Jane Clark

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2009-07-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

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update

2009-03-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

Apart from Council meetings, here are some of the events attended by me as your Greens Alderman this month:

Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme briefing
NT Stimulus Package briefing
Alice Springs 2030 (x2)
Launch of Athol Pine Management Manual
Sustainable Building Advisory committee
Environment Advisory committee
Araluen Access Grants committee
Sunday Markets
Opening night Sydney Travelling Film Festival
MacDonnell Shire Committee Meeting
Local Govt Assoc NT Executive Meeting
Local Govt Assoc NT Strategic Planning (Darwin)
Local Govt Assoc NT AGM (Darwin)
Totem Theatre meeting
Community Gardens Committee
ABC local radio (x2) re: re landfill, dumping rubbish on crown land, E waste, community garden

Community Garden

After 3 years of meeting talking and negotiating, it looks like Alice Springs will get it's first community garden.

Council has approved Francis Smith Park as the first location for the development of a community garden.

A community garden provides a space for interaction and community cohesiveness on many levels. Watch this space for more developments.

February 2009 LGANT

2009-02-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

We reviewed the LGANT Strategic plan. There were only minor changes recommended as the goals are still similar even though shires have been amalgamated.

Online Survey
We reviewed results from the online survey sent out to members. Most were happy with LGANT and many saw it’s role as mainly advocacy and political lobbying. Many councils appreciated the Engineering support services and assistance with Roads to Recovery.

Most were unaware of the amount of funding LGANT had managed to obtain on behalf of NT Councils for Roads to Recovery and the Infrastructure Fund and an additional $600,000 for shires to compensate for rate capping.

Leasing on Aboriginal Land
2.1.2 Develop proposals for councils to secure leases on Aboriginal Land prior to expiration of the Australian Govt township leases in 2012.

During the amalgamation process, NT Government has compulsorily acquired assets owned by Community Government Councils. The Councils then have to lease back their own buildings, stores, airstrips, plant and equipment. As many of these assets were purchased with Federal funding some councils are pursuing legal advice.

It is very messy at the moment with confusion over ownership, leasing of land, new infrastructure, the arrival of Outback Stores etc

There is a clause whereby ‘assets may be transferred to third parties’ which we are endeavouring to tease out because this could lead to some potentially unfair scenarios.

Infrastructure Reference Group.
LGANT would like to pass on appreciation to municipal councils for sending their senior staff to participate in Advisory meetings, particularly Alice Springs because this has been very helpful.

Joint Procurement
In order for Councils to join together for joint procurement of items like insurance, work wear, equipment etc, the Local Government Act needs to be changed.

This needs to go through LGANT Executive, then LGANT elected members, then to Legislative and Administration Advisory Committees, then to the minister.

Model Policies
LGANT will source for Councils, model policies such as Privacy and Animal Control Policies.

I will be making a presentation at the LGANT AGM about the Alice Springs Animal Control by laws and Town Camps dog control implementations because many councils have expressed interest in modeling their animal control on our successful process and outcomes.

Financial Sustainability Study
We are the only state or Territory not to have undergone a Financial Sustainability Study. In other states, many unsustainable councils were identified.

LGAQ and Queensland Treasury are willing to come to NT and discuss this with the Finance Reference Group.

The Finance Reference Group reports back to the CEO Forum and the CEO’s then brief elected members as necessary.

Roads
Financial Assistance Grants (FAG’s) for roads are calculated using 1992 data. A new audit of roads is required.

The Territory Government can impose the road network as a core service of Local Government with no compensation. This transfer of responsibility can take place at any time.

There are two potential sources of funding when this happens
A ‘fit for purpose’ once-off grant from NTG in order to bring roads up to an appropriate standard for Mass limits, heavy vehicles etc
Recurrent Commonwealth Funding via FAG’s

This also applies to Barge Landings and Airstrips however no negotiation is required for the Roads to be transferred.

Voting Rights
It will be proposed at the AGM that the following voting rights be apportioned –

Darwin City 3
Municipals 2
Amalgamated Shires 2
Other Shires 1

Planning
LGANT supports a staged devolution of responsibility for Local Government Planning.

