Whales begin their annual migration out of the Antarctic killing fields into an evermore uncertain future

A 52-foot-long female Humpback whale and her newborn calf filmed in the South Pacific atoll of Moorea (Polynesia).
Image found at Big Movie Zone

As southern whales begin their annual trek out of the Japanese killing fields in the Antarctic to calve in warmer waters off Australia's far northern coastline and in the wider Pacific Ocean, they move into an evermore uncertain future.

Despite international concern about the fate of cetacean species, the Government of Japan and its uneconomic commercial whaling industry (conducting business under the guise of 'scientific research') continue to lobby vigorously for an end to the moratorium on whaling.

It is hard to see how the conference last weekend in Helsinki on Cetacean Rights: Fostering Moral and Legal Change will be an effective counterbalance to the votes and opinions Japan and other whaling nations will 'buy' at next month's International Whaling Commission four day annual meeting in Morocco.

Generally the Japanese media still see the debate as one centred on the good of national scientific research and how little whale meat is in actually eaten in the country. Ignoring any real discussion of environmental, biodiversity and species impacts from sustained killing in the Southern Ocean and the fact that whale meat appears to be entering the local pet food industry.

Wild Politics has promised to post Helsinki conference papers soon. Margi Prideaux deserves a round of applause for that undertaking.

Cetacean Rights Conference May 2010 Opening Address:
Fostering Moral and Legal Change Towards Cetacean Rights and presented conference paper abstracts

Lesser books you may have missed

Where ever I looked in the Oz blogosphere last week we were all being so deadly serious, so 'twas a relief to come across this #lesserbooks tag at Twitter.
Here's a small selection of titles on offer:

A Basement Master's Guide (Second Edition)
The Color Mauve
Pedagogy of the Depressed
A Clear and Present Annoyance
The Scarlet Debtor
Diary of a Cake Fiend
Tupac Kills A Mockingbird
Horton Hears a Where
War and Peas
Prude and Prejudice
The Maltseser Falcon
The Hitchhiker's Guide to Montana
Gone With the Breeze
Apprehension and Disapproval In Las Vegas
The Lion, The Witch and the Cupboard
The 38 steps
The Norwich Outpatient
Lard Times
Thus Spoke Uncle Bert

A Sunday smile.....

From xkcd

From Ned the Bear

All things greenhouse in New South Wales

While all things greenhouse appear to be marking time at a national level and, many who voted for Kevin 07 are unhappy and some horrified at the thought of his budgie-wearing counterpart Tony 10, matters chug along at NSW state level with average equivalent emissions this week running 15% above the level required to stop global warming and dirty energy prevails according to The Weekly Greenhouse Gas Indicator.

Queensland is a shocking 90% over equivalent weekly emissions levels for 1990 and South Australia is 12% below. The Northern Territory and West Australia are not tracked it this longtitudinal data collection.

New south wales

This week's (7 May to 13 May) NSW Indicator is 1.908 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, the breakdown is as follows:

In tonnes:

Electricity from coal: 1.106 million; 58.0%

Natural gas: 0.171 million; 8.9%

Petroleum: 0.632 million; 33.1%

This week

NSW's emissions from energy grew by 2.2% or 42,000 tonnes, due to an increase in emissions from both gas and coal-fired generation.

Emissions sources

Emissions from coal-fired electricity, which accounted for 87% of electricity generation in NSW this week, grew by 0.9% or 10,000 tonnes with a number of generation units operating at a higher capacity.

Emissions from gas grew by 23% or 32,000 tonnes.

Emissions from petroleum products continued at the same low level as last week – the lowest level of petrol emissions for the state in over two years.

Demand & Import/Export

Electricity demand grew 1.5%.

NSW imported 5.7% of its electricity demand from other states, compared to 6.9% last week.

Comparisons

This week's Indicator is 9.2% lower than the same week in 2009 and total emissions to this stage of 2010 are 5.5% lower than the similar stage last year.

This week's Indicator is 15% above the average equivalent 1990 weekly emissions and 1.3% below the equivalent 2000 weekly average.

The bloke ought to keep his mouth closed and let people think he's a racist idiot, rather than provide the proof

Patricia Laurie, Councillor for the North Coast Region of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, has very neatly put a gigantic racist ignoramus on his backside.

Last week James Mackenzie told Byron Shire Council that the Aboriginal nations Arakwal and Bundjalung are a fiction. McKenzie claimed there was no Bundjalung nation, tribe, people, language, culture, clan, nor horde. "No Bundjalung anything." (The Northern Star, 14 May)

Here's Ms Laurie's piece Bundjalung nation 'very much alive'. It's in today's Northern Star.

Some days you wake up better than others. But last Friday, I awoke to discover that I wasn't real.

In the May 14 edition of The Northern Star, a story appeared entitled 'Arakwal, Bundjalung don't exist'.

