rolling sand casually occupied,” he said, photo Council’s rangers show up, take be seen along the Collingwood dunes before much of the fore- “but I would be surprised if the heads as well, they’re crafty like a couple of photos and then you beach foreshore at Vincentia is dune was bulldozed during the owners weren’t aware of the that,” he said. don’t hear any more because only the tip of the iceberg,” she subdivision. This removal of situation. Council has recently This stretch of foreshore has they’ve got no witnesses. said, “for example, extensive vegetation directly impacted had a couple of successful not been without its share of “If they put a bit more damage has been done on the on the properties subsequently prosecutions, with one person controversies. Opinions were thought into it or talked to a few southern side of Plantation Point built along Collingwood beach. fined $40,000 for land clearing divided in the 1990s when more people or even appointed where vegetation has just been “Sand blown under roof and forced to replant public and Council decided to build a bike a few honorary rangers – they pushed towards the beach.” tiles would settle in the ceilings private land,” he said. path through what many owners might have a chance.” he said. With the Shoalhaven now of these houses, and caused One member of the local considered to be extensions of Clr Rebecca Rudd also assists entrenched on the southern many to cave in,” he said. This, Bushcare group and Vincentia their back yards. the local Bushcare group, and fringe of Sydney’s property combined with flooding in the resident wasn’t as reluctant to According to the Vincentia is keen to support a Summer market, and ocean views early 1970s, which swept away point the finger. However, he resident, Council’s current Ranger program to combat highly prized, increasing the much of Collingwood beach, did ask that his name not be payment of $500 is inadequate vandals. development pressures are only led to work to stabilise and used due to concerns for his to encourage people to notify “A Summer Ranger program likely to further threaten to revegetate the dune to protect safety. council about vandalism, saying would see rangers interacting public foreshore land. houses and the beach. “Some property owners it wouldn’t cover the cost of a with the users of the reserve Until there are major Fast forward 30 years, and it see the dune as blocking their couple of broken windows from who could be approached and improvements in cooperation appears some of the residents million dollar views of Jervis vexatious neighbours. have matters discussed. That between Council and the of Collingwood Beach want to Bay”, he said, “you can see in “Council should at least would be a better initiative community, such as the undo the work that was done some places where they’ve cut a start by increasing the reward than big ugly signs,” she said. increase in rewards and the to protect their homes and the corridor for their view.” to $20,000 which might make “I would rather see the money establishment of a Summer beach. “Most of the houses where people stop and think about spent in positive ways – public Ranger program, the millionaire Strolling along the path which this happens are weekenders it for a while,” he said, “who information and the education vandals will continue to act separates the yards of these for people from Sydney. And a knows, they might not even about the preservation of with impunity. With every tree houses from the beach, there is couple of times I’ve been out have to pay it.” foreshore.” they poison or cut down the ample evidence of a foreshore looking at the damage and the Councils in other parts of Clr Rudd also thinks value of the properties in these littered with poisoned, dying, cut owners come out shaking their the state are known to be more interpretive signs along monopoly portfolios increases –  Spring 2007 #97 Howard’s New Tampa - Aboriginal Children Overboard Jennifer Martiniello Howard Government’s usual ones. There’s more of them. the Federal Government and put modus operandi (defund, blame, The most critical And what of our communi- under compulsory lease agree- oward’s new Tampa eliminate), defunding of critical ties? The Howard Government ments, and none advocate proc- children overboard programs for remote Aboriginal question for all also hasn’t mentioned that the esses which would lead to either are our Aboriginal community projects began in majority of Aboriginal commu- the victims or the abusers losing children. The Little July 2004, with coerced changes Australians to ask nities in the their rights under common law HChildren are Sacred report does to funding contracts, and monies are already dry communi- to their property as measure to themselves is... not advocate physically and for critically needed youth and ties, decided and enforced by control or remedy the occur- psychologically invasive exami- health programs in remote What if it were done those communities. But then rence of abuse. Would the nations of Aboriginal children, areas being the first dollars to that would spoil the picture Mr Howard Government even dare which could only be carried out go. Take Mutitjulu for example, to us? Howard wants to paint of our to contemplate such as that? anally and vaginally. It does not which was notoriously profiled Aboriginal communities. Other I think not. It would be un- recommend scrapping the permit by the ABC’s Lateline program. 