We are so stuffed ...
Scone Blogger's Blog
What have we done to our valley, anyone?
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
The right to clean air; it ought to be a thing
It’s time to press the panic button on the air we breathe in
the Upper Hunter and there’s no time to waste.
At the Upper Hunter Health Forum (Tuesday 12th March ) presented by Dr
Ben Ewald, Dr John Van Der Kallen and Dr Bob Vickers from Doctors of the Environment (DEA), we heard how air pollution is a major environmental risk to
health and how it is killing us.
We also heard that there is strong evidence that we
can reduce illness and death from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and
respiratory diseases by significantly reducing air pollution levels but … and
it’s a big ‘but’ … we need political will and leadership from those who
represent us.
With the NSW election only 3 days away, we have an
opportunity to make a difference in our health outcomes by voting for
politicians who take climate change seriously and who are prepared to
transition quickly to renewable energy.
The DEA doctors told us that stopping
emissions from coal-fired power stations would immediately improve our health
with fewer deaths, fewer incidences of cardiovascular disease, fewer low birth
weight babies, fewer premature babies and fewer new cases of diabetes.
In a nutshell, choosing a politician prepared to deal with
climate change would provide us with an opportunity to improve our health. We
need to vote for this sort of a politician.
In the Upper Hunter, air pollution routinely breaches
Australian national standards and nothing is done about it. Yes, there are
monitoring stations and we monitor that we are steadily being poisoned but
nothing is actually done to stop the breaches re-occurring. It is air pollution
‘Groundhog Day’ over and over again.
So, what to do!
Hit that panic button and vote for the
candidate who takes our Upper Hunter predicament seriously and who recognises
that we have a right to breathe clean air …
… and PS don’t forget to number all the boxes to get the
most out of your vote!!!
(this post has been cross-posted at Freedom Cyclist blog)
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Trees and houses we need but Roundup we don't
We have another Ordinary Meeting for the Upper Hunter Shire Council coming up tomorrow night (30 July 2018), and I just want to mention that at the last Ordinary Council Meeting (25 June 2018), I moved three motions: two were carried, one was not even seconded so therefore lapsed.
1. Tree Presevation and Management Policy
In a moment of pragmatism I agreed to a suggested amendment to my original motion, and so moved:
That Council update Part 11a (Tree Preservation) of the Upper Hunter Development Control Plan 2015 having regard to the provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Area) 2017, and to require 'Council Approval' for the removal and pruning of certain native and non-native vegetation within the Upper Hunter Shire LGA. The update shall consider the following matters:
a) best global ecological practice;
b) adherence to Australian Standards for amenity and rural tree planting;
c) consultation with council's qualified arborist or another qualified arborist on all occasions involving Upper Hunter Shire tree preservation and management;
d) appropriate tree planting and tree replacement action that takes into account Australia's growing dry and drought-like constratints and conditions.
Rationale
There is no excuse for the unsightly topping of our trees by electricity providers (and/or their commercial pruners) and others so common in the Upper Hunter Shire. The irony is that all too often this ignorant pruning results in faster re-growth with the costs being passed onto shire residents and ratepayers by loss of amenity, environmental services and earlier planting and replacement costs.
Tree preservation and tree managment need to be done by skilled workers directed with clear commitment by electricity providers (and/or their commercial pruners) to prune according to the Australina Standard 4373/2007 'pruning of amenity trees', and the Upper Hunter Shire community is disappointed that whilst we have a standard laying out exactly how pruning should be done, everywhere we look after distressing tree pruning events we see poorly pruned trees.
But this issue also goes beyond just inept pruning because there also seems to be a general loss of more complex pruning skills for all shurbs, fruit trees and other trees compounded by the lack of consideration for the right tree for the right space.
This ignorance which is translating into community 'vandalism' has to stop.
As we have all discussed before both at Sutainability Advisory Services committee meetings and council meetings, it is time for the Upper Hunter Shire Council to adopt a proper comprehensive tree preservation and tree managment policy, and to remind tree workers and / or tree contractors, whether pruning for themselves or any entity in our shire, that they must demonstrate they have the skills to prune according to AS4373/2007. The Upper Hunter Shire Council needs a clear vision for the preservation and management of our trees for us all here today for future generations.
Moved, seconded, carried ✔
2. Affordable Housing Scheme
I then moved the following amended motion in two parts:
1. That Council, subject to available funding, prepare an affordable housing background report on housing needs and issues in the uppter Hunter Shire LGA including research and analysis of the housing market and housing affordability. The background report shall consider a range of strategies to address any recommendations for Council's consideration should it proceed to the develpment of an Affordable Housing Strategy.