We are of the understanding that LG will take full responsibility for Planning once Statehood is achieved.

Rates Notice
Councils are encouraged to include information with Rates Notices about where the money is being spent and also include information about what proportion of Council’s funds are actually acquired via rates – Darwin City Council includes a pie chart.

CDL
This is a huge issue for all councils as is the need for ongoing education campaigns about litter in general.

February 2009 Alice Springs Town Council

2009-02-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Container Deposit Legislation
Watch this space. Radical plans are afoot

Train implications due to Olympic Dam Expansion
ASTC has put it to NTG that a bypass be provided for the Alice to Darwin trainline because Olympic Dam Expansion told us that traffic will extend to 1 extra train per day of 1km long through town centre. This cuts the town in half and emergency services can be delayed by an extra 10 minutes at this time.

During deliberations Council removed references to hazardous materials and spills from the motion.

This is also being taken up by LGANT.

Graffiti v Aerosol Art
Council continues to be supportive of ‘aerosol art’ projects including panels along the fence of ANZAC oval which can be used by anyone anytime for artwork.

There is a ‘graffiti’ hotline and council has a 24hr removal policy as well as a reward for people who report illegal graffiti leading to a conviction.

Gathering Garden
On the corner of the civic lawns nearest the mall, a garden is under construction including bronze coolamons etc. It was designed by indigenous artist Marie Ellis and should be complete by mid year. The project went out to tender and many artists put in a bid.

Law and Order
Alice Council wrote to NTG requesting that the Tactical Response Unit be deployed to Alice Springs ‘to restore order to our streets’. This was refused.

On a more civilized note we have secured funding for extra lighting around CBD trouble spots, 85% of which will be solar.

Infrastructure Fund
ASTC has put in for $12M for a new library and $3M for upgrades to our footy oval Traeger Park. We will be asking surrounding shires to join in our footy oval application.

Environment Advisory Committee
Some main points -
*getting tough on computer waste (report available)
*call on DCA to encourage desert smart housing design

Community Gardens group and ALEC to be given the go ahead to INVESTIGATE use of Francis Smith Park as location for a community garden. First step will be to consult with neighbouring properties.

Council to charge 2$ per kilo for E-waste at the landfill in order to facilitate effective recycling.

Council to encourage reporting of illegal dumping of waste including public education about correct disposal of waste.

Tourism
Tourism Advisory committee is investigating the possibility of an Indoor Masters Games and a disabled Masters Games.

Tourism and Events Committee are investigating an approach made to them about a nudist colony and new accommodation house in the region. A promotional 'weekend out' at the property is in the plans and the committee has been asked to identify which 2 months of the year would be good for this activity.

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ASTC Committee Meetings Feb 9

2009-02-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

Recommendations Only - from last night's committee meetings
- to go before Ordinary meeting on Feb 23

ASTC sent a letter of condolence to the Premier of Victoria.

A prayer service for Victoian bushfire victims will be held on the Council lawns on Thursday at 7pm.

Ald Brendan Heenan, via the Tourism Advisory committee is investigating the possibility of an Indoor Masters Games and a disabled Masters Games.

Council will be writing to DCA and the Building Advisory Board regarding the K-Mart Wall Mural regarding the safety of the remaining wall since the outer wall has been removed.

Community Gardens group and ALEC to be given the go ahead to INVESTIGATE use of Francis Smith Park as location for a community garden. First step will be to consult with neighbouring properties.

Council to charge 2$ per kilo for E-waste at the landfill in order to facilitate effective recycling.

Council to encourage reporting of illegal dumping of waste including public education about correct disposal of waste.

Taking responsibility for the planet

2009-01-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

Today Obama made his stand on climate change. http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24968728-601,00.html.

This shows up the Australian Government's 5% target for what it is, lacking in vision, leadership and courage.