97 recommendations was trotted large communities, such as Daly Australian, and the Government system to enter Aboriginal lands, I say notorious because one of out so very quickly, and addresses River, have controlled the situ- would expect immediate legal nor does it recommend taking Federal Minister Mal Brough’s so very few of those recom- ation by only having alcohol repercussions on the grounds over Aboriginal ‘towns’ by personal staffers was the so- mendations. It is sheer polit- available from the communi- of impairment of human rights, enforced leases. These latter two called ex-youth worker inter- ical opportunism to advance an ty’s club and enforce a strict four extinguishment of rights under points in the Howard scheme viewed on that program, and the already in motion agenda, and to can limit. Also forgotten in the common law, discrimination, hide the true reason for the content of that interview was score points in an election year. current politically opportunistic and a raft of other constitutional Federal Government’s use of the laden with myths and mistruths. After all, The Little Children are furore is the fact that Aboriginal issues. Besides, Mr and Mrs latest report for blatant political The staffer in question failed to Sacred report is not the first of communities around Tennant Average Australian don’t, for the opportunism. appear when summoned before such reports, nor are its findings Creek and Katherine have been most part, live on top of uranium It has been an openly stated a Senate inquiry to explain and and recommendations new. The lobbying Governments and town and mineral deposits or future agenda that Howard wants to the Minister’s office is yet to issue Federal Government has had councils for decades to restrict nuclear waste dumps. move Aboriginal people off a statement. When the commu- the 1989, 1991, 1993, 1997 and the sale of alcohol on Thursdays, But seriously, the most crit- their lands, and has made recent nity lodged a formal protest to 2002 reports gathering dust and when Aboriginal commu- ical question for all Australians attempts to buy off Aboriginal Government, it was raided and deliberate inaction on its shelves. nity people come to town for to ask themselves in the lead up people by offering them millions their computers seized. But the Perhaps Mr Howard has been supplies. So far their pleas have to this year’s Federal Election is for agreeing to lease their lands program did show the effects saving them up for a rainy elec- been rejected. Nothing in Mr just that - What if it were done to the Federal Government, e.g. of the Howard Government tion year? Howard’s plan to facilitate that, to us? With full acknowledg- Tiwi Islands and Tangentyere in defunding of essential programs And of course Mr Howard’s either. Or about the control of ment of what has already been Alice Springs. There was also on that community, in partic- scheme targets only Aboriginal alcohol when those people, once done to workers, trade unions, the statement by the Federal ular the youth centre and health communities, despite the fact forced off the communities into student unions, public primary, Government that it could not centre. The people at Mutitjulu that the findings specifically state the towns, bring their prob- secondary and tertiary educa- continue (?!) to provide essen- also just happen to be the tradi- that non-Aboriginal men, that lems with them, child abuse or tion, elderly care, palliative care, tial services to remote commu- tional owners of Uluru, one of is, white men, are a significant alcoholism and all the rest. Of medicare, crisis health care, nities, which raised an uproar of this country’s most lucrative proportion of the offenders, who course that would make access nurses, teachers, multicultural responses in the press. The focus tourist attractions. The Howard are black-marketeering in petrol to Aboriginal children a lot affairs, migrant groups, women, on the sexual abuse of children Government would not like us to and alcohol to gain access to easier for white offenders, they child care, small businesses and is guaranteed to evoke the most ask who benefits by the people of Aboriginal children. What meas- won’t have to go so far to find artsworkers, among the many, emotive responses, and therefore Mutitjulu being forced off their ures is the Howard Government a victim. through the exercise of policies command attention, just like the community. Under the amend- going to take about non- One last word on focus of of social engineering and fear, manipulation of the Tampa situ- ments to Native Title made by Aboriginal sex offenders, pornog- attention. In the famous Redfern your answer at the polling booth ation. But while the attention the Howard Government, once raphers, substance traffickers Address, the then Prime Minister, may just determine whether it of the media and the public is Aboriginal people have left their and the like? Nothing according Paul Keating asked perhaps the will be done to you, or continue being emotionally coerced, what traditional lands, forcibly or to the measures announced, but most important question for all to be done to you. As reported in is being sneaked in under the otherwise, their rights under the then, they’re not Aboriginal and Australians to consider. He said the Sydney Morning Herald 25th covers? common law that every other they don’t live on the Aboriginal ‘We failed to ask the most basic June, the Howard Government Two issues specifically - Australian enjoys over their land communities where their victims of questions. We failed to ask - last week used the military to mining companies have applied are significantly impaired. live. What if this were done to us?’ seize control of 60 Aboriginal for more exploration permits Progressive defunding of So who are the real victims What if this were done to us - to communities in the Northern in the Northern Territory, the Aboriginal art centres has also here, the silenced victims of John Mr and Mrs Average Australian, Territory, which are now under Jabiluka uranium mining oper- begun, with a range of commu- Howard’s scheme? Aboriginal to our schools, youth centres, military occupation. This is ations at Kakadu have already nity art centres not having their children, of course, who will be health centres, access to medical not Israel and Palestine. The hit the media because of the funding renewed by DCITA subject to physically and psycho- care, communities, homes, chil- Northern Territory is not Gaza or mining company’s applica- in July 2005 and 2006 in the logically