2. That Council prepare a report on Passivhaus construction principles including recommendations on how this method of construction can be promoted across the Upper Hunter Shire LGA.
Rationale:
We have a shortage of affordable social housing yet a responsibility to ensure everyone who lives in the Upper Hunter Shire has a safe and long term housing option to call home so that everyone can get on with their lives without the pervasive worry of not having a permanent home. Many mental health experts both nationally and internationally propound the importance of social housing because without a safe long-term home it is impossible to combat the dire mental health issues that face Australian communities and in particular its rural ones.
Moved, seconded, carried ✔
3. Shire Ban of Monsanto's Roundup (Glyphosate Formulations)
I moved:
That Council ban Monsanto's widely-used Roundup from usage across the Upper Hunter Shire after the US' National Toxic Program's (NTP) recent uncovering of evidence that some popular weedkilling products such as Roundup are potentially more toxic to human cells than their active ingredient is by itself.
Unfortunately the motion was not seconded and so lapsed meaning that I didn't get a chance to to talk to the motion.
If I had I would have said that given that a summary of the NTP stated that glyphosate formulations decreased human cell 'viability', disrupting cell membranes, it can only be condsidered to unconscionably irresponsible if we continue to use Roundup in our quest to combat weeds. I would have gone on to say that The Guardian states that:
And I would have concluded that we have this information of Roundup, it comes from a reputable source, so the case for Roundup is demonstrably weak and so to continue using it in our weed minimisation regime can only be considered irresponsible.
Sigh
1. Tree Presevation and Management Policy
In a moment of pragmatism I agreed to a suggested amendment to my original motion, and so moved:
That Council update Part 11a (Tree Preservation) of the Upper Hunter Development Control Plan 2015 having regard to the provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Area) 2017, and to require 'Council Approval' for the removal and pruning of certain native and non-native vegetation within the Upper Hunter Shire LGA. The update shall consider the following matters:
a) best global ecological practice;
b) adherence to Australian Standards for amenity and rural tree planting;
c) consultation with council's qualified arborist or another qualified arborist on all occasions involving Upper Hunter Shire tree preservation and management;
d) appropriate tree planting and tree replacement action that takes into account Australia's growing dry and drought-like constratints and conditions.
Rationale
There is no excuse for the unsightly topping of our trees by electricity providers (and/or their commercial pruners) and others so common in the Upper Hunter Shire. The irony is that all too often this ignorant pruning results in faster re-growth with the costs being passed onto shire residents and ratepayers by loss of amenity, environmental services and earlier planting and replacement costs.
Tree preservation and tree managment need to be done by skilled workers directed with clear commitment by electricity providers (and/or their commercial pruners) to prune according to the Australina Standard 4373/2007 'pruning of amenity trees', and the Upper Hunter Shire community is disappointed that whilst we have a standard laying out exactly how pruning should be done, everywhere we look after distressing tree pruning events we see poorly pruned trees.
But this issue also goes beyond just inept pruning because there also seems to be a general loss of more complex pruning skills for all shurbs, fruit trees and other trees compounded by the lack of consideration for the right tree for the right space.
This ignorance which is translating into community 'vandalism' has to stop.
As we have all discussed before both at Sutainability Advisory Services committee meetings and council meetings, it is time for the Upper Hunter Shire Council to adopt a proper comprehensive tree preservation and tree managment policy, and to remind tree workers and / or tree contractors, whether pruning for themselves or any entity in our shire, that they must demonstrate they have the skills to prune according to AS4373/2007. The Upper Hunter Shire Council needs a clear vision for the preservation and management of our trees for us all here today for future generations.
Moved, seconded, carried ✔
2. Affordable Housing Scheme
I then moved the following amended motion in two parts:
1. That Council, subject to available funding, prepare an affordable housing background report on housing needs and issues in the uppter Hunter Shire LGA including research and analysis of the housing market and housing affordability. The background report shall consider a range of strategies to address any recommendations for Council's consideration should it proceed to the develpment of an Affordable Housing Strategy.
2. That Council prepare a report on Passivhaus construction principles including recommendations on how this method of construction can be promoted across the Upper Hunter Shire LGA.
Rationale:
We have a shortage of affordable social housing yet a responsibility to ensure everyone who lives in the Upper Hunter Shire has a safe and long term housing option to call home so that everyone can get on with their lives without the pervasive worry of not having a permanent home. Many mental health experts both nationally and internationally propound the importance of social housing because without a safe long-term home it is impossible to combat the dire mental health issues that face Australian communities and in particular its rural ones.
Moved, seconded, carried ✔
3. Shire Ban of Monsanto's Roundup (Glyphosate Formulations)
I moved:
That Council ban Monsanto's widely-used Roundup from usage across the Upper Hunter Shire after the US' National Toxic Program's (NTP) recent uncovering of evidence that some popular weedkilling products such as Roundup are potentially more toxic to human cells than their active ingredient is by itself.