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Australia Day Honours 2009 - NT recipients

2009-01-25T15:41:00.000-08:00

Name: BALDWIN, Terry
Award: Medal of the Order of Australia
Post-nominal: OAM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Winnellie
Citation: For service to youth in the Northern Territory through the Goanna Park Land Association.

Name: BEDGGOOD, Robert John
Award: Conspicuous Service Medal
Post-nominal: CSM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: n/a
Citation: For meritorious achievement as the Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of Delamere Air Weapons Range, Number 44 Wing Detachment, Tindal.

Name: CLAYDEN, Kathleen
Award: Public Service Medal
Post-nominal: PSM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Darwin
Citation: For outstanding public service, leadership and commitment to the Northern Territory Public Service

Name: DAVIS, Stuart Axtell
Award: Australian Police Medal
Post-nominal: APM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: n/a
Citation: n/a

Name: ELLWOOD, Justin Frederick
Award: Distinguished Service Cross (Australian)
Post-nominal: DSC
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: n/a
Citation: For distinguished command and leadership in action as the Commander of Rotation Three of the Overwatch Battle Group - West during Operation CATALYST.

Name: GLASBY, John
Award: Public Service Medal
Post-nominal: PSM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Darwin
Citation: For outstanding public service, particularly to public education in the Northern Territory.

Name: HEWITT, David Reginald
Award: Medal of the Order of Australia
Post-nominal: OAM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Alice Springs
Citation: For service to remote Indigenous communities as a tradesman and volunteer relief worker, and to the community through preservation of the history of early European exploration in desert regions.

Name: HEWITT, Margaret May
Award: Medal of the Order of Australia
Post-nominal: OAM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Alice Springs
Citation: For service to remote Indigenous communities as a nursing sister and volunteer relief worker, and to the community through preservation of the history of early European exploration in desert regions.

Name: KLOEDEN, Selwyn Robert
Award: Emergency Service Medal
Post-nominal: ESM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Hermannsburg
Citation: n/a

Name: MARIKA, Raymattja Gandjalala
Award: Member of the Order of Australia
Post-nominal: AM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Late of Yirrkala
Citation: For service to Indigenous communities in rural and remote areas as an educator, linguist and scholar, through the preservation of Indigenous languages and the promotion of reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding.

Name: MARIKA, Waninya Gary
Award: Medal of the Order of Australia
Post-nominal: OAM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Yirrkala
Citation: For service to the community of Yirrkala through cultural liaison.

Name: MELLIOS, Irene
Award: Medal of the Order of Australia
Post-nominal: OAM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Darwin
Citation: For service to the Greek community of Darwin, and to the Cancer Council of the Northern Territory.

Name: POLLOCK, Scott Alan
Award: Australian Police Medal
Post-nominal: APM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: n/a
Citation: n/a

Name: SUNK, Stephen Sanchez
Award: Medal of the Order of Australia
Post-nominal: OAM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Humpty Doo
Citation: For service to education through curriculum design and development and as a teacher, to the Indigenous communities of the Northern Territory, and to professional organisations.

Name: WALTER, Adrian Charles
Award: Member of the Order of Australia
Post-nominal: AM
Date granted: 26 January 2009
State: NT
Suburb: Jingili
Citation: For service to the arts, particularly in the area of classical guitar performance and musical composition through the Darwin International Guitar Festival, to music education and as a supporter of emerging performers.

youth in our streets at night - give 'em a fair go!

2008-12-21T15:35:00.000-08:00

Complexity is the key word when considering the social environment in Alice Springs streets at night. Here's my spat about the 'lock-em-up" attitude towards youth in the streets of Alice Springs - most are just hanging around as far as I can see, with a few commiting offenses.

My list of issues to think about:

*We need to preserve our diverse services to reflect the needs of the community.
*Kids need activities in the early evening which make them tired enough to go home and sleep at night.
*They need a safe haven in times of trouble and a safe place to sleep at night.
*They need boundaries to be identified and a social model to work towards.
*How does a kid with a dysfunctional family build a life for themselves?
*How do we equip kids to look out for the mental health of their mates?
*How do we equip kids to stand up to bullying and survival of the fittest mentality?
*How do we instill hope and spiritual succour for the people who are lost and struggling in our region?
*Alice goes to sleep at 8pm apart from alcohol venues - what's that all about?

