A fence designed to protet koalas has riased the ire of residents who view it as ugly News, events and sport for Pine Rivers and Moreton Bay Courier Mail
Monday, August 8, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONGRESS in Brisbane July 19-23 2011
The World Environmental Education Network is a network that encourages research and debate around key environmental education issues. The Network was established to provide continuity between WEECs and to encourage the exchange of thoughts, experiences and proposals between Congresses. For further information, please visit www.environmental-education.org.
Emeretta Cross from MerethanVision, Victoria is one of keynote speakers who will present.Born on Banaba, Emeretta is proud of her Tuvalu and Kiribati heritage. Awarded a scholarship to study at Brigham Young University—Hawaii Campus, she studied degrees in both Communication and Theatre. Her theatrical experience rewarded her with the opportunity to further work with community affairs in Laie and Manoa where she became involved with local focus groups. These opportunities filled Emeretta with the passion to use entertainment as the medium to touch lives and make a change.
In 1992, Emeretta moved to Melbourne where she got married and had a son and it was here that Merethan Vision was born. A combination of both her name and her son’s, the company was established to mould a way for her son to learn about his culture and a purpose in life. Through Merethan Vision productions and events, Emeretta hopes to share with other parents and children that which is important; to have an identity and find a purpose.
Tuvalu and Kiribati are threatened by environmental changes. These realities have provided an opportunity for Emeretta to become an identity in the climate change sector by speaking on known conditions facing her people, including displacement and loss of land. Her goal now is to liaise with leaders and activists for sustainable options for all the low lying regions. She is an advocate and presents for Oxfam, CANA, Youth Coalition Australia, Friends of Earth, Melbourne University, Federation Square—Gift of Light annual project and Footscray Community Art Centre.
See who else will be presenting at this link. Speakers
Emeretta Cross from MerethanVision, Victoria is one of keynote speakers who will present.Born on Banaba, Emeretta is proud of her Tuvalu and Kiribati heritage. Awarded a scholarship to study at Brigham Young University—Hawaii Campus, she studied degrees in both Communication and Theatre. Her theatrical experience rewarded her with the opportunity to further work with community affairs in Laie and Manoa where she became involved with local focus groups. These opportunities filled Emeretta with the passion to use entertainment as the medium to touch lives and make a change.
In 1992, Emeretta moved to Melbourne where she got married and had a son and it was here that Merethan Vision was born. A combination of both her name and her son’s, the company was established to mould a way for her son to learn about his culture and a purpose in life. Through Merethan Vision productions and events, Emeretta hopes to share with other parents and children that which is important; to have an identity and find a purpose.
Tuvalu and Kiribati are threatened by environmental changes. These realities have provided an opportunity for Emeretta to become an identity in the climate change sector by speaking on known conditions facing her people, including displacement and loss of land. Her goal now is to liaise with leaders and activists for sustainable options for all the low lying regions. She is an advocate and presents for Oxfam, CANA, Youth Coalition Australia, Friends of Earth, Melbourne University, Federation Square—Gift of Light annual project and Footscray Community Art Centre.
See who else will be presenting at this link. Speakers
Empowering Impoverished Communities with Compatible Technologies
Inspiring story
....In its effort to alleviate poverty and hunger in the developing world, Compatible Technology International (CTI) designs, builds, and distributes affordable post-harvest tools—such as a cool storage shed and food processing grinder—for rural farmers in the developing world. CTI’s devices can help farmers process, store, and sell their crops.
While many organizations are focused on improved seeds, access to fertilizers, and irrigation to improve crop yields, relatively few are focused on post-harvest improvements. But many poor farmers live on yields from a hectare or less of land and getting the maximum benefit from those yields can make up the difference between abject poverty and a livable income.
CTI’s technologies are scaled to fit the needs of small villages, families, coops, and micro-businesses. Extra attention is paid to developing safe, affordable, environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and culturally compatible devices in the hope that they will be more widely adopted and facilitate lasting change in poor farming communities. CTI encourages craftsmen and entrepreneurs in and around these communities to build and sell their devices, reducing dependence on outside assistance once the technology has been adopted.