invasive medical exam- dren, grandchildren? the West Bank. This is Australia tions to the Government to Northern Territory, from commu- inations, irrespective of their After all, current national - but is it the Australia you significantly expand its opera- nities in Arnhemland to mid and home and family circumstances, health reports from a wide range thought you lived in? Walk in tions, including establishing southern Territory communities. and who will deal with the of health organisations name our shoes, Aboriginal Australia’s, new mines at Koongarra, and The art production facilitated by mental and emotional fall-out sexual abuse of non-Indigenous and ask yourselves, what would another critical issue - nuclear those Aboriginal art centres are from that? Aboriginal men, too, Australian children as a crisis it be like to have this done to us? waste. The Howard Government the only means through which who become the silenced scape- area in need of urgent atten- And then, walk with us. has already mooted that nuclear members of those communi- goats, painted by default by John tion. And the numbers of victims waste should be dumped in the ties can actually earn a living, Howard as all being drunken, are higher. National reports into Jennifer Martiniello is an award Northern Territory, on Aboriginal as opposed to being on welfare. child-raping monsters. Perhaps mainstream domestic violence, winning poet, writer, visual artist and lands. Aboriginal traditional But then, dependent people are the fact that almost every picture alcohol and substance abuse also academic of Arrernte, Chinese and Anglo- owners are absolutely opposed easier to control by means of shown of Aboriginal men in call for urgent action, again the Celtic descent. Jennifer was awarded the to this. We have a long history that dependency. The Howard the media these days shows issues are at crisis level, and the Critics Circle Award 2000 for of deaths and illness from radi- Government’s failed Shared them drunk, with a slab, cask or numbers of victims and abusers Literature, and was an ACT Creative Arts ation, from the atomic tests at Responsibility Agreements bottle under their arms leads Mr are far higher than in the Little Fellow for 2003. She has published five Maralinga in the 1950s to the (SRAs) have also been the cata- Howard to expect that one to pass Children are Sacred report. None books and her poetry, prose and essays current high incidences of carci- lyst for further blame shifting unchallenged, irrespective of the of the recommendations in all have been published nationally and nomas in the community at and progressive defunding, take fact that statistics show that only of those hundreds of national internationally. She is a former Deputy Kakadu near the Jabiluka site. Wadeye for example. 15% of Aboriginal people drink health reports recommend Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait The main obstacle to the Federal Our Aboriginal communities alcohol, socially or otherwise, compulsory sexual health tests Islander Arts Board of the Australia Government’s desired expan- are being squeezed further into compared to around 87% of for every Australian child under Council for the Arts, a member of the sion of mining operations in the dysfunction and disenfranchise- non-. The sixteen. Not one of them recom- Advisory Committee of Aboriginal Studies Northern Territory and nuclear ment by carefully targeted polit- greater majority of Aboriginal mends that a viable solution is press, AIATSIS, and currently sits on the waste dumping is, of course, ical engineering, the systemic men are good, decent people. closing down youth and health Advisory Board of the Australian Centre the Aboriginal people who have and ruthless roll-out of a Perhaps the media would like programs, in fact they all advo- for Indigenous History at the ANU. She is occupancy of, and rights under planned agenda. It is no accident to rethink its portrayals of cate that more are needed. None the Director of Kemarre Arts, and teaches the common law to, their tradi- that Howard’s scheme to address Aboriginal men? How about recommend that the victims’ or Community Development and Indigenous tional lands. what he calls the urgency of the some photos of the other alco- the offenders’ communities and Issues at the Canberra Institute of Following the stages of the Little Children are Sacred report’s holics, you know, the white homes should be surrendered to Technology. Spring 2007 #97  And in the Shoalhaven? TAGGED WITH THE SAME BLOODY BULLSHIT Dennis Argall there’s no evidence of physical or media exposure, Gash will not come against the Navy headquartering Federal Government handed sexual abuse in their community, forward with evidence on these alle- itself in Jervis Bay. The Federal back the National Park and had asked a Koori friend and to suggest otherwise is fuelling gations that are in a legal sense Government, defeated on that Botanic Gardens to the Wreck how he felt about the local racism. “Reportable”. She must, under law, matter, established a National Bay Aboriginal Community. The member of parliament LEON BROWN, WRECK BAY with or with out witnesses, report Park and in 1986 the parliament Community and the Australian calling for Federal inter- COMMUNITY COUNCIL: I don’t her accusations to police and DOCS. passed the Aboriginal Land Government, through the Ivention at Wreck Bay after the believe that it is an ongoing problem I asked my local Koori friend Grant () Director of National Parks, now manner of its blundering into within our community. We have what will be the outcome of the Act, granting some land in the jointly manage the Park and the the Northern Territory. had moments in time where people intervention in the Northern to the local Botanic Gardens. After a long and unhappy have done the wrong thing to other Territory. Aboriginal community at Wreck This year, a month before paragraph, speaking of the reali- people in the community, but the “It is a great opportu- Bay. before Joanna