Council Revises Wharves Plan
The Howard Smith Wharves...iconic, historic and ready for pokey out awnings
Council has revised its proposed development plans for the CBD's Howard Smith Wharves in order to retain important aspects of the iconic Brisbane icon's history.
The site will be developed into three precincts which will include a hotel, shops, restaurants, a small slippery slide and crummy set of swings.
Jon Barlow Hudson's historic sculpture "Paradigm" will be transformed into a vortex within which visitors to the Howard Smith Wharves will be sucked, and will experience all BCC community consultations and information sessions past.
The WW2 air raid shelters will be turned into heritage dunnies, there will be a token rock climbing area for posers and an anointed activities business, and a nice new wharf will be constructed especially for those nimbys in nearby high rise apartments who are worried about losing their Story Bridge outlook.
Council will continue to seek further public feedback until the community agrees with its plans and stops asking for art galleries, the retention of the river walk experience, consideration of indigenous cultural heritage, a skate park or multi-purpose youth space.
"It is only because lots of rich pricks live around the Wharves that we are pretending to care what the community think," said project co-ordinator Mr Rich Consultant.
"We know that these stinky lefty ideas they have for the place are not what the community really want."
The Howard Smith Wharves were named after well known Brisbane identity, Mr Smith, who was a close companion of Matthew Flinders, having sailed with him on the Beagle. Mr Smith was very fond of Flinders' cat, and as well as feeding him his Friskies of an evening, would also give him plenty of tickles under the chin and back rubs.
The wharves were visited by many explorers such as Vasco Da Gama and Marco Polo, until the 1960s when it became the biggest gay nightclub in the southern hemisphere.
The wharves were to be the site for EXPO 88, but the plans fell through when the organisers of the exposition changed their mind at the last minute.
Jon Barlow Hudson's historic sculpture "Paradigm" ... vortex
Blowing Green Smoke Up The Public's Ass
From James Howard Kunstler's March 30 post on 'Clusterf*ck Nation':
I spent the weekend at the yearly Aspen Institute Environmental Forum – a confab lately devoted about equally to the energy and climate fiascos. It’s a peculiar exercise, since major sponsors include the oil and gas companies and the auto industry. The Saturday center-ring panel on peak oil, for instance, was shockingly weak, led by the flack from the Shell corporation, a charming lady, highly-skilled at blowing green smoke up the public’s ass. Even more shocking is the consensus among the presenters and attendees – including the hotshots of climate and energy science and the elder statespersons of environmentalism – that the energy problem merely amounts to finding other means for running all our cars. The assumption that we must remain car-dependent remains absolutely entrenched among these people who ought to know better. Of course, the words “public transit” were barely uttered. It’s disappointing to find such idiocy among this particular elite.
http://www.kunstler.com/mags_diary25.html
Journalism Menace Uncovered
Can Tranny and Pollyanna save us from the CP epidemic?
It's a menace a curse and a scourge that is reaching further into Queensland every day.
Nearly one in every two Queenslanders knows someone who knows someone else who has a neighbour whose friend of a friend of old Mrs Collywobble who lives down the road and plays bridge with someone whose life has been destroyed because of their addiction to "cropped pants".
According to the Ponds Institute's Self Fulfilling Prophecy Poll, which was taken for the 'Spring Hill Voice' as part of our "Scourge of Journalism" series, "cropped pants", or CP, is starting to have ruinous affect Generation Next.
CP is a potent psychostimulant which is more addictive than other types of pants, slacks, short long shorts, knickerbockers and trousers found on the streets 20 years ago.
TAKE OUR POLL: Did you know Australia is currently being flooded with heroin from Afghanistan?
Super stylists Tranny and Pollyanna - currently touring Australia - expressed their concerns about the CP scourge at a recent lecture which was as part of the "Buy More Stuff You Don't Need" shopping centre lecture series.
"You f*cking Orsies are barge arses and have stumpy legs," they said.
To co-incide with our current beat up on bikies, 'Spring Hill Voice's' "Scourge of Journalism" series will reveal the harrowing stories of your fellow Queenslanders, and you will feel afraid - very afraid.
But at the same time, you can relax because two dingbats from the UK reckon your style is much improved since their last visit.
Springbrook [29/3/09]
Veronica is painting her nails.
Jordon is buying a new TV.
Kate is at work.
Tom is having issues.
Chen is in Coorain.
Noah is beginning to suspect the meaning of life might have
been inside that fortune cookie he ate.
Harriet is waiting for inspiration to strike.
Jasmin is procrastinating.
Geordie is discombobulating.
Mia is wondering who tried opening her door at four a.m.
last night.
Denise is realising her parents were right all along.
Zoe is wishing the phone would ring.
Hannah is somehow less than she once was.
David is waiting.
Anna is alone.James Bradley
Published in 'The Best Australian Poems 2008' (Edited by Peter Rose)
Ghostly Apparition Haunts Brisbane's Historically Iconic Heritage Building
The iconic Brisbane Arcade ghost...very similar in appearance to the King George Square carpark (formerly City Hall) ghost
The future of one of Brisbane's most iconic heritage buildings may be in doubt going forward, but stories about its historical ghost will always make interesting reading for twelve-year-olds.
During the 85 year history of the Brisbane Arcade, many shopkeepers have reported paranormal encounters and spooky goings on.
Evidently the ghost makes its presence known by flying past shop windows going "Weeeeeeeeeeeeee....the future is uncertain".
"Well the Brisbane Arcade is heritage listed, so that can only mean it's doomed," said one shopkeeper.
"And we all know what happens when politicians' wives take a liking to a place - look what happened to the original Shingle Inn."
Security guards have also made sightings of the ghostly apparition, which some say might be that of Mary Mayne - wife of Brisbane's founding father Patrick Mayne, who bore a remarkable resemblance to Casper the friendly ghost.
Soon after arriving in Brisbane in 1844, Patrick Mayne immediately established a construction company which was responsible for the demolition of Cloudland and the Bellevue Hotel.
There were no bounds to Mayne's development empire and he transformed Brisbane's built environment with the construction of important infrastrucrure and buildings such as the Story Bridge and QPAC.
But his career was not without controversy and scandal often ensued.
"William Jolly often had to put his foot down," said Brisbane historian and expert on the city's built environment heritage, Professor Peter Porphery.
But according to Professor Porphery, it was when Mayne argued with Sir Joh Bjelke-Peterson about plans for the Parliamentary Annexe that his ambition got the better of him, and his career became unstuck.
Mayne's greatest project - never realised in his lifetime - were the plans he drew up for the Clem 7.
A Letter To Queensland Senators
28 March, 2009
Senator the Hon Ronald Boswell
Senator Sue Boyce
Senator the Hon George Brandis
Senator Mark Furner
Senator the Hon John Hogg
Senator Barnaby Joyce
Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig
Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald
Senator the Hon Jan McLucas
Senator the Hon Brett Mason
Senator Claire Moore
Senator Russell Trood
Dear Senators for Queensland,
We are citizens of Australia, residents of Queensland and voters. We are the proprietors of a genuinely independent internet website.
You, as Senators for Queensland will be required to vote on Senator Conroy's proposed censorship of the internet. That proposal is not acceptable in any form.
People can and should determine their own level of censorship of the internet by using, if they wish, self-imposed filters and screens. Those people have no right to reduce others access to the internet. Our right to all the information on the internet, and to put onto the internet our own views and observations, must not be curtailed.
We, as your constituents, require that you vote against any 'mandatory' control of what we can and cannot read, or post, on the internet.
If you are not already aware of how widely despised and resisted such a proposal is, please make your own enquiries with internet users outside of your circle of lobbyists and advisers. Please understand that this is extremely serious and goes well beyond any simple partisan ideological difference.
Regards,
The Proprietors,
'Spring Hill Voice'
Late Afternoon Swells At South Nobby, [28/3/09]
Drugs Flood South East Queensland Venues
They may appear harmless, but these lawnbowlers could possibly be playing under the influence of illegal substances
Bars, nightclubs and even some restaurants throughout South East Queensland are flooded with drugs, drug users and druggie druggie drug f*cks, but the good times may soon be over.
Using a range of new technology which targets unsuspecting funsters, 'Spring Hill Voice' went undercover and tested licensed venues throughout South East Queensland and found traces of all manner of illegal substances.
The venues, which through the goodness of our heart 'Spring Hill Voice' have decided not to name, include many lawn bowls clubs - nudge nudge wink wink say no more.
In order to conduct our secret tests, we used equipment used by the well regarded Victorian police service, and targeted all the really good gear that we would never ever touch.
The tests were done as part of 'Spring Hill Voice's' "Scourge of Journalism" series which begins next week.
As a result of getting down and dirty, 'Spring Hill Voice' has learnt that some nightclubs are on the verge of rolling out Arse Recognition Technology, that will enable their creepy security guards to watch people in the dunny.
Other methods ready for use throughout the South East corner of the State include Dickhead Cams which should make a night out on the town so much more fun than ever before.
As with many South East Queenslanders, 'Spring Hill Voice' had absolutely no idea illegal drugs were being used in nightclubs, bars and swanky restaurants.
West End Library Turns 80:
Brisbane City Council Media Release [27/3/09]
Brisbane and Queenslands's first purpose built Municipal Library - Brisbane City Council's West End Library turns 80 next Saturday 4 April. Families and Community Services Committee Chair Councillor Geraldine Knapp said the iconic West End Library signified the start of local government's serious involvement in the provision of library services in Brisbane.
"First libraries were neither free nor readily available to the public and were the domain of the wealthy but today a free public library service is regarded as an essential part of any city or town," Cr Knapp said. [Queensland politicians would do well to consider that so is free and efficient public transport, clean air and water, public spaces and equally accessible health care, education and child care: Ed]
"The West End Library was purpose built by Brisbane City Council in 1929 at a cost of £2000 - long before the Libraries Act of 1943 and the State Library Board were established.
"It illustrates a transition between 19th century subscription services and the modern library network."
Formerly known as the Kurilpa Library, the West End Library also has a distinctive feature of a clock tower erected in memory to fallen soldiers.
"It was somewhat unusual for a library to have a clock tower but it emphasised the civic nature of the building," Cr Knapp said. [The overwhelming and unecessary security at Brisbane central library is unusual, but it is also very offputting, and not very civic minded at all: Ed]
The library, which is an example of small-scale neo-Georgian architecture, was designed by one of Brisbane's highly respected architects Alfred Herbert Foster who, during his time as City Architect,designed several well-known municipal buildings including the FortitudeValley Baths.
Joining the celebrations for the day at the West End Library will be Brisbane born internationally acclaimed author David Malouf and musician Getano Bann and other local identities.
For more information log on to www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/libraries orcall Council on 340 38888 The official two hour programme begins at 9.30am.
[Why don't you do something about the excessive hold fees and fines - even the Gold Coast library doesn't punish its patrons for placing a hold on a book: Ed]
100 hours of Astronomy at the Planetarium:
Brisbane City Council Media Release [23/3/09]
Gaze into the universe at Brisbane City Council's Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and be part of the 100 hours of Astronomy worldwide event.
The United Nations has declared 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA) and the Planetarium is holding a special public observing night on Saturday 4 April, with viewing of the Moon, Saturn and other celestial objects through telescopes between 6pm and 9pm.
City Business Committee Chair, Councillor David McLachlan said one of the key goals of 100 Hours of Astronomy is to have as many people as possible look through a telescope to commemorate 400 years since the telescope was used by the Italian scientist, Galileo to observe the heavens.
"It is fitting for Brisbane to play a role in IYA, as both the Planetarium and our city are named after an astronomer - Sir Thomas Brisbane, a great statesman and a person who established the first significant observatory in Australia," Cr McLachlan said.
"There is going to be strong support from five local astronomical societies, all of which will have members operating telescopes outside the Planetarium for the event."
The Astronomical Association of Qld, the Brisbane Astronomical Society, Redlands Astronomical Society, the SE Qld Astronomical Society and the Southern Astronomical Society will all participate in IYA.
In addition, the Planetarium will run mini shows in the Cosmic Skydome at 5.30pm, 6.15pm, 7pm, 7.45pm and 8.30pm at a fixed price of $5 per person on a first-come basis. [Hang on, the BCC Planetarium...at OUR Botanic Gardens...This should be free: Ed] No bookings will be taken.
These shows will feature a tour of the evening's celestial highlights in Brisbane's recreated sky and background about the International Year of Astronomy and telescopes.
In the event of bad weather, telescope viewing will not go ahead and the show schedule will be subject to change.
The facility is located in the beautiful Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Toowong and is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
For visiting information please phone (07) 3403 2578 or visit the web site at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/planetarium
Professor Ian Lowe Gets A Standing Ovation
Scientist and environmentalist Professor Ian Lowe was interviewed by Sandy McCutcheon at the State Library of Queensland last night [27/3/09]. A packed auditorium listened intently as they discussed the impact of climate change upon the planet and, at the conclusion, gave Lowe a standing ovation.
Here's what Professor Lowe said in response to Sandy McCutcheon's final question:
"What would a sustainable society look like?"
"Well, I can think of some characteristics that it would have. It would have stabilised its population and its total consumption at a level that can be sustainably supported within the natural assets, and there is no absolute marker of that because you can always live within a lower level of material comfort or a lower level of social comfort by having more of you and consuming more. But I think we ought to have an adult conversation about what we see as sustainable. The interesting thing is that in places in Queensland where there has been that sort of discussion like the Sunshine Coast, the people have voted very strongly for having a lower rate of population growth to maintain quality of life and to maintain natural their assets. And many people recognise that we lose something through growth.
"We would be approaching a zero waste society because we would use our resources much more efficiently, the mantra of reduce, re-use, recycle would be a part of every day life, so we would have internalised the concept of industrial ecology, that you don't have waste, you simply have more materials for another process. We would have essentially carbon free electricity using the immense natural flows, solar, wind, wave, tidal, geothermal energy.
"We would invest in stabilizing or enhancing our biological diversity so that if there was a development that we agreed was worthwhile, like building a railway line from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast and this required the loss of natural areas, part of the approval process would be requiring investment in the enhancement and restoration of other natural areas so that there was no net loss of habitat and biodiversity. It would be committed to a much greater degree of social equality, because at the moment the pressure that would otherwise come for social equality is diffused by growth.
"We're not offended Kerry Packer can spend about ten times the total lifetime income of an average household income on a horse race, because the economy is growing by 3 per cent a year, and we're all getting a bit more money each year and you can hope that you too by 2483 might have enough money so you can blow 10 million on a horse race.
"But if the total resources available are fixed then it's clearly unacceptable for one person to have 5,000 times as much as somebody else, and there's pressure for a much greater degree of equality. And, in spiritual and ethical terms, we would have come to recognise that it is our duty to live in balance with natural systems, so that we hand on to the next generation the same sorts of life chances that we've had. And in that sense I think our generation has been uniquely privileged, I don't think any previous generation has lived at the level of material comfort of our generation. The worrying thing is that no future generation might live at the same level of material comfort because we are overconsuming resources for future generations. And in that sense if we continue to overconsume resources we are really doing the ethical equivalent of pinching our own kids' pocket money to fund our riotous lifestyle, and that's clearly ethically indefensible."
Lowe went on to answer some refreshingly intelligent questions from the audience. He stressed that we need to rethink our global institutions if we want to tackle the global problem of climate change.
He spoke on population, economic growth and the coal industry. Referring to last year's 2020 summit, he said he was profoundly disappointed that the government's promise to report by the end of last year had not been honoured.
Lowe also mentioned that in most cases the ideas that had broad consensus at the summit appeared to have had no impact at all on the government's thinking. Specifically addressing concerns raised by the summit's energy group, Lowe said that the majority view was that there should be an investment in public transport, that we shouldn't build any more old fashioned coal fired power stations, and that we need serious targets for renewable energy and climate change.
A question on the Emissions Trading Scheme elicted the following response:
"Are there children present?"
Although Lowe agrees there should be a price on carbon going into the atmosphere, he believes the cap is nowhere near stringent enough to make a difference, and warns that the permits will be given away to the big polluters. He said that in principle it's the most cost effective, but that it would be better to auction, rather than give away, the permits.
As for the overwhelming feelings of powerlessness experienced by people in the community who want to do something about climate change, Lowe said: "It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."
