“That east coast low the other week was just the ticket to show the dreamers what can happen to the ocean and the coast in only a few hours during one of Mother Nature's tantrums. Those massive movements of wind, water and sand are why we'll never see big offshore wind farms hereabouts and, hopefully, why that greedy, crazy grab for a Clarence River mega-port will never get off the drawing board. This is a very exposed coastline that doesn't have a great deal of respect for human engineering.” [The Northern Star, 19 August 206]
Saturday 27 August 2016
Tweets of the Week
This tweet is by a journalist with The Age & The Guardian newspapers
This tweet is by an ABC TV journalist/news & current affairs presenter
Friday 26 August 2016
Policy Platforms of Candidates in the Clarence Valley Local Government Elections, Saturday 10 September 2016 - Part One
North Coast Voices contacted as many Clarence local government election candidates as was possible and issued an invitation to supply their policy positions for our readers.
Here are the first four candidates in this series.
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PETER ELLEM
Peter Ellem with wife Susan and daughters, from left, Lily, Tess and Zoe
Yamba resident, Walkley Award-winning journalist, editor of The Daily Examiner and Coastal Views newspapers from 2001 to 2007 before becoming the Grafton-based policy/media adviser to the former Federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin from 2007 to 2013.
In November 2011, Mr Ellem gained further political experience by standing as Country Labor's candidate in a by-election for the State seat of Clarence. He is running as an independent candidate for CVC and funding his own campaign.
Mr Ellem said his forebears had helped pioneer the Clarence Valley from the 1860s, and he was motivated by a desire to serve all local communities to make the Valley the best possible place for families and individuals to prosper.
Mr Ellem and his wife Susan have raised three daughters Zoe, Tess and Lily here in the Valley.
“Clarence Valley Council is our largest employer and its staff do a lot of good work in the community, but its long term financial position is unsustainable and should be of concern, particularly to ratepayers, but to all residents,” Ellem said.
“As an editor, I led the popular Not A Drop campaign against moves to dam and divert the mighty Clarence River westward, and campaigned for the Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment, fast tracking of the Pacific Highway upgrade and second Grafton bridge crossing.
“I managed multi-million dollar budgets for a top 100 company, and I would bring the same common sense approach to the real challenges facing the council.
“As a public servant, I liaised with five Northern Rivers councils to successfully lobby for major infrastructure projects and grant programs, and to keep capital works projects on track and to budget.
“CVC needs some new blood – progressive councillors who will try to ensure good governance and greater transparency wherever possible.
“We need to encourage appropriate development under existing planning controls to protect and create local jobs. However, growth should not be at the cost of our wonderful environment or existing industries like tourism, fishing and farming.
“This is why I will fight to stop the proposed mega-port from swamping and destroying the Lower Clarence. I have also consistently opposed coal seam gas exploration and mining in the Valley and the wider region.”
Fighting for the Clarence Valley
* Strong financial management to keep rates low
* Sustainable development for local jobs
* Support communities in sport and culture
* Protect the Clarence River from mega port, diversion and CSG
How to vote for renewal:
Novak, Debrah - Independent
Clancy, Greg - The Greens
Kingsley, Jason - Independent
Ellem, Peter - Independent
De Roos, Joy
Text and photograph supplied by Peter Ellem
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MARGARET MCKENNA
Margaret McKenna
I was born in Grafton, went to school here and then "did my time in Sydney" before returning to start a family in this beautiful part of the world.
My first taste for politics was when I was the Mayor of Grafton Junior City Council in 1977. I have spent many years involved in charity work locally and overseas with Rotary and other community groups and when I sold my Accountancy Practice in 2008 I decided my next "charity work" would be as a Councillor.
I was elected in 2008 and again in 2012 and I feel privileged to be able to represent my community to shape the world we live in.
My years as a Registered Tax agent has demonstrated my ability to understand complex financial matters but also my ability to explain things in a "down to earth" manner to people of varying backgrounds.
My interests would be exemplified by some Council Committees I have chaired.
Heritage Advisory - protecting our natural and built heritage, Tourism Advisory, and the Clarence Regional Library Committee.