Gash’s proposal ties of the world and its troubles community has taken necessary nity. We must use it as a great In 1986 there was community for military and police inter- for families of all kinds every- precautions, legal actions against opportunity.” dispute over the negotiations vention at Wreck Bay, consult- where, he sighed and said it all individuals. How so? I asked. and the adequacy of the grant. ants appointed by the Federal in one mouthful: “Tagged with JULIE MOORE, WRECK BAY “Well we’ve had forty years, There are always such things. Government reported on the the same bloody bullshit.” COMMUNITY COUNCIL: We just that’s all. Not long, really. Forty People say “Oh, I’m staying out operation of the 1986 Act and On 27 July the ABC’s can’t see where the same - where years from when we got the of Koori politics... but then the the Wreck Bay Council. Their Stateline program had covered they would transfer this interven- right to vote and got included same people proceed to tell me report tells, in over 60 pages, the call by the Member for tion across to Jervis Bay territory in the laws and counted in terrible tales about their own a very difficult story, including Gilmore, Joanna Gash MP, for and on what basis they could do the population. Forty years of local community politics or the difficulties of getting under- Federal intervention at Wreck that. efforts for reconciliation. That’s Greens politics...etc.” standing across the community Bay. Why did she not call the JOANNA GASH: If there are all ended now. This government We struggle to get a quorum about issues on which they must police, the reporter asked: areas of the intervention plan has ended all that. It’s over. for a community forum in my all decide, under the terms of JOANNA GASH: Over the years that they’ve used in the Northern “But now we’ve got some- Shoalhaven village of Tomerong. the Act... leading to great diffi- I have done that, to the Federal Territory that would be suitable thing to work against, to shape Wreck Bay got saddled with culties with decision-making. police, but of course you’ve got to for Wreck Bay, then yes, I would what we do. We blackfellas have legislation that vested every- 20km up the road, in our have the victim come and back you encourage intervention in that to work together now, to find thing in a Wreck Bay Aboriginal largely white community, tell up, and that’s the heartbreaking degree. unity and strength.” Community Council and made anyone anything about an issue part of this saga, because they have The Labor candidate for Wreck Bay is the Aboriginal every single person over 18 in and it will be upside down and not been able to do so simply because Gilmore Neil Reilly writes to community within the Federal the community a member of the twisted sideways in 24 hours. of fear and intimidation. One me: Jervis Bay Territory. People Council. What clever whitefella Nothin’ special about blackfellas person’s already had their house I have spoken with a number of there actually vote not in the law... in that business. ramshackled; they’ve had graffiti people, among them Ginger O’Brien electorate of Gilmore in New In 1986 the local commu- Everywhere the issues of all over them, simply because they from the Noah’s Ark Foundation, South Wales but in the ACT’s nity numbered about 70 ot 80 recognition, community iden- know of their association with me. who help the community with early electorate of Fraser, held by people but in 2007 there are tity and empowerment. Maybe MELISSA POLIMENI: The childhood support. Labor’s Bob McMullan. about 280 council members, not there is a great opportunity in Wreck Bay locals we spoke to say She advises there is no threat. I In the 1980s, locals, including all living at Wreck Bay, over the this coming adversity... but how that culture of fear and intimida- feel that the community has been some those who set up this news- age of 18. much damage before any gains? tion simply doesn’t exist. They say put under unfair pressure and paper, campaigned successfully In 1995, the then Labor ■

child abuse. education, health services and Provide communities with job creation over the next 10 Letter to John Howard the technology and the training years. and ongoing technical expertise Bindi Isis The measures outlined to document progress of initia- Bindi Isis is well known in the in national and local media tives discussed, share the solu- Shoalhaven for community arts I have worked as a teacher amount to another era of tions that are successful with endeavours. She moved from Tomerong in two remote communities dysfunctional misguided pater- other communities, and rebuild to the Northern Territory for graduate over the last six years. In my nalism. If you want to improve songlines. study and teaching in remote Aboriginal short time I saw the guidelines the health of the child, then If you want to be remem- communities. Bindi has spent three for government funding change provide one rounded meal bered for turning the key on years in floodplain country near radically, this became demoral- per indigenous child per day, economic development in Wadeye and three years in the ising. As if teaching, managing not a one off medical exami- remote regions then set about stone country of southeast Arnhem and parenting wasn’t hard nation. Of course then you giving indigenous people the Land. She currently lives in Darwin enough in these resource starved would have to fund expanded experience and the training to with her husband and two sons. communities without having school/community kitchens, set up their own small busi- to understand, then conform school/community eatery areas nesses. Fund transport for NEW BUSH TELEGRAPH to new funding requirements (so children don’t share their people to get trained and as pronounced by city office dinner with the camp dogs) inspired and sell their product. has a new web site at www. workers thousands of kilome- school chefs and freight allow- Don’t meddle with the newbushtelegraph.net tres away. ances