You can imagine my surprise, given that I am both a Yaegl woman and a member of the Bundjalung nation.

I pinched myself, just in case, and can confirm for Northern Star readers that I am, in fact, real.

I can also confirm that the Bundjalung nation is very much alive, and is one of the best known in the country.

Tens of thousands of Aboriginal people alive today - myself included - identify with the Bundjalung nation, either as their country, or the country of their ancestors.

The bizarre and ridiculous claims have come from 'James McKenzie, a great grandson of pioneer James MacKenzie, who was called Wollumbin Gum Jimmy'.

Mr McKenzie somehow managed to grab a microphone at a meeting of the Byron Shire Council.

By the end of his rant, Mr McKenzie had abolished two nations and called for 'a parliamentary inquiry into the scandals and the politicians involved'. What, all of them?

I'd respectfully suggest to The Northern Star that while coverage of council is important - and in The Star's case generally comprehensive - you don't have to report absolutely everything that is said.

If a man stands and makes a fool of himself, it might make for a colourful headline, but given the ridiculous and divisive nature of what's been said, reporting it doesn't make for harmonious relationships in the community. That, I would suggest, is in everyone's interests.

To my black brothers and sisters I'd make two points: Firstly, you reap what you sow; if you want to help other people question Aboriginal identity because it suits your political agenda, then expect to have your own identity questioned. Secondly, since the British arrived in 1788, Aboriginal people have been kept busy fighting among themselves. It's one of the great 'tools of the oppressor'.

Finally, to Mr McKenzie: I note that you claim to be a 'descendant of the famous MacKenzies', who helped build this region since colonisation.

The fact is, Mr McKenzie, I don't get to define your identity, any more than you don't get to define Aboriginal identity.

You can advance all the bizarre conspiracy theories you like, but it doesn't change who we are. All that's changed is what we think of you.

Sources: The Northern Star and The Daily Examiner (pic)

McDonald's versus Yamba: BOYCOTT, BOYCOTT, BOYCOTT!

What one would expect; after the very pro-McDonald's Cr. Margaret McKenna snarled back at the council meeting gallery last Tuesday that if they didn't like the way she was voting they could vote with their wallets and not go to McDonald's when it opened in Yamba.......

A selection from the initial reaction on Facebook the day after Clarence Valley Council's infamous decision to allow a 6am to midnight eat-in and drive through fast food outlet in the small NSW coastal town of Yamba:

NO to McDonalds in YAMBA Disappointment tonight from CVC but Yamba stand proud! We showed a united, committed community against this inappropriate development because that's what we are and not a generic McDonalds town. 4000 signatures and 455 letters apparently not enough. Cindy Rawiri, Kerry Mcdonough, Kylie Leisinger and 10 others like this.