He referred to the dismantling of the Berlin Wall, the end of slavery and voting rights for women as examples of movements that have arisen from the ground up and challenged political rigidity.
"If enough people want change, change can happen. If I ever have grandchildren, I want to be able to say to them 'At least we tried," he said.
"We've got to give it a go."
Professor Lowe's book, 'A Big Fix: Radical Solutions for Australia's
Environmental Crisis', is available now.
http://www.penguin.com.au/lookinside/spotlight.cfm?SBN=9781863953832
Have Your Say On Emissions Trading
An email from the Australian Greens [26/3/09]:
Dear friend,
The Senate wants to hear what you think about the Rudd Government's emissions trading scheme.
The Greens have established a Senate Inquiry into Climate Policy, which will report on the environmental adequacy of the Government's scheme. You can directly address Senators – before they vote on the scheme – by making a submission.
Have your say on emissions trading.
The best the Government itself can say about its so-called 'Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme' is that it is better than nothing. The Greens disagree. It is worse than useless.
The Government's plan will undermine existing policies to move Australia to renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean transport. It will pay polluters billions of dollars in compensation and use the voluntary emissions reductions you make to free up even more permits for polluters. Worst of all, it will lock Australia into a weak 5% emissions reduction target and close off the option of achieving the much deeper cuts in greenhouse emissions we need to prevent climate catastrophe.
Have your say on emissions trading.
If you want an emissions trading scheme that makes polluters pay instead of paying them to keep polluting, a scheme that creates new green jobs and stimulates investment in clean industries, a scheme that will see Australia play its fair role in preventing climate catastrophe, then please tell the Senate you don’t want a scheme that’s ‘better than nothing’ – you want the best emissions trading scheme there is.
Have your say on emissions trading.
Thank you,
Christine Milne
Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens
Blighty Announces New Look Queensland Government
Blighty...New Look
The Queensland Government will undergo the most biggerest reform process everer. Contrary to the dispicable scare campaign run by the Oppositon Springboard in the last weeks of the recent election campaign, Blighty's new government will not slash 12,000 public service jobs. The Blighty plan is far more flexible and expansive than that.
Blighty's 'New Improved' compact cabinet will make plans, going forward, in terms of, strategising so as to maximise outcomes.... oh stuff it, let's be honest, we're going to f*ck over every contractor position we have 'sourced out' over the last decade.
The new 'Czar of Neo-Con Government Solutions Going Forward In Lanyards' (Director General of BIG ALL ENCOMPASSING CENTRALISED RULE), has been announced: Mr Face-Less. Blighty has announced that because she wasn't challenged on this by Springborg at the Media love-in before the election, the citizens of Queensland have very deliberately given her a mandate to do whatever the neo-con messages tell her (she receives these direct from Bowen Hills through her specially designed hard-hat, according to sources).
The first new initiative is to go even further than the 'Great Unannounced Council Amalgamations of 2007'. Blighty's First announcement as your new Premier was the formation of a great big mega-department to oversee your state. The new ultra efficient and ultra secretive and ultra unaccountable overlord will be known as the "Joint Operational Headquarters" [JOH] and will control all aspects of Governance for you happy Queenslanders. And you WILL be happy, "we have a well armed army of tazer wielding police to ensure that those without happy smiles are re-educated" she was reported as saying.
The Premier said: "I'm so pleased that I can be the first female Premier to bring JOH to Queensland. Under JOH Queenslanders will feel right at home! JOH will deliver jobs, jobs, jobs and a much better public service. JOH will ensure that unions do not have too much control over anything. JOH will deliver things made of concrete by Sir Leslie Thiess. Under JOH we will have a stable and certain police force. Some people will understandably be a bit hesitant about my firm embrace of JOH, and all I can say to them is that they really shouldn't entertain worries about that."
George Street...New Look
Murdoch's Israel Firsters Speak Out On ABC's 'Q&A'
Andrew Bolt ['Q&A' - 26/3/09] "I'm shocked by the lack of moral seriousness here"
AEC Invites Suggestions Into Queensland Electoral Redistribution:
AEC Media Release [26/3/09]
The Australian Electoral Commission invites the public to submit suggestions about the redistribution of federal electoral boundaries in Queensland.
The Electoral Commissioner, Mr Ed Killesteyn, asks all interested individuals and organisations to provide written suggestions and comments to the Redistribution Committee about possible changes to the boundaries and names for 30 federal electoral divisions in Queensland. Queensland currently has 29 seats.
Members of the Committee include the Electoral Commissioner and the Australian Electoral Officer (State Manager) for Queensland, Ms Anne Bright. The Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 also requires that the State Surveyor-General and State Auditor-General or their equivalent office bearers participate on the Committee.
“Written submissions must be lodged with the Redistribution Committee by 6pm AEST on Friday, 24 April 2009 to allow them to be considered,” Mr Killesteyn said.
“In making its proposal of new electoral boundaries, the Committee must ensure that the number of electors in each division meets strict numerical criteria.”
“The Committee will consider communities of interest and means of communications and travel within the proposed divisions. The physical features and area of the proposed divisions and the boundaries of existing divisions in Queensland will also be considered,” added Mr Killesteyn.
Those individuals and organisations intending to submit suggestions should visit the AEC website for further information about the redistribution process.
Suggestions and comments must be lodged with the Redistribution Committee for Queensland in one of the following ways:
in person to 7th floor, 488 Queen Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000
by mail to GPO Box 2590, Brisbane, QLD 4001
by fax to (07) 3834 3452
by email to qld.redistribution@aec.gov.au
The Committee will continue its consultation process by making all suggestions received available for public inspection at the AEC State Office in Brisbane and on the AEC website from 27 April 2009.
The public have until 6pm AEST on 8 May 2009 to lodge any written comments they may have on the suggestions made.
The indicative timetable for the redistribution is available on the AEC website.
http://www.aec.gov.au/about_aec/media_releases/2009/03_26.htm
What Would Happen If This Was Run In 'The Australian Financial Review'?
From 'The Automatic Earth':
There may be all sorts of ideas of how another $1 trillion of taxpayer funds will free banks of their gambling losses to the point where they will start lending again, but whoever talks about that is just as stuck in their comfort zones as are Tim and Ben and Larry. It will not happen, it can't, America suffers a huge debt overload already, as a nation and individually, and that debt has to be repaid. Taking on more debt will bring no solution, least of all when it's used to bail out the very institutions that are most responsible for the majority of the debt.
And it's the system itself, it's not the institutions that are the core of the problem either, which by the way supplies a brilliantly solid reason to let them all fail tomorrow morning. That is, if as a government you have the best interests of the people in mind. Unfortunately, you're stuck with "leaders" that have either only the interests of the happy few in mind, or who have convinced themselves that to save what's left of the people's welfare, you need to save the happy few first. A very convenient worldview in which only one focus is needed: banks. It's the ultimate, and extremely perverted, version of trickle down economics.
Only, in this case, it’s as if you're watching a cartoon in which there's a pyramid filled with people, with the rich on top and the poor at the bottom, in which there's a mechanism to take away from the impoverished bottom whatever it has left, and reinject it at the top, while telling the poor that taking what's theirs is the only way to save them. Maybe someone with drawing skills can draw that picture for me.
The entire government is made up of people who either don't get it, or who don't care for the interests of the people. I’m sort of sure that Washington has both kinds of people working together, but we can't really tell the difference, because they all have the same priority. Those that don't get it steal from the people to give to the rich, because they see that as the only way to save the people. Those that don't care, steal from the people because they think that's some kind of inherent Darwinian right.
http://theautomaticearth.blogspot.com/
Queenslanders Get Behind Surprise Late Applicants For "Island Job"
Surprise late applicants for "Island Job"
Queenslanders can barely contain their excitement at the late entry of a group of surprise applicants for the "Island Job".
The applicants bobbed up after a three hour tour and are keen to land the "Island Job".
"Being a caretaker for the Great Barrier Reef should be really easy," said one of the surprise late applicants on their Arse Face profile.
"It [the Great Barrier Reef] is stuffed, so I imagine there won't be much to do - I haven't appeared in any Russian pornography, but would you like to see how I look in a bikini?"
As the application process for the "Island Job" draws to a close, Queenslanders are all but rioting in the streets.
"It's just so insanely bullshit," said one Queenslander.
"I want the 10 seconds it took to read this bogus story back," said another.
Some Queenslanders are reportedly so overwhelmed by the onging "Island Job" story that they have been barely able to function on a day to day basis.
Pineapple Ring Plan Canned By Heritage Listing?
Queensland: Home to larger than life fruits such as the Large Pineapple
Plans to slice Queensland's iconic Large Pineapple into a plate of pineapple rings have been threatened by its recent listing on the Heritage Register.
The historic Large Pineapple, a very popular tourist attraction on the Sunshine Coast, is one of Queensland's earliest buildings - having been constructed by convict labour in the 1820s.
According to documents from the State Library Archives, Captain Logan recognised the importance of tourism, and soon after the establishment of the Moreton Bay colony, convicts were put to work on the Large Pineapple.
One of the early convict crews (circa 1820s) preparing for a hard day's work on the Large Pineapple
When convict transportation to the colonies ended, the Large Pineapple became popular with free settlers and squatters who would bring their families from the Darling Downs for a parfait and ride upon the Nut Mobile.
It's believe that Sir Samuel Griffith worked on parts of the constitution while sitting on top of the Large Pineapple and taking in the views of the surrounding prosperity.
Several controversial US military historians have claimed that it was while sitting on top of the Large Pineapple that General Macarther formulated the Brisbane Line plan during World War Two.
It was used to monitor communist radio communications during the cold war.
Developers claim the Heritage Listing of the Large Pineapple could force them to turn the icon into a can of pineapple chunks rather than their current plans.
Secret Soap-On-A-Rope Strategy Secured Election Victory
No you dope, not Pope on a rope, soap on a rope!
Blighty's secret secret can now be revealed without any attribution!
Many dictionaries define a lie along these lines: "a statement known not to be true by the person who makes it", and that is an interesting definition, isn't it? Blighty held strong to her promise, or guarantee or whatever you would like to call it, that she would run the full term and there would not be an early election. Anecdotedly the ALP was booking lots and lots of 'media' ad space for March at the very same time.
Then, in a stroke of brilliant genius she single handedly called an early election with a very short campaign period.
Without the need for any attribution to any source whatsoever, we are able to now write a lengthy and knowledgeable story about Blighty's secret secret strategy which we call "Dope Pope Soap On A Rope". Catchy isn't it? In fact it is probably so catchy that your communist ABC will eagerly run with it as their meme de jour for the next few days!
Our secretive secret sources have informed us that Blighty is a huge fan of Rocky films and that she also once fell for that stupid soap-on-a-rope craze which roughly preceeded the equally dim-witted 'loofah' fad. Sources close to the pub we drink at have revealed that she may have even had a 'gonk' as a starry-eyed youngster.
But it was her brilliance as a political leader which ensured her victory. She said things which her opponent just didn't say. It was as if she had metaphorically beaten him over the ropes with a pope on a soap. Again, pure genius. We reported it as we saw it. Everyone knows that Pauline Hanson is naked beneath all those clothes she attempts to cover herself with. Who really cares if we have photos? You know what they would look like if they existed.
But honesty, journalism and truth won out on the day.
Her sheer brilliance is a brilliant shiny thing emerging into the warm Queensland sun after so many oppressive years under the dictatorial Queensland system set up by Joh and handed to her, intact, by Beattie. And now, thanks to her brilliant brilliance, it is all hers. It was a poisoned chalice handed to her, but she used it brilliantly to toast her opponents before cleverly offering them first swigs. Sheer brilliance.
Just remember, if 100,000 Queenslanders still have jobs at the end of Blighty's next term it will be 100% because of her skill. All of us should be grateful for such shrewd brilliance and secretively secret skill.
Now, Queensland, settle in, roll over, lie back and enjoy the sweet sensation which only a Man Date can deliver. Enjoy!
This Is Greenwashing
The election is over. Please stop sending us propaganda and use the money to do something useful for the environment.
From 'Wikipedia':
Greenwash (a portmanteau of green and whitewash) is a term used to describe the practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products and policies as environmentally friendly, such as by presenting cost cuts as reductions in use of resources. It is a deceptive use of green PR or green marketing. The term green sheen has similarly been used to describe organizations that attempt to show that they are adopting practices beneficial to the environment.
Greenwashing was coined by NY environmentalist Jay Westerveld in an essay regarding the hotel industry's practice of placing green placards in each room, promoting reuse of guest-towels, ostensibly to "save the environment". Westerveld noted that, in most cases, little or no effort toward waste recycling was being implemented by these institutions, due in part to the lack of cost-cutting affected by such practice. Westerveld opined that the actual objective of this "green campaign" on the part of many hoteliers was, in fact, increased profit. Westerveld hence monikered this and other outwardly environmentally conscientious acts with a greater, underlying purpose of profit increase as greenwashing.
The term is generally used when significantly more money or time has been spent advertising being green (that is, operating with consideration for the environment), rather than spending resources on environmentally sound practices. This is often portrayed by changing the name or label of a product, to give the feeling of nature, for example putting an image of a forest on a bottle containing harmful chemicals. Environmentalists often use greenwashing to describe the actions of energy companies, which are traditionally the largest polluters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwash
Opposition To A Dam On The Mary River Remains Strong And United:
Save The Mary River Media Release [23/3/09]
The community campaign to oppose the proposed Traveston Crossing dam on the Mary River will remain strong, united, active and vibrant despite the election of a majority Labor Government.
Save the Mary River Co-ordinating Group President Glenda Pickersgill said that the Premier had a responsibility to act in the interests of all Queenslanders, not just those in the metropolitan seats in Brisbane.
"In her election night speech, the Premier acknowledged that the swing against Labor had given a strong message to the Government and that she had heard it loud and clear," Ms Pickersgill said.
"She gave an undertaking for renewal within Cabinet and the process of government."
We say that this renewal should start here by recognising that science and logic will rule out proceeding with the Traveston Crossing dam.
The president of the Greater Mary Association, Darryl Stewart said that the former Minister for Sustainability, Andrew McNamara, acknowledged that the proposed dam was a key factor in his defeat in the river-mouth seat of Hervey Bay.
He pointed to the loss of seats of Hervey Bay and Glasshouse which completed a swathe of non-Labor seats from the Sunshine Coast north to Bundaberg.
"In this 'region' the voters in the seats of Buderim, Bundaberg, Burnett, Caloundra, Glasshouse, Gympie, Hervey Bay, Kawana, Maroochydore, Maryborough, Nanango, Nicklin, Noosa have made their feelings all too obvious to the government at the ballot box, " he said.
"There's not one hint of Labor red on the electoral map for the entire region, not even in the high-growth, highly urbanized coastal cities of the Sunshine Coast."
"We call on Anna Bligh to listen to the majority of electors from this region," he said. "Some of the promised 'renewal' that the Queensland Government intends to implement should start right here with a reversal of its policy to dam the Mary River at Traveston Crossing."
The Secretary of the Save The Mary River Brisbane Group, David White, said that acknowledging that there are better sustainable solutions to SEQ water security that don't include a dam at Traveston Crossing would be the sort of renewal to give real meaning to the Premier's election night message.
Speaking for the three community groups, Ms Pickersgill said that their campaigns to rally further support from the residents of Brisbane would continue and intensify unless and until the new Government reversed its current policy.
"We urge the Premier to show that she's listening, not just to the regions, but also to the independent experts who have spoken out against this dam proposal."
Brisbane Most Ill-Mannered City In The Whole Wide World: Experts
"Good day to you madam, may we escort you to the Alhambra Lounge?"
Never mind the please and thankyous. Ever had some fat prick in a 4WD try to run you over as you cross a pedestrian crossing?
According to an etiquette expert bad manners are so bad in Brisbane that the city is the most ill-mannered in the whole wide world.
Miss Eliza Doolittle from the Ponds Institute's Neoliberalism Has No Impact Whatsoever On Social Relations Unit, said manners in Brisbane had deteriorated to the point that she thought they were worse than that of Sydney.
"Oh those Sydneysiders can charm your pants off," she said.
"And although corporate Brisbane are experiencing tough economic times, I think people should enrol in my etiquette classes right away."
YOUR SAY: Have
your manners flown out the window as you jostle on a daily basis with rude f*ckwits?
