It is Easter and families enjoy the Easter break while the Blairgowrie Yacht club hosts a race out on the Bay. The sun has been sparkling on the water. Even ‘though it is not as clear as pre-dredging and there are pockets of silt on the sea floor and uprooted seaweed floating in clumps - people still love it. I realised as I watched these children playing in the Bay that it is so safe for little ones. The ocean is not as safe. Another young man drowned at Blairgowrie back beach on the same day.
Back a few weeks and International Women’s Day (March 8th ) was celebrated down here in Rye. Early morn and a group of women held a meditation on the pier for innocent women and children who have for so long - and are still dying - in atrocious circumstances. We scattered our flowers on the sea in sacred recognition of their sacrifice. We prayed together knowing the water of the Bay would join the ocean and the oceans of the world and circulate our blessings around the globe.
Once again, the Bay has served us well. I honour its role in our lives.
Catherine Jones is organising a Sacred walk to Point Lonsdale next Sunday 30th March. Fliers are here for you to distribute.
sacred-walk-final.pdf
Finally, the Petition organised by a concerned Mentone resident is circulating.
no-toxic-dump-in-our-bay-petition-2008.pdf
One interesting observation which strengthened my faith in the media. I know many journalists have been avidly investigating and researching. The Herald Sun on Saturday, page 9, had an article about the levels of contamination in the Bay being kept at ’safe’ levels:
Toxin tests clear
I am still uneasy about it all - can we trust these ‘experts’ ? It is a lovely characteristic of the Aussie folk to want to to trust in their pollies and corporate folk and our ‘ she’ll be right, mate ‘ characteristic is a noble one.
I am not comfortable with the revolutionary approach - have been beaten and burned by the adversarial system too many times and as I age I am more protective of my vulnerability. This is partly why I personally have chosen the angle I have.
Next Saturday evening is Earth Hour* and during that time, I shall be at the beach with a candle. The template of love and respect we have anchored around the Bay is there for us all to use whenever we feel so inclined. This is a sanctuary. May we continue to treat it as such.
Happy Easter folks!
* Earth hour
UPdate: 18 March 2008:
Tim Wilson, a local resident of Mentone, has organised a petition to reconsider handling of the toxic waste in our Bay. Please print off and distribute around your local areas.
dredging-petition-2008.doc dredging-petition-2008.pdf
There is a great deal happening in the world with which we can align ourselves. The Dredging project and the toxic dump project have been referred to the Standing Committee in the State Parliament. We do not know how long this will take. Be assured however, that it is on the agenda at last.
Low returns from channel deepening not worth the risk to the Bay.
Some fantastic news: the Australian Conservation Foundation along with Monash University will be monitoring the Bay. They need support for the project using their boat, the Orca. If you can help, please donate.
Australian Conservation Foundation
Port reports stepped up, Peter Ker, the Age
And another chance to love the world … Earth Hour
On 29 March , many homes in towns, villages and cities across the world will be turning off lights and computers, power points and televisions. Earth hour is 8- 9 pm on Saturday evening here in Ozland. It is fascinating scanning down the listed businesses and organisations committted to participate in recognition of our need to change and adapt our human creations to be more harmoniously interactive with the environment and considerate of limited resources.
Earth Hour: see the difference you can make.
You can sign up as families, individuals, friends, groups, organisations and associations, neighbourhoods, business … anyone and everyone. No outlay, no hidden cost or requirement - just turn off those lights.
Quite familiar … in reverse?! We shone lights into the dark, now we are asked to register our assistance by turning off lights for an hour. Perhaps we can head for the beach again and love our Bay. Pray for a clear and starry night!
* I shall be away until Tuesday 18 March. Press Page is updated until Tuesday 11 March. I do hope the Federal Court realises we need to think very carefully about the adverse effects of dredging up foul contamination. Our Marine Sanctuary is precious.
abc tv news: Doctors concerned about Yarra dredging. 11/03/08
Antarctic reveals pesticides, Felicity Ogilvie, abc news. 11/03/08
Cartoon by Tandberg, The Age, 4 March 2008.