Judith Robinson
How much is McDonalds paying the council? With all those signatures and letters your council isnt listening :(
Dianne Schwinghammer
sorry to hear the result. The face of our Yamba will be changed forever and not for the better.
Kim Mcgowan
I'm with you Judith..........it sounds like something dodge has gone on.......anyway i will not eat there.......if i feel like treating myself and the family we will still drive to Grafton...........Yamba is just another town with another maccas nothing special about us !!!!!!!!
Theresa Bennett
smells like vomit fullstop remember that next time you walk past or open that paper bag bbbbaaaarrrrfffff council will allow it because their the only fat idiots that will eat the shit : p
Kaz Whitty
Good on you Yamba! Yes contact ACA! What did the State Govt do to our planning laws that ignore the majority vote of the people of a particular area..making our councils back down to the big end of town for fear of $$$ loss in court? We elected them to serve our interests...there has to be a loophole here!!
Ben Redlich
we had our honeymoon in yamba last year, the first time we've been there. i remarked at the time how refreshing it was to see no fast food chains, just local business. sigh...
Janet Purcell
Need to change this page to boycott McD's. Not sure, but I think that Newtown had a boycott campaign and McDs closed down. Very disappointing, but everyone should send a big thank you to Councillors Ian Tiley and Sue Hughes who spoke really well against this abominable development. And send a no thanks to Clrs Ian Dinham (Yamba), Jim Simmons(Maclean), Margaret McKenna (Grafton), Craig Howe (Grafton) and most disappointingly Clr Pat Comben (Grafton) sold Yamba out on this one!!!!!
Sharon Uthmann
So sad to hear that public opinion did nothing to the outcome. Welcome to increased litter and increased social problems - have come from an area full of take away venues and all you get is a dirty town where those who need to be feeding their families healthy meals, instead end up with cheap fat filled meals. Such a shame! I for one will be boycotting McDonalds in Yamba when I visit and I hope that will result in a closure.
Marilyn King
Go broke Macca's!!!!! Will not step a foot inside, am so sorry our Council could not see the light! BOYCOTT!!!!!
Marion Uithol
Is there a link to the proposed affordable housing residential development planned for West Yamba? Who is behind the scenes for both propositions?
Shayne Louise
let them put Macca's on the highway, then it can taste even more like mud when it floods... keep fighting... need more media coverage... ACA, sunrise, anything... knock down the security fences and pickets each time they go up... they cant arrest everyone in town...
Kym Thornton
how sad, i for one won't be going there..
Karlen Holloway
Support our local businesses. Boycott maccas don't let ur children eat it. Don't give in to it's conveniece.
Karlen Holloway
Also! Yamba slsc uses a shed on the site where maccas has been proposed to store competition equipment. We will now loose this space and have no where else to store this equipment. So much for them helping sporting and local community
Sandra Mason
That is really sad, hate McDonalds. You know who to vote out in the next election
Yesterday at 5:44am
Matthew Ellks
There goes the nieghbourhood.....
Tash Keys
This is the most right wing council and bunch of councilors ever (alebit for a couple)! It was a shoo in once they passed west yamba. Just look at what they are doing! They are saying its ok to over develop sensitive coastal areas, its ok to destroy habitat without the proper consent (Gulmarrad), its ok to snuff your nose up at the community. If anyones interested in taking this council and its councilors on - i'm in!
Jen Smith
Very disappointing that community wishes have been ignored. As a community we can elect & not elect councillors but what happens to the non elected decision makers in council. Who are they responsible to and what was their rationale for ignoring what the community wants and what are they getting out of this.
Trudie Brown
money ALWAYS talks over peoples words...ITS DISGUSTING!!
Frank Lucas
Well they didn't get into Byron so hang in there.
Aloha
Dave Schwarz
Shame - just remember the names of the 5 idiot councillors - Simmons, Comben, Dinham, Howe, McKenna - while we can get rid of them next council election, it may take a lot longer to get rid of McDonalds but I support the boycott calls, no way will I be seen in the Yamba business ever (and yes, I do use them when travelling, clean toilets, quick food, they are fine on a highway!).
Dave Schwarz
Can I suggest everybody sends the infamous 5 a short but succinct email telling them what we all think -
addresses are:
margaret.mckenna@clarence.nsw.gov.au
craig.howe@clarence.nsw.gov.au
ian.dinham@clarence.nsw.gov.au... See More
pat.comben@clarence.nsw.gov.au
jim.simmons@clarence.nsw.gov.au
Now nothing too rude, I just said "Disgraceful decision re McDonald's - you've lost this vote next election!"
Dave Schwarz
Just letting you all know I've had councillor Comben reply to my email telling me that was the only decision he could make under "reason and law" and how good it was and how many people were congratulating him on it (15 congratulatory emails and 4 happy people on the street is his total to date) - so please, send the infamous 5 an email or they'll think they've made an intelligent decision!
Ruth Condran
If everyone who said they don't want Maccas in town stick to there convictons and boycott it they won't last long in town.
Cate Murphy
Thank You to all the people that came into" Smokos" today to reassure me that they will still eat with us and not sell out to the ultra cheap McHeartattack and Lies. I wonder how quickly maccas will fund a roundabout on Treelands and Yamba Rd.?.....I wonder how much council earns in all the various stages of development and inspections.?.....I ... See Morewonder how the short sighted five sleep at night ? Wonder I may...no point asking council anything about this as they couldn't lie straight in bed it's easy to see why they voted the way they did. I hope everyone remembers this at election time. You can bet I will be campaigning to remind everyone. I intend to do my own economic impact study of the effect this has on Yamba local businessess. BOYCOTT BOYCOTT BOYCOTT send the bastards broke show them that Yamba is committed, true and resilient....and vote NO to the fools that voted Yes
Michelle Higgins
So sorry to hear about this. When I come back to visit I will not be eating there. I will support the local community not Mccas. Wonder how much they paid the Council???????

After the Intervention: income management research

Conclusion: Income management independent of the government stimulus payment appears to have had no beneficial effect on tobacco and cigarette sales, soft drink or fruit and vegetable sales. Click on image to enlarge.

Two of the researchers writing in Crikey after Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin was dismissive of the latest independent study:

However, in contrast to the government report, we found that spending on food and drinks and fruit and vegetables did not change with income management. Soft drinks sales increased.

The one time during income management that spending went up for all store commodities was when people actually had more money: at the time of the government stimulus payment.

Telling people of low income how they can use 50% of their income may make no difference to their spending, but giving a lump of cash does.

I know who I'm inclined to believe and it isn't the Minister.

The natural as art.....

Caged Beauty (above) and Swimming Upstream (below)
Photographs taken at Bundjalung National Park by the talented scml displayed at Panoramio

Guttermen Adam Walters and Peter Meakin = Public Enemies #1 & #2

What right did low-life, Adam Walters (above left), a gutter newsperson with Channel 7, have to invade and dispossess another individual of their civil liberties?