so that fresh nutritious permit system. Removal of this The systematic removal of food is available to bush kids. system opens fragile Aboriginal You can download a copy of all the structures of indigenous If you want to protect chil- communities to any and all representation/governmental dren in communities then opportunists. Retaining the each issue there. interface from these communi- build, staff and resource safe permit system allows Aboriginal This month we begin ties left nothing in their place. I being able to gain a foothold houses where children know people control over the serv- fear the current federal inter- in the modern culture without they can go when the adults in ices, goods and spiritual influ- also to provide a ‘web vention into NT communities leaving your community the household lose their temper ences available to their people. resources page’ with links to may follow this same logic, behind. To aid in the relief of or arrive home drunk. Make To make a lasting difference, punishing everyone for the this suffering our government these houses open 24/7 staffed government must focus on the supporting information. irresponsible behaviour of a must send grief counsellors, if by outsiders and local people. strong sober human centres of few. those personnel currently being Make regular counselling serv- our remote Indigenous commu- In this month’s resource I know that Aboriginal sent to our communities are ices available from these safe nities to identify then build page, you can find links people this continent over not grief counsellors, well let houses. Acknowledge and cele- upon the advantages of these are grieving, I feel certain this them be trained. We all must brate the parents and guardians locations and of the remote to the actual legislation by plague of child and substance be open to the full process of already providing safehouses to lifestyles offered there. I look which the government is abuse stems from a profound grieving, we can’t bury hurt, neglected and abused children. forward to hearing the Federal sadness. The sadness of having pain and old memories any If you want to prevent Government outline a more intervening in the Northern lost so much culture and longer. The nation needs to child sexual abuse then considered policy response Territory — and more. language, the sadness from place memorials where massa- furnish each community with to the NT situation, which having been misunderstood cres took place. We must hear a media centre. Encourage empowers the communities You are welcome to for so long, the sadness for an empathic and resounding each community to engage there and respects their culture the continual loss of rela- apology from our leaders before in weekly intercommunity and land rights, and radically contribute by recommending tives and the sadness of not we move on. discourse about the problem of boosts spending on housing, other links.  Spring 2007 #97

Take a Walk on the MUSIC FESTIVAL OF THE DESERT — Timbuktu, Mali — January 2009 WOOD side Group departure to this unique Tuareg Festival at a small oasis village 65km from to Timbuktu. Fly via Mauritius and Nairobi, then spend 13 days visiting Bomoko, Dogon villages and interacting with the Taureg. Kiama Fire Station Expected cost $7500 per person for this unique experience. Includes flight, 9 nights hotel & 3 nights desert camping, transfers, B & D, mineral drinking water, sunset Tues 4th - 10th sailing on the Niger River, camel ride in the Sahara, Festival entry pass. Small Group. September Indications of interest taken now. for the Call Real Travel. 02 4423 4774 www.realtravel.com.au Alchemy of Laser ApT Wood Exhibition New Computers Sales & Service by Printers Multifunctions Scanners Reconditioned Systems Harv’s Bush Furniture Modems + ADSL + Dial-up Festival of Sedition Education + Repairs + Upgrades Meet Harv and Jules Shop 1, 74 Kinghorne Street, Nowra 2541 Huskisson Community Centre: TEL (02) 4423 3376 FAX: (02) 44233378 Email: [email protected] Friday 7th Sept 6pm September 29th If ever you feel reluctant to - so listen closely! Performers go against the tide and express include Jen Saunders & Nick, TOMERONG VILLAGE MARKET dissent, just remember the most Honest John, Alan Blackshaw, inspirational people in history Andy Gordon, the Wand’ring handmade and home grown did just that. Menstruals choir and many The 2nd Festival of Sedition more. Tomerong Village Market is ‘a happening’ on the 3rd Saturday of each organised by the Shoalhaven Films will start after 4pm at a Greens takes place on Saturday cost of $10 and will include: month with a focus on handmade and home grown products at Tomer- September 29th and once again David Bradbury’s latest film Shop 1 ong School of Arts. gives people the opportunity to A Hard Rain, which explores 138 Junction not only express an opposing the real issues and grim truth of Court, Nowra Lots of interesting stalls with organic fresh food from Shoalhaven Food viewpoint to those held by our nuclear power as an alternative Co-Op, delicious homemade dips, fresh sour dough bread, cakes, crys- present government, but also to to fossil fuels.  