I use the term ‘we’ because calling out to the government is clearly not useful – they can fund program after program but often this ends up with public servants pinning their hopes on one swooping action like the intervention, full time English in all schools and the stolen generations.

I’m sure there’s a litany of NGO’s who could say they provide the above services. So if you could find a service providing the issue you see as important, why not give them a hand? Even just a hand shake?

In terms of all types of dysfunction whether it’s addiction, violence, lack of direction, petty crime, vandalism or whatever, I always look at the solution from one perspective. That is, what’s available to this person if they decide to change their life? Do we have the structures readily available for the many years of work it takes for any person, no matter what stage of life they are at, to negotiate their recovery? And if the services are available, is the person easily able to access them?

The only way our community will ever thrive is if we adopt a solutions model with each individual expanding their own compassion levels. Alice Springs jail, which was envisioned never to be filled, is busting at the seams. Whereas I believe, if we got things right, it could be half empty.

Sign The Greens Petition - 5% is not enough! -

2008-12-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

On Monday, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd raised the white flag of surrender on climate change when he announced an emissions reduction target for Australia of just 5% below 2000 levels (4% below 1990 levels).

Sign The Greens Petition:

http://greensmps.org.au/content/petition/5-emission-target-not-enough

------- 5% is not enough! -----------

Roll Back the NT Intervention

2008-12-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

Major General Chalmers is Canberra's 'man on the ground' reporting back to the highest level of Government regarding the intervention.

Last week, LGANT held it's first General Meeting since the shires amalgamations. Major Gen Chalmers addressed the meeting and publicly said that there is no statistical data to prove that there are more displaced, homeless people living in the streets of Alice Springs or other municipalities across the Territory since the intervention troops rolled in. I disagree. I believe the Federal and NT Governments have a duty to provide services for youth and homeless people in our towns and that they need to report comprehensively on the impact the intervention has had on the lives of many across the Territory.

His words stand in the way of Local Government being able to access appropriate funding and services for the large number of needy people in Alice Springs and other towns across the Territory.

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Climate Change

2008-12-08T16:07:00.000-08:00

"What the Government doesn't understand is that when it comes to climate you are not dealing with social or economic policy, but you're actually dealing with the laws of physics and chemistry, and trying to negotiate with the laws of physics is a really dumb idea,"

- David Spratt, Co-author of "Climate Code Red"

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Inquiry into the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management (Repeal and Consequential Amendment) Bill 2008

2008-11-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

Public hearing transcripts

17/11/2008 Alice Springs, NT (PDF 309KB) - evidence given by Alderman Jane Clark and CEO Mr Rex Mooney for Alice Springs Town Council starts p30 of day 1 hansard.

18/11/2008 Alice Springs, NT (PDF 195KB)

28/11/2008 Canberra, ACT(HTML format)(PDF 10KB)

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Tell the federal government - Don't dump on the Territory!

2008-11-14T18:24:00.001-08:00

The Federal Government is conducting a Senate Inquiry into the future of the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act (CRWMA).
This undemocratic piece of legislation allows a federal nuclear waste dump to be forced on the Territory.

Despite a clear election promise from the ALP to repeal this act, almost a year later, this has not been followed through.

Four areas are still under assessment due to the CRWMA - Mt Everard, Fishers Ridge, Harts Range and Muckaty.

Public hearings start in Alice Springs on Monday November 17.
We need a strong turnout from the local community to show there is continued opposition to this proposal.

Tell the federal government - Don't dump on the Territory!
COMMUNITY RALLY
Monday November 17
12pm, Crowne Plaza Lawns
Speakers include people from affected areas and local organisations.

PUBLIC HEARING TIMES:
Monday November 17, 1pm - 5pm
Tuesday November 18, 8am - 11am
Crowne Plaza Ballroom AB
Everyone is welcome to attend.