Answer: NONE!

Walters deserves all the sh*t that he cops as a consequence of his efforts.

However, Walters did not act alone in his small-minded exercise.

Channel 7's news boss, Peter Meakin (above right), gave Walters the green light to air the item so he, too, stands condemned.

Pics from The Daily Telegraph and ABC News

McCaffery says councils don’t buy Minister’s Joint Regional Planning Panels spin

18 May 2010

Councils don't buy Minister's JRPP Spin

NSW councils are not surprised that the Department of Planning will hand back some of the planning powers seized by the Joint Regional Planning Panels.
After less than 12 months of operation, the Department is set to hand back power for a number of types of development applications currently determined by the Panels.
President of the Local Government Association of NSW Cr Genia McCaffery said that councils were not surprised that the Department of Planning was not finding the processing of large, complex developments approvals as easy as they had expected.
"We have been saying from the beginning that this was not simply a matter, as the Minister at the time claimed, of councils being too political to do their job regarding larger scale developments.
"The Panels took over a role that was handled – generally very well – by NSW councils, duplicated existing structures and added another layer of bureaucracy to the process.
"The then-Minister's line was that state panel members would be less susceptible to outside pressures than councillors – optimistic at best and naïve at worst.
"The only difference is that the panel members aren't accountable to the local community.
"That they are already ready to hand back some of those powers shows just how wrong they got it."
The JRPPs were also trumpeted by the State Government as a way to speed up the DA process. Minister for Planning Tony Kelly has claimed that the JRPPs took only 114 days to approve, as opposed to councils, who he claimed took 249 days.
However this figure is a glaring, self-serving exaggeration.
That figure was the average gross determination time. However, when time taken for delays due to referrals to state agencies and for applicants to provide missing information is taken into consideration, councils were only responsible for 120 days of the process.
"It's a complete double standard," said Cr McCaffery.
"The majority of hold ups in council determinations were caused either by delays in State agencies, or incomplete or inadequate information supplied by the applicants.
"Minister Kelly claims that Panels are taking a long time to determine applications because the larger development proposals were more complex.
"When they were pushing to strip local communities of their input into planning decisions, they certainly never conceded that councils were dealing with exactly those problems.
"In the past, our planning system made sure that local views were a key point to be considered.
"The Panels have disenfranchised our communities, and I think it's already causing a lot of distrust and friction."

Cr. Genia McCaffery President, Local Government Association

Balfastards rule on Clarence Valley Council

Say NO! to these Clarence Valley councillors
in 2012

because they said
YES to McDonalds in YAMBA

in 2010

Pat Comben

Grafton
Attitude
a town doesn't tell council what to do
residents are rabble and i'm a reasoned man
i'm an important person - let me spell that for you, i*m*p*o*r*t*a*n*t

Margaret McKenna

Grafton
Attitude
there' s nothing special about Yamba

Grafton's better-er

youse residents should be happy to pick up red & gold litter on yer morning walk

Maccas is the health food of the nation

Ian Dinham

Yamba
Attitude
i'm telling you i don't want to vote for this DA - honest!

but i'll happily vote 'yes' anyway because it's never my fault if i raise my hand for the developer

Jim Simmons

Maclean
Attitude
please listen to me bleat that i share all your concerns about this DA and don't punish me for being one of Comben's sheep

Craig Howe

Grafton
Attitude
eh? duh? wha? yes sir, mista developer

and throw the mayor in for good measure

because his vision's lacking and his leadership's non-existent

Richie Williamson

Some background on McDonald's versus Yamba here.

Pics are from Clarence Valley Council website

What NSW Greens Said About McDonald's in Yamba

Communities or McCommunities?
Tuesday 18 May 2010

Greens support Yamba residents fight against McDonalds NSW MLC Sylvia Hale, Greens spokesperson on Planning, said the Greens support Yamba residents' overwhelming opposition to the proposed McDonalds in Treelands Drive, Yamba.
"Surely, part of Clarence Valley Council’s purpose is to represent the majority of its citizens and to promote the health of the people in Clarence Valley,” said Ms Hale.

"Communities should have the right to say 'No' to McDonalds. In Sydney, Ashfield Council rejected a McDonalds. The Newtown McDonalds went out of business because no one went there. And McDonalds hasn't even tried to set up in Byron Bay.
"I am sure McDonalds will no doubt come up with its usual spin: ‘We are so healthy now, we have salads, we support 'Clean Up Australia Day' and we offer rainforest coffee beans’.