"According to the Australian 'Pocket Oxford' dictionary, a concierge is a doorkeeper or porter," said a concierge, at one of Brisbane's major hotels.
"What is wrong with the youth of today? They just won't open the door for you at all."
Another expert from the Ponds Institute's Quote Me For The Monomedia Unit, Professor Henry Higgins, agreed that the decline in manners had nothing to do with the mean, individualistic society in which we live.
"It's all about altruism and to say that a decline in community social relations has anything to do with the ravages of free market capitalism is incorrect thinking," he said.
"Did Leonardo push Kate off the Titanic? No. He didn't. Look over there - a baby rabbit."
Professor Higgins said there were many commercial events which galvanise politeness throughout the community.
"Southbank is a beacon of politeness and good manners during Riverfire, similar to behaviour exhibited during the Sydney Olympics," he said.
But Miss Doolittle said Riverfire wasn't until later in the year, and Professor Higgins probably should have mentioned something that was closer on the calender - like the EKKA.
"Hope we can believe in about the change we can see in others," she said.
It is thought that that the government, corporate media and the ABC will shortly release some kind of bogus "Respect Agenda", similar to what the Blair Government did a few years back.
From the Autumn 2009 edition of 'Griffith Review' - "Essentially Creative":
The university makes a poem
Philip Neilsen
Creative writing academics keep leaving.
I must find time to write, they say.Join the ranks of management, even briefly,
and a novel disappears.
Write an ARC application and two short stories
are snuffed out.
The university steals our metaphors
and gives us core business, performance indicators,
leviathan lectures.There is no arguing with this.
The flexible campus echoes with crow calls.
A student seen reading one morning on the lawn
is mistaken for a guru.And yet it is the young who leave us clues.
Classes still have epiphanies,
which come and pass, well-lit, like a night train.
A phrase can reveal a bird of paradise.I emerge from a tutorial
and discover the afternoon has gone.
There are pink clouds along the dark horizon,
a late winter flurry in the treetops.
I take a deep breath and feel my amphibian lungs;
to swim the dull water of administration,
but to surface and catch the air.The great writers worked in banks,
toiled as labourers, fought fascism.
Even the privileged were worn down
by stones of despair.The world won't miss my foregone scribbles.
The academy stutters, and produces a poem.
One Plus One Equals Three:
Australia's Education Revolution Gets Underway
The Minister for McDonalds: Two All Beef Patties Special Sauce Lettuce Cheese Pickles Onion On A Sesame Seed Bun!
Australia's Education Revolution is well underway with the Minister for McDonalds recently announcing a swathe of classroom initiatives throughout the country.
Despite the concerns of nutritionists, parents and citizens associations and the community at large, the Minister for McDonalds says the 'Two All Beef Patties Special Sauce Lettuce Cheese Pickles Onion On A Sesame Seed Bun' (T.A.B.P.S.S.L.C.P.O.O.A.S.S.B.) initiative is all about giving back to corporations.
"My parliamentary colleagues and I know that corporate Australia has a lot to offer Australian students as far as teaching them who runs this country," said the Minister for McDonalds.
"Particularly with regard to the GFC, we see corporations - with their clearly evident skills in financial management - playing an important role in Australia's Education Revolution."
Here are the new curriculum details:
Coca-Cola will run classes on water conservation and the environment
News Ltd. will run creative writing classes
Exxon Mobil: Creationist Science, Abiotic Oil, CO2 is Life, Work Makes You Free
Altria [the tobacco and vegemite industry] and Nintendo/Playstation: Physical Education
Institute Of Public Affairs/The Vatican: Sex education
Subway/Pizza Hut/KFC: Home Economics
ABARE/IPA/Pond's Institute: Mathematics
Centrebet Is Always Right: The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Closing the Gap? Ha Ha Ha. We all know who decides the election outcomes.
Yegads! Who's scrutineering the scrutineers in this state? The ALP's record has been, as LNP candidate for Burleigh Michael Hart put it, "atrocious", and it doesn't make sense that they would scrape back in. Even Antony Green remarked that there were "unusual" swings to the ALP in safe LNP seats such as that of Mike Horan's.
With the primary vote of both major parties at less than 50%, could it be that we're back in the bad old days of gerrymander? (Ho ho ho don't you worry about that. We gotta make it look like democracy, so let the LNP conquer a few seats - then it's not so obvious.)
There will be no fair analysis over the next few days because it's as crook as. Health system anyone? How extraordinary, that a former office manager for the CFMEU could run as an LNP candidate against the supposedly left-leaning Premier! Only in Queensland!
Ah Brandis did his bitter best, Barnaby maintained the rage against citadel Brisbane, and Dr Heather Mrs Peetie was there on the day, but Bonny Barry called it for the Aspley team in Labor.
In any case, Rupert knew it all along.
Could it be that in this post feminist shang-ri-la, Bonny's push for ensuring abortion rights for women in Queensland cost her Aspley?
In any case, the sisters very much appreciate that you, Bonny, will continue to fight for the rights of women and girls in this state, because we know the government won't be.
So Springborg departs the leadership and the LNP will wallow in the wilderness, while the ALP carry on the neo-con fascist enterprise. And as the NSW right tightens its grip on Queensland, we can look forward to recycled sewage in the drinking water, the Traveston Dam and privatised every bloody thing.
BUT we all knew at about 6.30, I mean 7.20 - thank-you to Nigel my budgie and the fluoride companies - all the pissweak promises can now be broken, because the economic crisis is much worse than we, and the corporate media have been letting on.
You think Joh was a fascist? You ain't seen nothing yet. But the Greens and independents are the real winners - and agrarian socialism is not dead - despite what the talking heads may say about the LNP leadership. Especially in symbolic seat of Mt Coot-tha, where the Greens' vote indicates the good people on the mount intensely dislike the Treasurer. (If the Greens had preferenced the LNP, it appears there would have been a change of government.)
I'd Be Happier If These Fellows Had Been Elected
The Last Post Before Voting: The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
The ABC reported yesterday [20/3/09]:
"[A hung Parliament] would be the worst outcome for Queenslanders," Ms Bligh said ahead of the election.
"We need a stable majority government with a mandate to make the tough decisions and get us through the hard times ahead."
LNP leader Lawrence Springhborg has ruled out deals with independent MPs to form a minority government.
"I am not doing deals full stop - I am not doing deals at any time," he said.
"Stable majority government is the only thing I'm interested in - that's the only way you'll bring about change."
WRONG WRONG WRONG.
I know what I'm doing - and that is filling in all the boxes on the ballot paper.
As former British Labour MP and current President of the Stop the War Coalition Tony Benn once said:
"Democracy is always a struggle for justice against the powerful."
In this state, the ALP and LNP represent the interests of the powerful.
World Class Internet For Australia
The Government is improving our internet
Australia's internet looks set to rival that of China's, with planned improvements that will only ban sites referring to revolution and armed insurrection.
A leaked secret blacklist has revealed Mrs Marsh's tuckshop website as one of the soon to be banned sites.
Senator Censorship said he was disappointed that the list was leaked and that the published websites were a threat to cyber safety.
Mrs Marsh was perplexed that her site had been placed on the banned list.
"I was shocked," she said.
"But on thinking about it, perhaps it had something to do with my on-line comments about the school principal?"
Retaining Yungaba Supported By Many Candidates
An email from the Yungaba Action Group:
Dear Yungaba supporters and friends
YAG took the opportunity to ask all candidates in the forthcoming Queensland election the following questions:
"Would you please provide clear statements that represent your party's position on heritage protection and related legislation?
- What changes would your party undertake or promote to strengthen heritage legislation?
- How would your party ensure that government and property developers are held accountable and responsible for any actions that adversely affect heritage-listed properties?
- Had your Party been in government, how would it have managed the future of the Yungaba Immigration Depot?"
We only contacted those candidates who had supplied an email address and, obviously, we did not contact ALP candidates, as it is the current ALP government who, without consultations or public tenders, sold Yungaba away.
We are pleased to let you know that many candidates took the time to respond, and this is greatly appreciated.
The following candidates expressed the view that , had they been in government, they would have retained Yungaba in public hands and would have protected its significant heritage value for future generations.
GREENS Candidates:
SOUTH BRISBANE - Gary Kane
MOGGILL - Philip Machanick
MARYBOROUGH - David Arthur
HINCHINBROOKE - Michelle Macklin
BUDERIM - Danny Stevens
IPSWICH WEST - Dianne Clark
CAIRNS - Steve BrechINDEPENDENT Candidates:
SOUTH BRISBNE - Derek Rosborough
NANANGO - Dorothy Pratt
SOUTHPORT - Graeme Hill
SUNNYBANK - Bruce Spiers
LYTTON - Trish Kelly
SANDGATE - Kevin Stiller
CALLIDE - Clare Mildren
MOUNT COOT-THA - James Sinnamon
TOOWOOMBA SOUTH - Peter PikeLNP Candidate
BARRON RIVER - Wendy Richardson (who has been involved with trying to save a heritage building in Cairns from demolition)
We commend these candidates to you for further insight into your voting choices when you lodge your vote on Saturday.
We thank those candidates who responded to our questions and commend your community spirit.
Delene Cuddihy
Yungaba Action Group
Who Is Graeme Maizey?
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
No annoying election paraphernalia in the mail today - just a privatised electricity bill - thanks Anna!
And while Fairfax reports that:
The ALP will not match the LNP's promise to offer free rail trips for go card customers travelling to and from the CBD before 7am or after 6pm.
Ironically, the Gold Coast monopoly press reports on the ever increasing
M1 chaos:
The Gold Coast's M1 motorway has ground to a halt in both directions following morning crashes causing chaos on the morning commute.
Police reported traffic in both direction has come to a stop about 8.45am
About 8.20am two cars collided near Exit 73 northbound, causing traffic problems.
One person received minor injuries but refused to be taken to hospital.
However a second accident is also believed to have stopped traffic in the opposite direction.
Traffic is currently backed up to Mudgeeraba and police and tow trucks are being called to the scene.
And 'Spring Hill Voice' received an email from Greens Candidate Graeme Maizey. Here's what he said about a number of issues:
Election advertising materials - a huge waste of paper (trees), but just wait for election day and the party scrums form outside every polling booth in the state handing out HTW 'cards'. The Greens would like to eliminate this and have a system, like in some European countries, where this is banned and instead have a single board inside the polling booth that lets people make their informed choice.
Daylight saving - let the people decide via a referendum or cheaper (eg postal vote), similar to the DS4SEQ
Fluoride (Rats Poison) - say no more
The Moreton Beaches clean-up - the Greens in Brisbane and the Sunshine coast sent emails to try and organise people to help in the clean-up but were prevented, according to the feedback I received, of going over to Moreton Island to help as a volunteer. Not sure if the same happened on the Sunshine Coast beaches.
The Preference deals - a mess, I agree. The Greens need to explain themselves from criticism of 'preferencing labor', or of being a 'preference machine' for Labor, and ignore all the 'independents' that are preferencing the LNP (the Late National Party or really just the NP with a new name) around Qld including the Gold Coast. The mainstream media doesn't help in educating voters here as well. The impression is either, a vote for The Greens will automatically go to Labor in all seats in Qld, or just in the 14 (out of 89) seats where The Greens are preferencing Labor. Many people don't realise that their vote only goes to Labor if THEY put their 2nd preference vote next to the Labor candidate. Otherwise their vote is 'exhausted' if THEY only vote 1 for The Greens ( and the vote goes to nobody), or they can 2nd preference any candidate THEY wish. Again a mess, I agree with a lot of foot shooting going on.............
Local Public Transport - fast tracking light rail, all the way from Helensvale to Burleigh Heads and beyond. Forget the $XXX for upgrading the Carrara stadium. More long term jobs in Public Transport and Green jobs than one off infrastructure projects.
Save the old Southport Hospital - common sense with a 3.7% population increase that will double the population on the coast by 2028
Protect Moreton Bay, World Heritage listing for Springbrook, rezone The Spit to protect it for all time - for God's sake its in our DNA
If I've forgotten anything I'll try to get back to you after another exhausting day of baby hugging, visual pollution of the roadways, media interviews, seniors visits and plane flights to holiday destinations.
Anyway, must run, have got to check that you didn't add some niko 'art work' to my sole (almost - but I'm not telling you where the other one is!) election sign along Brisbane Road in my high budget attempt to get my name engraved on the MP's board in George St.
Have a good one.
Graeme Maizey
The Greens candidate for Broadwater
He also said that we could make fun of him. What's the fun in that? It's no fun if the candidate shows some honesty or truthfulness. Boring!
"Lawrence Springborg Out Of Step With The Public On Privatisation":
James Sinnamon, Independent for Mount Coot-tha
Media Release [19/3/09]
During an interview on Brisbane ABC local radio's Madonna King show, today, Lawrence Springborg told listeners that he has 'no objection' to the further sell-off of publicly-owned assets. However, Mr Sinnamon pointed out that only the day before, Mr Springborg's Liberal National Party had rightly taken Premier Anna Bligh to task for misleading electricity consumers by promising that no electricity consumer would be worse off as a consequence of the privatisation of Energex. Instead, as one ABC listener had complained yesterday, he had suffered an annual hike of $450 since privatisation.
"In fact, by having, himself, voted to support the Labor's privatisation of Energex and Ergon, Mr Springborg helped make those skyrocketing electricity and gas charges inevitable," said Mr Sinnamon.
"The sell-off of Energex, and virtually all other privatisations in recent years, have been disasters for the public interest, and there is no reason to expect that any future privatisations under a Springborg LNP government will be any better," the candidate continued.
"Mr Springborg's views on privatisation are clearly out of step with the public. As examples, in 2005, 70% of the public opposed the Howard Government's Telstra full privatisation legislation and in 2008 opposition to the NSW's plans to privatise electricity was as high as 85%. "If Mr Springborg wishes to persist with privatisation, then he should be prepared to defend those views before Queensland voters."
Accordingly Mr Sinnamon, in an e-mail sent to Lawrence Springborg on 19 March, reaffirmed his challenge of 11 March to publicly debate privatisation either with himself or with another candidate opposed to privatisation, before the elections are held. James Sinnamon's similar challenge to Premier Anna Bligh and Treasurer Andrew Fraser, made on 12 March, still stands.
Community Rejects Devine Intervention:
From the March Edition Of The Ahimsa House Newsletter
The crisis at St Mary's has entered a very tense phase. On the surface however there is something of a stand off, which may or may not be resolved by the scheduled mediation on the 17th of March. Bishop Bathersby's mediation efforts will be lead by Ian Callinan - former High court judge and long time darling of the Right. That is hardly the good news.
Nor are the attempts in The Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian to rally the right wing against Fr Kennedy and his congregation very encouraging. It is however most significant that one needs to go south of the border into Cardinal Pell's territory to get support for the jihad on St Mary's.
Let us deal first with Miranda Devine & her piece in The Sydney Morning Herald. There is no need here to rehearse Devine's credentials as a right winger. Her membership of the Quadrant editorial board and the role she and her father, Frank, have played on the right of Australian politics are well known.
Nor is her style of argument any surprise. This is the sort of stuff you expect if you turn over a rock or approach the back of a cage. Miranda comes out snarling and snapping and spewing hatred of all that is different from the version of Catholicism, which, like a good fundamentalist, she holds to be the one true version. Thus she cannot see why anyone would object to the notion that god is a man. The whole feminist movement of which she has been such a beneficiary has just passed her by. "God the Father" still claims her loyalty and dominates her thought.
Nor does she forget the good old smear tactics that the Right has followed so faithfully over the years. She implies that the congregation of St Mary's has stooped to extremism and made bomb threats. There has only been one bomb threat and no one knows who made it. In this whole dispute there has been only one act of violence. Someone took a hammer to the statue of the Buddha that Bishop Bathersby so objected to.
The good folk of St Mary's have prayed and sung and worshipped their God as before. Theirs is the path of non-violence and none of Miranda's slanders will stick. I have been to mass at St Mary's and it is true Fr Fitzpatrick and Fr Kennedy do not wear the dresses that the Roman clergy have sported for so long, and which Miranda strangely enough finds reassuring. But no one who has seen Fitzpatrick and Kennedy at mass can dispute the reverence and the devoutness with which they worship.