“We are empowering impoverished communities to free themselves from hunger and poverty,” says CTI Executive Director Roger Salway in the organization’s 2010 annual report. “This is not relief, but development and empowerment,” according to Gabrielle Vincent, Haiti’s Country Director for Sonje Ayiti women’s co-operative—who is using grinders from CTI to process roasted cocoa beans into chocolate.
Go to Empowering Impoverished Communities with Compatible Technologies to read more
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Chinese mine giant snaps up 43 NSW farms story from The Australian
The information in this article is scary to me. This is not contributing to a sustainable future for Australia - nor really globally for the planet. If profit is to be gained from our resources that should not be at a cost paid by future Australians.
...data sourced from the Land Titles Office reveals the company has bought out 43 farmers in the past two years, in another case of a mining company encroaching on farmland. Gunnedah Mayor Adam Marshall said the mining proposal was dividing the community. "Feelings are mixed," Mr Marshall said yesterday.
"It's perfectly legal, and some of the people have been able to make some very, very good money out of their properties and are very, very pleased.
"The concern is more that the Foreign Investment Review Board allows overseas-owned companies -- and in this case an overseas state-owned company -- to buy Australian land, to mine Australian resources and take them out of our country."
Mr Marshall said mining companies had to seek owners' permission before exploratory drilling but Shenhua was free to drill on its own properties.
The Chinese coal giant's spending spree slips under the FIRB radar, as the Treasury unit only investigates investments totalling more than $230m.
Other multi-million-dollar purchases in the Liverpool Plains have included $12m for 518ha and another $12m for 418ha nearby, $12.5m for 947ha and $5.4m for 424ha of "general farmland"....
Read whole article Chinese mine giant snaps up 43 NSW farms The Australian
Friday, June 24, 2011
Our rivers, our lifeblood | Time to get it right with water - petition for Murray-Darling Basin
Speak up for the rivers by signing the petition to Craig Knowles, Chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority
“Our rivers are our lifeblood. We’ve taken far too much water out of the Murray-Darling for far too long. It’s time to get it right with water. I ask the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to listen to credible science and guarantee that the Basin Plan will return enough flows to restore our rivers to long-term health”.
Our rivers, our lifeblood Time to get it right with water
Bligh seeks to build on exemptions for coal-seam sector | The Australian
How irresponsible to expect to continue not to pay the real price for this industry. My belief is that money from big business will be used to compensate the low income householders.
Information from Bligh seeks to build on exemptions for coal-seam sector The Australian
Information from Bligh seeks to build on exemptions for coal-seam sector The Australian
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Power lines the silent killers
Power lines the silent killers: "Power lines are silent killers
Newest science about the danger of high voltage power lines
Power lines produce a invisible positive ion wind that enters houses and damages the human life process"
Newest science about the danger of high voltage power lines
Power lines produce a invisible positive ion wind that enters houses and damages the human life process"
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Australia's beloved koalas under threat - world news source
There is no shortage of postcards featuring lovable koalas in Australia, but it is much more unusual to catch sight of the marsupials in the wild. The situation could deteriorate further, say scientists. The number of koalas – a symbol of Australia – is falling. A senate committee is due to report on whether they should be treated as an endangered species.
Studies suggest there are 50,000 to 100,000 koalas left. "In fact, it is hard to say with any certainty, the funds not being available to carry out extensive research," says Alistair Melzer, an ecologist at Central Queensland University. On the Gold Coast the population is thought to have fallen by 80% in 20 years.
Several factors are to blame, above all the loss of habitat due to urban development and farming. The koala needs large areas of eucalyptus forest for food and shelter. Only certain tree species suit its needs, growing on good-quality soil. "Unfortunately the best places for the koala are also best for humans, namely fertile land," Melzer explains. When their habitat shrinks and they are forced to live close to towns, koalas often get knocked over by cars or attacked by dogs.