“Like all big multinational companies, McDonalds have moved with the times and are greenwashing their image. "The local community, however, is too smart to be conned by the spin."McDonalds burgers are high in saturated fats, salt and sugar, foods that contribute to obesity and health problems."The Clarence Valley has great local produce and fresh seafood in abundance. Why would anyone would want to eat McDonalds ‘Fillet o’ Fish’ sitting on a plastic seat in a red and yellow box instead of local Yamba prawns, chips and salad?"As for the jobs argument, there are many young people working in restaurants and cafes in Yamba. Most of them will be acquiring much more useful and more complex kitchen skills than offered by a minimum wage, low skill McJob. "Yamba should not be forced to conform to the worst of suburban shopping mall or highway truckstop culture."That’s the reason why locals are fighting so hard on this.

“Yamba was voted one of Australia’s best towns. It’s no surprise most locals are passionate about keeping it that way. I hope the community wins their struggle,” Ms Hale concluded.

http://sylviahale.org.au/news/communities-or-mccommunities

McDonald's versus Yamba: only two councillors stood for democracy, public interest and community values on the day

The Clarence Valley Council ordinary monthly meeting on 18 May 2010 passed by five votes to two the McDonald's Australia Limited development application for a 6am to midnight eat-in and drive through fast food outlet in Treelands Drive, Yamba, a small town at the mouth of the Clarence River on the NSW North Coast.

Mayor Emeritus Cr. Ian Tiley's motion for refusal of the development application:

I move the following motion for refusal:-

That DA2010/0203 for McDonalds restaurant, signage, parking and landscaping be refused for the following good reasons:-

1."The proposal will be a more intensive use than the existing uses on the subject site and result in adverse impacts on the amenity of the residential area in proximity.

2. The proposed built form, scale and design is unsuitable for the site being inconsistent with the desired future character of development in the locality.

3. The proposal will not enhance the appearance, function and viability of commercial and retail areas as required under 3(a) zone of the Maclean LEP.

4. The proposed restaurant building and associated signage will be visually bulky and intrusive and will compromise and adversely affect the visual amenity of the locality and be overbearing when viewed from surrounding streets and residential properties.

5. The proposed development will adversely affect the character and amenity of adjoining and surrounding properties and the locality, in terms of increased frequency of vehicle movements and attendant impacts including noise, odour, light spillage, lighting and glare, safety and security, and hours of operation.

6. The proposed development will result in an unreasonable increase in vehicular traffic in local streets because of the intensification of use on the site.

7. The proposed development does not provide adequate prevention and management measures to address the threat to the security, safety and amenity of surrounding and nearby residents, and the general public, arising from people loitering and congregating outside the proposed restaurant at late night opening hours.

8. At times when restaurant closed and drive through open, the drive through would be the primary and not an ancillary use

9. The nature, size and location of the proposal will have substantial adverse social impacts significantly disproportionate to any perceived benefits.

10. The proposed development is not in the public interest".

There are compelling grounds for refusal of this application based on size, social impact, increased noise, increased traffic of at least 920 vehicles per day, inadequate vehicular access for community buses, taxis and drop offs, lack of assessment of feeder roads, increased intensity of use of the site as compared to 9 to 5.30 businesses, and especially that it is not in the public interest.

The report before us does not mention the size of the proposed restaurant. It will be larger than McDonalds at Ballina.

In respect of the aims of the Maclean LEP Zone 3(a), the provision of a McDonalds refreshment room in this location cannot possibly improve the viability of Yamba hill and Yamba town centre where council has over the years devoted much resources to facilitate a vibrant mix of restaurants and attractions.

I argue that all of the grounds for refusal in the motion are matters that go to underlining that the proposal is definitely against the public or common interest.

Academic writings on public interest define it as an interest that is potentially common to everybody. The public interest is the primary criterion for judging proposals. Private interests have to be put aside at law.

The academic and legal struggle to operationalise the concept of the public interest in planning has been about separating the public from the private interest.

Thus I keep away from the impact on other businesses. Even though that is absolutely real it amounts to an individual's private interest and would not stand court scrutiny unless it could be argued that the combined business interest amounted to public interest, because of consequent community impacts such as loss of employment. Unfortunately we do not have the benefit of an economic impact study on this issue.

There is no doubt that we need to protect the finite Yamba 'food pie'. The people want a local food economy as does council, underlined through council's participation in the NR Food links Project and support of Northern Rivers Food and Clarence Cuisine.

The drive through would be an integral part of the business proposal and not an ancillary use, or a use of premises which is incidental and subordinate to the predominant use. Whilst a drive through is not prohibited under the Maclean LEP and is not mentioned therein, at certain times of the day, when the proposed restaurant is closed and the drive through alone is open for service it would become the restaurant, have a "stand alone" function and then be equal to the predominant use.

The revised S79C assessment received since the Committee meeting, has but one sentence dealing with the NSW Coastal Policy and the North Coast Design Guidelines as required under S32B of the North Coast REP – quote "the proposal does not contravene any of the aims listed, nor the specific design and locational principles provided by clause 32B". At least some valid objections should have been addressed in this assessment.