Like her father (ie Frank not God) before her during the long years of the Cold War, Miranda has once more found Reds under the bed and she indicts Kennedy of "outdated mumbo jumbo socialism". If socialism is out of date why worry about it? But Miranda does because what is out of date is not Fr Kennedy's politics but the politics of the Democratic Labor Party that have commandeered the allegiance of the Devine family for so long.
The Right has ruled the world for over 30 years. Every government has followed the prescriptions of the Free Market gurus Von Hayek and Milton Friedman and the result is plain to be seen everywhere. We face the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression. We also face ecological ruin. The future of our species is in danger, but Miranda has the cure - "Give me that old time religion! It was good enough for Franco and it's good enough for me!"
She is also comforted by the thousands of young people who flocked to see the late pope being buried. They are the future for Miranda. She would do well to meditate on the millions who flocked to Ayaltollah Khomeini's funeral. Even more depressing she should think back on the millions who rushed and crushed one another at the last rites for Joseph Stalin. One would like to think that most of them went to make sure he was dead. Alas, they came for the show. Placing one's hope in those who follow the politics of the latest spectacle will only lead to the bitterest of disappointment. John Paul 2, trooper that he was, even when dead, knew how to go out in style.
However all that glisters cannot hide the truth that the reality of the Catholic Church in the West is: declining vocations for the priesthood, declining Catholic marriages, the vanishing of lay brothers and nuns; falling attendances at masses, and churches and convents for sale everywhere. Of course. there are also the dreadful scandals, but what have hurt the Church most are the shabby compromises it has reached with capitalist modernity and its abandonment of the key Christian values of Christ's Sermon on the Mount. Miranda was born privileged and attended an elite school. But somehow she fancies herself an expert on Christianity and feels qualified to criticize St Mary's for sermons "which have nothing to do with the bible". She would be well advised to look up the Q gospel and meditate on Christ's sayings on the poor. Maybe then she would feel less like contemptuously dismissing notions such as integrity, compassion and friendship as part of a "smorgasbord".
If Miranda is in love with patriarchy what of the other commentator Christopher Pearson - an out homosexual? Christopher too is from the Right. He even worked for John Howard as a speech writer. Our Christopher is also famous for his brutal misogynistic attacks on Cheryl Kernot over her affair with a former student. A recent convert to Catholicism, he takes to Kennedy with palpable zealotry. Why is Pearson attacking one of the few priests who are openly sympathetic and accepting of gays? Is this yet another instance of a self-loathing homosexual? Pearson should come to the gay mass on Saturdays at St Mary's. He would find there a group of diverse people who all accept their sexuality and are at peace with themselves. They have also found a community and a home in Fr Kennedy's church.
Pearson would benefit too from a talk with Fr Kennedy, whom he describes as a "turbulent priest". If he met Kennedy he would find a man with a true still centre at peace with himself and his God and the world. No one could be less "turbulent", but then perhaps Christopher meant to say "meddlesome" as in "Will no one rid me of this meddlesome priest?"
Christopher inveighs against the 'well-heeled congregation at St. Mary's'. One would be forgiven for thinking that it is rather late for Christopher to pose as a champion of the down-trodden. In any case such a remark is just another indication of his hatred of those who want a decent, egalitarian world. But Christopher's real friends are not the "sans culottes" but rather the "three powerful congregations in Rome" that have moved against St Mary's. It seems we are meant to be impressed or to tremble in fear of these powerful congregations. Is this the ecclesiastical equivalent of shock and awe? My! How things have changed for the Church at Rome since the glory days of Torquemada and the Spanish Inquisition! These same "powerful congregations" that so impress Christopher probably amount to a total of ten old men plus a sprinkling of assorted hangers-on and wannabes, among whom Christopher is eager to be placed. The robes of the powerful may be purple but the hearts that wear them have long atrophied under the weight of that same absolute power.
As befits a fundamentalist, Pearson's attack concentrates on the alleged doctrinal unorthodoxy of the St Mary's congregation. Once the Right used to ask "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?" If you answered "yes" then you became a non-citizen. Now Christopher wants to approach this crisis in the same way. He longs to ask "Do you believe in the Virgin Birth?" and if you answer "No" then you become a non-Catholic.
In posing these theological tests, he misses of course the essence of Christianity. What Christopher and Miranda cannot or will not understand is that Fr Kennedy believes with his entire being that Christ was serious when he said "Blessed are the destitute for they shall see God" and Kennedy has built his faith on that rock and all the cynicism and all the sneers and all the threats will not prevail against that faith.
Miranda and Christopher both accuse Fr Kennedy of picking and choosing. For Miranda you must obey the rules or get out. Similarly for Christopher you must believe in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin or get out. Ironically the pickers and choosers are of course Miranda and Christopher and the same "three powerful congregations" in Rome that have so impressed our Christopher. What they have all done is to ignore the commitment to the poor and the underprivileged that formed the core of Christ's teaching and practice. By contrast Fr Kennedy has been faithful to the heart of the Christian gospel.
Moreover Miranda and Christopher and the "three powerful congregations" in Rome that have so impressed our Christopher have all ignored Christ's commandment to "love one another as I have loved you". Miranda has reduced Christianity to a set of rules. Christopher has reduced it to a set of dogmas. The 'three powerful congregations' in Rome have reduced Christianity to the cynical exercise of the will to power. By contrast Fr Kennedy has remained steadfast in his ground state of love and creativity, which of course is the true heart of the Christian religion.
What is to be done now? Well the St Mary's congregation has stood fast for their principles. They have rallied around their faith and their community. As always they have offered to the world the example of egalitarian communitarianism and a religious practice based on faith, hope and love. Devine and Pearson may sneer and slander. Bathersby may fulminate and Pell may plot. But the future belongs to those who seek to enshrine the better angels of humankind in all our hearts.
We must however prepare for the worst. Those who wish to support St Mary's should be ready to join the tent city that will be set up in the eventuality that mediation fails. Please bring or loan your tents, your energy and skills to surround and protect St Mary's if Rome decides to take St Mary's by force. Consider organizing a friendship, affinity, social, religious or ecological community group to give assistance. Phone 38465077 if you support non-violent defense of our community and wish to get involved.
Brian Laver
Institute for Social Ecology
Ahimsa House, West End.
http://www.ahimsahouse.com.au/
Brave New Brisbane
From a laidback friendly city to a soulless quarry with ever-diminishing pockets of loveliness. Monomedia, stunning architecture and a world class public transport system have transformed Brisbane.
Hello parallel reality, where the decimation of media diversity, old buildings, public transport, trees and amenity, along with the construction of tunnels and roads that the people don't want, makes a city more desirable than any other city in Australia, or even in the world!
At the recent "Incredibly We All Think Alike But Don't Give A Rats What The Citizens Think" conference, social issues, equity and sustainable planning were completely disregarded and Brisbane was described as a youthful metropolis on the make.
Vibrant, energetic and youthful. George Street on any weekday morning and lunchtime at the Wintergarden sushi bar
"If you say everybody in the whole wide world wants to live in Brisbane then it will be true," the conference delegates said in unison.
"It's kind of like saying 'look over there - a baby rabbit'," they added.
It goes without saying that anything truly vibrant, youthful and energetic that emerges in Brisbane is atomised and/or obliterated - unless it is funded by an appropriate government department or corporation.
Why not ask those cashed up workers sitting out the front of the development at 400 George Street, or those cashed up lap dancers and whores what they think?
Should The Premier Should Join The Kiss Army?
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Another day, another glossy pamphlet in the mail from West End. If you think our kiss army style alternations are childish, consider the recent commentary from the establishment trolls, thugs and c*cksuckers in the monopoly press. It's politics for the stupid, by the stupid that come in the form of vicious patriarchal blatherings:
"Fair dinkum, there is barely a good sort entered in either party.
It's criminal.
Of course, there is the Coast's Peta-Kaye Croft.
The lightweight pocket rocket, who loves running, has always captured attention.
She's not the best in parliament, but a smiley face and strong public speaking skills are why she is in parliament and the 50-year-old balding school teacher isn't...
Put simply, good-looking women succeed at politics and the ugly ones, despite having the odd shot at fame, end up in the scrap heap.
Where's Amanda Vanstone these days? Or Bronwyn Bishop? Don't know and don't care."
And out and out misrepresentation of the facts:
"The Pacific Adventurer oil spill is an ecological disaster - an estimated 250 tonnes of fuel spilled into the sea last Wednesday.
But where are the the Greens where we need them? While the State Government and Environmental Protection Authority are under fire for bungling the clean-up and failing to realise the scale of the disaster, the Greens have remained strangely quiet."
And here's what this week's [18/3/09] 'Gold Coast Sun' said about the Broadwater candidates:
"Peta-Kaye Croft - Labor: Elected 2001 and known for her trademark mobile offices in shopping centres and street corners. A strong voice on Moreton Bay marine park review, road upgrades and police beats. Patron of the Runaway Bay RSL, Paradise Point Bowls Club, The Gold Coast Australian-Filipino Society and Titans Community Foundation board member.
Rohan Turnley - Ind: Gold Coaster for 20 years, background in finance and management. Major issues are democracy, health, water, environment, policing and the budget.
Ben Monaghan - DS4SEQ: A Gold Coaster for 15 years, married and a registered nurse. Passionate about daylight savings.
Richard Towson - LNP: A born and bred Gold Coaster who turns 32 on polling day. Major concerns include the sell-off of Gold Coast Hospital, recycled water, protecting and managing the Broadwater, which he says is slowly choking.
Graeme Maizey - Greens: Teacher who has worked exensively in social equity programs assisting adults wishing to return to the workforce. His particular interests include native flora species regeneration as well as a strong interest in preservation of th emarine biodiversity and physical environment of the Southern Moreton Bay area."
And Fairfax reports that an LNP government "won't brush aside flouride" (sic), but will "order Queensland Health to provide greater transparency of the health program."
How p*ssweak. Makes one wonder who wants Queenslanders to drink fluoride?
Where's My Stimulus Package?: Pouffeney
Pouffeney, spokesdoggie for the P.L.O.
The Poodle Liberation Organisation (P.L.O) wants to know what the Minister for Shrek is going on about by saying some cats and dogs will receive a $900 stimulus payment.
"Whoa the fahh? If anyone needs $900 it's me! I only inherited a few over-leveraged-negatively-geared rental properties and some rubbish shares in privatised infrastructure like that crap neo-con ALP PPP roadlink garbage and some privatised airports. How am I to maintain oneself (not to mention ones lawyers and accountants) on that meagre bequest?" she said.
Because you are stupid and poor and unlikely to ever hear this term in your daily life, Shrek explained today that a 'bequest' is what dead people who own more than they owe leave behind in this world for the rest of us to fight over.
Thanks Shrek. You giant green half-wit, you!
According to leading journalists employed by over-leveraged fascist sympathisers who are about to come a well deserved cropper, there are further problems with this package.
"Dogs and Cats In Pound And On Nembutol Row Get Stupid Socialist Hand-Out!!!", screamed one very reasonably argued editorial in one of our completely independent but Murdoch owned tabloids around the place.
Coincidentaly, all the other Murdoch owned editorials were very similar, weird!
A very frustrated member of the Federal Non-Government also said:
"I bet they gave it to gay people who have had abortions too!"
It is thought that if an election was held tomorrow, Australians would relish the opportunity to hurl Howard's half-wits out of office a second time. However, sources have also confirmed that if an election were held the next day they would love the chance to hurl out the current bunch too. Lucky we only get that silly election stuff every few years!
Pouffeney, however, just doesn't care.
"Democracy Schmocracy. Give me the money and save me from
consequence! I paid good money to ensure that "consequence" is something
that happens to other people. Fix This Now!!!"
The Free Trade Blues
I went to the supermarket
for some food supplies
but when I checked the labels
imagine my surprise
Filipino bananas
lemons from our yankee mates
snow crab from Alaska
on our restaurant plates
yet tuna from Port Lincoln
now cannot be found
but Thailand fish sits on the shelves
while ours is US bound
how about some pineapple?
of course it's not home grown
no not from the Sunshine State
but from someplace quite unknown
Mr Crean says he'll rebalance
the aussie economy
but what exactly does that mean
for folks like you and me?
do you reckon that he cares
about our finger limes?
even the "cook and chef"
think that is a crime
though it really makes no sense
don't you love free trade?
the market's gonna save us
there's no need to be afraid
Stick Your Jobs Jobs Jobs Up Your Bum Bum Bum:
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
More election correspondence from Peta-Kaye Croft received today [17/3/09] - additional leaflets featuring either construction helmets or snowy haired PM appear to have been added according to gender of letter recipient.
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Roll on Saturday. This 'Knee Jerk Swinging Voter' caper is becoming kind of tedious. Methinks next time I'll leave it to the real jerks in the media.
Here's an excerpt from Peta-Kaye Croft's latest letter (her mobile office - three groupies, a few signs and a card table - was spotted in Harley Park today):
"Many families in the Broadwater electorate have heard about the recent job losses in the mining and textile industries. They are telling me they want a government to stand up for them and support local jobs."
Yeah! More mining and textile jobs for the electorate of [insert electorate] because we can't risk Springborg.
How about light rail, renewable energy and equitable education and decent health care for all? These are the basic necessities for citizens during these increasingly difficult times. In addition, funding for retraining opportunities makes more sense than a "Rapid Response Flying Squad", which sounds very much like a bunch of spin doctors and politicised public servants.
BTW. Paying us to consume is not the answer.
Haven't spotted any of the other Broadwater candidates, although a Greens corflute was seen on Brisbane Road at Coombabah.
Someone Else Is Wearying Of The Election Saturation Of Our Public Spaces
Empty Tears and and unusual moustache, snapped on South Pine Road, Everton Park [17/3/09]
Stimulating Sustainability Nationally
An email received today [17/3/09] from The Greens:
Dear friend,
The Australian Tax Office will soon be distributing $900* one-off payments to people earning under $80,000. To find out if you are eligible, visit the ATO website or call 1300 686 636.
Like the Australian Greens, you may have preferred the money to be spent on tackling climate change by investing in green infrastructure.
You can still choose to use this money to address climate change by increasing your home energy efficiency and minimising your water use.
For under $900 you could install:
a AAA rated showerhead or a dual-flush toilet
a 4 star rated washing machine
Ceiling or wall insulationTo set you off in finding sustainable ways you can spend your stimulus package, we've compiled a number of options:
Click here to see how you can use the $900 to permanently reduce your water and power bills and your emissions.
If you think this information would be helpful to others, please forward this email to five friends that you think would appreciate it.
* Smaller payments are also being made to people earning under $100,000. Information on eligibility and timing for payments is available on the ATO website.
Yours sincerely,
Senator Bob Brown
Leader of the Australian Greens
Authorised by Australian Greens Senators Bob Brown, Christine Milne, Rachel Siewert, Scott Ludlam and Sarah Hanson-Young, Parliament House Canberra, 2600
http://greensmps.org.au/content/stimulating-sustainability-nationally
New Nuclear Vision For Brisbane
Exciting Future
The Queensland capital is set to explode in the excitement of being a nuclear city at long last.
"God fearing, nuclear families who work for freedom are finally vindicated," said someone or other.
"Indeed," said someone or other else.
"The USS F*ck Yeah has always been able to dock in Brisbane, medical isotopes yadda yadda so what's the problemo?" said another pundit.
No, not Zippy, and no, not this Ziggy!
Looks Like Alderley's Next!
An advertisement from the monopoly press on the North-West side of town:
"The Alderley Village Unit Trust has lodged a development application with Brisbane City Council for the redevelopment of the Alderley Plaza Shopping Centre in Alderley. The proposal aims to transform the site into a mixed use development comprising a Coles supermarket, specialty retail, commercial offices and residentail apartments. The new development will be known as Alderley Square."
Eventually every Brisbane suburb endures ongoing quarrying and disruptive construction resulting in an ugly monstrosity masquerading as a transformed residential retail development with a pokey out awning.
See Newmarket.
Kissy Kissy: The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
We received this election paraphernalia in the post today [16/3/09]
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Today we received 5 letters in the mail and for a change, they were unopened!
We each received two copies of an identical letter from Peta-Kaye Croft about improving health services, and as the lady of the household, I received a special letter from the Premier about young children soaking up knowledge like sponges and her plan to "build and expand 240 kindergartens across Queensland".