4423 3281 tals, jewellery, toys, clothes, fresh fruit & veg, preserves, second-hand have some fun and get informed, Other films will include The books, CDs, coffee, local honey, plants, fruit trees and worms! Anyone all at the same time. Revolution Will Not Be Televised, Festivities start at 10am with Loose Change, Bad Seed, 9/11 interested in starting a worm farm can buy a kit from the market. seditious art, poetry, music, Mysteries. Husky speakers and films at Huskisson Over the past 11 years under Tomerong market always a good way to spend the morning and catch Community Centre, next to the this Howard-led government Well-Being up with friends and get a few bargains. Please bring your own bags to Police Station. we have witnessed a serious Centre avoid the use of plastic ones. At this stage speakers booked erosion of personal freedom for the day include: and rights. We have witnessed Bringing Your Health Across the road, Tomerong Union Church will once again be fundrais- ■ Dr. Michael McKinley, Senior a so called ‘War against Terror’ Back Into Balance… ing with lovely native plants and Tomerong honey for sale. If you are a Lecturer in International Studies used to keep Australians fearful Feel Calm – Energised – Revitalised musician and would like to busk, please come along. For the kids there ANU - on the subject of Anti and hateful. And we are now Stress Management Terrorism as an Industry witness to a growing disgust with is face painting and hair braiding. Herbal Medicine & Nutrition ■ Kerry Nettle, Greens Senator a Government that is clearly Remedial & Relaxation Massage - terrorism laws used in relation abusing its power. The market is a fundraising initiative to help sustain Tomerong Hall. Reflexology & Reiki to Dr. Haneef Such groups as “Get Up” Flower Essences & Homeopathy Please contact Kate on 4443 9480 if you would like a stall at only $12 ■ Susan Ryan, A.O., Chair which capture and direct the Katie Choice, B. Naturopathy (outside) inside ($15). of the Human Rights Act for voice of dissent are voices Jonathon McGorran, Adv. Dip. Nat Australia project - speaking on A which are growing louder by the 19 Morton St, Huskisson (upstairs) People wishing to book the Hall should contact Chris ph: 4443 4923. Bill of Rights day. It is such active involvement ph 4441 8998 m: 0405 438 340 ■ Chris Warren, President with the politics of the day that Media, Entertainment & Arts will fight to protect a democracy Alliance - on Freedom of Speech we can respect. To disassociate Valley Nothing protects democ- ourselves from politics is naïve. It The racy more than free speech, and is we who are tarnished by the Organics poetry will be spread throughout effects of inhumane, unjust deci- Olive Farm 100% Certified Organic the day organised by Tomerong sions our government makes in Well-known For Our… Your Organic poet Andrew ‘Harv’ Harvey. our name. Supermarket on Wheels Artists wanting to contribute To check festival details closer s Delicious Olives to the art exhibition or help in to the date go to the Shoalhaven s Extra Virgin Olive Oil Fruit & Vegetables hanging artworks should contact Greens website on www.shoal- and a large range of Groceries Suzi Krawczyk on 4446 0569. haven.nsw.greens.org.au s Local Honey Free DeliverY There will be some great live For further information on s Free Range Eggs in the Shoalhaven: music during the day which will the Shoalhaven Greens contact sFresh Seasonal Nowra, Bay and Basin, also have seditious messages Chris Nobel 4465 1285 Vegetables Kangaroo valley and Milton Certified Organic Produce does not pollute the Wholesale Prices land with pesticides, herbicides, or hormones. South Coast The farmer cares for the environment by Organic Fertilisers promoting a vibrant living soil and a balanced Direct to Public eco-system far into the future. Food produced Tomerong Organic produce at affordable prices provided Cnr Peterson Rd & Princes this way is tastier, more nutritious and is your by a non-profit community group run by volunteers Working in Vermiculture best health insurance. Hwy, Falls Creek, NSW Supporting local growers V Bulk buying power V Sustainable & ethical Giving Nature a Helping Hand GOOD FOr YOU – GOOD FOr THe PlANeT Available at Tomerong Village Markets, Terry & Lesley 02 4447 8791 [email protected] 3rd Saturday every month, Simpson Tomerong School of Arts Hall,  0415 800 072 All Trade Contact Suzi and Peg: Hawken Road, Tomerong e: simpson4@ Welcome Phone/Fax 4446 0569 aapt.net.au e: valley [email protected] Call 4443 6607 or 4441 8626 Spring 2007 #97  Enviroscene s h o a l h av e n b u g Our Oceans – A Diminishing Resource Bernie Clarke, Sussex Inlet to corresponding locations on is thought to be a herpes virus. the 1985 survey which raised It is the disease that caused recent report of many questions. the death of tens thousands of the disappearance of Common species familiar pilchards stretching from Bass a ‘forest’ of seaweed, to fishermen and picnickers Strait, NSW coast and across the from Palm Beach included: periwinkle, black Tasman to ’s west Asouth beyond Botany Bay is elephant snails, oval shape coast during 1995. cause for concern. The seaweed, chiton, helmet shaped limpet, There has been an alarming PHYLLOSPORA comosa, bubble turban shell, barnacles and decline in pelagic fish numbers weed is found growing on rocks spitting cunjevoi. Our attention in recent years. Sea garfish, below high water. It is the latest was drawn to the scarcity of a much sought after bait fish on a long list of marine flora crabs and what has happened to found surfacing in schools off slowly disappearing from coastal all the cabbage that adorned the the NSW coast have almost rocks and the intertidal zone wet rock zone we wondered. The disappeared. Tailor, another up and down the NSW and trip left us with many questions pelagic popular with anglers, The Shoalhaven Bicycle rules. The only restriction we Victorian coast. Growing up to to pursue. often found in large schools in User Group (BUG) was formed impose is that children under three metres tall, the seaweed Next time you visit an ocean coastal waters, have been in in September 1997 as a lobby 14 must be accompanied by a provides food and shelter for rock platform take note of the decline for a number of years group at the local Government responsible adult. There is no dozens of marine species. overall number of animals and and not from overfishing. level for better cycling membership fee, and the only Early this year I accompanied species and recollect if you have There is irrefutable evidence conditions and infrastructure, fund raising we do to cover two marine scientists on a fact noticed a decline from your visit escalating domestic and and as a non competitive social expenses is to ask for a gold coin finding tour of a number of ocean about the same time the previous industrial waste discharge and and recreational