The MNC Regional Strategy is not mentioned in the revised Assessment. Part B of the Guidelines for Crime Prevention and assessment of Development Applications must be considered but again no mention. The DA has not been referred to NSW Police for comment. Whilst optional, one would have thought this a prudent course of action. All very disappointing and unsatisfactory.

I am particularly disappointed that the report before us failed to mention the considerable case law where McDonalds Development Applications elsewhere have been rejected. This must be remedied in future reports if the council is of a mind to refuse a controversial Development Application. We must have more balance in officers reports.

Our role as representatives is to make decisions for the electorate. We are relied on to listen to the alternate viewpoints and to make best decisions. In the event of position being overwhelmingly adopted by the community, there is no doubt in my mind that the elected representative should support the community position, in the absence of compelling grounds. We have an overwhelmingly supported community position and we do not have alternate compelling grounds in this instance.

Our key council strategic plans including Valley Vision 2020 and the sustainability initiative dictate that we should hold true to the values of our community as clearly expressed. We must now follow through our good policy with good decision-making. This application, if approved will undermine our forward-thinking.

I have proudly watched Clarence Valley Council grow from its infancy. Today we have the opportunity to grow more, to show leadership and do positive good for those we represent.

No McDonalds in Yamba is the overwhelming view of community. That is indisputable. The people have spoken with great clarity and determination. 94.8% of 455 submission writers were opposed.

As Dom Ferry so eloquently said a week ago, we should also stand for the many silent ones out there.

My hope today is that CV will join the communities of Blue Mountains, Byron Bay, Port Douglas, Margaret River, Randwick, Ashfield and others which have rejected McDonalds.

In my time in local government, with the possible exception of the Clarence Valley Council amalgamation I have never witnessed such civic engagement on an issue or such overwhelming opposition.

We witnessed a most unusual but effective alliance between the Chamber of commerce and Valley Watch with combined full page adds. What a clear message to council!

There is a whole lot of passion out there, a word one could suggest that the folk of Yamba have almost redefined!

The proposal would be out of character for Yamba. Not in the public interest. Not in conformity with Yamba's cultural heritage.

Many have rightly argued that Yamba is unique, the adjudged best town in Australia, the seaside fishing village, the sun sand and surf, the quiet enjoyment atmosphere, the retirement treasure.

The people have told us clearly what they really care for as a community. Letters were from the heart telling us that they care.

This reinforces what they told us when council prepared the Sustainability Initiative in 2006.

Yamba values need to be protected for future generations. As an iconic tourist destination it needs to remain different from all those other places that exhibit high rise and sameness.

The public interest test involves assessing whether the importance of the public detriments is greater than the importance of the public benefits. There can be no doubt that this proposal is not in the public interest and should be rejected.

Yamba does indeed still that X factor, that special difference, the quiet rural coastal town/family holiday feel, which many people who live elsewhere search for, often vainly nowadays. They value, they enjoy, they wish and expect us to preserve. That is what we as elected representatives of the people must do today.

Cr. Sue Hughes speaking in support of the refusal motion:

I have been elected by the community to represent the community and be their voice on their Council. 94.8% of the community are saying NO to McDonalds – and as an elected councillor I therefore am saying no to McDonalds.

This proposal is inconsistent with the objectives of the 3 (a) zone, under the Maclean LEP, which states that the particular objectives of this zone are (a) well designed commercial and retail development which will ENHANCE the appearance, function and viability of commercial and retail areas – I ask will this proposal of colossal proportions ENHANCE the appearance, function and VIABILITY of commercial and retail areas – i think not. Remember, this McDonalds is BIGGER than the one in Ballina – which I may add has a population of 15,000 - and a steady passing trade from the Highway. WHY – when our population is half that, 80% of the year. I question the viability of commercial and retail areas – there is no denying that many local businesses will SUFFER – not just in Yamba either, areas such as Maclean, Ferry Park and Harwood.

We have received hundred's of letters from the local community and from tourists who visit our town – they all indicate the reason why they chose to spend their holidays and money in Yamba is because of it's uniqueness, no traffic lights, no McDonalds, no Hungry Jacks, KFC or the like – we would lose those tourists who will find somewhere else to spend their money. This proposal will have adverse impact on the character and economic vitality of the town and it's not just food outlets either.

The applicant indicates that they are going to employ between 50-100 staff – are these the same people who would lose their jobs in their current place of employment because business owners have to reduce their staffing numbers due to a down turn in business???

This proposal is inconsistent with our core objectives and I refer to CVC Valley Vision 2020 – under our VISION and I quote:

"a sustainable Clarence Valley : Life in the Clarence Valley, now and in the future, is based on a culture of living sustainably that protects and carefully utilises the natural environment, its beauty and resources, our cultural heritage and UNIQUE identity of our valley and its communities" – I think we would agree that Yamba is UNIQUE and that it IS part of its identity. That is why we have chosen the live here – that is why tourists come here.