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Ngapartji Ngapartji - supporting indigenous languages

2008-11-11T13:50:00.000-08:00

Over the last few years a number of language speakers, linguists and language workers have identified the urgency of the issue of supporting indigenous languages.

In response a petition to the Federal government has been put together, Please follow the link below to either print out a hard copy or sign this petition online in support of indigenous languages. http://www.fatsil.org.au/component/option,com_joomlapetition/Itemid,/catid,1/func,viewcategory/

For more information regarding the status of indigenous languages please head to the Ngapartji Ngapartji website;
http://www.ngapartji.org/content/view/19/79/

or to the Transient Languages and Cultures blog;
http://blogs.usyd.edu.au/elac/

and here is a great essay that was on Radio National recently
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/linguafranca/stories/2008/2410952.htm

Uranium Oxide Derailment in Alice CBD -accident waiting to happen!

2008-11-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

Following news of Tuesday's train derailment and subsequent fire near Katherine, Greens Alderman Jane Clark has called for environmental impact studies on uranium exploration and mining projects to include the implications of spills and hazards caused by transportation of radioactive substances through the Territory.

"With BHP's intention to send one uranium train EVERY day of the year from one end of the Territory to the other, through Alice Springs, right up to Port Darwin, news of derailments makes me very nervous. These trains will be carrying radioactive uranium oxide across the entire NT. Once mining commences the complexities of transport, handling and spillage come into play. For this reason environmental impact studies need to be stringent, independent and comprehensive."

"What if the train had derailed in the Gap? The railline comes within 100 metres of the Alice Springs CBD. The risk of derailments on the railway line and resultant fires and bushfires is serious and more than probable. No amount of spin can push this risk aside."

"After 4 months Alice Springs Town Council is still awaiting a reply from the mines minister regarding water quality and protection of our air from the Angela Pamela Exploration and Mining project. We should also call on the NT government for information about the safeguards being considered against transportation hazards and spills and I will ask ASTC to request thorough responses from the NTG on these issues."

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Authorised by Derek Schild for The Greens NT, 12 Mills St Alice Springs, NT

SOLAR NOT NUCLEAR - Community Picnic

2008-10-29T05:57:00.000-07:00

1st November 2008
11am Araluen Park

*Information and ideas sharing
*Solar Baking
*Kids Activites
*Music

Bring some food and creative ideas to build the community campaign opposing uranium exploration and mining.

Organised by the Alice Springs Angela Pamela (ASAP) CollectiveContact: 8952 2011

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Alice Springs CAN stop the uranium mining on our doorstep
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Creative IT Industries Forum on 25 November

2008-10-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

To be held on November 25
- Brochure: http://www.netgrrlhosting.com/forum.pdf

Please circulate through your networks.

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Environment Advisory Committee

2008-10-27T05:22:00.001-07:00

The next meeting will be held in the Andy McNeill Room ASTC 5.30pm Monday Nov 3rd - the public is welcome to come watch the meeting and there is an agenda item where questions can be put from the public gallery.

ALICE SPRINGS TOWN COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
AGENDA FOR THE MEETING
TO BE HELD ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2008 AT 5.30PM - 7.30PM
IN THE ANDY McNEILL ROOM

1. WELCOME BY CHAIR ALD JANE CLARK

2. APOLOGIES

3. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

4. GUEST SPEAKER

5. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING 8TH SEPTEMBER 2008
5.1 Business Arising

6. CHARTER
6.1 Committee quorum number (Half +1)

7. CITIES FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION
7.1 Solar Cities – Update report
7.2 Greenhouse emissions for Local Action Plan data breakdown – R Laan

8. WASTE MANAGEMENT
Status report - Landfill Management Plan – R Laan
Status report – Waste Minimisation Plan – R Laan
Cash for Cans – update – Greg Buxton

9. CYCLING COMMITTEE
Comment on 2005-10 National Bicycling Strategy - Greg Buxton
Update on DPI consultant review of cycle paths - Greg Buxton

10. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

11. ROADMAP TO A DESERT SMART TOWN

12. WATER IN ALICE SPRINGS 2008 DVD AND Water Efficiency Program – Angela Day

13. OTHER BUSINESS

14. Next Meeting ----- MONDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 5009 - 5.30 - ANDY MCNEILL ROOM

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Recent media about Angela Pamela U-Mine

2008-10-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Greens NT: www.nt.greens.org.au

ALP Central Australia position on AP
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/10/09/2386789.htm?site=alicesprings

The Angela pamela license to explore has been granted:
http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Minerals_Energy/news_media_archive_article.cfm?newsid=404&ws=1

No Alice U-Mine Facebook Group - Join Now: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20672761332

SBS program Living Black - episode from Wed 8th Oct : http://www20.sbs.com.au/podcasting/index.php?action=feeddetails&feedid=54

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Greens Urge Territorians to Keep Lobbying NTG

2008-10-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

The Greens NT are urging Territorians to continue to lobby the NT Government to hear their concerns about uranium mining at Angela and Pamela deposits 21km from Alice Springs.

This was in response to The Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources (DRDPIFR) granting Cameco Australia and Paladin Energy Minerals an exploration licence over the Angela and Pamela uranium prospects in central Australia.

At a protest held on Sunday Greens Alderman Jane Clark said, "Central Australian leaders need to actively stand up and convey our opposition to this development. We have not received evidence that our water and air quality will be maintained at current levels despite requests by Alice Springs Town Council for the NT Government to supply this information. Spin and glossy leaflets from the potential mining companies do not go anywhere near addressing the seriousness and complexity of the issues that Alice Springs faces.

"The Tourism and Pastoral Industries are our major economic base and they will be adversely affected by uranium mining long before it starts. These industries are strong because of our clean healthy environment and once this image has been damaged, it will be very hard to re-establish."

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Greens and Friends Get Together Oct 12

2008-10-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

We would love more people to get involved in the Greens in Alice Springs and for more people to be informed about issues affecting life in Central Australia. To encourage this we have decided to have a Green gathering every second month on the second Sunday of the month. This will be a social event with a time to meet other Greens members and learn more about a particular issue. The first one will be happening this Sunday (12th October):

Date: Sunday 12 October
Time: 5pm - 6pm
Venue: Telegraph Station
Focus Issue: Angela-Pamela exploration license - what happens now?
What to bring: drinks/snacks to eat and share, something to sit on

Kids, friends, non-members VERY welcome.

Hope to see you there!

on behalf of the Alice Springs Greens

Angela pamela license to explore granted Oct 3, 2008

2008-10-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

The Angela pamela license to explore has been granted:
http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Minerals_Energy/news_media_archive_article.cfm?newsid=404&ws=1

PROTEST TODAY:

Chief Minister's office Alice Springs 5pm

PROTEST SUNDAY:

Flynn Church lawns 10.30am

Please text and email this message as widely as possible

regards,
Jane Clark

No Alice U-Mine: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20672761332

Letter to Australian and NT News Oct 2 2008

2008-10-02T21:51:00.000-07:00

The proposed Uranium exploration license under consideration at Angela deposit 21km from Alice Springs will not in any way benefit our town. The proposed mining lease is located directly over the top of the artesian water supply for the town and there is no alternative water source.

Mining companies from the other side of the globe have been attracted to what is under the ground, not to Alice Springs as a wonderful destination to visit, work and live. They have no interest in preserving our quality of life or our existing industries.

I ask people to seriously consider the unresolved environmental damage caused by uranium mining at several locations in Canada. No amount of spin can cover what has happened there, and the lack of will to fix the problems. Why should they bother when they can come to another location like Alice Springs, and plunder there?

We need to have our water catchment area protected from uranium exploration - which is, after all, uranium mining on a smaller scale. Let's pull together and call for protection of the water catchment area of Alice Springs. It is the lifeblood of Alice and there is no alternative water source.

Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Bill

2008-09-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

As you may know, there will be an Inquiry into the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Bill, put forward by Senator Ludlam last week.