Koalas also suffer from heatwaves and drought, which are likely to become more frequent with climate change. They do not like high temperatures and need the moisture of dense foliage.
"If the climate changes these animals don't migrate, so population groups won't move south, where it's cooler. They'll die," Melzer warns.
Koalas are also suffering from an endemic strain of the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia. "This comes on top of the other pressures already affecting the population," says Mathew Crowther, a biologist at Sydney University.
Although scientists agree on the risks, koalas are still not recognised as an endangered species by the federal government. Individual states have their own classifications. In New South Wales, for instance, koalas are listed as "rare and vulnerable", whereas in Queensland their status depends on the location.
Koala campaigners say a national classification is essential, particularly if it enables the koala's habitat to be protected from property development.
This story originally appeared in Le Monde.
Source: The Guardian Image 1 of 1gallery
Scientists are uncertain about the numbers of koalas. Photograph: John Giustina/Getty Images
John Giustina/Getty Images Retold in Ongo Australia's beloved koalas under threat
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Advising from Pavan Sukhdev's blog
Pavan Sukhdev is the founder and CEO of GIST Advisory -Green India States Trust -http://gistadvisory.com/, an environmental consulting firm focused on enabling governments and corporations to measure and manage their impacts on natural and human capital.
GIST Advisory’s approach
The impacts on natural and human capital are often large, usually in the realm of ‘public goods and services’, usually not measured or estimated in economic terms, and, rarely if ever, managed. They are so-called “economic externalities”, but in an increasingly carbon-constrained world with ecological scarcities (freshwater, soil nutrients, peak oil, etc) looming large, it is dangerously short-sighted to still think of these impacts as “externalities” and to ignore them. Similarly, some of the largest gains for governments and companies are in the form of human capital externalities – their impacts (often improvements) in the level of education, skills, health, and hence productivity of employees – and these are also considered “externalities”. Once again, it is poor rationale to neither measure these impacts in economic terms nor to manage them. GIST Advisory provides tailored solutions in this domain for governments and corporations.
Advising « Pavan Sukhdev
Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
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GetUp! - National Day of Action: Brisbane
National Day of Action: Brisbane
Be a part of the National Day of Action to show the government that the Australian community supports real and effective action to solve climate change.
June 5 is World Environment Day - join us at Riverstage (see map in link) at 1pm. RSVP on the right!
Say 'Yes' to cutting carbon pollution and a cleaner Australia!
GetUp! - National Day of Action: Brisbane
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Mayors want planning authority powers back after bad report about Urban Land Development Authority | Courier Mail
What do you think? I think it time to become political - if you care about the longterm sustainability livability and the natural environment of SEQ. By that I mean write and talk about this article. Make sure all your so-called representative know WHAT YOU VALUE.
SOUTHEAST Queensland mayors want the state's planning authority's powers to be handed back after the release of a report that found its activities impacted on democracy.
An independent report - prepared by Professor Kenneth Wiltshire and Dr Stephen Jones of the University of Queensland Business School - has recommended the Urban Land Development Authority be abolished or have its powers stripped back.
It warned that undermining the role of local government in planning could seriously impact on democracy.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) acting chairman Cr John Brent said that the State Government's planning powers, through the ULDA, encroached upon the fundamental right of the community to vote out the people who were responsible for planning decisions.
"The community can't voice their concerns to an unelected faceless bureaucrat or a distant state minister," Cr Brent said.
"State and local governments have worked well together to develop and implement the SEQ Regional Plan, but the creation and expansion of the ULDA is taking planning out of the hands of local communities."
Deputy Premier Paul Lucas, however, dismissed the report and the calls of the mayors as just pushing former Council of Mayors chair Campbell Newman's campaign for Premier.
"I place no credibility whatsoever on a report that is essentially a hodge-podge of tired LNP criticisms in areas ranging from planning to electricity to water to local government amalgamations," Mr Lucas said.