I further add – in the summary – HUMAN HABITAT – Our intention is to live in sustainable communities, including a healthy natural environment, supported by efficient and effective essential services and transport systems, our homes and streetscapes reflecting local heritage, character and charm – I ASK – where does a McDonalds restaurant and drive through fit in with this?

SOCIETY AND CULTURE – Our intention is for our creative valley cultures, rich in history and diversity, to be supported by good information, education, health, recreation and other services, providing opportunities for quality lifestyles involving a sense of well-being in which we value our communities and each other – I ASK does a McDonalds restaurant and drive through equate to a healthy lifestyle???
Further by voting NO we are valuing the majority of our community and each other.

For us to ignore our own corporate strategic plan would be foolish – why spend the time and money if we ignore the principles which underpin our core values.

This is not about being multi national, it's not about the brand McDonalds – its about VIABILITY, listening to our community AND protecting a sustainable economic framework and keeping a community functioning on an economic level.

I am sure that the ratepayers in Yamba would be happy to spend the money and go to the Land & Environment Court if McDonalds challenged our decision.

For all the reasons outlined above, I believe that the nature, size and location of this proposal WILL have a significant economic and social impact on Yamba and for this reason I am voting NO to McDonalds and encourage my fellow elected councillors to listen to the voices of our community and vote NO.

Senator Steve Fielding gets personal on the Internet

Australian Senator Steve Fielding from Family First decided to become very personal at the expense of one individual who allegedly has a problem with alcohol.

Fielding mentioned the man by age and home town (mercifully mis-spelling same) on his own political website.
Having dropped any mention of "allegedly" which was contained in the online news article he also linked and pre-empting any court judgment, he sent out a press release which went on to say:
"This man is a disgrace and not only deserves to lose his licence for life, he should also be sent to jail where he can think about the danger he poses to the community."

He then tweeted about the man at senatorsteve so that no corner of the Australian Internet remained uninformed about this particular bloke.

Of course if you were to spend a little computer time on the subject it's possible that you would actually find the full identity of the person being railed about. Especially after Victorian magistrate court lists are published.

I can see Ol' Stevo being slapped with a writ if he keeps this up.

rod3000 sums up the Aussie attitude to Fielding quite well: "I really hope someone has pointed out to @senatorsteve just how much media attention you can get by sailing around the world by yourself"

Causley gets a well-deserved wigging in run up to the federal election

Apparently there were a few surprised faces on the NSW North Coast when the Nationals former Deputy-Speaker and former MP for Page Ian Causley claimed credit for money promised by Kevin Rudd during the 2007 federal election campaign and delivered by the Rudd Government along with further funding to date.

On the strength of a conditional election promise by John Howard in that same election campaign, never delivered because he and his government were not re-elected, Causley claimed credit for $18 million in federal funding in his letter to the editor published in The Daily Examiner on 11 May 2010.

Labor supporter Bill O'Donnell called this ploy in the same newspaper on 17 May:

Preposterous Causley

WHAT an extraordinary letter by Ian Causley trying to claim that the $18 million being spent on Grafton Hospital was his initiative.

Let's look at the facts.

After 11 years in John Howard's government the Nationals had delivered next to nothing in health spending in Page.

In fact, there was a report in the Daily Telegraph by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2007 that between 1995/6 and 2005/6 the Federal Government hospital funding decreased from 45 per cent to 41 per cent, while state funding rose from 46 per cent to 51 per cent.

The fact is that after 11 years, John Howard turns up at Grafton Hospital a few weeks before an election he knows he's lost and says I've got $18 million for you.

He knows he doesn't have to deliver because he will be gone.

It was a ploy to try to save Page for the Nationals.

Mind you, that's after 11 years of nothing.

It must be galling for Hartsuyker and Causley to see Janelle Saffin finally delivering the $18 million.

Grafton Hospital upgrade is up and running, with an additional $1.2 million added on.

Fifteen million dollars at Lismore for Lismore Base Hospital for an integrated cancer care centre and $9.1 million for enhanced cancer care service, including second linear accelerator and cancer patient and carer accommodation.

Five million dollars for Grafton Super Clinic.

The list is too long to enumerate, and we're only talking about health spending.

This morning I heard Luke Hartsuyker talking on ABC radio saying he hopes the Federal Budget has money for roads and hospitals.

What hypocrisy.

What did he ever do for hospitals and roads when he was in government?

He cut one billion dollars from hospital funding and in 11 years only spent 1.1billion on the Pacific Highway.

Rudd Labor has promised $3.3 billion after two years in office towards finishing the highway's upgrade.

The fact is that in 11 years in government the Nationals were incapable of delivering anything to the Page and Cowper electorates.

Perhaps they were too busy holed up with Howard, Costello and Abbot planning to abolish the Industrial Relations Commission and to cut workers of their hard-won rights built up over 100 years.

