Oh dear, the brothers are sparring and sibling rivalry is hilighting the central issue that is now Melbourne’s elephant in the room. There’s a huge dredger sitting idle in Melbourne’s port waiting to do its thing. The PoMc took a risk and sent word for the Queen of the Netherlands to hitail it to Melbourne before the EMP (Environmental Management Program) had been approved. Now she sits there waiting for Minister Garrett to grant his approval and meanwhile a Judge has warned PoMc not to go ahead when a hearing is pending.
Expensive gamble that one!
It’s a well known strategy here in Victoria - developers demolish houses, clear land and create havoc just prior to writs or injunctions are granted. ‘The horse has bolted and there’s nothing you can do’ … that’s the MO of those who choose control and imposition over negotiation. ’Fait Accompli ?’ Oh dear!
Premier Brumby revealed his own narkiness by trying to convince Melbournians that we’d ‘end up like Adelaide’ if we don’t create a mega port and build up the City. Adelaide Premier Mike Rann has responded. [see Press Page]. The Adelaide papers are loaded with Blogs, comments, articles and a poll. Thoroughly entertaining reading. How embarrassing! Sorry Adelaide - please do not think for one moment that Premier Brumby represents all Victorians! No, no, we’re not a State full of pea-brained toffs in kahoots with ex-convicts!
Oh dear, Premier Brumby and all those who voted for this project, is the plan for a prosperous City limited to the meccano/legoland you want? Can you envisage a beautiful environmentally healthy City surrounding a huge carbon sink also renowned for its marine sanctuary and pristine beaches? Can you imagine and do you know about the cultural richness and diversity that is here already? Do you know about the educational facilities, the museums and art galleries, the gourmet food centres and local providers of organic (non GM) natural food and wines, the gardens and parks, the theatres and restaurants? Do you know about the scores of people who would want to book into this City for their conferences, sabbaticals, workshops and personal R n’R? They won’t if you ruin Docklands! Have you even considered a Marine Biology College for Melbourne? [No, not one that is charged $1m per year to reside at Point Nepean - now that's discouraging of potential prosperity, isn't it!]
Do you know Mr Brumby, that directly below Port Phillip Bay is the Antarctic - providing us with fresh clean winds and cooling clear waters and yes, unique cold water Bay life? Do you know that Adelaide is developing their aquaculture? Do you know that this year is the WWF International Year of the Reef? Do you realise what we have here?
I have spent all of 58 years here in Melbourne and I do not ever recall anybody espousing the beauty and wealth of this City in terms of its port capacity and industrial potential. In fact, the suburbs that are over industrialised and suffocating with their roads choked by trucks are now forming local Action groups to call a halt to the creeping disease. Are you aware Mr Brumby that the rest of the world is cutting back on industrialisation and dependency on oil? WHAT big ships and cargoes are you expecting? Do you consult with Price Waterhouse on the stats of reducing populations, ageing Boomers, the need to train and educate enmasse? We don’t have enough teachers but you are providing more jobs -for whom?
This was an idea from the mid 1990’s and inflamed with the passions of frantic last century developers.
It is over Mr Brumby. The world around you wants to sail on the Bay, play tennis and enjoy picnics whilst listening to outdoor concerts. The new hi tech world is cleaner than the old and the new message is quality as preferable to quantity. Built in obsolesence is fast becoming obselete and sustainability is replacing ‘rampant growth’. The new in words are ‘work smart’ not ‘work hard’ ! Finally Mr Brumby and cohorts from yesteryear, have you heard of mediation and negotiation ? They work better than imposition and shadow strategies.
Any wonder we had to surround Port Phillip Bay with Lights!
Oh dear! Oh dear! Oh dear! So sorry Adelaide!
It was a glorious balmy dawn and boats, jetskis, yachts and skips took off with media and protesters aboard to Meet the Queen at the heads of the Bay. Excellent co-ordination and planning by Operation Quarantine meant we linked up with Dive charter boats from Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff. We were well escorted by Water police and security which is a credit to our democracy. (!?)
The Queen is an impressive ship of complex engineering. Her crew were as interested in us as we were of them.