I am the current Chair of the Coast & Estuary Advisory Committee. This has given me the opportunity to work conscientiously to get the Coastal Zone Management Plans for Brooms Head and Wooli to the Minister for approval. I want to see this completed to give these communities security and protection.
I am opposed to the Yamba Mega Port.
There may be an argument that the mega port will provide Economic benefits but the River already provides economic, social and health benefits.
- It is a potential for environmental noise and visual pollution.
-Tourism is one of the Lower Clarence’s major economic assets. Recreational fishing is a big part of our water based tourism and is a multi million dollar industry (and one of our major industries in the Valley) and will be destroyed. ‘
- Fishing - both Recreational and professional will suffer. Currently the commercial fishing industry is worth at least $90m annually, and generates over 400 jobs
- traditional owners must be respected
- our environment and Eco system has a delicate balance and should be respected.
A mega port will damage the environment and ambience for tourists but most importantly, and frightening to think of, how our local residents will be affected.
My proudest moment in the past 4 years? Standing up for the Maclean residents who needed me to fight for the survival of the camphor laurel trees in McLachlan Park. It certainly wasn't a successful battle but I faced fierce criticism and very strong opposition from 8 Councillors and I faced it head on and didn't give up on the trees and the community . It wasn't about what I wanted or what I thought was right, it was that after listening to the community I decided they need strong representation. I proved to myself and others that I would stand up and speak up for our community and those with no voice
My future priorities:
- financial sustainability without a Special Rate Variation
- continue my push to get the Grafton Riverfront Plan substantially commenced, to see the McLachlan Park redevelopment completed and then continue the Maclean Riverfront Precinct Plan.
- ensure CVC water supply remains available and affordable by ensuring water assets at Nymboida are owned by CVC, not sold off by the State Government.
- further investigate free overnight 12hour camping where there is no commercially available facilities
- provide shade over all our parks with swings and all council owned eating areas
- Increased recycling incentives to minimise dumping on our roadsides and waterways.
"NO CSG
NO MEGA PORT
NO SPECIAL RATE VARIATION
NO DAMMING THE CLARENCE
Our River is for Tourism, fishing and for our children."
Text and photograph supplied by Margaret McKenna
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GREG CLANCY
Greg Clancy
A Clarence Valley resident for almost 40 years, I have played a major role in the environment movement, from the Washpool and pulp mill campaigns to today’s mega port proposal.
I am standing for Council to represent those who care about social justice and environmental issues. I will work to ensure meaningful community engagement in Council’s decision-making. I chose to be a Greens candidate because I share and will be guided by the core principles of ecological sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy and non-violence of the Greens.
My vision for the Valley is a healthy, prosperous and united community respecting our natural world. Social and environmental values are not at odds with a good economic base. Development and employment need to enhance our Valley not degrade it. Ecotourism and renewable energy have great potential.
Small businesses and the self-employed, the backbone of the north coast, need to be allowed to prosper, bringing work and self-respect to our many unemployed.
The ongoing loss of public sector jobs from Grafton is disturbing. Tertiary educational facilities such as TAFE need to be maintained. While the reopening of Grafton Gaol is good for jobs, we need to address the reasons why there are so many inmates.
Mining threatens the Clarence Valley. Proposed Gold and Antimony mines should not be allowed in our catchment. Coal Seam Gas, although put on hold, could rear its ugly head again in future. I oppose schemes to create a mega port at Yamba and to dam the Clarence to divert its water west. Water running to the sea is not ‘wasted’ – it supports the health of the estuary and our fishing industry.
I believe I would make a good councillor. As a consultant ecologist who also has experience working for various government departments (including planning), I have an extensive knowledge of relevant planning and environmental legislation. My doctorate is in wildlife ecology and I was the Ecological Society of Australia’s scientific representative on the Clarence Regional Vegetation Committee.
- No mega port at Yamba
- A healthy dam-free Clarence
- Keeping the Northern Rivers free of gas mining
- Local biodiversity protection through full implementation of the Clarence Valley Biodiversity Strategy
- Sustainable employment and industry, including ecotourism and ‘clean’ small businesses
- Support for minority groups, Aboriginal communities and outlying villages.
I have had over 30 years’ experience in running a small business. I have also been heavily involved in many community groups, including:
- Susan and Elizabeth Islands Recreation Trust,
- Coutts Crossing Tidy Towns Committee,
- Clarence Valley Branch of the National Parks Association,
- Grafton District Services Country Music Club and
- Grafton District Services Big River
Jazz Club.