The Mornington Leader newspaper has run a series of in depth articles on the massive turmoil heralded by this Bay project. Perhaps people who have ‘turned a blind eye’ on the supposition that this is just ‘maintenance dredging’ will begin to think about this event horizon. There are letters and reports from people from around the Bay.
Bay of Dregs: Wes Hosking, Mornington Leader
Animated graphic
Experts respond: Is the bund safe? Wes Hosking
There have been numerous issues confronting the people of Victoria and locally groups have formed and been active in their protests and voicing their displeasure through the media.
Due process has been followed: most have pinned their hopes on the ‘new vision’ emerging from the new Federal Government with regards to focussed concern on climate change and the need for Australia to consider Environment and Health.
Whether the concern be the Pulp Mill in Tassie; the glamour, money driven ideas of developers,; the greed and self interest of lobby groups; the m,ost unwise introduction of GM crops; or for us here, the health of the Bay, the same core issues arise:
How do we en masse - grasp the opportunity to think carefully and wisely about mankind’s rampant destruction of what is irreplacable?
What can we do in a society that is still only superficially democratic when money and power are at stake?
I ask these questions sincerely - I do not know the answers.
I have some concerns with the poisoning of the Bay that are not even raised in debates or environmental plans:
1. Sea mists: These come and go through all seasons. If most of the carcinogenic and poisonous elements actually become more powerful when smaller particles, then these (like mercury and DDT) will become part of the ‘fresh air’ which is one of the Bay’s marvellous gifts as a huge carbon and regenerative sink.
2. Earth changes: We are blessed (so far) by not worrying too much about tectonic plate shifts here in Southern Victoria. We are bombarded by storms, King Tides and the churning of the Bay and ‘unseasonable’ weather. Predicatability of the planetary state and previously reliable patterns and behaviour is becoming an intuitive art. Science is based on ‘what is known’ and we are entering a period (how long?) of more of the ‘unknown’.
3. Selective expertise: People hear so many different ’expert’ opinions and advice that they resort easily to a parental/child relationship and prefer to trust the Government and Corporate worlds rather than think for themselves. In this, the ‘blind eye’ is created and normal senses: sight, smell, touch, feeling and hearing are muted.
4. Trust: I have lived in Melbourne all of 50 + years and throughout those decades, the Port of Melbourne has not been renowned for its fairness, transparency, honesty and integrity. This concerns me deeply. To discover now, the extent to which the MCC and the State Governments (and until recently - the Bayside Councils) have been happily complicit in an arrangement involving the health and welfare of an entire Bay and marine sanctuary - with the POMc - is disturbing. That this arrangement will be long term (20 years) and is already explicitly unco-operative and disrespectful of many enterprises, people and nature - is betrayal. It betrays us now: the Bay, the marine world, the lovers of this seaside lifestyle and the future generations of Melbourne.
There are so many good ideas out there: the recent SBS Insight program revealed in both its program and the letters on the site following the broadcast, that there is much we can do - now. All it takes is will and a shared vision.
Australia is a young nation - we must accept that we have much to do and that we will not be settled as a nation and and a cultural lifestyle until we adapt harmoniously to the environment and climate of this land. Wherever I have travelled overseas - this one factor is evident: the climate and environment determines the peoples, cultures and human creations. If we destroy the nature and land that nurtures and feeds us, then we must start again … and again … and again.
Day whatever in court:
“Justice North said today it appeared from material before court that the likelihood of the spills occurring was about a million to one.” The Age today.
With respect, I am not sure what planet Justice North is residing on or what part of the city he abides within. Here, in Rye, we know the chances of a King Tide over winter when the toxic dumped muck is ’settling’ are far greater than ‘ a million to one’.
It seems that the POMc has everyone fooled. They have used OCEAN methodologies to plan for the containment of toxic waste in a BAY:
”The Queen of the Netherlands is due to start excavation of the contaminated Williamstown Channel clay today, to use in the construction of the unlicensed toxic waste dump off Mordialloc.
Ironic isn’t it that contaminated clay can be used to construct a containment facility for the more highly contaminated sludge from the Yarra. The trick is that the PoMC has used National Ocean Disposal Guidelines (NODG) to classify the contaminated Williamstown channel clay as “suitable for unconfined disposal”.