John Lawler who organised the Vigil flotilla, the Diver Charters from Queenscliff, the little yachtee and jetski folk, the ‘penguin’ and the brave souls who fronted the waves and met the Queen - salute!
You can join in tonight: Channel 10 news has a phone poll until 12.00 midnight. 1902 555 501 votes no to the dredging.
Channel 7 news has an internet poll:
yahoo7.com.au/news
The Queen made for Melbourne at a fast rate of knots - where she was met by more boats, protesters on kayaks and people along the dock.
While we were absorbed in this adventure and demonstration, Blue Wedges were back in Court.
By coincidence (or Grand design , the ABC TV broadcast the final of the series: Strange Days on Planet Earth - tonight. The conclusion was that we (humans) are slowly becoming aware of the effects our lifestyles, industry and farming are having on nature. Australia was featured in tonight’s program. The need to monitor and clean up in order to save nature was hilighted.
Here’s hoping we can save our Bay and save Melbournians from themselves and the expensive and painful consequences of the dredging project.
Thanks to the wide cross section of media and local press who joined us today.
Gorgeous pics at AAP
Well done folks! A grand show indeed. A spirited effort.
Thanks to Carey and John Lawler.
*pics by Hilary, John Lawler and Rhys Jones.
Today’s front page in the Age - Clay Lucas and Ben Schneiders have revealed [Press] the dredging Company Boksalis will be paid half a billion dollars for restructuring our Bay. I am sure the Netherlands crew are skilled and excellent at their specialist work. In international terms and with regard to large infrastructure projects, the amount to be paid for their task is reasonable.
However, that’s a lot of dollars that could go towards building an environmentally friendly city and boost our health, education and welfare programs. Do we have a choice of what grand designs our Government has for our City and surrounding Bay?
But this is regarded as ‘ideological’ thinking. [Press]
I want to go on record here as stating that although we share a common purpose, and have exchanged a few phone calls and emails, I have in fact never attended a Blue Wedges meeting and have only met a couple of the members. They seem to me to be passionate people dedicated to the preservation of Port Phillip Bay. They have worked hard for years in this campaign and are diligent in their media releases and their exploration of the truth. The integrity they demonstrate throws new light onto the definition of ‘ideology’. That they are linked to pirates and international terrorism is surely ridiculous.
Rather, the efforts of PoMc and the State to hide commercial interests and the details of the project’s impact on the environment and to undermine democracy - ARE cause for concern. What ideologies are at the root of such obtuse behaviour?
The truth needs no hiding, defense nor justification. If this project is good, healthy, wise and wonderful - then would its creators and designers, its proponents and those who will benefit - please step into the light!
Speaking of which … all you lovers of the Bay:
A reminder that since the Vigil of Lights around the Bay on the 8/01/08 you do have a network of places and the spirit of people who love the Bay to connect with - something you can enjoy and link into whenever you feel drawn to the beach.
There will be a beautiful sight to meet those enjoying the peace and stillness of the dawn on the beaches around the Bay for the next few mornings. We have storms gathering on Wednesday night so I suggest you utilise these next two early morns to enjoy the ambience. The brightest planets Venus and Jupiter are meeting up in the South East and are above the horizon as the sun brings us the day. By February 4th, they will be joined by the moon as well. Look for Bunjii the sea eagle, the guardian of the Bay.
For those interested in Dr Masura Emoto’s research on the effect we can have on water: his February crystal is Hope. Dr Emoto
[Hope to bring you lovely pics tomorrow]
Hopeful Hils
FOE International petition
‘ Our land abounds with nature’s gifts, of beauty rich and rare’
[from our national anthem: Advance Australia Fair...]
It is the Oz holiday weekend and we celebrate Australia as a nation, and a huge island continent.
This first pic is of the early morning sea mist that pervaded the Mornington Peninsular yesterday. The sounding of the ship’s horn through the fog was an eerie way to arise to the dawn. I wondered if the toxic dumps that are to be left uncovered in the sea to settle - would diffuse through the mists as well. So much to consider as we contemplate our fragile and sensitive ecosystem.