The value of nature & the nature of value | Pavan Sukhdev |
Pavan Sukhdev, an economist and head of the UN Green Economy Initiative, was in Australia as a guest of the Centre for Policy Development in August 2010 to give three public lectures in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
Pavan is an expert on the natural capital that gets left off government and corporate balance sheets. The cost of the global financial crisis stunned the world – how does this compare to the cost of bailing out bankrupt ecosystems?
After years of running down our natural capital, are we getting close to an environmental version of the credit crunch?
Climate change has been grabbing most of our headlines in recent years, but we’re now coming up against multiple environmental limits at once. We’re running out of fresh fish and water and we’re living through the greatest mass extinction event in sixty five millions years.
In his lecture What is the World Worth? Putting nature on the balance sheet, Pavan looks at what this tells us about our economic system and how it needs to change. Pavan’s pioneering work considers what it would take to put nature on the balance sheet – so that we do not continue borrowing from the future to pay for the present.
WHAT IS AUSTRALIA'S GREEN ECONOMIC POTENTIAL? Look at this image to see some of this - if we have to put $$$$$$$$ value. In 2008 two-thirds of 3.36 million international visitors took part in nature activities - spending $20.2 million.
HOW MUCH IS A KOALA WORTH? Value will decrease if they are only in zoos - including overseas zoos. http://cpd.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/CPD-Australias-green-economic-potential.pdf
The value of nature & the nature of value by Pavan Sukhdev - a German banker.http://cpd.org.au/2010/08/value-of-nature-pavan-sukhdev/
Watch a video of the Sydney lecture filmed for ABC's Big Ideas program at this link.
Centre for Policy Development is a The Centre for Policy Development (CPD) is a public interest think tank dedicated to promoting alternative voices in Australia's public debate about the policies that shape our lives.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Animals - follow news items from Sydney Morning Herald
This webpage collates news about animal welfare, wildlife conservation reported in this paper. The cruelty we humans subject wild, domestic and farm animals and also out wonder when nature produces the unexpected - such as the red panda born at Taronga Zoo
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animalsAnimals
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Pockets set aside to help koalas survive - 100 hectares of private land.
This news as reported is appreciated by all of us who understand and value the the natural environment and all the resources and services provided by the functioning ecosystem. The iconic koala is an important creature within the whole sysytem - just as we humans are.
Six koala refuges will be set aside in southeast Queensland in an effort to boost the marsupial's dwindling population.
Queensland Environment Minister Kate Jones said the state government had partnered with private landholders to protect the 32 hectares. The landowners would be given $174,000 to
plant new koala food trees,
remove weeds and barbed wire fences and
install koala friendly fencing, she said.
'These properties on private land will be voluntarily gazetted as nature refuges with landholders receiving funding to rehabilitate the area,' Ms Jones said in a statement on Wednesday.The Australian Koala Foundation believes there are as few as 45,000 koalas left.
The group says the iconic animal is struggling to survive due to loss of habitat in fast-growing regions like southeast Queensland.
The six new koala nature refuges announced today bring the total amount of land protected for koalas under these kinds of special arrangements with private landholders to 100 hectares.
Sourced from Sky News: Pockets set aside to help koalas survive
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
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Thursday, March 31, 2011
The time for Libraries is NOW
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
The time for Libraries is NOW
View more presentations from Ned Potter.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Germany has Suburbs Without Cars - time for SEQ to try?
Biking and walking are the principal means of transport within the community. A tram that runs down the spine of the district connects Vauban to the train station and downtown Freiburg.
Many people move to Vauban not for environmental reasons, but because they feel that a car-free environment is far better for children. Indeed, children are everywhere! With no cars on the streets, many residents call Vauban a children's paradise, where youngsters wander from a young age in safety. Even some residents who say they miss the convenience of a car at their doorstep have concluded that it is worth the tradeoff.
In Vauban, residents who wish to own a car can do so, but must must generally park it in one of two municipal garages at the edge of town. So for most errands, it's easier to walk to the store than to walk to the car. Also, spaces must be bought, for about $40,000. The garages are also home to a car-sharing service, which car-less residents rely on for things like weekend ski trips.