Of course the Bay is not the ocean, and does not behave like the ocean – but that hasn’t stopped the PoMC getting away with using NODG guidelines to justify its poisonous plan for the Bay. We need to stop them getting away with it otherwise we risk the long term health of the Bay and those who rely on it!”
htttp://www.bluewedges.org
Clear thinking indicates (for me anyway) that what we have perceived and evaluated as ‘adequate’ until now in terms of environmental care - is plainly insufficient - simply, not good enough! It all sounds like - ‘It’s what we’ve always done!’ as a reason to keep doing what is now considered quite unsatisfactory. Pffft! What really astounds me with these arguments is: that it is perceived as okay to dump toxic stuff in the ocean anyway! Did these people learn to clean up after themselves as kids?
It is all becoming very tiring and the arrogance and bull headedness of the POMc is so childish and egoccentric. Is the input of people in the know - valuable and respected enough to be considered? What interests are driving this project?
It is all happening down Brighton way now: the owners of the beach huts, the users of the Middle Brighton Baths and the members of the Brighton Yacht Club do not seem to be concerned about the toxic dump being constructed along their beach. Further down the Bay around Mordialloc - will the drinkers and diners at Doyles be happy with it all? Will St. Bede’s Mentone, be ruffled?
As someone once said, (cannot remember who):
“I’d rather be seen as an over-sensitive fool than an arrogant idiot.”
Maybe it IS all about perception and choice.
I do hope our concern is ‘over the top’. This is one time when we certainly do not want to see that ‘one-in-a-million’ chance of a King Tide during the ’settling period’ of 140 days of uncovered stinking sludge.
To think - this will continue on now until 2030. The POMc (as well as MP Garrett and Justice North) must have tremendous faith in the weather and climate predictability.
Melbourne, long hailed as one of the world’s most ‘liveable cities’ could easily become a model Eco City surrounding a beautiful healthy marine sanctuary (and huge carbon sink).
Imagine a city with electric cars for the CBD’s (especially taxis!) for all travel within a 30 kilometere area. Hire companies placed strategically at airports, train stations and tram depots can turn over a continual stream of these small electric cars. ( they can be seen in New York and London already).
Imagine a City with a continual alternating design of green wedges (gardens and parks) and eco buildings.
Imagine lots of people become enthusiastic green collar workers, scheduling their lifestyles and working times to balance a healthy well being.
Hope: Dream: Vision …
Good News:
The Age newspaper today: New review planned for dredging
It’s all about the money !!!
Cheery regards to Greens MP Sue Pennicuik. Those at the Rosebud Rally heard her speak … yay!
News alert: ***
SBS Insight program welcomes in the year of 2008 with a special program on Climate Change and the environment tonight:
“Don’t miss our first Insight this year, which looks at the future of our cities in the light of climate change.
The new government says it’s committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
But how much will we have to change the way we live to meet the targets?
Will cars and suburban backyards eventually give way to public transport and higher density living? How else can we reduce our carbon footprint? And is there the political will to make the tough decisions?
Tonight on Insight, Environment Minister Peter Garrett joins planners and members of the public to thrash out what type of change is needed. How is it likely to affect you? Join us tonight and find out…”
Enjoy the show,
Jenny Brockie.
Tuesdays 7.30 pm SBS
repeated on SBS on Friday 2.30 pm and Monday 1.30 pm
Blue Wedges has released video footage of Port Phillip Bay and the Rosebud reef. Beautiful viewing of a seahorse grazing ! See the Bay’s marine world, a kingdom being devastated now with nonchalant indifference for the dubious purpose of ‘economics’ and ’security’.
Also, footage on speeches given at the Rosebud Rally on Saturday 17 February.
http://bluewedges.org
*** Kids Save the Bay rally:
Ruby Pritchard, a 10 year old from the Steiner stream of Mornington Park Primary, is organizing a kids protest rally for this Sunday March 2nd at 10.00 am.
Ruby is calling all kids to join her in a ‘Kids save the Bay Rally’ and march from Mornington Park to Mornington Pier. Meet at the park at 10.00 am.
All welcome to come along and join in – it gives the kids another chance to ‘do their bit’.
[ Article from Mornington Leader]
Keep your eyes open and notice changes in our Bay - indeed, our planet!