The mists cleared to a glorious summer day and Oz folk enjoyed the beautiful Bay
We watched the local SES demonstrate its prowess in a mock sea rescue.
A cargo ship passes close to the beach in the channel.
The cooling breeze of the brewing storm was blowing in by then.
I had tears in my eyes as I hid behind my sunglasses and stood vigil at the raising of the Flag ceremony in Rye. I leaned on my board with ‘Save our Bay’ in my hand written gesture. The local Federal MP, Greg Hunt was there and Shane McGovern of 3 MP radio. They, along with the President of the Rye Lions Club, spoke of Community involvement and acknowledged our Bay Campaign.
Came home to see the Blue Wedges group on Channel Ten at Elwood with their lineup of people and signs: No to Toxic Dump and Not in our Bay! What a show !
Then the finale of the Australia day celebrations with fireworks at the beach against an indigo sky raging with its own lightning display.
Annette (Safety Beach group) was at Mornington:
“The boys and I and two of my sons friends walked with the Mornington street parade.
We were honoured to walk behind the beautiful weedy sea dragon.
We were also highly proud to walk with Elise and her lovely mum.
And we were triple blessed to have walked next to Bunjil our protector of this land from
Boonerwrong storyline and dreamtime.
We carried a simple hand painted sign saying:
‘Our land abounds with nature’s gifts , of beauty
rich and rare !’ SAVE THE BAY.
The crowds applause told us they saw our message.
We get so much strength from the spirit of the bay.”
And a grand idea in a memo from Philippa Bailey in Edithvale:
“A suggestion for grassroots involvement!
The PoM are advertising for ‘community reps’ for a Channel Deepening Liason Group. I intend to apply representing the residents of the Longbeach area (Mordialloc to Chelsea).
Forms attached. *
Also I propose to write to my council (City of Kingston) with a series of questions about what to look out for in the water, when not to swim, when not to buy fish etc from next week-end after dredging begins. How do they propose to keep their constituents safe? Perhaps we could request local meetings with councils and state members?
How about a beach roster, someone checks each area of beach every day and a site to report back comments and findings and who to inform?
I was down at beach this morning with a 100 or so other dog walkers, … tears in my eyes and pondering on what to do next.”
Philippa Bailey
clg_expression_of_interest_form.pdf
clg_information_for_applicants.pdf
It is a good idea to involve the people - we’d all be keeping vigil anyway! Some of you may like to apply. The closing date is Friday 8 February 2008.
The monitoring of the dredging project and its effect on the Bay has become the call of the State Opposition Leader: article by Ted Bailleu today on Press Page.
But it all seems to be about ‘cleaning up’ after the event. I do not understand how our Bay, which is Crown Property, is being devastated for the commercial interests of the POMc and its overseas investors. If any other group enterprise in the Bay committed such envrionmental vandalism, it would be promptly stopped. Moreso considering major dredging will be done along the Point Nepean area which is declared Heritage (2006) land. How has this been allowed past State legislation? How is it that the project thwarts even the City of Melbourne Environment and Sustainability Policies? How/why have local Councils agreed to this gross destruction of one of Victoria’s main natural assets?
I grant that the original idea came from a Kennett led Victoria which was full-on into building prosperity and sadly weak on the consequences to the environment, community and social fabric of our society. [see PR win vital to plan's smooth sailing, the Age.] There are many aspects of this ‘economic rationalism’ driven lust for gold (and power), that have bulldozed through nature and people - we have come to regret. This is not just a local quirk of character - it is a global problem now.
But we in Australia have our part to play in this global transformation project. I have watched sadly over the years as many Oz enterprises, national treasures and major assets of land/property have been sold out to the glamour of $$$ and the overseas status and power. I know many older nations in the world do not allow such pillage. Is it because we are still young, naiive and insecure as a nation? That we do not realise the value of what we have … until it’s gone? If indeed this is an example of our immaturity as a nation, then it is supported by the investigative journalism of Richard Baker (The Age): the spark that started this fire was sibling rivalry between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. That the unique beauty and invaluable asset of Port Phillip Bay could be travested in a bid for one-upman-ship is quite humorous! Yes, the last 11 years have seen such divisive fires fanned.