What a waste of money.
We also spied a truck with Richard Towson's image plastered upon it cruising the streets, which was far more effective.
And we're also trying to work out which candidate can kiss News Ltd.'s bum the hardest. Notice how not one politician has said what a despicable act it was to publish the photos - Springborg goes close - but no cigar:
"Queensland Premier Anna Bligh says Ms Hanson's claim the major parties could be behind the photos is the oddest theory she has heard.
"I've heard a lot of weird and wacky theories on this campaign but I think that one gets the gold star," Ms Bligh told reporters in Toowoomba.
Treasurer Andrew Fraser said the question of whether the photos were of Ms Hanson were "a matter for her and her conscience".
"I think she's built a career on conspiracy theories and this one takes the cake," Mr Fraser said.
Liberal National Party (LNP) Leader Lawrence Springborg said his party had nothing to do with the publication of the photos.
Mr Springborg says there is no place for such imagery in the election campaign.
"We want a battle of ideas and if people are actually distorting and manipulating and creating those scandals, then they ought to hang their head in shame," he said.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/16/2517254.htm
The Murdoch Rag 'Gold Coast Bulletin' reported on [13/3/09]:
"Peta-Kaye Croft, Labor MP for Broadwater: Has welcomed Premier Anna Bligh's announcement of placement of an artificial reef at the southern end of South Stradbroke Island. It follows a $1 million announcement for three new artifical reef sites in Moreton Bay."
Yeah, Yeah. How about getting your priorities right and cleaning up Moreton Bay and giving us some decent public transport?
The (yet another) Murdoch Rag 'Sunday-Mail' [16/3/09] reported that:
"Ms Croft, who holds Broadwater with a 6.6 per cent margin, said she was ignoring the polls and hoping the electorate would remain loyal."
And we say, doesn't matter how much doorknocking of new suburbs in your electorate you are doing, or how many letters you are sending, if you don't have the interests of your constituents at heart - they ain't gonna vote for you again! Perhaps Murdoch's Rags can save you, but guilt by association is bound to make them more dependent upon you than you are upon them. Just saying....!
Matter for you, candidates.
Government Wastes Over $500 Million On Land Grab:
Save The Mary River Coordinating Group Media Release [16/3/09]
Coinciding with International Day of Action for Rivers, several hundred Mary River supporters took to buses, utes, cars and trains to bring their message to Brisbane last Saturday. Beginning by travelling in convoy from Eumundi, colourful utes with large billboards circled both city and suburban streets. While they did, teams of letterboxers distributed postcards in key marginal electorates.
Their message to Brisbane voters was clear. Vote for candidates who oppose the controversial Traveston Crossing Dam and preference Labor last. The Traveston Crossing Dam is both an economic and environmental disaster, that, as with dams across the country, is more than likely to fail at the times it’s needed most.
Save the Mary River Coordinating Group president Glenda Pickersgill said there were many people in Brisbane who were under the impression that the dam was cancelled - yet the government is full steam ahead with the approvals planned for early 2009 after the elections.
"With over 14,000 ha of land purchased and more than $500 million spent on a project that has no state or federal approvals yet, the Traveston Crossing Dam proposal is just another example of frivolous spending of taxpayers money," she said.
“Voters may well hold the future of the Mary River in their hands. They are the ones who really have the say on where their preferences go, they put the pencil to paper in the ballot booth.
“ Voting for candidates that will stop the building of this dam and preferencing Labor last, though, will definitely help to save the Mary River and Great Sandy Strait. It can’t be put more simply.”
“The Queensland government always said it would only go ahead with this dam if it stacked up environmentally. Recent reports commissioned by Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett plainly show that it doesn’t, yet the state government has repeatedly refused to back away from its plan.”
“The environmental credibility of this government is in tatters. Recent procrastination and obfuscation about a major oil spill off the Sunshine Coast has served to highlight all too graphically how poorly protection of the environment rates on this government’s agenda,” Ms Pickersgill said.
Adelaide Street Art
'Cat Shit', captured by an Adelaide reader in Glenelg over the weekend
Will It Be A Well Hung Parliament? A 'Spring Hill Voice' Exclusive:
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
"Let's get physical, physical
I wanna get physical
Let's get into physical
Let me hear your body talk, your body talk
Let me hear your body talk"
'Physical' written by Steve Kipner and Terry Shaddick and
performed by Olivia Newton-John [1981]
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Political coverage of the state election campaign has become a bit of a circus hasn't it?
'Spring Hill Voice' decided that it wasn't really fair only selected candidates were getting the opportunity to show off their more intimate physical attributes, so we got down and dirty and have uncovered all the candidates in the flesh.
GALLERY: Your candidates in the rudie nudie!!!!!
Lanyard Laminators Union And Rectangular Framed Glasses Wearers Association United by Worry About The Borg
The State We're In, with Percy Personable, the People's Scribe:
Hello good people of Queensland. I'm back and full of myself and my important opinions.
I attended the debate between the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition. It was not open to the public unless they paid about $130. It was held for the exclusive enjoyment and benefit of Queensland's political media elite, and their apprentices the ABC. Anyway, because you didn't get to see it, I'm going to distill the end message into a simple to understand talking point.
The public service is going to be decimated after the election. De-Necessaried is the correct term. People whose expertise involves 'synergies' or 'obtaining outcomes going forward in terms of benchmarked key performance indicators' are going to become 'out-employed over the next annual period, going forward in terms of job description'.
Many of you will find this unbelievable, and will therefore not believe it, however I have done what journalists do best. I have found an angle!
In an election campaign which has been one of the quietest and most benign in memory, we have found a small but keen industry group who may end up deciding the outcome of this election, if it is close enough. It is actually a strange coalition of two groups which have historically not had much to do with each other and are now thrown together by the real threat of their mutual demise. Like the simultaneous decline of the top hat making and buggy driving industries last century, the lanyard making and 'funky frames' industries are in danger of disappearing whilst having never appreciated their codependance.
So they have sought each other out and put aside their differences to try to put off reality and inevitability for at least another three years. They have united and formed the "Lanyard And Funky Frame Union Australia Representing Supportive End-users Of Funky Frames" to be known as the "L.A.F.F.U.A.R.S.E.O.F.F."
L.A.F.F.U.A.R.S.E.O.F.F. spokesperson, Ms Ima Shill, said that they should not be undermisestimated as an influential political base in Queensland, going forward, and they would do whatever is necessary - through the proper channels of course - to ensure that not a single one of them will be disennecessaried over the current period, going forward. She wrote that part of her e-mail in bold capitals, to reinforce her point.
"What about the Funky Framed Lanyard Wearers of this state?" she asked somewhat rhetorically.
"Without us this government has nothing. It is just a government like any other. We are what has defined Queensland over the last eleven years of truth, transparency, accountability, pure and proper governance. Without us people would see that there has been no difference whatsoever and the alternative is a return to the dark old days of Joh!", she also said.
Hmmm, voters could be in for a big surprise next weekend if this dark horse can get traction with an otherwise moribund and disconnected electorate.
World Reels At Fonzi Scheme
"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
It has been reported that a fellow by the name of Weekend At Bernie's has Made Off with about $50Billion of mostly Jewish money. That would be terrible news to people who placed their millions and billions with him in the earnest belief that he would use his best efforts to ensure that by means fair or not so fair their money would be inflated at a vastly larger rate than stupid people like us get at the bank or credit union.
The rest of us just do a Fonzi at the victims of this Ponzi and go: "Eeeeeeeeeeeeehh!" (We smile cooly and put up our thumbs while we do this).
As a bunch who have never profited, or experienced unfair advantage, from inside knowledge or proximity to power, we cannot find it within ourselves to feel sorry for his victims. 'Dogs/Fleas' etc.. does tend to come to mind when we are supposed to worry about the scammers being scammed by the scammer of all scammers! We heard a lady on an ABC radio story tonight [13/3/09] tut-tutting that so many of the losers had simply followed that fellow blindly because he was Jewish. She was amazed that they hadn't spread their investments over 2 or even 3 advisors. Imagine.
"This Should Never Have Happened To Queensland"
In this television advertisement is The Borg sending us a subliminal message that we need more than one crummy tabloid?
Perhaps he is endorsing "SpringHillVoice.Com"? If so, he is either a crazy brave stupid nihilistic dangerman or just a 'brave man'.
"This should never have happened to Queensland," he says, contemptuously slamming down a copy of the crappiest monopoly paper in the history of newsprint (we think the prop is supposed to be a representation of the 'Courier-Mail', but on reflection it is probably supposed to represent the vast array of Murdoch's monopoly newsprint in Queensland from the 'Gold Coast Bulletin' and the 'Quest' group of 17 papers through the 'Courier-Mail' and all the way up to that piece of rubbish known as the 'Cairns Post').
We suspect that Mr Springborg hasn't fully thought through the consequences of taking on the only paper in town.
A Hung Parliament May Be The Next Best Thing To An Upper House And The Nikko Pen Is Mightier Than A Corflute Sign:
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
As we reported last week (see below), election signs present a plethora of opportunities for nikko-wielding community artists to showcase their fang and devil horns drawing skills to the general public.
Here are some examples of creative political commentary:
Love your work! John-Paul Langbroek's Shakespearean enhancement in the form of a tidy goatee, moustache and tattoo teardrop, snapped on Bundall Road, Bundall [13/3/09]
Images and text from 'FTW Racing'
"Wettenhall, who is the State Member for Barron River, and is standing for jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, jobs, and jobs, is bringing out his feminine side.
It's about time. The former lawyer, saviour and shining knight for the old Cairns Yacht Club (thanks Steve, we couldn't have done it without you), may gain some new followers after a creative touch-up yesterday.'Lady Wettenhall', as one of his election signs now reads, presents a softer, more caring side of ALP's Steve.
Adorning pearls and a blush, not to mention a new hair style, and some stunning lippie, befitting of a Queer Eye renovation, the MP has never looked so appealing.
"After 3 years in office, Steve is coming out of his shell," a Blog lurker who snapped the photo yesterday. "I think this will attract a new-found audience for the ALP, who desperately need all the support they can muster," the source told CairnsBlog on the condition of anonymity...
'Desley's getting a make-over. And this time, it's no reality show, it's serious.
"I'm giving Desley a tiara saying 'Yacht Club'," says resident Bryan Law who wants to hold the Cairns MP and State Tourism Minister to account for her actions in not listening to the people over the last three years.
Incumbent politicians don't like public meetings prior to an election, which provides opportunity for questions and MPs to stand up and talk on their achievements. You will see there's hardly any community meetings organised before the March 21st poll.During the community campaign to save the historic Cairns Yacht Club building last year, the Cairns MP did not attend any of the meetings or public rallys, despite being invited. Instead, Desley Boyle decided to battle out the awkward subject from her Spence Street office bunker and hide behind constructed press releases and letters to the newspapers.
http://www.ftw.com.au/News/Latest/All_The_News.html
Send your best work to: spring_hill_voice@hotmail.com
Poison Town
we all live in poison town
and though it sometimes makes us frown
we won't complain or make a fuss
if the trains are sh*t and full is the bus
there is no point 'cos even if you do
the people in charge say "well, screw you"
they treat the citizens with contempt
and bang on about how Joh was bent
no upper house and plenty of hoes
if you're in the loop, anything goes
poison town oh poison town
essentially a dumping ground
they cover up fumes with an ugly tower
and it's all about coal fired power
where creativity sells lots of cars
and footballers rape young women in bars
they smash up everything that's nice
and build hideous architecture for a price
we've got fluoride, we'll drink poo
we'll do anything the paper tells us to
if you visit please leave an oil slick
we like being f*cked over by useless pricks
'cos we all live in poison town
and know to keep our little heads down
Who's You Daddy?: The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Neckties, contracts
High Voltage!
Done Dirt Cheap!
'Dirty Deeds', AC DC (1976)
Fairfax has reported today [12/3/09]:
"Labor has secured Greens preferences in 14 seats for the Queensland election on March 21, boosting the government's chances of holding on to key seats.
But the ALP says it's disappointed the environmental party did not give it stronger support.
The state's sole Green MP Ronan Lee, who defected from Labor last year, will receive Labor preferences but won't be preferencing Labor, Greens campaign spokesman Drew Hutton said on Thursday.
Mr Hutton denied the deal to preference Labor in 14 key seats was made in exchange for Labor preferencing Mr Lee.
"They asked for considerably more than they got and I proposed considerably less than they got and we met somewhere in the midde," Mr Hutton said.
"We remain 100 per cent against the Traveston Dam and as a result of that none of the seats (the Greens preference Labor in) are between Mackay and Caboolture (where the dam has been proposed)."
The 14 seats are Ashgrove, Aspley, Barron River, Broadwater, Cleveland, Everton, Gaven, Greenslopes, Mansfield, Pumicestone, Redcliffe, Redlands, Southport and the Whitsundays.
The Greens announced on Tuesday they would not preference the Liberal National Party because of what it says is the LNP's poor environment policies, inlcuding support for uranium."
Ah, Suckers.
And this is just not Good Enough (ABC Online reports ongoing dithering on Rapid Transit System):
"Queensland Deputy Premier Paul Lucas says Infrastructure Australia is still deciding whether to provide funding for the Gold Coast rapid transit system.
Mr Lucas says he expects a decision in about three months and the private sector will be involved.
"We'll need to see how the market, in the context of the global financial crisis, is prepared to bid for the project," he said.
F*ck the private sector and f*ck the f*cking football stadium. It's our taxpayer dollars, so pull your finger out and get this urgently needed infrastructure underway.
And the ongoing discrimination at Cherbourg has to stop (also from ABC online):
The Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council has withdrawn its two community police officers from the town as alcohol restrictions come into place today.
It says the alcohol restrictions, which were announced by the State Government late last year, are discriminatory.
The southern Queensland council voted at this week's meeting to withdraw its officers because it does not want them involved in enforcing the bans.
Councillor Bert Button says Queensland police are also being under-utilised in the town.
"We believe that the district state police haven't been doing their work appropriately or in conjunction with the community council and all the community council authorities," he said.
"They [have] been just going more or less gung-ho, or turning up an hour or half-an-hour late after some poor lady or whatever else [has] been bashed and at the hospital - ... things like that."
Queensland police say its Gympie district will closely monitor the policing needs at Cherbourg and it will send extra police from the region to the community if required.
"The Government have agreed it's a safe process"
I kid you not, these are the words of a Griffith University scientist featured on this week's 'Catalyst' which presented what was, essentially, a propaganda piece promoting the safety of recycled sewage for drinking.
What I want to know is why we have to be the first in the world to drink this recycled sewage? Why can't we use it for gardens, making electricity, industry and washing buses etc?
Although the people of Queensland have not been consulted, it was evident from the 'Catalyst' show that the deal has been done, as the infrastructure to deliver recycled sewage into our drinking water is ready to go.
So when do Queenslanders get to have their say?
At a community forum on the Gold Coast in November last year:
MP for Robina Ray Stevens, said that the Bligh Government was taking a dictatorial attitude to the introduction of recycled sewage and that "they deserve to lose their mandate on this one issue". Mr Stevens also added that the LNP were opposed to putting recycled sewage in drinking catchments, and indicated he was sponsoring a petition. He said that the LNP would allow a referendum on the issue (a broken Labor promise).
http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/2514066.htm
And here's an interesting excerpt from today's [12/3/09] Senate Hansard
:
Senator MASON (2.23 pm)-My question is to Senator Carr, the Minister representing the Minister for Education. Can the minister inform the Senate how much federal money is included in Anna Bligh's $72 million promise to belatedly address Queensland's poor literacy and numeracy standards, standards that she should have fixed in her time as minister for education?
Senator CARR-I would indicate to Senator Mason that the Queensland state government's election promises are matters for the state government. They are of course matters that have been canvassed within the state of Queensland; they are not necessarily canvassed with the Commonwealth government. We have announced a series of policies to support the improvements in education attainment levels for all Australians, whether they are in Queensland or any other state. We have indicated our commitment to an education revolution and, as a consequence, there have been billions of dollars committed to a transformation of the Australian education system, be it in terms of infrastructure, teacher education or access to university places. So I can say this to you, Senator Mason: I am not familiar with the precise details of the Queensland government's election commitments, but the Australian government's commitment is to every single parent and every single student throughout the Commonwealth, no matter where they live.