Information about the Inquiry is online here: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eca_ctte/radioactive_waste/info.htm

This Bill put forward by Senator Ludlam repeals the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act of 2005 and the amendments to that legislation made in 2006.

I have pasted below Senator Ludlam's Second Reading Speech which sets out the many reasons why the legislation should be repealed.

Submissions are due by Friday 31 October. You are strongly, strongly urged to make a submission to the Inquiry! Send your submissions to

Committee Secretary Senate Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts Department of the Senate
PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600 Australia
Phone: +61 2 6277 3526
Fax: +61 2 6277 5818
Email: eca.sen@aph.gov.au

Hearings will be held in mid-November, and if enough submissions are received from the Territory, it is a possibility that a hearing will be held in Darwin and/or Alice Springs. The report will be due in early December.

============================
COMMONWEALTH RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT (REPEAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENT) BILL 2008 - Second Reading
Senator LUDLAM (Western Australia) (9:37 AM)
—I move:
That this bill be now read a second time.

I seek leave to have the second reading speech incorporated in Hansard.
Leave granted.

The speech read as follows—
COMMONWEALTH RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT (REPEAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENT) BILL 2008
The Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act Repeal Bill 2008 will repeal the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005 and the related Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Legislation Amendment Act 2006. This legislation enables the Federal government to impose a radioactive waste facility on an unwilling Territory government, and on unwilling communities.

Before the 2004 election, Federal Environment Minister, Senator Campbell provided an ‘absolute categorical assurance’ that a radioactive dump would not be imposed on the Northern Territory. In July 2005 it was announced, after no consultation with the NT Government or affected traditional owners and communities, that three Department of Defence sites - Harts Range, Fisher’s Ridge and Mt Everard - had been short-listed for assessment.

The Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act (CRWMA) 2005 was then pushed through federal parliament, overriding NT laws prohibiting transport and storage of federal nuclear waste. The legislation prevents the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 from having effect during investigation of potential dump sites, and it excluded the Native Title Act 1993 from operating at all. Procedural fairness is also wiped out through suspension of the Judicial Review Act.

Amendments passed in 2006 to the CRWMA override Aboriginal Land Rights Act procedures requiring informed consent from all affected people and groups. Indeed, these changes explicitly stated that site nominations from Land Councils are valid even in the absence of consultation with and consent from traditional owners.

Under the amended process, Muckaty, 120 km north of Tennant Creek, was nominated by the Northern Land Council. The site was added to the short-list of potential sites in September 2007, when former Science Minister Julie Bishop accepted the contentious nomination. This clearly ignored strong, public opposition from a number of traditional owners from the Muckaty Land Trust.

In response to this announcement, Senator Carr, the Shadow Minister for Industry, Innovation, Science and Research stated,
“Today’s announcement is yet the next chapter in the decade-long saga of lies and mismanagement that has become Howard’s waste dump. The Howard Government has tried to impose its waste dump at numerous sites around the country; settling on the Northern Territory because of its ability to steamroll the Territory’s rights and impose the dump against its will.After forcing legislation through Federal Parliament, the Science Minister now has full Ministerial discretion over the siting of a nuclear waste facility in the Northern Territory. Labor believes that Howard’s bullyboy tactics in the Northern Territory are no way to select a nuclear waste dump. Labor is committed to repealing the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act and establishing a consensual process of site selection.Labor’s process will look to agreed scientific grounds for determining suitability. Community consultation and support will be central to our approach.

In April 2007, the Australian Labor Party national conference passed its National Platform, Chapter 5 of which states that a “Federal Labor Government will:

not proceed with the development of any of the current sites identified by the Howard Government in the Northern Territory, if no contracts have been entered into for those sites.
repeal the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005.
establish a process for identifying suitable sites that is scientific, transparent, accountable, fair and allows access to appeal mechanisms.
identify a suitable site for a radioactive waste dump in accordance with the new process.
ensure full community consultation in radioactive waste decision-making processes.
commit to international best practice scientific processes to underpin Australia’s radioactive waste management, including transportation and storage.”