Our task now, our greatest challenge, both as a nation, and as a State and City, is to truly know what our special gift is and nurture that. This Bay is NOT a deep water port and Melbourne is NOT a Mega Industrial City. Then what is she? And is what she has to offer, enough to satify the economists and competitors? Melbourne already enjoys the reputation as one of the world’s ‘most liveable cities’ . Are we brave enough to grasp this global appreciation and nurture it?
Advance Australia Fair.
confidently and consciously please…
Blue wedges has organised a protest this Saturday at Elwood beach to support local new business, Ocean Kayaking Australia. [see bluewedges]
Australia Day – Save the Bay Protest – Elwood Beach
Saturday 26th January 10 AM
Elwood Beach out the front of Elwood Angling Club
For More Information Contact: Elisa Tranter 0419 102 881
How about the same occurring all around the Bay? If people with their own enterprises could organise a similar activity we would once again be linked and synchronised with the common goal - to let people know about the Bay and its inherent value. From the Mussel farms at Port Arlington to the Dolphin Tours of Sorrento? If each business (diving, fishing, eco-tourism, aquaculture, …) could organise an exhibition/stall/show a banner … we would once again be presenting Melbourne with a united front and the same message:
Save our Bay!
[*flier for distribution: concernedaboutthedredging.pdf ]
The blue wedges coalition has decided to proceed with an Application to “quash” Minister Garrett’s decision and set aside his approval of the project on a number of grounds including:
“Minister Garrett did not consider or failed to adequately consider social impacts of dredging, contrary to s136 of the EPBC Act. Where is the consideration of increased human health risks from swimming or eating fish from the Bay, impacts on recreational fishing and its economic contribution? Economic benefits from recreational fishing alone are estimated at approx. $1 billion per annum (VrFish data)- perhaps ten times the estimated annual benefits from channel deepening!” [ jenny warfe, Blue Wedges Coalition ]
I realise this is short notice - however, even just being at the Flag raising Ceremonies in your own locality, wearing red and holding up a sign saying:
Save our Bay!
says it all.
Cheers and Happy Oz day!
Hilary
Channel 9 news lead story this evening on the 6 o’clock news: Trucking Magnate Lindsay Fox has spoken out against the dregding - slamming it as a ’short term solution’ that ‘won’t achieve anything’ and will create traffic hassles that will choke Melbourne. Bay Dredge Stupid: Fox
Well of course the plan is stupid! The traffic woes are only one aspect of it that indicates a lack of foresight. Yay to someone in Big Business world speaking out with a tiny bit of common sense.
Suggest we adopt the ribbon fad: wear a red ribbon- on the wrist, in the hair, in the lapel of your suit, on the door handle of the car, the pram handle, the bag handle, the briefcase, … use your imagination. Wear a red ribbon (easy to acquire) until this is brought to its sane and inevitable peaceful conclusion.
The
Bay
Lives!
For a folk song about the Bay and our local campaign to save it:
Marty Williams
A lovely morning of much needed soft rain and the warm sea water of our Bay played host to lots of children, supportive grown ups and a parade of watchers.
This event was held at Mornington. A kilometre swim from Mornington Park beach to Mills beach was the challenge met by 65 intrepid Bay lovers in protest against the possible pollution and destruction of Port Phillip Bay.
Enjoy the pics - they say it all.
Age forum
Age Poll
* Update: 19 January 2008,
Ted Baillieu, Leader of the Opposition has stepped up to plate! he wants to establish a web site to monitor the Bay. [I suggest he may like to co-opt the 4,000 or so Lovers of the Bay we have ready, willing and very able... maybe we could have t-shirts, caps and cameras provided? Then again, wouldn't it be wiser to just stop the whole fiasco right now?] See Press Page.
Crikey has really taken up the mantle and posted everyday this past week.
*** Today is the kiddies Swimming for the Bay. Mornington to Mills Beach starting 10.oo am.
_______________________________________________________
Our City of Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs and towns is at a crossroads. What kind of City do we envisage?
The Age has established a media forum for the Dredging proposal - inviting people to post comments and explore the controversial project.