Senator MASON-Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. Well, let me spell it out- Government senators interjecting-
Senator MASON-for you, Minister. Government senators interjecting-
The PRESIDENT-Order on my right! Senator Mason is entitled to be heard in silence.
Senator MASON-Can the minister confirm that the Commonwealth government is providing $67 million, as promised at COAG, for these purposes and that the Queensland government is providing just $5 million to address Queensland's poor literacy and numeracy standards?
Senator CARR-I have already indicated to Senator Mason that as far as the Commonwealth is concerned our commitment is to every child and every parent throughout the Commonwealth. It is not confined to any one state or to any one group of students or parents, whether they be in the public system or the private system. We have indicated that our commitment is to an education revolution, beginning in early childhood and going right through to research and development. We are about ensuring the full and capable development of our projects. Already, in terms of universities, for instance, the Commonwealth has committed $141 million more on capital universities than the previous government did throughout their whole term in office. We have a commitment to schools, we have a commitment to vocational education and we have a commitment to universities. (Time expired)
Senator MASON-Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Can the minister confirm then that Ms Bligh's election promise is simply a reannouncement of money already allocated under COAG agreements?
Senator CARR-The Commonwealth has committed $14.7 billion to boost jobs and investments through the building and upgrading of buildings throughout the Commonwealth. We have committed $12.4 billion to build and upgrade large infrastructure, including libraries and multipurpose school facilities, whether they be in primary schools, whether they be in special schools, whether they be in K-12 schools. Major infrastructure investment is a major commitment from this government and a major achievement of this government already, which of course stands in sharp contrast to the neglect that the conservative government showed throughout its term. We have also committed to science and language centres: over $1 billion of investment has been put towards 500 new science laboratories and language-learning centres in secondary schools. We have a commitment, it is solid- (Time expired)
Vote ONE for the Mary River!:
Save The Mary River Media Release (12/3/09)
"If you intend to vote for the Greens in the election on March 21st, please don't preference a Labor candidate."
That's the message that the Save the Mary River Coordinating Group is desperate to get out to voters said the group's President Glenda Pickersgill today.
"The Greens, both Federal and State have strongly opposed the proposed Traveston Crossing dam since it was first announced in April 2006 by Peter Beattie and have been actively involved in bringing its unreliability and disastrous consequences to the attention of people all round Australia. But we are very nervous that some Greens candidates may ask their supporters to preference Labor in some seats," she said.
"We'd ask all voters that any preferences they give go to candidates who have expressed unequivocal opposition to the proposal," Ms Pickersgill said.
"The Queensland Labor Government fully intends to push ahead with its request to have the Federal government approve the project because it was an election promise in 2006. Following review by independent experts not on the QLD government's payroll, we are strongly of the view that in the critical dry times, the proposed dam would be a failure, and that reliable and lower cost alternatives are available"
"I urge the electors of Queensland to use their votes wisely to ensure this financial and environmental debacle does not become a reality," she said.
Mary River supporters are continuing to take a day of action for their campaign "Taking Mary to the Marginals" in Brisbane on Saturday. Bookings for buses contact …Save the Mary Info centre 54 884 800 or Helga Hill 54 479 288
Things Are A Bit Quiet: Better Do A Noise Story
The device that no-one dare mention its name
Yes, it's that time of year! Time to wheel out the noise pollution story as a nice little distraction to any real news that might be going on.
And by noise pollution, you know what I mean - not noise associated with unrestrained development and construction, or traffic or even domestic violence - no, amenity, sustainability and violence are the real problems facing society right now. We can't possibly report on those things - unless it's within the context of our very narrow world view.
Rest assured I won't mention leaf blowers - although this device produces the most irritating sound of all, and symbolises everything that is wrong with western society.
What's worthy of consideration are the everyday sounds emanating from your neighbour's house - children playing, dad yelling, mum whizzing up a cake with the old mixmaster and perhaps loud music every now and then.
Let it be said that if you move to the leafy, inner-western suburbs - it is unfathomable you might end up living next door to a rambunctious family. And as for the perennial barking dog issue - our four legged friends are creatures of the earth - and that's what they do sometimes, but I digress.
Allow me to refer to the 1000s of complaints made to the police about noise, that the responsible politicians reckon noise is a growing issue in the community, and they are considering a review going forward and strengthening some laws.
I will also interview a citizen from Logan to reinforce my thesis that the most annoying noise is generated by miscreant youths in bogan suburbs.
An expert will be consulted to explain how noise causes stress and everybody reading the story will yawn.
Here's A Sign!: The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
'Spring Hill Voice' spotted one of Rohan Turnley's election signs on Marine Parade today [11/3/09]. See his responses to some policy questions we put to all candidates below.
And this non issue election issue:
"The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) says the Federal Government's decision to overturn Australia's overseas abortion aid ban could have flow-on effects in the Queensland State Election."
pales into insignificance when our natural environment is under threat:
"An environmental disaster is unfolding on Moreton Island off Brisbane.
About 20 tonnes of fuel oil which leaked from the damaged cargo ship Pacific Adventurer is washing up on beaches along the eastern side of the island.
Staff at the Tangalooma resort have been briefed by National Parks and Wildlife staff but at this stage it is believed the resort does not face any direct threat.
Channel Seven News helicopter pilot Greg Rogers saw the damage firsthand.
"The beaches for about 10 kilometres south of Cape Moreton, around the cape are just black," he said.
"It's very very nasty sight to see because its just such a pristine area as anybody who's been here will confess." ...
An environmental group has asked why the ship was allowed to travel through the area.
Craig Bohm from the Australian Marine Conservation Society says it raises some serious questions.
"We're always concerned that ships shouldn't be moving in and out of Moreton Bay Marine Park during such conditions, they should perhaps be asked to wait offshore until such conditions pass," he said.
"The Government and also the Opposition, during this election period, should be thinking more about securing Moreton Bay's health."
What are our political representatives going to do about this? They either already have powers to force it to be fixed or they have the power to ensure that it is. PR spin and weasel words are very rapidly passing their expiry date and only the slow-witted politicians will ignore this new reality.
Main Beach And Narrowneck, Late Afternoon [11/3/09]
"Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying the earth." Albert Schweitzer
The sculpture is Frank Miles' 'Melody'.
Aren't The Candidates Supposed To Convince The Citizens To Vote For Them?:
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Today's [11/3/09] 'Gold Coast Bulletin' reports:
"A rattled Lawrence Springborg has pulled out of a Gold Coast business luncheon today amid an angry backlash at his dismissal of the importance of the upgrading of Carrara stadium...
Chamber secretary Bob Janssen said organisers had never told Mr Springborg that Ms Bligh was definitely attending the chamber lunch.
"We knew it was always a possibility with her schedule," he said.
"I just found it increbible that the leader of the Opposition doesn't take the opportunity to sit down with the business people of the Gold Coast and discuss very important policies on which we are going to base our decision on polling day."
What IS incredible is the complete disregard the major parties have for the citizenry. We are sick to death of hearing about how development is going to promote local jobs - it's balderdash. We're also not interested in the public sector union's point of view.
We want to know what our candidates are going to do for the community.
Yesterday [10/3/09] the 'Gold Coast Bulletin' reported Peta-Kaye Croft's opinion on Anna Bligh's $60 million stadium commitment:
"This commitment is about keeping our infrastructure projects moving. This secures jobs for the Coast. I have the Labrador Tigers in my electorate, and they are very keen to see a Gold Coast team and stadium."
A $60 million sports stadium is not infrastructure. Why can't the state government commit funds to the Labrador Tigers so they can make improvements to their own clubhouse?
And as for the remarks by the major party candidates in this week's 'Gold Coast Sun' about Wave Break Island. Suggesting there should be toilets on the island (Towson) or that the "Green Army" could be put to work to "rejuvenate and revegetate" the island (Croft) is window dressing.
Could be a good idea if the "Green Army" were remunerated properly.
And this is a disgrace - surely there is some kind of law relating to the proximity of tips to schools? This is the kind of thing state candidates should be talking about - not business deals with business men in business suits:
"The Suntown tip at Arundel - which was supposed to close in 2000 - will be extended by another 15 m if Gold Coast City Council bureaucrats have their way.
However, area councillor Margaret Grummitt is leading a push to relocate the landfill to a council-owned quarry at Molendinar.
She said her biggest concern was the effect the tip was having on the adjacent Arundel State School, which was affected by odour and vermin.
"Ibises frequent the school grounds and I have been told stories of the birds getting into kids bags and eating their lunches," she said.
"It's a disgrace," she added.
Independent Candidate Explains Why He Is Running For Mt Coot-tha
James Sinnamon explains why he is contesting the Queensland state elections
as an independent [9/3/09]:
I am standing for Parliament because I believe Queenslanders need an alternative to the blind alley into which either of the major parties, both committed to promoting the interests of wealthy corporations above all else, will lead us. The direction in which we are now headed, under Labor, is towards, social, ecological and economic ruin and a change of Government to the alternative of the Liberal National Party will not change that.
The only way that this can change is for all the Labor and Liberal National Party corporate glove puppets to be removed from office and for them to be replaced with people who are prepared to stand up for their communities against powerful vested interests.
All over Queensland the rights of small communities, which are trying to preserve their way of life, their livelihoods and their local environment, are being trampled by the Bligh Labor Government.
The plan to dam the Mary Valley, cynically chosen because the Labor Government judged the local community, which overwhelmingly votes Liberal National Party, as politically expendable, is only one of the more visible examples. The Labor Party has meted out similar treatment to many other Queensland communities, where local interests have stood in the way of developer profits, mining companies or tollway construction corporations. Indeed, the forced local Government amalgamations of 2007 were enacted by former Premier Beattie and the sitting member for Mount Coot-tha, Andrew Fraser, the then local Government Minister, in response to lobbying by the Property Council of Australia (PCA). Smaller local governments, like the former Noosa Shire Council, were more accountable to local communities than distant larger councils can be, hence smaller local governments posed obstacles to PCA plans.
As an elected representative, I would stand up for all local communities. I would move quickly to support the de-amalgamation of councils, where communities so desire and I will move to repeal the Community Integrated Planning Act. That act is a bureaucratic nightmare and undemocratically deprived local communities of any veto over development proposals.
I intend to raise the issues below, which, as far as I know, are not adequately addressed by any of the political parties:
Privatisation
Population growth
Housing
Queensland's climate-changing coal export industry
http://candobetter.org/node/1121
Gorillas Gardening In Our Midst
The Gorilla Gardening crew ... hip, sassy and totally lame
With 'Spring Hill Voice's' Environmental Correspondent: Wendy Whalesong
Gorilla Gardeners have made a hit on Brisbane despite the city's draconian "move on", "littering" and "lopsided development" laws.
The gorillas erected statues and plants throughout the city and incredibly the authorities didn't notice.
They (the gorillas not the authorities) then ate some bananas and went "OOOO, oooooo, OOOOO" before engaging in some hip dialogue and showing off their buff bods and unusual tatts.
The Gorilla Gardeners concept involves co-opting and altering the meaning of a non-violent political act and developing it into a lame *rse reality television show for public consumption and profit. The show is then given endless publicity by experts in greenwashing - such as monopoly news outlets and local politicians.
Sigourney Weaver will not be appearing in the Gorilla Gardeners episode.
Public Transport Please NOT Car Parks:
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Fairfax reports today [10/3/09] that:
"An extra 3000 parking spaces will be built at train stations around South-East Queensland by an LNP government over four years at a cost of $50 million, the party promised this morning.
Stations to get the new spaces will include the Gold and Sunshine coasts and Ipswich."
Shouldn't we be concentrating on building an adquate public transport system first?
Gold Coast Seaway, Sunset [10/3/09]
Journalism Students Totally Disinterested In News: Professor Surprised
"OK class, here are today's talking points. Now I want you all to write identical stories for me."
A new study from the Ponds Institute's Concentrated Media Ownership Is Unimportant Unit has revealed that journalism students are not interested in news and current affairs, and that old fashioned newsgathering is just, well, old fashioned.
Professor Surprised said he was surprised by the results of his study despite the fact they reinforced King Rupert's talking points about the death of the newspaper and the future of digital media.
"It is surprising in class when I refer to a story that's appeared in Australia's only national newspaper and the students stare right through me," said Professor Surprised.
"In the olden days we'd use them to wrap fish and chips - now Brisbane's newspapers are the perfect size for under the kitty litter tray - for that we can be thankful."
Journalism student Soni Gamepod-Iphone said she was studying hard for a job in PR or as a media advisor and that although she had a MyArse and a FaceAche, she was one of the few students who still read the only national newspaper for its wide-ranging fair and balanced coverage.
"As a consumer and a journalism student I'm neither shocked or surprised by Professor Surprised's findings," she said.
"At least we only have to read one paper, and it only takes about 10 minutes to know everything we're supposed to know each day - my Dad was telling me that not so long ago there were several papers and it could take nearly an hour to even read them - imagine having to read more than one paper every day! Yuck."
It's Tough To Stick To The Party Line When Your Heart's Not In It!:
Save The Mary River Media Release [9/3/09]
It seems clear now that the instructions have gone out from Queensland Labor headquarters spin doctors to the candidates "don't talk about the dam".
Maroochydore ALP candidate Sue Carlos questioned today by ABC radio struggled desperately to avoid saying she wasn't in favour of damming the Mary River at Traveston Crossing. But in the end she resorted to saying that anyway, the decision is now in the hands of the Federal Government.
The problem is, what she said is simply not true! The reality is that the Federal Government is waiting for the State's Coordinator General assessment report on the dam proposal before it considers the request and makes a decision. The Queensland Government has its finger on the pause button. After all, it wouldn't look too good to have the Federal Government knock the dam on the head just before the election.
Over $500 million of taxpayers' money has been spent so far on consultants' reports, preparation of the paperwork and buying up property, and still the dam proposal has not progressed to a decision. Independent experts have slammed the plan for its enormous cost, environmental damage, and failure to demonstrate that in the dry times it can reliably supply water at the levels the government say it will.
The proposed dam and its delivery pipeline is a $2.5 billion cost to Queenslanders at a time when the state is in historically bad financial shape.
Save the Mary River Coordinating Group President Glenda Pickersgill called today for the Bligh government to step away from her stated position to build the dam in "several years", and tell the voters of Queensland that in the interests of responsible economic management and concern for the environment, the dam is off the agenda now and forever.
Peculiar Priorities And Risky Campaign Advertising:
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Yet another ALP brochure received in the post today [9/3/09]
Not all Gold Coast residents are impressed by the Premier's
announcements today that her government would grant $60 million towards redeveloping
Carrara into a 23,000-seat stadium and $38 million to support Queensland tourism
operators. Especially given that the monopoly press are reporting on "speculation"
that the much needed Rapid Transit System (from Helensvale to Coolangatta) may
not go ahead because it's been "axed from the Federal Government Infrastructure
Australia (IA) fund leaving a gaping $850 million hole in the $1.67 billion
project."
We also think uranium should be left in the ground.
As for the brochure we received in the mailbox today (there's also a television version to reinforce the point), the 'Knee Jerk Voter' will now be voting LNP.
"Why?" Well, because we don't want there to be a recession, and besides it's not going to be a recession - it's going to slide straight past that and into the deepest depression this country has ever known. So why would the 'Knee Jerk Voter' vote LNP on that news? Well, we have one party denying that there is a recession and we have another party denying that there is a reality!
Blighty's mob can't deal with anything unless it comes straight from neo-con HQ and involves spending another $70squillion on a toll tunnel PPP to Townsville or something, whereas this new bloke, 'Borg', has that local, outsider, fresh naivete which may just save us from the coming world conflagration.
In any case, we're getting very sick of that 'Fraser' fellow. And besides, he probably should spend more time with his kids, so we'd all be doing him a favour.
Come to think of it, the 'Knee Jerk Voter' might even vote 'Green', 'Independent' or even 'DS4SEQ', for that matter, at least they bothered to respond to our very simple and reasonable questions. The BIG 2 have Murdoch's 'News' papers on their side so they obviously don't feel the need to answer constituent's questions. Must be nice to think that you own everybody in a country just because you own all the crappy rags in that country! "Hello", 'Bulletin', we're looking at you!
Stay tuned, we'll probably change our mind tomorrow. That's how the 'Knee Jerk Voter' works!