Though Vauban is extreme in its policies to discourage driving, other places are beginning to adopt some of the same principles: disallowing new malls that are not accessible to public transportation, for example, and limiting the number of parking spaces in new developments.
Isn't it time new housing areas in SEQ offered real alternatives to our continuing suburban sprawl which is still the model new city offered by ULDA Urban Land Development Authority?
Read the article in NYTimes Germany Imagines Suburbs Without Cars - NYTimes.com
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Veteran environmental campaigner Drew Hutton has been arrested... charged after gas blockade arrest
Veteran environmental campaigner Drew Hutton has been arrested and charged after protesting against the coal seam gas industry on a property near Tara in southwest Queensland.
Police this evening confirmed Mr Hutton had been charged with the "obstruction of a petroleum authority holder" and would appear in the Chinchilla Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Friends of the Earth member and fellow campaigner Cassie McMahon said Mr Hutton was among about 25 people at the site today.
Ms McMahon said a large number of police officers arrived on the scene this afternoon.
“They told us under ... the Petroleum and Gas Act that we were not allowed to be there and that we had to leave the premises,” she said. “The remainder of us were in the process of departing when he [Mr Hutton] was arrested.
“Drew Hutton has refused the bail conditions and could be in custody for 30 days at the Toowoomba watch house.”
Ms McMahon, who yesterday chained herself to a bulldozer as part of the protest, said campaigners were undeterred by the developments today.
I’m very surprised that landholders do not have the ability to invite people to stay on their property to protect their property,” Ms McMahon said.
Read article as reported in Brisbane Times at this link.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Human Health Impacts of Open-cut Coal Mining & Coal Seam Gas Mining - Beaudesert Qld
Human Health Impacts of Open-cut Coal Mining & Coal Seam Gas Mining - Beaudesert Qld
Date: Friday 18-Mar-11 at 6:15 pm Category: Public Forum
Speakers Include: Drew Hutton, Lock the Gate Campaign Alliance - Dr Dick van Steenis, Public Health Advocate from the United Kingdom - Dr Sandra Bayley, Doctors for Science, Sustainability and Social Justice - Innes Larkin or Bill Parke (Keep Scenic Rim Scenic)
When: Friday March 18 from 6.15 pm for a 6.30pm start.
Where: Meeting Room - Centacare St Mary's, Petersen Street, Beaudesert.
Info: Light Supper & Gold coin entry.
RSVP: Debbie 5541-3426 or neil_debbie@bigpond.com
Hosted by Logan and Albert Conservation Association
Public Forums - Lock the Gate Alliance Inc
Hands off Country: James Price's Point, NO SOCIAL LICENCE TO OPERATE
Social Licence to Operate
Hands off Country: James Price's Point, NO SOCIAL LICENCE TO OPERATE
This is an interesting concept and another tool with which to oppose those developments which are totally unwanted by the community.
Please read more about this at the link posted below.
...comprise individuals and communities that are respectful co creators of community and social welling life. We will not be subjected or treated like passive objects of decisions made by those wrecking local national and global havoc for self-enrichment
Hands off Country: James Price's Point, NO SOCIAL LICENCE TO OPERATE
The Future of Learning
Check out this SlideShare Presentation:
The Future of Learning
View more presentations from Steve Wheeler.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Monday, February 28, 2011
Challenge to Wandoan coal mine launched in Queensland
Lets all Queenslanders and Australians support Friends of the Earth in this David and Goliath battle. This is yet another example where short term financial profits are placed above the environmental health and well being of all species and ecosystems on our planet. Global statements but we are alll on one earth and when we wantonly destroy our functioning communities - people and places - here in outback Queensland the impact and results are felt across earth.
Well done to Friends of the Earth for making and taking a stand defending the rights of MOTHER EARTH against conglomerates like Xstrata Coal whose sole purpose is money.
Read what Friend of the Earth Brisbane spokesperson Dr John Mackenzie said at the following link.