For me personally it is a lot about lifestyle and the kind of City and environment I choose to live in. My comment posted today raises the question of values, vision and design.
One direction we may take now involves the gouging of the Bay, building of a bigger port, the consequential development of infrastructure to carry huge loads … the redesigning and rebuilding of Melbourne into an Industrial port and industrial City.
OR,
We could utilise and take advantage of the natural environment we have: The Bay and its surrounding mountain ranges; its ambience and cultural offerings, its fashionable shops and theatres, cinemas, universities and education centers. There are many international organisations and interests which would be attracted to holding their conferences here in Melbourne. We could become a Marine Centre, a natural world of beauty and healthy living. A city that enjoys a Quality lifestyle created by an Eco City.
Both directions require planning, design, investment and consistent effort. Both will reap harvest of activity (employment) and prosperity.
One however, embraces and builds upon what already is naturally here - a City surrounding a Bay. That has already been created for us.
The other, finds that Bay a nuisance and seeks to bulldoze most of what is beautiful and natural - in order to create an industrial mega world.
It’s all about values and vision.
The cross roads is before us. Once we wreak havoc in this bay and create 5 kilometre square areas of a toxic dump close to the shores of Bayside towns like Black Rock and Beaumaris - there is a long time required before we can rethink our direction.
What do you want ? What do you see as possible for Melbourne? Join the forum in the Age and enhance community debate. It is our City and our choice.
Well folks, the Federal Court has ruled that the dredging goes ahead and that it is okay for the Port of Melbourne to change their plan from 2002 to now.
Bay dredge gets go-ahead, Clay Lucas, the Age, 15 January 08
What we now know is that very few in either Government, law or business are concerned about the irreversible damage this could cause.
The dredger starts a 2 year project on 1st February.
Meanwhile - if you can - be there at Mornington to cheer on the kiddies who will be swimming to ‘Save the Bay’ they love.
[see last posting].
I have too few words to say… for we have taken our stand and shone our lights and Blue Wedges has stood for us in Court. So many people have rallyed over so many years.
The responsibility for the welbeing of this Bay and the health of its river, marine world, beaches, towns, suburbs and City - is in the hands of the Port of Melbourne.
I pray they are good and wise hands.
We enjoyed a Corroboree on the Beach at Portsea in 2004 when the community was campaigning for Point Nepean to become a National Park.
That was achieved and it is now Point Nepean Community Trust.
It is summer in Melbourne and Point Nepean is hosting a Jazz Picnic at the revitalised Quarantine Station on 19 January 08. Feast on local gourmet produce and relish James Morrison, Wilbur Wilde, Emma Park, Sugarbeats and Wesley College Big Band.
Tickets are available at the Sorrento Athanaeum Cinema or cash sales at gate on the day. [$45 adults and $10 children].
Also on the 19th January a local 12 year old Elyse Coates-McCarthy, will lead her peers in a 1km swim from Mornington Pier to Mills Beach to hilight their love of the Bay and protest against the dredging. Get Involved
So people can make a grand day of it on the Peninsular on Saturday 19th January! Cheer on the kiddies at Mornington then head down to Point Nepean for a Jazz Picnic.
We are in the final stages now of a 5 year community rallying to Save our Bay
International support is strong. There are millions of people around the world who enjoy coming to Melbourne: the world’s ‘Most Livable City’.
Friends of the Earth International have just joined our Campaign and invite you to sign their on-line petition to Federal Environment Minister Mr. Garrett to show your opposition to channel deepening in Port Phillip Bay. Already hundreds of people from our global community have signed up so please forward this request to all your friends wherever they are around the world.
Go to: Friends of the Earth International on-line petition at: http://www.foei.org/en/get-involved/take-action/port-phillip-bay/
The pics and stories are almost all in. It is fascinating to see the diversity of personal experience of the Vigil on tuesday night. Around the Bay
Thank you to all who responded to the call that went out and rallied family and friends ‘to the beaches’! In between the groups, were so many more who took the opportunity to go quietly to their own favorite places and honour their appreciation for the Bay.
Enjoy summer by the Bay.
Have a lovely peaceful Monday folks!
Hilary
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