How to vote:
Clancy, Greg The Greens
Tibbett, Brett Independent
Kingsley, Jason IndependentEllem, Peter Independent
Ellem, Trevor Independent
Hughes, Sue Independent
McKenna, Margaret – Independent
De Roos, Joy - Independent
Text and photograph supplied by Greg Clancy
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KAREN TOMS
Karen Toms
I am self-employed. I have served two terms on Council and represented Council on many committees covering a range of issues.
If I am re-elected I will continue to work hard representing my community and getting our finances in order. I want a Council that treats its residents with respect. One that answers questions quickly respond to enquiries quickly. I want to help build back trust. I want a Council that listens even when it is a complaint, especially when it is a complaint.
We have an enormous amount of infrastructure that needs attention and yet we are still spending millions on new things.
I did not support the previous 37% Special Rate Variation application. Even IPART didn’t approve. They approved the variation for one year only, the application was for 5. Even so 5 councillors wanted to try again and have set it up to apply again after the elections. This time for a WHOPPING 41% Special Rate Variation.
I assure you if I am re-elected I will not support this proposed increase in your rates.
I’m certain a rate rise of 41% over 7 years will put financial pressure on our families our retirees and our residents who rent.
The stupid thing about the excessive rate increases is they will not fix the problem we face. Even the experts agree.
I am also concerned by our huge debt of $130 Million. Some of this debt is good debt (sewerage water) BUT WE MUST WORK ON REDUCING THE BAD DEBT. OUR General Fund is actually like having a credit card with no limit. It is a trap to think it is our money sitting there to be used. It is borrowed money generating interest bills our community have to pay.
We pay millions of dollars in interest, which could be put to better use if we reduce debt. We own an enormous amount of unused property that could be sold to reduce debt, and reduce our maintenance backlogs. Instead we have had majority of Councillors who have supported charging the ratepayers excessive rates rather than taking another course of action.
More of the same will not improve our financial situation. Experts Ernest & Young advised Council to reduce debt to a manageable level. We’ve had TCorp tell us we have gone from a weak outlook to a neutral outlook. They also say they are not sure about some of our modelling and want it checked. This is nothing to be happy about, in my opinion.
I will continue to work and challenge all unjustified spending, analyse every cost/benefit before commitment.
I will not support building new infrastructure unless a strong business case is put forward that proves it will not burden the ratepayers further.
During my 8 years on Council, I have earnt a reputation for asking questions and being a strong advocate of scrutiny and transparency.
I will continue standing up for you. Please give me your number 1 VOTE and support those who will do the same.
Thank you
Text and photograph supplied by Karen Toms
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Coal Seam Gas: even the Murdoch media can't disguise this betrayal by Turnbull & Baird Governments
Conversation between NSW Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy Anthony Roberts & Australian Minister for the Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg at COAG Energy Meeting, August 2016*
The federal and state governments on the east coast of Australia stood quietly by as APPEA and the gas industry structured export and domestic contracts in such a way as to businesses and families pay increasing high gas bills in order to subsidise the industry’s export markets.
Now the Baird Government decides that the best way to deal with this is to let the gas industry expand its exploration activities once again - creating new gas fields across the state.
Gas fields which will still produce gas for sale under the very same commercial arrangements which see Australian domestic gas prices so much higher than the price paid by international buyers.
That is unless the Turnbull, Baird, Palaszczuk and Andrews governments insist that the wholesale domestic gas price is no longer tied to the export price and state domestic gas reserves are established so that supply adequately keeps pace with demand.
The Australian, 22 August 2016:
New frontlines in the battle among environmentalists, pastoralists and gas explorers are set to be drawn, with governments in NSW and Victoria weighing up moves to reopen the door to critical energy projects to avert a looming price crisis.
The Baird government is preparing to stare down fierce environmental opposition to coal-seam gas mining by lifting a moratorium blanketing most of NSW and approving projects on a “case by case” basis.
The move, which will reignite a debate largely extinguished after the buyback of earlier mining licences, comes as Victoria is expected by the end of the month to decide on the future of its longstanding moratorium on all new gas projects.