Candidate Responses: The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Over the weekend we asked the five Broadwater candidates some questions (see below). Three of the candidates have replied and here are their responses:
Graeme Maizey, Greens:
I agree with you in suggesting that the dramatic increase in armed robbery (and other types of crime and anti-social behaviour) are a direct result of the economic downturn. The Greens believe that the old, tired ways of managing an economy by placing a disproportionate emphasis on economic growth ($ profit is king), leads to repeated 'boom and bust' cycles, and will continue to do so. We believe any future government needs to focus more on sustainable economic development where social equity considerations have a far greater priority and the negative downturns can be mitigated, and the environment protected for future generations. The Greens also place a high priority on local solutions to local problems as we are a 'grass roots' party, and are not controlled by outside influences as are the other parties. The Greens recently released their "Sustainable Jobs for Queensland" policy which outlines both increased skills training (through TAFE) and the creation of green jobs. This contributes to a reduction in our reliance on the use of coal as our main source for electricity generation and also a cleaner environment. The jobs are therefore more sustainable and less likely to be subject to 'boom and bust' cycles in the future.
Local initiatives including community gardens and markets are an excellent idea. Another Greens candidate on the Gold Coast is also promoting the development of school kitchens where primary children are involved in growing food in school gardens and thereby promoting healthy eating habits. Any preventative health measures, including healthy diet and lifestyle is supported by The Greens.
This is clearly wrong. I am also a user of the Broadwater with my family, both as a cyclist and a sailing boat owner and even though I have not personally seen the 'display' you mention in person I would oppose these type of activities strongly. There are also other issues around excessive use and speed by jet Skis that also needs addressing.
Ben Monaghan, DS4SEQ:
To date I received a number of emails from residents of Broadwater with a wide range of concerns such as yours and many more. As a new candidate I apppreciate you raising these issues with me.
I also see parallels between the issues you raise and the issue I seek to gain recognition for (Daylight Saving) in such much as that it raises the need for respect, choice and balance.
However, the DS4SEQ party is a one policy party and as such the only policy we seek to gain public endorsement for and recognition from the big parties is that of Daylight Saving.
We ask that you Vote 1 DS4SEQ and Vote 2 the party you wish to govern the state.
Rohan Turnley, Independent:
I have been a resident of Runaway Bay for the past 13 years. I have children who are not 16 and 13. We have brought them up in this area with frequent visits to the lagoon, Charis, Land's End etc. My wife and I do the return trip - Biggera Creek to Loder's Creek - as part of exercise on 5 out of 7 days. Usually with our dog. We also have boats and sometimes just take the tinnie over to that sandbank across from Deepwater Point there and just let the dogs run and play etc.
As far as the crime goes, I don't think you can just put it down to economic times. The problems are more deep-seated and the occurrences of various types of crime are always on the rise. I, as do many other, believe we are let down by our judicial system. The answer is, nobody knows or wants to. Successive Governments, not only Queensland but everywhere will not take a stance on penalties.
Really, you would get a more severe penalty for speeding than you would for robbery. I've seen it first hand. Actually sat in a courtroom where a third time offender for theft, break and enter and stealing from his employer was again let off with a warning and probation because his actions were caused by an addiction to drugs.
The next step up is the petty dealer. The pros far outweigh the cons here. They can sell and make some very good money and seemingly laugh at the law if they get caught. They deny knowledge of who they bought from etc etc and on it goes.
Perhaps we should look at minimum punishment, mandatory across the board for convictions. Civil libertarians would have a field day there. An abuse of rights. Pollies don't want to become unpopular. What rubbish. What's wrong with doing what they are elected to do?
On your second point, I personally would love to see market type outlet on say a Sunday morning as is in a lot other parts of the Coast. We travel to Nerang or the Turf Club occasionally. I know if we are at the Sunshine Coast or anywhere else markets are on, the girls pencil that in as an activity straight away. I believe it is pretty much a Local Council thing though, but I would be happy to champion the cause if elected.
The third point. Didn't our fearless Premier vow to clean up Indy? There is no room for lewdness and anti-social behaviour at such a family event, or something similar dribbled out. Then after the event, it was the same maybe worse than previous, oh, they were in private accommodation we couldn't do anything about it.
Again, grandstanding. It's a game to them.
How many times does she say "we"? How often did Mr Beattie say "we"? It's always the same "My Government", "I Will".
I don't know about you and yours. I'm sick of it. Don't know if The Borg will be the same if he gets in with the same majority. Maybe not straight away, but he'll change as the various pushers and pullers behind the scenes make their plays.
Anyway, I have my views and have not been afraid to voice them in the past. People have often said, "Well why don't you do something about it?" So here I am.
Last two elections, where there was virtually no opposition would have been pointless. Now that it looks like being close, I have put my work, my family, my exercise and all social activities on hold to see if we can make a difference.
One of the two, Labour or the LNP will govern. There are no two ways about that. But, if there enough Independents in there to make up the balance between Yeh or Hay when it comes to a vote in the Parliament, that is where we can be heard. If it is good and balanced and fair Legislation, fine. If it isn't, it won't go through until it is adjusted to be in the best interests of the majority of voters if not all of them. Otherwise, it just won't go through.
Even though only one, I can still be decent thorn in the side of whoever occupies the big chair.
Bits And Pieces In The Mainstream Media:
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Letter to the editor ('Gold Coast Bulletin' - 6/3/09):
"Fishing OK
I am happy to say that Coombabah Creek is certainly not closed to anglers as the story suggested, although this was originally an option.
I worked closely with local fishers to persuade the Government to take the boundary back to the historic fisheries closure line.
The inter-tidal areas around Lake Coombabah were included in the Green Zone
Peta-Kaye Croft
MP for Broadwater"
From the ABC on-line (6/3/09):
"A Gold Coast environmental group says it is concerned by growth projections over the next two decades.
The Gold Coast and Hinterland Environmental Council (Gecko) is holding a workshop tomorrow to examine draft changes to the South-East Queensland Regional Plan.
Gecko spokeswoman Lois Levy says people need to be aware that more land will be released for development.
"We are concerned about the whole Gold Coast of course because we are going to have a huge increase in population," she said.
"They're putting in 137,000 more dwellings and 80,000 of those are in what we call greenfield sites. That is sites that have never been built on.
"The rest is increasing in density our existing suburb."
"Please don't allow any more unsustainable development of our habitat Mr Politician!" The Rainbow Lorikeet Posse
Questions For The Broadwater Candidates:
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Today [7/3/09] we emailed the following questions to all five Broadwater candidates. We will put up their responses if, and when, they arrive.
1. There has been a dramatic increase in armed robbery in the area over the past few months. We believe this is a direct result of the economic downturn. Will you be negotiating with the federal government to ensure there is an adequate safety net available and to create opportunities for the unemployed to develop new skills? As reported in today's Fairfax press, both Anna Bligh and Lawrence Springborg have backed the use of Tasers. We think the use of tasers is abhorent, unnecessary and infringes upon civil liberties. We are concerned that a "law and order" rhetoric will prevail over common sense and decency in these increasingly troubled times.
2. Will you be putting any policies in place to set aside green areas in the Broadwater electorate for the purpose of encouraging community gardens and local markets?
3. This evening we went for a walk along the Biggera Waters segment of Marine Parade. It was still daylight (around 5.30 pm), when an "Out There Charters" boat with its clearly visible contingent of about 30 males and a couple of females cruised past. What was occurring on the deck was clearly "adult entertainment" and everyone in the park and on the walking/cycling track could see and hear the shenanigans on board. A year ago we were down at the Ian Dipple Lagoon (it was early evening around Christmastime - so there was a large crowd of people fishing, picnicking and swimming), and the same vessel cruised right up to the lagoon. At the time, naked females could be seen dancing around the front deck while the males onboard yelled and whooped. The parks and walkways along the Southport/Labrador/Biggera Waters/Runaway Bay segment of the Broadwater are family areas, and perhaps these businesses should be restricted from showcasing their wares there. As the elected representative for Broadwater, what will you do to ensure these businesses refrain from these activities until they are, say, out at sea?
Black Friday Debate Should Be A Public Event:
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
All Queenslanders should have the opportunity to attend this "debate" - either that, or it should be broadcast on ABC TV and/or radio. Not all of us have the spare cash for the privilege, and we do not want to hear the sanitised version in the mainstream media.
(As an aside, why can't an elite and exclusive outfit devoted to the interests of corporatised and concentrated media ownership with the gall to call itself the "Queensland Media Club" even get the grammar and spelling correct in its own PR? Sloppy, self-important half-wits with no concept of truth should stay over in 'Fox' world and should never be tolerated in Australia. For the chance to win a $2 scratchie, e-mail us with ALL the errors in the following piece):
Queensland Election 2009: The Leaders' Great Debate
Your invitation to hear from the Premier of Queensland the Hon. Anna Bligh MP and Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg.
The Queensland Media Club, representing the Queensland Parliamentary Media Gallery, extends and invitation for you to join the Queensland Premier the Hon. Anna Bligh MP and Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg in a pre-election luncheon debate on Friday, 13 March 2009.
Both Leaders will outline their visions for Queensland and take part in a moderated debate on the key issues.
Event Details
When: Friday, 13 March 2009
Time: 12pm for 12.30pm start (Includes 2-course lunch, concluding by 2.30pm)
Venue: Exhibition Hall 2, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Cnr Merivale and Glenelg St, South Brisbane
Cost: Tables of 10 at $1,100 each (including GST) Individual tickets at $132 each (including GST)
http://www.queenslandmediaclub.com.au/qmc/01_cms/details.asp?k_id=192
Sexual Violence Sells
This advertisement has been on this bus shelter since late last year.
"Dymo Girl" strikes again! Bus shelter, Gold Coast Highway, Labrador Park.
In January this year, the Advertising Standards Bureau dismissed a complaint about this advertisement thus:
"The Board considered that the depiction of the woman licking the plate was a quirky way of demonstrating her enjoyment of the product and was not overly sexualised. The Board considered the depiction was appropriate to the depiction of a person finishing a meal, was not inappropriate for the relevant audience and found no breach of Section 2.3 of the Code."
From 'The Whole Woman', Germaine Greer [1999]
"The deeper the morass of misogyny through which we all have to wade the more vociferous the condemnation of anyone who dares to mention it. It is as easy to vilify women as man-haters, which they most emphatically are not, as it is difficult to challenge men on the grounds of their woman-hatred, which is real, pervasive and obvious. Any woman who points out the obvious fact that men hate women will herself be branded a man-hater who has brought men's hatred upon herself."
We predict, and it's a good thing, 'Nandos' will be broke within a year, otherwise this kind of bullsh*t 'marketing' could regain some of its lost kudos. Bye, bye, Nandos, we'll be watching the countdown to your bankruptcy with great pleasure.
Give Me A Sign: The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Well the campaign signs should start to appear around the Gold Coast from today as the monopoly press have reported that at yesterday's Gold Coast City Council meeting, councillors:
"gave preliminary approval not to enforce the usual $375 fine for unlawful public advertising and to allow candidates to put up signs unhindered."
This is very good news for nikko-wielding community artists as it will hopefully present a plethora of opportunities to showcase one's fang and devil horns drawing skills to the general public.
In other monopoly press news (sadly missed yesterday), LNP candidate Richard Towson "said the LNP would invest $15 million over three years to improve boat ramp access." Yippee!!
And the champagne corks were popping all over the Broadwater last night as citizens celebrated the announcement of three more candidates! Ben Monaghan (DS4SEQ), Rohan Turnley (Independent) and Graeme Maizey (Greens).
A quick search of the interwebs reveals a little information about the Greens candidate:
"Graeme Maizey grew up in Sydney. He travelled extensively through Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia before returning to complete his studies at Macquarie University. Graeme has worked as a Maths and Geography teacher in Middlemount, Mackay and the outer suburbs of Brisbane, and now works as a TAFE teacher. Graeme has worked extensively in social equity programs assisting adults wishing to return to the workforce through achieving higher education goals.
Graeme has a particular interest in native flora species regeneration as well as a keen interest in preservation of the marine biodiversity and physical environment of the Southern Moreton Bay area."
Along with the DS4SEQ's (Daylight Saving 4 South East Queensland) sole policy:
"To have Daylight Saving Time introduced into the South East Queensland region under a dual time zone arrangement."
We couldn't find any details about Mr Turnley - if we can be bothered, we might contact him for his bio. If we feel like it, we might also ask the recently announced candidates where they will be directing their preferences.
"The Skipper May Not Have Got Us Into The Storm But It's Up To The Skipper To Steer The Ship Straight While We're In The Storm": Malcolm
"Look out little buddy, it's a financial storm or even an economic tsunami"
The Anti-Prime Minister, Mr Malcolm to the Right, has told his loving fans and little red riding hood that Mr Rudd is more Gilligan than Skipper when it comes to staying the neo-con course in the face of an economic tsunami storm of Shrek proportions.
Shrek said "Whoooooo! Spooky, look out, he's going to swim with the tide and not go against the flow and drown us all like so many ship's rats when we should boldly face off this stupid naysaying world economy rubbish."
Unfortunately, Little Red Riding Hood didn't ask Shrek any probing questions, but spent the entire interview filling out her fan club membership renewal form while nodding and going "uh huh, yep".
A strange man from Arsehat Economics said something, but nobody paid any attention because it was much easier to understand Shrek and Malcolm's message.
"I like my messages to be over-simplified so I can understand them", said Mr, Mrs and Ms Average of Worried St., Normburb.
"It's much better since we had our brains removed, hmmmm. Must go, there is something about the environment on the TV and we need to watch it in case we receive orders to go out and shop."
The Prime Minister said he was above playing politics. He added that he was in the middle and Malcolm was definitely not there at the time.
The Prime Minister was in Adelaide to launch the Australian funded and built, but American designed and owned, warship HMASS Minnow.
New Look For Brisbane's City Hall
People Movers and safe pedestrians not included in this vision
City Hall is set to undergo a radical restoration to save the crumbling neo-classical icon from itself.
The visionary restoration work will involve transforming the heritage listed building into a large silver structure not unlike Epcot in Florida.
"The physical resemblence of Brisbane's rejuventated City Hall to the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow will be where the similarities end," said the Head of the City Hall restoration project Professor Tess Tickles.
"City Hall will be known as City Ball once the restoration is completed."
The City Hall ghost, who will be relocated to the King George Square carpark for the three years it will take to restore City Hall, said he was happy with the planned restoration.
"I might take a raincoat," he said.
The City Hall ghost...relocated to the King George Square carpark during the restoration work
At last night's Council meeting, councillors debated whether or not the $215 million restoration work should be funded by donations from Brisbane ratepayers.
It is expected that Brisbane ratepayers will be very keen to open their wallets, given that their money has been spent so wisely over the past few years.
I'm Confused: The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
There are two editions of the 'Gold Coast Sun'. The one we receive on the northern end of the Gold Coast, which this week [4/3/09] has reported that LNP candidate Richard Towson wants South Stradbroke Island to become a Yellow Zone - or conservation park zone (see previous story below), and the one which is distributed down the southern end which reports:
"Pressure is mounting for unallocated land on South Stradbroke Island to be urgently rezoned as a conservation park.
"We need to move quickly so this land doesn't get snapped up by developers or other private enterprise which could grab land there," said Broadwater MP Peta-Kaye Croft.
Dr Tom Biggs, president of the South Stradbroke Island Residents' Association, has supported moves for the land to be rezoned and said residents fully supported Ms Croft's proposal...
Ms Croft said she was concerned the land, which was last week rejected by the Queensland Water Commission as a site for a desalination plant, was now at risk.
"I've had a lot of feedback from members of the community who are concerned about the future of this land and they want me to act quickly," she said."
It's got to be a good thing if both candidates agree that South Stradbroke Island should be a conservation park - it's just a bit confusing/bizarre that Gold Coast residents are getting slightly different stories from the monopoly press depending on where they happen to live!
Where Did The Garden Beds Go?
These pretty garden beds at the Southport War Memorial have mysteriously disappeared over the past week or so.