Unfortunately the motion was not seconded and so lapsed meaning that I didn't get a chance to to talk to the motion.
If I had I would have said that given that a summary of the NTP stated that glyphosate formulations decreased human cell 'viability', disrupting cell membranes, it can only be condsidered to unconscionably irresponsible if we continue to use Roundup in our quest to combat weeds. I would have gone on to say that The Guardian states that:
"The NTP work informs a global debate over whether or not these glyposate-based weedkilling chemical combinations are endangering people who are exposed. More than 4,000 people are currently suing Monsanto alleging they developed cancer from using Roundup, and several European countries are moving to limit the use of these herbicides."Then I would have mentioned that Jennifer Sass, a scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council said that "this testing is important, because the EPA has only been looking at the active ingredient. But it's the formuations that people are exposed to on their lawns and gardnes, where they play and in their food."
And I would have concluded that we have this information of Roundup, it comes from a reputable source, so the case for Roundup is demonstrably weak and so to continue using it in our weed minimisation regime can only be considered irresponsible.
Sigh
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
My Councillor Questions 25 June 2018
At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on June 25th 2018, I asked the following questions on the following topics:
1. Animal Control
-
In
light of the Murrurundi community’s concern regarding loose and dangerous dogs,
does council believe that we are living up to the draft DPOP statement found on
page 162 in the section “This is how we measure it” … and I quote “animal
control functions provided to the community at levels that meet their
expectations” are greater than 90%? Over at least the last 6 months Murrurundia
residents have raised many instances of dog attacks resulting in deaths to pets
and livestock, and I have been informed that many Murrurundi residents feel
that council is doing nothing to remedy this alarming situation.
-
Please
can I have a complete breakdown of monies from the years 2016-2017 and
2017-2018, that were allocated and used for animal control … down to the last
bag of kibble?
-
When
are we going to insulate the cat section of the pound? And can we please not
look at using fans as a summer solution for cooling the area. We all would agree that
sitting in a tin shed in 40+ degrees is not optimum.
-
What
is the purpose for the big empty shed which is situated at the dog pound area?
2. Library
-
The
technical services librarian whom we share with Muswellbrook Council, has
resigned and the Upper Hunter Shire Council Library Services Advisory Committee
requests that Muswellbrook Council (1) fills the position as soon as possible
for the remainder of the maternity leave position, and (2) provide a report to
the Upper Hunter Shire Council on the allocation of tasks and hours provided by
the technical services librarian? The Upper Hunter Shire Council pays a
significant sum of money for the services of the technical services librarian
and we appreciate them, but we will not be happy to wait until next January
2019 for a new one to be appointed.
-
Are
the Cassilis, Aberdeen, Merriwa and Murrurundi libraries deemed operational
land or community land?
3. Tomra Cleanaway and the EPA
-
Has
council had any feedback from the EPA in relation to disability access to the
Return and Earn machines? I have been in communication with TOMRA cleanaway and
they inform me that their new machines being installed have disability access,
and that they are working on a solution to provide like access to their old
machines. Could council perhaps communicate with TOMRA cleanaway and suggest
that they swap our 6 month old machines with their new ones as we are not happy
that still not all residents in the Upper Hunter Shire can use their ‘old’
machines.’
4. Code of conduct
-
How
much did the 2017 code of conduct matter cost to the Upper Hunter Shire
community? The community has a right to know.
5. Bypass
-
In
relation to the Scone Bypass, the Scone community is gravely concerned. Scone
is not being bypassed; it is being cleaved into two. Many residents feel that
there has been a lack of communication and information from both the Upper
Hunter Shire Council and the RMS. Many residents of Scone are justifiably
concerned about the irrevocable change that is on Scone’s horizon. There are
many questions being asked by Scone residents, and they want answers before the
bypass constructions works begin.
-
Residents
of Aberdeen and Wingen Streets want to know what is the RMS going to do about
the trucks crossing Liverpool and Aberdeen Streets as these trucks cart gravel
to the golf course/bypass building-site? The residents had a meeting with the
RMS this morning and they were informed that this issue is a council matter. So
what is the UHSC going to do?
-
Residents
of Aberdeen and Wingen Streets want to know what is the RMS going to do about
the St Aubin’s Street intersection and the increase in traffic along this part
of Scone? At the same meeting with the RMS this morning, the residents were
told this issue is nothing to do with the RMS but again were informed that this
issue is a council matter. So my question is what is the UHSC going to do about
the increase in traffic on these quiet local roads as a result of flowing off
and on the St Aubin’s Street intersection?