cycling group. donation during our regular rock platforms from Shellharbour year. the discharge of ship’s ballast The BUG is recognised as being Sunday ride. to . We carried our Alarm bells rang recently water is causing increasing representative of cyclists within It is our aim to get as many spot checks of marine animals when news of the commercially mortality to populations of fish the Shoalhaven, and we are people on bicycles as possible, and algae that inhabit intertidal important abalone shellfish worldwide. Although Australia’s often asked for input from the and to encourage people to rock platforms to compare the developed a disease that has contribution is small by Council on cycling issues. We make cycling a part of their way data with a similar study carried threatened the industry. Known comparison to more populated are an affiliate of Bicycle NSW of life. We have official rides, ie out in 1985. We were concerned also as ‘ear’ shell this highly nations, it is sufficient to cause which lobbies at a state level, rides that are advertised on the by the lack of numbers and poor prized seafood is facing strict concern over its impact on local and organises large cycling Bicycle NSW rides calendar, on specie diversity during our visit quotas due to the spread of what fisheries including habitat.■ events such as the annual RTA Mondays, Thursdays, Saturday big Ride. morning and Sundays. These Any one who is a member rides vary in intensity and there YOGA CLASSES of Bicycle NSW and resides in are easy rides aimed at getting Mon, 12-1.30pm Huskisson the Shoalhaven is automatically the not so fit back into cycling Tues, 6.30-8pm, St Georges Basin a member of the Shoalhaven every Thursday and the first Thurs 7-8.30pm Huskisson BUG and can vote at meetings, Sunday of every month. The Fri 10-11.30am Huskisson run for the committee, and other rides vary from moderate lead rides. However we do not to hard. It is very satisfying to THE ART OF LIVING restrict participation in our rides watch some one who tentatively All classes $10 ($8 conc) to members. In fact any one turns up to have a go at our Pay in advance - 6 weeks = $48 who turns up can participate easy rides increase their fitness (Save $12, valid for 10 weeks) as long as they have a helmet, over time, and go on to easily Enquiries: Jayne Moore, a roadworthy bicycle, and are participate in our harder rides. willing to abide by the road The environment of these rides  4443 5063 varies from road rides to bush rides or a combination of both. Our rides are very social and always include a coffee stop either during or after the ride. For details of rides you can check the Bicycle NSW website. Google pushon, click on the rides calendar link, and choose Shoalhaven BUG from the drop down box. Alternatively contact Jim on 44232943, 0438232943, [email protected], or Judi on 44215214, 0412880365, [email protected] ■ Morris’s Vegies Local & Home Grown Vegetables

CONVEYANCING Available at Lady Denman Markets J•E•R•V•I•S B•A•Y Huskisson Markets McMURCHIE & COMPANY Wondandian Markets SOLICITORS Bomaderry Markets Markets VINCENTIA Mollymook Markets 4441 6045 www.mclawyer.com.au 4443 8333 5 Campbell Court Home Sales at 665 Sussex Inlet Road WILLS & ESTATE Susex Inlet PLANNING ph 4441 1120  Spring 2007 #97

THE LAST WORD COUNCIL OUT OF STEP VINCENTIA SUBDIVISION GIVEN GO AHEAD ON CLIMATE CHANGE Richard Bates Richard Bates Where did the voice of sanity go? Residential subdivision (over 600 houses) by Stockland at the Vincentia Dennis Argall in September, children overboard We all know that climate crossroads has been approved by NSW Planning Minister Sartor. The in October, elected in November. change is the biggest challenge community has fought this long and hard with the final hand being In the beginning, in 1996, Hey presto, and off to war in humans have ever faced and it is played out over the EPBC Act which has failed to save this site from there was an election of a Iraq in 2003. (Let us not speak of understandable that individuals inappropriate over-development. Threatened species on site now face conservative Prime Minister, John Afghanistan, war begun by Britain shy away from it as all too scary a difficult future if one at all. It will be impossible for this development Howard. Then came an unfortu- in 1837, given a great boost by the and all too hard. But at least not to have a negative result environmentally, economically and socially nate and terrible person called USSR and the CIA in the 1980s, you would think that everyone with huge impacts on flora and fauna, the pristine headwaters of Moona Martin Bryant, who in April that about to destroy Pakistan. Too agrees that, whatever the causes, Moona Creek which flows into Jervis Bay less than a kilometre away, year massacred people at Port hard, that subject; too secret, it’s the climate is changing and that local small business and the road network. Once the suburb is built then Arthur in , killing 35 and the SAS there...) King of interven- we need to take some sort of the commercial centre will be justified but in the meantime we are left wounding 37. The Prime Minister tion, champion of the power of action to cope with it. Judging by with a 600 lot suburb with no supporting infrastructure. Bad planning achieved an extraordinary thing, force and overruling Cabinet and the position of most of our fellow has led to the wrong development being located at the wrong location - intervening with a sweeping new precedent and promises now. By councillors on Shoalhaven City developers rule. Minister Sartor has given himself extraordinary powers policy, implemented and financed 2004, Tampa on the heels of the Council towards climate change to take over planning decisions from councils that get held up because by a tax levy, to buy back most of GST. though, I have my doubts. the proposals exceed height limits, are in the wrong zones, impact on the nation’s guns. Great work. Why hasn’t the failure of inter- Last August a recommenda- threatened species