Our Bay:
Cloudy waters at the seal colony at Chinaman’s Hat. Photo: Justin Mcmanus
printed in the Age today. Press
The PoMc has said it is okay to swim in the Bay tomorrow:
The annual Port Melbourne to Williamstown swim will go ahead.
& & &
And elsewhere on the Oz land … at Yamba north of Sydney on NSW coast.
The scientific explanation is worth noting:
“Scientists explain that the foam is created by impurities in the ocean, such as salts, chemicals, dead plants, decomposed fish and excretions from seaweed. All are churned up together by powerful currents which cause the water to form bubbles.”
sea-foam-at-yamba.doc
Seen anything unnusual lately?
Blue Wedges still hopeful
The Federal Court has permitted the Port of Melbourne Corporation to continue with the dredging project while the Court hearing continues. The south channel can now be completed and dredging of the north channel can begin. Work on the Yarra will begin around 1st March.
Court relaxes restrictions
The hearing has been adjourned until Monday 3 March.
For those living near the south channel, this is good news. We can begin the much needed healing process. Just walking along the beach and giving the Bay your love and attention can help. If you notice anything …
The Mornington Leader newspaper is inviting people to send in their observations and pics of what is occurring on the Bay.
Contact Lisa Habermann 03 5975 3633
email: habermannl@leadernewspapers.com.au
Ron Tandberg, cartoonist, the Age today.
Letter to the Editor, the Age.
Penguins must count…
“I WOULD like to respond to comments by Nick Easy from the Port of Melbourne Corporation regarding monitoring of penguins at St Kilda (”Fears for 1200-strong penguin colony“, The Age, 18/2). The Department of Sustainability and Environment does not monitor penguins at St Kilda, and volunteers conduct a census of the colony twice a month, which does not constitute sufficient monitoring during a major environmental disturbance.
The Port of Melbourne has not consulted with Earthcare (the volunteer group that conducts the census) to establish any monitoring, and a letter from Earthcare to Mr Easy inquiring about monitoring the colony remains unanswered.
Monitoring of the penguins at St Kilda was recommended by the independent panel for the Supplementary Environmental Effects Statement inquiry into the dredging and the state Planning Minister. If the port is confident that the penguins will not be adversely affected by the dredging, then it should have no problems with implementing adequate monitoring.”
Andrew McCutcheon, president, Earthcare St Kilda, Elwood
Beach at Blairgowrie, last week. Yes, that’s the Queen in the background.
[posted on Comments ABC tv Your Say]
I went diving at my favourite spot between Mornington and Mt Martha this weekend. While not by the dump site itself, the water quality was still atrocious, and visibility only around a metre at times. Half the plant life looked dead, and the only fish I saw were babies. A few weeks ago this spot was clean, healthy and crystal clear.
Disgusting.
Fishy
Light a candle, say a prayer, make a wish and hope -
that wisdom may prevail .
*First press coverage: Wednesday 20 February
Blue Wedges in dredging halt bid
Video
Uncertainty
Pic taken at Rye Friday 8 february. A small local mobile machine was dredging the marina. First time in 5 years. Good timing huh? The seagulls obviously couldn’t read the sign. Despite the obvious pollution, people were swimming and fishing nearby.
Sophie Small (Seaford Bayvigil group) is organising a Rally at Rosebud foreshore next Sunday 17 February. All welcome! This will be our last get together before the Court hearing on 20 February.
Come along, enjoy the gathering and see the dredge out there on the Bay.
rosebudrally.pdf
Locals put up signs.
* The greens have been putting out media releases that have been systematically ignored by mainstream media. Why?
Sad sight in Port Phillip Bay
Monitoring the Bay is not good enough
Sickening sight
Move to refer Dredging Project to Upper House
Greens see red
Call for independent analysis of fish lesions.
Government can’t say how much channel deepening will cost
And finally, the FOI (Freedom of Information Act) is about to become even more draconian and restrictive.
Herald Sun editorial on FOI
The Sunday Age back page : The Heckler referred to this as well. Perhaps the Age investigative reporters have been digging a bit too deep?
A simple test is sufficient: if it is good and right - nothing needs to be hidden.
« Previous Entries Next Entries »