-
Many
residents are concerned that sodic soils throughout the Scone floodplain will
have an impact on the bypass infrastructure and its longevity. Is council
concerned about the levels of high sodicity that may affect embankment
stability and plasticity?
-
Is
council concerned about the potential of low wet-bearing strengths?
-
Has
the RMS conducted proper and thorough assessments of both current and future
soil and landscape factors and processes in order to reassure the Scone
community that the Scone Bypass is to be constructed and maintained
appropriately?
-
Has
the RMS considered the likelihood of gullying as a result of poor sodic soil
management in the Scone bypass area which could also affect many hectares of
adjoining property owners’ land?
-
What
is the Scone Bypass’ design life?
-
What
protections are in place for the stand of river red gums which are an
endangered ecological community (EEC)?
-
Are
the RMS engineers properly and expertly acquainted with soil science?
-
In
light of these questions, can the Upper Hunter Shire Council seek an interim
injunction to halt the building of the Scone Bypass until the Scone community
has the answers to their questions? I, myself, feel very poorly briefed on this
matter, and still wonder why Scone is getting a bypass when Muswellbrook and
Singleton are not, notwithstanding that both Muswellbrook and Singleton wanted
them so much more that we did. We wanted safe and efficient passage for
emergency vehicles.
6. Refugees
-
In
light of recent distressing images of children being separated from their
parents at US borders, it comes as a salutary reminder that our human rights
record for asylum seekers and refugees is none too kind. Would council consider
writing to our local member to suggest that he makes representations on our
behalf to close down the Manus Island and Naru refugee processing centres, and
to open up refugee processing centres here in Australia in order to administer
refugee/asylum seeding claims. I understand that we need to have limits on
immigration but to outsource this sensitive process overseas where matters are
conducted behind closed doors is horrific and inhumane, and it does not sit
well with me that it is done in my name, our name.
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
My Councillor Questions 28 May 2018
At the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 28 May 2018, I asked:
1. Has Muswellbrook Shire Council responded to our request to stop calling their libraries the “Upper Hunter Regional Library?”
Response: The General Manager replied that Council has contacted Muswellbrook Shire Council requesting that this be considered.
Update:
A letter has been sent to Muswellbrook Shire Council regarding their use of the name ‘Upper Hunter Regional Library’. A response is yet to be received.
2. When the Warbirds Attraction is built, what is the guarantee that the warbirds stay with the structure?
Response: The General Manager replied that this would be part of the contractual negotiations.
My Shire Notes from June 2018: People, planet ... and plastic pollution
Image credit: Tangaroa Blue Foundation, published in The Guardian |
It is a salutary thought to think that every single bit of
plastic ever made is still in existence today somewhere in the world … and that
it will never go away.
And yet still our fruit and vegetables and many of our
groceries come unnecessarily wrapped in single-use plastic which we then put in
single-use plastic bags in order to cart everything home only to throw away all
the single-use plastic involved once we have unpacked our shopping.
Sadly this plastic then ends up in our landfills, our soil
and our waterways, and sadly this plastic universally pollutes and invariably harms
our wildlife.
Did you know that eight million tonnes of plastic waste ends
up in freshwater and marine environments each year? Eight million tonnes …
So congratulations are definitely in order for Woolworths
and Coles on their decision to no longer provide single-use plastic bags to
shoppers at checkouts anymore.
From June 20 2018 and July 1 2018 respectively, Woolworths and
Coles will commence their ‘no-more-plastic-bags’ pledge across the nation
whether state governments have committed to this action or not.
Well done indeed.
The Upper Hunter Shire Council wholeheartedly supports
Woolworths’ and Coles’ commitment to eliminating single-use plastic bags, and understands
that customers who don’t bring their own bags will have access to a range of
alternative shopping bag options, including thicker reusable plastic bags at 15
cents a bag and of course the fabulous free Boomerang Bags made in the Upper
Hunter Shire and regularly supplied to Woolworths and Coles.
As we all transition to a grocery shopping experience
without plastic bags, the Upper Hunter Shire Council urges Upper Hunter Shire
residents to also think about seeking out products that are made from materials
packaged in recyclable, compostable and/or reusable materials in order to
reduce our plastic ‘consumption’ as much as we possibly can.
As we set about removing plastic in our lives, we could
think of it in terms of the five Rs: Refuse,
Reduce, Re-use, Repurpose, Recycle, because these actions save landfill
space, save money, and definitely help to reduce greenhouse emissions.
There's also a growing grassroots movement across the world to
ban plastic straws, with nearly 100 venues Australia-wide already having phased
out single-use straws - now I would love to see that happen in the Upper Hunter
Shire, along with the banning of cotton buds.
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