etc. He has also criticized Shoalhaven City Council Then came a crisis in East Timor vention in Iraq diminished expec- tion was put to Council by staff recently for inappropriate development and then approves this! in 1999 and, reversing decades of tation of military intervention in that, “Council stay abreast of policy, the same government inter- the Northern Territory? In part current research into the impact vened militarily in East Timor — because this is the Prime Minister of climate change and consider and succeeded, as a great tribute to who told the press in, of all places, measures to mitigate impacts in REAL ESTATE AGENTS Australian Defence Force capabili- Viet-Nam, back in November 2006: new policies developed where ties, doctrine and decency rather “... if I ever develop reservations, appropriate”. than as a result of grand policy of well I hope I would have the grace A perfectly reasonable Raine & Horne the government of the day. to keep them to myself.” In part it proposal you might think – it was A pattern emerging: a shift from is profoundly the Prime Minister voted down 5-7! - Shoalhaven Sussex Inlet grand words (“No child will live in who took away our vocabulary of City Council had refused to take poverty...”) to incisive action. contrary ideas and gave us ‘secu- climate change seriously! • Real Estate Agents On 11 September 2001, rity’ in the form of defining nearly Then the world changed and • Property Management passengers fighting terrorists on everything in terms of whether it everyone woke up to the reality a passenger plane over Maryland is his foe or not. of climate change, all levels of • Holiday Lettings crashed the plane which was very Now we have intervention government addressed it and • Property Consultants likely planning to crash into the in hospitals in another show of nearly a year had passed when ContaCt: White House... across the road “pistols before dawn” on YouTube. Council staff put it to Council from which John Howard was And the Member for Gilmore rides again last meeting. Hyde’s todd Barkley a.H.: 0427 923 445 staying, in the presidential guest out again in the afternoon calling It was defeated again! - Mick Rowe a.H.: 0429 923 445 house, the Blair House. The impact “intervene here, intervene here.” Council still refuses to recog- Wood fired Pizza & Coffee Catherine Jarrett on the Prime Minister’s world When you look at that populistic nise the merit of taking climate Business of the Year 2006 Shop 2 view was incisive. He was merely cry to the cranky to take over change seriously! (under 10 employees) following a bipartisan pattern hospitals, where is the sense of Council is however to hold a 170-172 Jacobs Drive 182 Jacobs Dr, Sussex Inlet Sussex Inlet nSW 2540 of appreciation of the American how things fit together, all the councillor/staff workshop on the Open Wednesday to Sunday Telephone: (02) 4441 2121 presidential favour, but now a allied services and the links to issue so all is not lost. from 5.00pm to 9.00pm Facsimile: (02) 4441 2033 bond was made, and intensified. greater hospitals, the networks of All the world’s most eminent Bookings preferred at least one day Email: info@raine_horne.com.au If George W Bush had replaced professional and support connec- scientists, environmentalists and Website: www.raine_horne.com.au his father with Vice President tions. Next thing someone will put economists are united in their in advance as this helps with food preparation and staffing Cheney as a father figure and the Army into child protection... call for urgent action to combat This business is independently owned and operated if George W Bush did not know We need a vocabulary to climate change.  4441 1480 by Bob Nixon Real Estate Pty. Ltd. that Cheney thought all the stuff express healthier points of view. Federal and State governments Bush was to say about democracy Aha, there’s the ALP! Or is there? are addressing the issue as are and the cause of peace in going to We must have change... Ah, communities such as Kangaroo war in Iraq was nonsense, here excuse me Kevin, we must have Valley who are proposing to now was cousin Howard, warmly change? become carbon-neutral. alongside, equally dangerously It’s hard to know, when an What level of government is naïve, less wise than George, no Opposition adopts a low profile, missing in this equation here in less admiring of uncle Cheney. whether it will recover from being the Shoalhaven? Less worldly wise, but hunched later. Is maintaining a 70 NSW councils have signed immensely wise to Australia’s low profile on moral issues a non- up for the Cities for Climate domestic vulnerabilities. Home core promise? Protection program but not Shoalhaven; all of the coastal councils south of Sydney NEWS IN BRIEF have signed up except us. The Local Government and Shires Silencing Opposition, Patrick Thompson Association have called for all Fear is growing among welfare and environment groups that NSW mayors to sign an agree- they may loose their charitable status if they speak out or enter into ment on climate change - the political activities. This follows a recent decision of the Australian letter to our mayor was filed Tax Office to strip the charitable status from the community based without action. NGO Aidwatch for ‘trying to procure changes in Australia’s aid Both State and Federal Local and development programs’. ‘Political purposes, which include a Government Conferences this purpose of seeking changes to government decisions,’ are in the year have climate change as ATO’s view reason enough for it to cancel charitable status. key-note forums.The theme for This follows earlier changes in discontinuing federal grants to Local Government Week this many NGO’s, such as, the National Parks Association of NSW, year is “A Climate For Change” which was seen by many as an attack on community organisations – Council’s media release doesn’t that are outspokenly critical of government policy. even mention it. ■

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