I have a feeling the elephant is still in the room, if they are ever re-elected.

What a breath of fresh air to finally have a hardworking member for Page, with the ability to attract funding to the electorate.

It's a pity Maclean Hospital isn't still in Page because the National Party member for Cowper has shown us his ability to attract funding to his electorate for anything is non-existent.

BILL O'DONNELL, Maclean

"Read my lying lips"

Well Oz Opposition Leader 'Phoney Tony' Abbott certainly made the headlines this week after admissions in an ABC TV 7.30 Report interview.
But don't just believe what the print media says, go to the interview and enjoy being told by Abbott that voters are expected to know when he is not being truthful!

TONY ABBOTT: Well, again, I think that most of us know when we're talking to people or when we're listening to people, I think we know when we can put absolute weight on what's being said and when it's just the give and take of standard conversation.
[From transcript of 7.30 Report interview Abbott quizzed on mixed messages aired on 17th May 2010]
The man's a classic drongo......

Abbott under fire for 'gospel truth' gaffe

ABC Online - Lyndal Curtis

Tony Abbott has come under fire after saying only his 'carefully prepared scripted remarks' could be taken as ...

Don't believe everything I say - Tony Abbott

Herald Sun - Phillip Hudson

TONY Abbott says voters should not believe every pledge he makes unless it is written down, in which case it's the "gospel truth". ...

Only believe me if it is 'scripted': Abbott

The Australian - Samantha Maiden

KERRY'S curse has struck a second political leader venturing into "7:30 report land" with Tony Abbott last night admitting he didn't always tell the "gospel ...

Don't believe all I say, Abbott admits

The Australian - Brendan Nicholson

TONY Abbott has declared to a national television audience that he sometimes promised too much in the heat of a debate and only his formal, scripted remarks ...

Abbott admits you can't always believe him

The Age - Michelle Grattan

TONY Abbott has admitted that what he says in the heat of the political moment can't be taken at face value or believed as a commitment. ...

Read my lying lips: Abbott admits you can't believe everything he says

Sydney Morning Herald - Phillip Coorey

In an extraordinary admission last night, the Opposition Leader said his only utterances that should be regarded as ''gospel truth'' were carefully prepared ...

Own goal for Abbot in election race‎

TVNZ - In a political own goal, conservative leader Tony Abbott, a former university boxer who once trained for the Catholic priesthood, told a television ...

McDonald's versus Yamba: it's one minute to midnight for this small coastal town

It's one minute to midnight for the small NSW North Coast town of Yamba.
Will the town prevail or will the foreign multinational subsidiary McDonald's Australia?

From The Daily Examiner today:

BY THE end of today, the people of the Clarence Valley should know if a McDonald's fast food outlet will be built at Yamba....

Now it is time for the councillors to decide.

This afternoon the seven councillors who have not declared a pecuniary interest will vote on the application....

Councillors yesterday declined to say which way they would vote, saying they would go into this afternoon's meeting with an open mind.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Jim Simmons, said while he had no comment before the meeting, he could see several issues with the development.

"The increased traffic to Treelands Drive is a concern of mine, however, I feel that the opening hours of the business are unjustified," he said.

"The midnight opening hours have the potential to create social problems.

"It will be interesting to listen to the debate and I will be making my decision in the chamber."

The deputations presented at last Tuesday's Environment, Economic and Community Committee meeting changed Cr Craig Howe's opinion on the matter.

"Before last week's meeting, I was sitting on the pro-McDonald's side of the fence," he said.

"The deputations that were presented were very good and drew attention to several potential issues.

"The applicant has done everything correctly. The application was made for a business to be operational in an area that is correctly zoned. We need to make a decision that will be in the public's best interest. That decision is not always popular, but will hopefully be right in the long run."

Councillors Ian Dinham and Pat Comben also declined to give a definite answer, saying that they wanted to hear all of the pros and cons and wanted to consider all of the information before they cast their vote.

Cr Ian Tiley refused to comment, saying he preferred to keep all debate confined to the walls of the chamber.

Councillors Sue Hughes and Margaret McKenna were unavailable for comment as The Daily Examiner was going to print.....

"Play It Again Sam" Maclean 28th & 29th May, 4th & 5th June -Yamba 6th June 2010

Play It Again Sam

Connie De Dassell

presents

A Musical Extravaganza

featuring local artists

and the

Maclean Music Academy Ensemble

performing sets from

Annie

The Music Man

The Sentimental Bloke

Chicago

Oklahoma

West Side Story

My Fair Lady

Sister Act

Performances at:

Maclean Civic Hall - 28th & 29th May and 4th & 5th June 2010 at 1.30pm

Yamba Bowling Club - 6th June 2010 at 1.30pm

Tickets: Carney's Shoe Store Maclean Ph: (02) 6645.2334

Priceline Pharmacy Yamba Ph: (02) 6646.1131

Graphic from Google Images