NSW Energy Minister Anthony Roberts said it was a priority to keep supply stable and reliable as the market transitioned to renewable energy.
“Gas is also an important feedstock for a number of manufacturing processes, not just a fuel source, and therefore ensuring continued reliable and affordable supply underpins employment and investment in a number of key sectors and locations,” Mr Roberts told The Australian……
Narrabri farmer Alistair Donaldson is adamant the development of coal-seam gas close to his beef and grain property would create economic and environmental problems.
“As landholders, we are held to ransom for what is essentially a highly invasive and potentially destructive industry,” Mr Donaldson said.
“They’ll spruik the economic benefits of the mine, but at the end of the day it comes at the expense of other industries without even considering the environmental issues, which are monumental.”
NSW has significant reserves of coal-seam gas in the Gunnedah Basin, where Santos is already working on a project near Narrabri, as well as in the northern Clarence-Moreton Basin and near Gloucester, north of Newcastle.
Mr Donaldson said gas supply had not been an issue until the development of an export industry focused around Gladstone in Queensland.
“They will take up all available gas no matter what, and I can see us having domestic gas issues for the foreseeable future no matter how many fields we open up in this state … that really frustrates me,” he said.
Anti-mining group Lock the Gate is already threatening to campaign against any easing of restrictions, and is calling for a complete ban in the state.
“If the NSW government opens up the countryside again to unconventional gas and fracking, they know very well that it will be met with widespread community protest and resistance,” said Georgina Woods, Lock the Gate’s state co-ordinator.
“Better to make sensible laws that match the public’s expectations and protect farmland and water than cave in to gas industry pressure and face a popular backlash.”
The Baird government paid $25 million to buy back three exploration licenses from Metgasco late last year after the Supreme Court had found that licences granted by the previous Labor government had been improperly suspended. The move to a case-by-case assessment of gas projects in NSW was recommended by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission and endorsed by last week’s meeting of federal and state energy ministers.
NSW allows coal-seam gas projects in a small slice of the state focused on Narrabri, where Santos is hoping to develop a mine.
The development of that project could supply between one-quarter and one-half of the state’s gas needs, according to the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association.
A Santos spokesman said the company was finalising environmental assessments for the Narrabri gas project, which it would submit to the government shortly.
Any change is likely to mean the government will make stringent assessments of the social, environmental and economic impact of potential projects and allow those that are deemed appropriate to be put to tender.
A more detailed strategy is expected to be released by Mr Roberts later this year…..
Australian Minister for the Environment and Energy Josh Frydenberg, media release, 19 August 2016:
COAG ENERGY MINISTERS AGREE TO SIGNIFICANT REFORM PACKAGE
The COAG Energy Council has agreed to significant reforms and a major new program of work to ensure the energy system remains affordable and reliable as we transition to a lower emissions future. Council focused on three key areas of reform: · Increasing liquidity and transparency in gas markets
· Empowering consumer choice
· Ensuring stability and connectivity of the National Electricity Market (NEM)
Significant reports on gas market reform from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) provided a strong evidence base and momentum for action. To fast track implementation of the recommendations from these reports Council will form a new Gas Market Reform Group headed by Dr Michael Vertigan.
These are the most significant reforms to the domestic gas market in two decades. Council recognised the growing importance of gas as a transition fuel as we move to incorporate more renewables into the system.
The reforms will improve competition, encourage more supply and put downward pressure on prices. Another key focus of the Council will ensure consumers can confidently take advantage of new technologies such as battery storage through the introduction of appropriate consumer protections.
Council acknowledged the important role played by interconnectors in the NEM and agreed to review regulatory settings to ensure they do not present barriers to appropriate investment in the current market environment.
Officials have also been asked to provide advice on economic and operational impacts of existing and proposed state and territory emissions reduction policies on the energy system.
This advice will inform the Council’s consideration of how to better integrate energy and emissions policy.
The Council has proved its ability to respond to current issues and I look forward to further engagement with my colleagues when we meet again in December to build on the progress made today.
Ends
* ROBERTS: “We’ll just back you…..people aren’t going to love us, they’re going to hate us….”
FRYDENBERG: “Well I won’t say that in front of the T.V….”{laughing}
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