A pinch of perspective for the Australian media and political commentators in March 2013

A little historical perspective for the Australian media and assorted journalists still hyperventilating over the third week of March 2013.

The Universe when it was only into the 380,000 year of its estimated 14 billion years of age to date.

Planck CMB, 21/03/2013 12:00 pm 

ESA and the Planck Collaboration 

Description 
The anisotropies of the Cosmic microwave background (CMB) as observed by Planck. The CMB is a snapshot of the oldest light in our Universe, imprinted on the sky when the Universe was just 380 000 years old. It shows tiny temperature fluctuations that correspond to regions of slightly different densities, representing the seeds of all future structure: the stars and galaxies of today

Just when you think the political class could not possibly become any dumber

The Raw Story 3 March 2013:

State Rep. Ed Orcutt (R), wrote an email to a constituent who disagreed with his support for a new tax on the sales of bicycles, a proposal being considered as part of a larger piece of transportation legislation. Reached by the Seattle Bike Blog, he confirmed the email is real.

In his message, sent to the owner of a bicycle shop, Orcutt wrote: “If I am not mistaken, a cyclists [sic] has an increased heart rate and respiration. That means that the act of riding a bike results in greater emissions of carbon dioxide from the rider. Since CO2 is deemed to be a greenhouse gas and a pollutant, bicyclists are actually polluting when they ride.”

He added that when citizens drive cars they are helping to pay for the roads, whereas bicyclists “need to start paying for the roads they ride on rather than make motorists pay.”

The gentle and generous humour of Prime Minister Julia Gillard

The ABC’s Sally Sara tweeted this image of Paul Bongiorno replacing Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at her desk to celebrate his 25 years as a member of the Press Gallery. The Prime Minister is acting as one of his ‘assistants’ for the camera.

Cycling NSW: when corporate vision goes wrong

Cycling NSW laid out its vision in the 2012-15 strategic business plan – it wants to be a voyeur!

Earth Hour challenge from Clarence Valley Council Mayor

The NSW North Coast has an estimated 80,000> small-scale roof top solar systems installed on buildings/homes in the region – making it an area with a strong commitment to renewable energy.

Clarence Valley Mayor Richie Williamson would like everyone to make an extra effort to reduce electricity consumption tonight and, those still  without solar power to consider switching to renewable energy.

Mayor: Richie Williamson General Manager: Scott Greensill                                                                   22 March 2013 Earth Hour challenge from the Mayor On Saturday 23 March from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, hundreds of millions of people around the world will again unite for one hour – Earth Hour – as a symbolic expression of concern for the environment and the future of our planet. "The Clarence Valley area is already a leader at the forefront of the renewables revolution. This Earth Hour, the goal is to bring renewable energy to the top of our minds with the 'Switch to Renewables' campaign"  Mayor Richie Williamson said. Via the Earth Hour website, Australians are being asked to 'pledge to switch' or register as 'already switched' to renewable energy. "In 2013 we'd like to see a 12% or greater reduction in energy consumption during Earth Hour in the Clarence!  All households, communities and businesses are urged to switch off their non-essential lighting and appliances during Earth Hour, and consider adopting these practices from now on" Mayor Richie Williamson said. "Earth Hour illustrates how simple it is for each of us to take action against global warming. We look forward to another successful Earth Hour, making a big difference in just one hour". Release ends. Authorised by: Richie Williamson Mayor   02 6643 0245  or  0427 457 382 For further information contact: Des Schroder  Deputy General Manager (Environment & Economic)  6643 0203 Clarence Valley Council Locked Bag 23 Grafton, NSW, 2460 Australia

Want to have your say on the latest O'Farrell Government attempt to force CSG mining on reluctant communities?

 

 

The NSW Government intends to implement the proposed coal seam gas mining and exploration exclusion zones for residential areas and critical industry clusters, as an amendment to the Mining State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP), titled State Environmental Planning Policy (Mining, Petroleum Production and Extractive Industries) Amendment(Coal Seam Gas Exclusion Zones) 2013.

What the advertisement currently appearing in selected local papers on the NSW North Coast doesn't say is that this change will also give local councils the right to override proposed CSG mining exclusion zones provisions to allow for exploration and mining:

 

 

The draft amendment is currently on public exhibition and can be viewed here.

 

The deadline for submissions is Friday 12 April 2013.

 

Submissions can be mailed to:

 

The Director – Strategic Regional Policy,

NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure,

GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001

 

Or lodged online at: www.planning.nsw.gov.au/onexhibition

 

Further information can be obtained at Department of Planning and Infrastructure’s Information Centre on 1300 305 695 or by emailing to srlup@planning.nsw.gov.au