We have helped …
Last night, 29 March, was Earth hour and million of man-made lights went out as people and businesses acknowledged we need to rethink how we live.
The final decision by the Federal Court on friday, declaring Minister Garrett was lawful in his assessment of the Dredging project, is sad for those of us who are deeply concerned about the effects of the dredging on our Bay. My condolences and grateful thoughts go to Blue Wedges for all their diligence and determination for so long.
Melbourne dredging opponents lose case, the Age
Dredging decision vindicated: Garrett, ABC tv news.
Port of Melbourne probes fuel spill, the Age 31 /03/08
We can take solace in that we have contributed enormously to the awakening of our society and humanity generally, to the perils of insensitivity and callous planning when it comes to our environment. We are not alone, there are many who are equally concerned about the various projects undertaken as we speak and more on the drawing board.
As to what we do from here and how we cope with this is largely an individual choice. As humanity and our global civilisations meet the challenges (and there are many) over the decades ahead, people respond to that which fires their spirit. In that, we achieve much for ourselves personally and for our communities.
Take heart then, know that by participating in this Vigil of Lights on January 8th, and the subsequent marathon of rallies and protests, petitions and letters, that much light has indeed been thrown on the murky waters of politics, corporate manipulations and commercial bullying. The truth will always oust. In time, much will surface. We truly hope and pray the Bay will recover from this gross destruction of a precious marine sanctuary. It shall, given time. Ultimately, many people are still money/greed/power oriented. If nature were like this, our species would never have survived as long as it has. Nature gives so much. We have much to learn.
Yet, I must also acknowledge that my own life needs attention. I need to retrieve something of my own time and energies. I shall leave this site here for a while and may post occasionally. My love for this Bay and our oceans, land and forests, fauna and flora is part of me. My deep concern for the caring and careful management of such a beautiful planet – will continue to be something I passionately advocate.
Meanwhile, you can continue to give your love and care to your own environment and do what you will in this gruelling and challenging period of growth and upheaval of humanity’s relationship and interaction with nature.
Blessings and warm wishes to a community of light bearers and strong spirits,
You are cherished in my heart and soul,
Hilary
Thank you for everything you have done Hilary.
You have kept us all informed and kept us up to date with all the postings in the media. I logged onto bayvigil.org every day to be able to find out what was published in all the media for that day. You have saved me time in being able to link directly to the articles, but most importantly you have showed us all what it means to care. To care not only for environment but also the community that shares it. You write beautifully from the heart and voice eloquently how we all feel about our bay. Logging onto Bayvigil.org is part of my daily routine which I will miss greatly.
There are special people in the world that inspire others to get involved and Bay Vigil did that for my husband and I. I knew about the issue but didn’t start standing up and being counted till the vigil. I was in the UK and missed it which caused me angst as I missed out on my first protest. Since then I have been to every gathering that I could attend (and even the court case)…..and that was because of you.
Thank you Hilary.
Love
Jo
Thank you Jo!
Appreciation is much appreciated! It has been an extraordinary experience – the actual Bay Vigil of Lights was a fantastic response from within the community and a beautiful happening. I would like to see it as an annual event.
I am tracking down the story of the Bay told at the Rosebud rally and shall post it asap. What will unfold now through the two years ahead is up to the POMc. I am heartened to see the EPA will continue to monitor the beaches. It is truly amazing to hear that the legal system cannot determine or prevent environmental damage. Our laws need tweaking and updating – rapidly. The Bay is crown property and belongs to the people.
Warm regards,
Hilary.
To effectively dramatically reduce pollution levels world wide,we should be using the SOLAR TURRETT,an invention seen on ABC,S “NEW INVENTORS” program wednesdays 8pm,This solar unit can power an entire household with no pollution contamination or future problems,so why are we not seeing WORLD WIDE USE of this AUSTRALIAN invented,environmentally friendly solar power unit?? What could be more “EARTH FRIENDLY” than using the Sun’s mighty power! Of course the BIG MONEY dudes with huge share holdings in coal,oil uranium mining don,t want us to use this brilliant invention,because they won’t make MONEY from it!! Worse their share values would drop as would dividends,but what do we put first? Their profits or EARTH’S well being?
Thanks Alan – interesting isn’t it? So much inventiveness is emerging in response to need, yet the economic system has a tight hold – so far. Although it seems to be slipping. People with kingdoms are understandably reluctant to let them go. Yes, the Emperor has no clothes. The Capitalist system is supposed to let the marketplace sort it all out. Then the only way that can happen is if people purchase this invention and short circuit the current setup. How many people have opted for solar hot water? Most are waiting for it to become cheaper and more easily installed. The people(masses) do not want change either. Do not overlook that there are billions of people all over the world who are happily making a living out of the things you want to change. Think of how many are employed making and transporting and using old technologies – including weapons for war. The BIG DUDES at the top can only function if the little folk are willing to work for them. It is a pyramid structure. At this stage in Australia, the mining industry is buzzing along. Yes, I know, we do not get to see the profits being shared (least of all with the original landowners!). Those with $pare ca$h get to invest and make more. It is how it works (so far – for how much longer?).
The society is made up of people Alan. The dredging debate proves that – the people enmasse enjoy the Bay yet do very little to maintain it or protect it. At the very least – the work of Blue Wedges, the Divers, the Fisher folk, Save the Bay, those brave surfies and jetski folk of Operation Quarantine, the lovers of the Bay who are the swimmers, walkers and families, the Eco Centre, the Penguin clan, the seal lovers, the Dolphin folk, Bay Vigilantes, the petitions, the letters, the journalists and media – they have ALL contributed and made sure the care of the Bay is in the public forum. So keep writing and declaring what you see. When the inventions you mention are in the marketplace and readily accessible, consumers will be interested. The majority are sheep – the flock. The shepherds are in charge. It’s the way of our world. Perhaps as investors lose on their dividends, the system will change. We live in “interesting times”. Who knows? We do what we are. Keep the fire in your belly (heart/soul) sparking away.
Warm and encouraging regards,
Hilary