It is possible to live in harmony with our land and country and all people. We can no longer accept that we don't know better. It is time for governments to step up to the mark and represent the people - not large corporations. It is time also for governments to show real leadership and help us all adapt to our changing conditions. Investing in non-damaging job creating closed loop technologies is essential. Use destroy and dump is not the model to show our children.
Governments talk about sustainability - enough for all forever - it's time to begin to actually model that practice and behaviors.
Alliance appeals against EPAs rejection of coal mine proposal - in WA
The Geraldton Iron Ore Alliance has lodged an appeal against a decision by the Environmental Protection Authority to reject Aviva Corporation's proposal to mine coal in the Mid West.
The proposal poses a high risk to critically endangered flora and fauna in the area and EPA have execised the appropriate precautionary principle and EPA has recommended the State Government reject the proposal.
It seems to me that big corporations believe that their fossil fuel exploitation is more important than preserving critically endangered flora and fauna.
Australia has one of the world's worst records for loss of biodiversity and extinction of species. Energy can be produced by renewables. Extinct species can not be restored - no matter how great proposed mitigation may be on paper.
The coal industry does not have a commendable record for restoration.
It is a pity that our Queensland government and its EPA agency does not exercise that precautionary principle. It remains to be seen how the court rules?
Reported at this link following.Alliance appeals against rejected coal mine proposal - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
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Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
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Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Opinion sought on sustainable population strategy — Tuesday 1 March 2011
The Federal Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has invited submissions to its issues paper A Sustainable Population Strategy for Australia.
The paper comprises three appendices, each containing a report from independent Sustainable Population Advisory Panels, which identify and explore issues around Australia’s changing population.
In releasing the paper, the Government hopes to draw out community views about changing population, which will in turn inform the Government’s Sustainable Population Strategy.
Submissions can be made through the department website and are due by 1 March 2011.
The strategy will consider the policies and programs required to ensure that we can shape and respond to changes in our population to build a sustainable Australia. The ultimate goal of the strategy is to improve the wellbeing of current and future generations through more effective recognition and management of the impacts of population changes, including the size, composition and location
See article at this following link
Opinion sought on sustainable population strategy — Sustainable Councils — Sustainability and local government
How to have your say
This page explains the process.http://www.environment.gov.au/sustainability/population/consultation/index.html
Submissions can be lodged by email to sustainablepopulation@environment.gov.au
Flagstone residents rail against new city
Residents near bushland being bulldozed to make way for a planned satellite city are mounting a fierce and growing battle against the sweeping powers of the Queensland government's Urban Land Development Authority.
Greater Flagstone, west of Jimboomba, was chosen during the state government's Growth Summit last year as the site for a new satellite city to absorb 130,000 new southeast Queensland residents in 21 years.
But some of the existing 4000-strong population fear cheap houses will be built en masse without thought for necessary infrastructure or their rural lifestyle.
But some of the existing 4000-strong population fear cheap houses will be built en masse without thought for necessary infrastructure or their rural lifestyle.
Resident Mike Kelly, founder of the Save Greenbank campaign, said concerns had fallen on deaf ears in the state government, while the mass clearing of land continued without their consultation.
"The ULDA is bastardising the existing culture and lifestyle here for fast-tracking purposes, which are completely inconsistent with the real needs of the community," he said.
Mr Kelly said residents on acre blocks would soon have up to seven neighbours along their fence lines.
"There are no guarantees for the development of infrastructure ... even the repair of existing roads," he said.
"There are no guarantees that new houses will be made affordable for first-home buyers, rather than investors. We are being kept in the dark here."
The ULDA, which was established four years ago with powers to acquire and consolidate suitable land and move it quickly to the housing market, has also been at the centre of battles with residents on the Sunshine Coast about the unfettered development of their communities.
Tonight, more than 500 Greater Flagstone and Greenbank residents are expected to gather at a public meeting to voice their concerns. Greater Flagstone was among three sites, including Yarrabilba near Logan and Ripley Valley near Ipswich, set aside to become brand new cities.