A number of senior Labor Ministers and Senators released media statements prior to the 2007 federal election pledging repeal of the CRWMA if elected. ALP politicians had referred to the legislation as ‘draconian’, ‘sordid’, ‘arrogant’ and ‘profoundly shameful’. In their media statement issued on 6 March 2007 by Senator Carr, Shadow Minister for Industry, Innovation, Science and Research, MP Warren Snowdon, Member for Lingiari and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern Australia and Indigenous Affairs, and NT Senator Trish Crossin. This committed Federal Labor to:

Legislate to restore transparency, accountability and procedural fairness including the right of access to appeal mechanisms in any decisions in relation the siting of any nuclear waste facilities;
Ensure that any proposal for the siting of a nuclear waste facility on Aboriginal Land in the Northern Territory would adhere to the requirements that exist under the Aboriginal Land Rights, Northern Territory Act (ALRA);
Restore the balance and, pending contractual obligation, will not proceed with the establishment of a nuclear waste facility on or off Aboriginal land until the rights removed by the Howard government are restored and a proper and agreed site selection process is carried out; and
Not arbitrarily impose a nuclear waste facility without agreement on any community, anywhere in Australia.

The Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act 2005 has been ineffective and controversial. Leaving this legislation in place undermines the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Heritage Protection Act, overrides Aboriginal Land Rights procedures and is a blatant disregard for the express wishes of the Territory government. Repealing this legislation is implementing an ALP federal election promise and will pave the way for a new approach to the management of Australia’s radioactive waste.

Australia’s radioactive waste is a legacy of decisions taken in the past, specifically in the Menzies era when the government opened a research reactor at Lucas Heights, 31 kms from the heart of Sydney. Decisions taken then reflect historically specific moments in science and in politics.
Both the scientific and the political methods we have today contrast sharply with those of the Cold War era during which assumptions about the relatively new nuclear technology were simplistic and utopian and nuclear decision-making was cloaked in secrecy, far away from the public eye.

The decisions we take today about Australia’s radioactive waste - how it should be stored, where it should be stored, whether it should be transported and centralised - should reflect the best science we have at our disposal now, as well as the best democratic and transparent processes that governments and citizens can utilise in today’s world.

Transparency is what Australia has been lacking in its decision-making about radioactive waste management. Recent attempts to impose an “out of sight, out of mind solution” onto unwilling communities, or communities that have been divided through the provision of payments are not sustainable “solutions” but doomed because they do not enjoy public confidence.

Senator LUDLAM —I seek leave to continue my remarks later.
Leave granted; debate adjourned.

Creative Industries Workshop to be held on 25 November

2008-09-30T17:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a summary of our discussions re the Creative Industries Workshop to be held on 25 November:

Suggested participants:
* ICT Industry network members
* Screen Content businesses
* Art Networks
* Photo visual businesses
* Media businesses
* Multi media businesses
* Universities/Trainers
* Advertising businesses
* Government support agencies

Format of workshop
0830- 1015 5 minute introduction from all participants: their business and products.
1015-1030 Quick coffee break
1030- 1100 Business Clusters 101- some business clustering stories and theory.
1100- 1130 Creative Industry Cluster Activities from other parts of Australia (QUT speaker either by video or in person).
1130- 1400 Working lunch. Facilitated small group discussion around:
? The opportunities for Alice Springs
? The missing links!

1400- 1600 Facilitated full group session around:
? Priority setting
? Action planning for key projects.

At the end of the day workshop members will have:
decided if a local creative industries cluster is viable
developed a shared set of projects/actions that they want to do.
agreed upon the next steps.

This will then be drafted into a report

Evening Option: It was also discussed that a venue be arranged for evening drinks after the workshop. This will provide opportunity for more discussion (if some of us get excited). It would also be good for those unable to attend full day to meet and catch up on what was missed. This also enables us to be strict about a 4pm end time enabling people to return to work and catch up before going to evening meeting.

Add this date to your diary (or enter a reminder on your phone) - 25 November @ Desert Kowledge 8.30am - 4pm with option to meet for drinks afterwards.