Let The Seniors Have Free Public Transport Too :
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
As well reporting on the Council on the Ageing Qld's 10-point plant, which calls for the Government to "recognise the diversity of seniors, address financial issues surrounding mature aged workers, make housing more affordable and appropriate, and address health issues", the March edition of 'The Senior's' front page story says:
"Meanwhile, Queensland has still not signed off on the Federal Government's national reciprocal transport scheme that offers Seniors Card discounts on public transport to cardholders from across the country.
Interstate cardholders are eligible for reciprocal concessions on Queensland's urban public transport system, but not long distance rail services.
Concessions are available on some long distance rail services, including Countrylink in NSW aand V/Line in Victoria."
We think all public transport should be free, but it would be a start to stop being so stingy toward our senior citizens - wouldn't it?
Items of interest in this week's 'Gold Coast Sun' [4/3/09] include:
"Labor's support for South Stradbroke Island's recreational bans looms as the biggest threat to MP Peta-Kaye Croft's reign at Broadwater. Liberal National Party candidate for Broadwater, Richard Towson, will push the EPA to relax recreational fishing laws out of Couran Cove, between Tipplers and Currigee. But his opponent and Labor incumbent, Ms Croft, slammed the LNP for not raising the issue during the EPA's consultation period last year, which lasted several months. The area out of Couran Cove is classed as a Green Zone - or marine national park zone - by the EPA, which entails a total ban on commercial and recreational fishing. But Mr Towson wants the area to become a Yellow Zone - or conservation park zone - which allows limited commercial and recreational fishing."
We'd also like to know what the candidates think about the proposed Rapid Transit Project or the Police Minister's 13HOON Hotline, and it's hard to give a f*ck that Gaven MP Phil Gray reckons he will lobby for "some of the Gold Coast's oldest schools to reap maximum funding through the Federal Government's $14.7 billion school infrastructure package."
Among an array of letters to the editor addressing the public cost of the SEQ water grid, retaining the existing Southport Hospital, Clive Palmer's defamation action against Bligh and Fraser, there's a couple of interesting gems:
"Broadwater MP Peta-Kaye Croft is clearly wrong in categorically asserting that the Water Police and Maritime Safety Queensland 'do a great job' and opposing council involvement in policing our waterways.
Ast the 600-plus households that fron Clear Island Lake if they believe that nonsense as they daily endure speeding and hooning jet-skis, and tinnies operated illegally and dangerously.
The existing enforcement authorities are patently under-resourced (ther motivation undoubted), but when the offenders are frequently juveniles who provide no worthwhile penalty revenue stream for the government, it is unlikely these resources will be provided.
I suggest you get out more, Ms Croft, before coming out with the usual political 'spin'.
These residents here don't care who stops these morons as long as something is done about this increasing problem."
And:
"Last Thursday the wind was blowing the rain straight through the Helensvale bus stop and everyone was getting soaked.
Among those waiting to catch a bus was an Asian couple, I would guess Japanese, who were not only wet but so was their luggage.
After an hour-and-a-half on an old, crowded train, they then had to wait at least 20 minutes for the bus (if it was on time) then face at least a 20-minute bus ride to their destination. For the 40 minutes or so it would have taken them to get where they were going, they would have been very wet.
Some introduction for overseas visitors making a visit to the land of sunny beaches!
Then years ago in Vanuatu I didn't have to wait that long for a bus to take me from the airport to my accommodation.
Still, that was a backward, undeveloped nation."
That D F Fraser of Mudgeeraba (letter about defamation) must be one of Australias most prolific, and also most vacuous, letters-to-the-editor writers. That person has a pointless opinion on everything, and a pointless outlet for such pointless opinions in the pointless local Murdoch press. Thank Rupert that we even have a pointless press anymore, if it wasn't for him there would be freedom and democracy and a genuine fourth estate, hurrah!
You Go Girl: "Just Do It" For Your Country
Healthy and positive images of emancipated women abound in our public spaces!
On the ABC's 'Lateline' show last night [2/3/09], sex therapist and author Bettina Arndt received some publicity for her latest book - 'The Sex Diaries':
"The sex lives of Australians are under the spotlight tonight after the release of a new book that follows the relationships of about 100 couples who agreed to reveal their most intimate details. The book, 'The Sex Diaries', also offers some controversial advice on how to keep the passion alive."
Last night's report from Ticky Fullerton and subsequent discussion with Emily Maguire (author of 'Princesses and Pornstars') and Tony Jones, left me in no doubt the book's arguments are progressive and enlightening - NOT.
In fact what the 'Lateline' segment reveals (I won't be reading the book) is that gender relations in Australia have hit a new low point. Thanks Bettina for that much needed pandering to the patriarchy. We women had no idea that when it comes to "keeping the passion alive" it's all about him and his willy - despite the fact that we're all able to recite the "sniff and stiff" advertisements word for word!
Ms Arndt's "controversial advice" has nothing to do with reviving chivalry, respect or any other quaint olde worlde notions - they're dead and buried too - anyone who's seen men jostle for a window seat on public transport leaving a heavily pregnant, or elderly woman to stand in the aisle knows that!
Nor has it anything to do with "spicing up your lovelife" by taking a pole dancing class, undergoing cosmetic surgery, or heading to an adult shop or a legal brothel to indulge his lesbian fantasies - these activities are now presented to us as acceptable mainstream rather than "controversial".
No honey, forget the fact that he doesn't contribute his fair share of housework (but you dare not complain because you aspire to be a yummy mummy and not an uptight bitch), or that the kids you created together appear to have become your sole responsibility - along with contraception and all those wholesome (yet inspired) family meals. Who cares that there's inadequate childcare in this country, or you're sporting a black eye because you dared to complain when you had to collect him from the pub in the middle of the night?
Boys will be boys!
Nevermind whether or not he told you the truth about the lap dancing club, or that your plummetting self-esteem and perpetual state of anxiety may have something to do with the media bombarding you with messages about your so called physical flaws - while at the same time banging on about careers and equal opportunity, or that public space is so saturated with porn masquerading as advertising, and the degradation of feminity and a vicious hyper masculinity is now the norm in the workplace, sporting arena and entertainment industry.
Most of all, don't question your gut feeling that something is not right in our society because of the recent spate of violent gang rapes.
Indeed. Why lie in bed worrying whether your son is being fiddled by Pastor Weird from the Optimistic Fundamentalist Church of Aspirational Prosperity, or if your teenage daughter is developing an eating disorder because she's taking the *rse blasting starvation diet to extreme in the quest for physical perfection. Don't fret that your uninsured house has burned down or floated away, or wonder how you'll pay the mortgage because either he, or both of you have just lost your job?
Open your legs and close your mind.
There is no point worrying your pretty little (hopefully botoxed and perfectly coiffed) head about things you can't control. And don't expect champagne, chocolates, sweet words or surprise candlelit dinners, or that he will make any effort to improve his lovemaking technique either.
Romance, the art of seduction and true eroticism is dead too, so "Just Do It".
Let let him stick his wanger in even if you don't feel like it. Don't feel pissed off that all he gave you for your birthday was a voucher for a brazilian wax and a gym membership. You're not special - contemporary Australian society does not encourage loving relationships or genuine intimacy - the message is clear - functionality, objectification and commodification rules, so deal with it and "Just Do It".
Settle for less and give it up for your country - that's what being a real Australian woman is all about!
The transcript of this segment is not available on the 'Lateline' website yet (perhaps you can watch the vodcast), but I can report that the phrase "Just Do It" was uttered nearly 20 times throughout.
As the race to the bottom in the patriarchal paradise of Australia gains momentum - Happy International Women's Day!
Brisbane City Council - Media Announcement
Council To Search For CFO [2/3/09]
Brisbane City Council is seeking to fill the role of Chief Financial Officer.
Council today announced the resignation of its former CFO Chris Mead, after 27 years with Council. Mr Mead was Council's CFO since January 2007.
He was due to be transferred to another senior role within Council on the same pay and conditions.
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said Council was seeking to recruit a senior finance executive with significant experience in the commercial finance sector, and a deep understanding of capital markets, to help guide Brisbane City Council through the current world economic crisis.
"On behalf of the people of Brisbane we thank Mr Mead for his many
years of service and wish him well in his future endeavours," he said.
Why Can't We Have Warwick Or Pauline On The Broadwater?:
The Knee Jerk Swinging Voter's Diary
With our Election Correspondent: Ann Green-Tony
Yawns again today I'm afraid. The 'Gold Coast Bulletin' [2/3/09] reports that Peta-Kaye Croft:
"Will work to progress the development of an artificial reef for divers, anglers and locals at South Stradbroke Island to create another dive spot and attraction."
While two large "Richard Towson LNP" placards have appeared at the entrance of Gold Coast Fishing Tackle in Southport.
Excitement plus.
We at the 'Spring Hill Voice' are envious of those in Kevin Lingard's electorate of Beaudesert (he was the member from 1983 and announced he would be retiring last year), with their eclectic selection of candidates. According to the mainstream media the candidates are - Warwick Capper (sponsored by 'Zoo Magazine'), Aidan McLindon (former Logan city councillor from Kill TV, now LNP), Brett McCreadie (ALP), Andy Grodecki (Greens), Keith Gee (professional footballer and local businessman) and Pauline Hanson - reported in the local Fairfax press today as:
"Ms Hanson, a polarising figure who spent time in jail for electoral fraud before being acquitted, said she was determined to stop any attempt to privatise Queensland's water infrastructure and said she would not direct preferences to either party.
She was clapped by a small group of supporters at the end of her media conference with one person stopping to ask her about her position on fluoridation.
She said fluoride should not have been forced on residents without a referendum.
"It does have a huge impact on our infants, on our little ones," she said.
"The people weren't asked, it was just forced on us.""
Funny how the Brisbane monopoly press have been saying that Broadwater is a marginal seat, when in fact if you check out Antony Green's site it's held by the ALP by 6%
Reverse psychology or what?
Happy Birthday "Dr Suess"
From 'The Butter Battle Book' by Dr. Seuss [1984]:
On the last day of summer,
ten hours before fall……my grandfather took me
out to the Wall.For a while he stood silent.
Then finally he said,
with a very sad shake
of his very old head,
"As you know, on this side of the Wall
we are Yooks.
On the far other side of this Wall
live the Zooks."Then my grandfather said,
"It's high time that you knew
of the terribly horrible thing that Zooks do.
In every Zook house and in every Zook town
every Zook eats his bread
with the butter side down!…
Gee...I think that fellow was onto something !!!
Theodor Seuss Geisel (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991) was an American writer and cartoonist, most widely known for his children's books written under his pen name, Dr. Seuss. He published over 60 children's books, which were often characterized by imaginative characters, rhyme and frequent use of trisyllabic meter. His most notable books include the bestselling Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. Numerous adaptations of his work have been created, including eleven television specials, three feature films and a Broadway musical...
Geisel's early political cartoons show a passionate opposition to fascism, and he urged Americans to oppose it, both before and after the entry of the United States into World War II. In contrast, his cartoons tended to regard the fear of communism as overstated, finding the greater threat in the Dies Committee and those who threatened to cut America's "life line" to Stalin and Soviet Russia, the ones carrying "our war load".
It's Amazing What You'll Find In The 'Weekend Shopper'!!!
One of our more observant readers spotted this subtle piece of culture jamming a few of weeks back:
Precious Birdlife
"When the last leaf and bird go
Let my thoughts stand like trees here
Let my thoughts stand"From 'Eroded Hills', Judith Wright [1950]
Our currawong mate has a bit of a wonky wing, but he flies well and he and his mates enjoy waking us at 5 every morning with their raucous song!
Preying On The Sick And Vulnerable In Times Of Fear And Hardship Is Evil
Yesterday I stumbled upon this glossy and expensively produced pamphlett - copies of which were deposited along the Marine Parade walkway on the northern end of the Gold Coast. It's marketing for the Christian City Church Currumbin, and tells the story of born again cancer survivor, Wayne.
The pamphlett's cover features an excerpt from a newspaper article - 'Survival against the medical odds' ('Gold Coast Bulletin' - 5/3/04) - and is presumably reproduced for the purposes of lending newspaper credibility to the story of this cancer 'miracle'. Slick marketing of the most basic kind.
The full article is not reproduced. The part omitted gives some due credit to a more temporal intervention:
"Wayne believes God gave the staff a 'helping hand' during those critical moments, and that is why he's alive to tell the tale.
The Runaway Bay real estate agent said doctors were shocked at his recovery.
"The hospital records show I was the closest to death anyone has ever been and survived.
"Every time I see my doctor he just shakes his head and says 'you're not supposed to be here'.
Wayne had been diagnosed with throat cancer and surgeons had removed the tumour.
But a month later Wayne fell gravely ill.
He arrived at the Gold Coast Hospital and was immediately admitted to intensive care where doctors struggled to find what was causing his illness.
A long series of tests turned up nothing, until a scan finally revealed that a huge abscess had burst in his stomach, poisoning his blood.
An operation was needed to removed the abscess but Wayne's blood pressure was so low he could not have the surgery.
"We learned that I only had 20 minutes to live and there was nothing they could do to help me," he said.
But the ICU staff was not about to let Wayne go without a fight.
They rushed through a blood transfusion in a bid to increase his blood pressure enough to allow the surgery to go ahead.
"They were standing on chairs, running around, doing everything they possibly could to get that blood into me," recalled Wayne.
"What they did gave me just that tiny chance, and that was all I needed."
This week Wayne returned to the ICU to thank the people who saved his life.
"I am just so happy to be alive," he said.
"I wish you could be inside my head just for 10 seconds to know how I feel."
ICU's Nurse Unit Manager Michelle Foster said it was always wonderful to see patients get well.
"It gives us a lot of satisfaction when a patient so sick makes such a good recovery," she said.
It reassures you that you are able to make a difference."
Wayne is still waiting for the 'all clear' from his cancer, but says he's confident of receivng a clean bill of health.
To show his appreaciation for the hospital Wayne will walk from Paradise Point to Coolongatta tomorrow as part of a Rotary initiative to raise money for the ICU.
The inaugural Charity Walk and Talk with Ron Clarke, is part of Rotary's ongoing commitment to raise funds for the hospital.
The walk also gives locals the chance to chat with sporting identities, state and federal politicians and council election candidates."
The selected portion reprinted on the pamphlett is only the first half of the 'Gold Coast Bulletin' article and supports the "Miracle" message - in that no one can fathom why Wayne survived such a life threatening medical emergency. The Christian City Church Currumbin have co-opted Wayne's story by omitting the last half - giving the impression that Wayne's survival was due to some kind of divine intervention. Whether or not Wayne supports this - it's offensive to anyone who is currently battling cancer, their families and loved ones left behind.
What the above excerpt (which is not reprinted on the pamphlett) reveals, is the incredible skill, determination and quick thinking in an extreme emergency of the Gold Coast ICU staff.
The hard-core 'god botherers' have a lot to answer for - and should really keep their crazy views to themselves.
Preying on the sick and vulnerable, or telling a person in their last months that they should start believing or they will go to hell is disgraceful, and they ought to be ashamed.
We hope the Charity Walk and Talk with Ron Clarke/Rotary is still an annual event.
The Green Comet
I watched for you the other night
In the eastern sky
But I never saw you
Perhaps you passed me by?Zooming over raging fires
The deep north in despair
At least the torrent of water
Has made it to Lake EyreRioting in Tennant Creek
A gap which widens yet
But did you catch the Academy Awards?
With luminous Kate Winslet?Are they really sorry?
These so called toxic bores
Prancing poodles and dobermen
In our Parliament of whoresNow they can take your fingerprints
Electronically in a blink
Bit strange politicians and secret lovers
Are protected don't you think?'Cos they shot some folks in New Orleans
And Obama addressed congress
August 2010 we're out of Iraq
No end to this imperialistic mess!Lee Kernagan says "Buy Australian"
But Swanee's not so sure
Hello me old China plate
Can we sew our smalls offshore?Because protectionism is evil
The SAS threaten defection
We farewelled Sol Trujillo
And there was no objection
Green comet were you as real
As that NASA satellite?
Which was measuring global warming
And exploded in the nightDid you fly over my home
As we heard more promises and lies?
"Change the slogan" says The Borg
"Green army" says Captain BlighWe're celebrating 150 years
And all those upstanding citizens so great
Yet the sanitised revisionist narrative cannot hide
We're just a client state'Cos there's nothing green about Queensland
Green Comet have you heard?
And as for its capital city
"Vapid" is the word