More than 1000 hectares of land has now been opened for development in the Greater Flagstone area, closest to Greenbank West, under the first stage of the project.
"The developers are going to make a fortune and move on, while our lifestyles and the retail values of our homes are going to be destroyed," Mr Kelly said.
"We are about to lose our rural lifestyle completely at Greenbank."
Ted Fensom, co-ordinator of the Brisbane Region Environment Council, said he was most concerned about the bulldozing of land in Greater Flagstone long before adequate environmental studies were conducted.
"There has been little to no exploration of the demographics or environment," he said.
"No one is looking at the sedimentation, [or] turbidity. There's no one looking at the hydrology in terms of stream flows and no one looking at the flood gauging where major creeks cross roads in the area.
"We're losing biodiversity hotspots, bio-regional corridors and connectivity right across greater Flagstone."
Logan councillor Hajnal Black, who will attend tonight's meeting, said the state government was forcing high-density development into the area "without an ounce of proper infrastructure". "For instance we need a rail passenger line now, yet the state government says we can wait until 2036," she said.
"Local roads are at absolute capacity, there are limited community facilities, there is zero public transport and nothing for teenagers or children to do, yet the faceless men at the ULDA think we should squeeze thousands of more residents into our area.”
ULDA chief executive Paul Eagles said the authority had not approved any areas of bushland for clearing.
“We are currently reviewing existing work and undertaking additional biodiversity studies for the Greater Flagstone [area],” he said.
Mr Eagles said representatives from the ULDA met with concerned residents last night and offered to meet with them again.
“This development application is currently out for public notification which provides the local community with the opportunity to comment on what is proposed," he said.
"During this period people are able to write to the ULDA to express any concerns. The ULDA will then review these submissions and require amendments to the development application if necessary.”
Mr Eagles said infrastructure requirements would be outlined in a draft plan for the area, due to be released for public consultation in March.
Flagstone residents rail against new city
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
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Thursday, February 3, 2011
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Saturday, January 15, 2011
Brisbane Helping Hands - where to donate and what
Brisbane Helping Hands This blog has detail of what goods are needed and where you can drop them off.
Thanks to the many businesses and everyone for whatever you can do to help during this crisis situation.
Please remember that the Australian Red Cross respond and prepare for disaster relief and recovery all year round every year. Visit their website for more information
Donations in Logan
The following places are collecting donations:.
Beenleigh Scout Group is opening its den at Tallagandra Rd, Beenleigh, as a donation centre. It will be open 8 am to 4 pm Saturday and Sunday, and 3 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. They ask that you refrain from donating clothes at this time, and are focusing on back to school gear, toiletries, cleaning supplies, bottled water, long-life milk, suncreen and tinned foods and fruit.
Wriggle It Play Centre, 440 Kingston Rd (cnr Queens Rd), Kingston, is taking donations.
Beenleigh RSL, 13 Bardyn Halliday Dr, Mt Warren Park, is taking donations (no clothes please, except those for babies and toddlers). They request donations of can openers, hairbrushes, toiletries (no more toiletries), feminine hygiene products, cleaning products, non-perishable food and school supplies.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wild Animal Ownership Banned in Ohio
There appears to be a lack of awareness about the difference between wild and domesticated animals in some people. One of the incidents that focused attention on the issue of wild animal ownership was the tragic death of a young Ohio man after being mauled by a caged bear. Brent Kandra worked at the home of a man who had a collection of wolves and other large predators including eight bears, four tigers, and a lion. Kandra was killed one day when he opened the bear’s cage for a routine feeding. The bear had never previously been aggressive with him.
Whatever the reason for this action, my belief is that man should not cage wildlife to "enjoy" watching them or for personal profit. The ethics of the use of animals for scientific experimentation is also questionable as man learns to live in harmony with nature instead of constant conflict and war.
Read the whole article at this link. where you can also comment.Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/wild-animal-ownership-banned-in-ohio.html#ixzz1AxoOEVmq
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