Maitland Greens has announced freelance journalist John Brown as its candidate in the March State election.
Mr Brown, of Bolwarra Heights, has lived in Maitland for more than 30 years and has been active in a number of community organisations. He was also The Greens candidate at the previous State election. “One message I want to send to Maitland residents is that ‘It’s Cool To Be Green’, “ Mr Brown said. “After the recent heatwaves across Australia it has become critical to plant more trees, right across the city, in suburban and business precincts. More trees reduce the heat build-up …. It’s incredible how trees can help bring down the temperature. “Part of the message is also about climate change: ‘Think Globally, Act Locally’. “Our environment is crucial to our health. We Greens have been very disturbed at the number of trees being cleared in the Maitland area. We need to take more care of our environment.” Mr Brown points to one big tree loss in the area in which he lives …. the destruction of the Bolwarra Wetlands Reserve. “Volunteers of all ages helped plant thousands of trees in this reserve. Maitland Council helped fund the project and then stepped back to watch developers rip most of them out,” he said. “There have been many other complaints of healthy trees being removed right across the city. “We have to stop this tree destruction and give our city a chance to breathe.” Mr Brown said that ending domestic violence was also a key Greens issue. “We need more support for women, more housing, more facilities, more financial and health support to end this epidemic which is prevalent in Maitland,” he said. Mr Brown is a former Chief Sub-editor, Deputy Editor and Sports Editor at the Maitland Mercury. In switching to the Newcastle Herald he was appointed Sports Editor and fulfilled many other senior roles including Chief-Sub-editor, Production Editor and Night Editor. His community roles include more than 20 years as a member of the Friends of Maitland Library, Red Cross volunteer and former member of the heritage committee. He is married with one daughter and two granddaughters. 
What happened to our Bolwarra Wetlands Reserve?
Here is a press released from a former Landcare member trying to find out: AN independent public inquiry is needed into how Maitland City Council allowed developers to destroy a valued wetlands, former Landcare member John Brown, says. The Bolwarra Wetlands Reserve protected wildlife, including kangaroos, birds and water birds, for more than 20 years before the developers moved in, Mr Brown said. “It also served as a pathway linking several housing estates to the sporting fields and local primary school. “The developers ripped out hundreds of trees planted by local volunteers, including members of Landcare, local residents and nearby school children,” he said. “Landcare signs were removed, seating taken away, a pathway destroyed and more signs indicating ‘Bolwarra Wetlands Reserve’ have gone missing. Then No Trespassing signs were erected to cut the link to school and sports ovals, forcing children onto a busy main road. “Maitland City Council invested ratepayers’ money in establishing this wetlands then stood back as the developers destroyed it,” he said. Mr Brown says three sectors of Maitland City Council have failed the ratepayers – the General Manager’s office, the Environment and Planning department and the finance department. And he says he has the evidence to prove it. “It took me 12 months to get a reply from the council as to how this destruction of the wetlands happened,” he said. “After continued pressure on the elected representatives, replies came from the General Manager’s office and the environment/planning department. But they differed in so many ways. The general manager said the land was “rezoned” but the environment department said there was no rezoning. Then I was informed there were no financial records of how much ratepayer money was spent on the reserve. “Following that, I received an email from the council that they had passed on wrong information and were busy trying to find the correct information. This was only the start. “Council agendas show that a report by its strategic planner Josh Ford to keep the wetlands out of any future development was adopted. Subsequent council reports indicated that the wetlands were not included in any development application. “Maps presented to councillors on council agendas showed the wetlands area as a ‘proposed reserve’ or a ‘reserve’ “, Mr Brown said. “Dates supplied by the general manager are not correct, according to council agendas. And there is more, much more.” Mr Brown said he would love to present his information to an independent inquiry. “Let’s put it all out in the open,” he said. |
If you want to know how trees play a major role in our modern-day society then take a look at this graphic.
It's cool ... really cool. Maitland Council has a history of chopping down trees throughout our city. A bit,or probably a lot, of pressure on our council representatives might help change this situation. Stay cool this summer. 
Great to be with Janet Murray - Greens candidate for Cessnock, Greens MP Dave Shoebridge, Maitland candidate John Brown and members of Cessnock-Kurri Greens and Maitland Greens to kick off The Greens campaign for Cessnock.
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How much influence do developers have over council
Who has the right to trash a large section of a wildlife sanctuary created by dozens of volunteers?
And who has the right to smash the vision of a well-known and much-loved local environmentalist who spent a great deal of his time organising and planning this sanctuary?
I’m referring to the Bolwarra Wetlands, situated a few kilometres north of the Maitland CBD, where community volunteers banded together to plant thousands of trees in a reserve around the waterway. This was to be a sanctuary for the local wildlife and the vision of the late Doug Dyce, of Kensington Road, Bolwarra – leader of Bolwarra Landcare and a well-known Hunter Valley solicitor.
Trees were planted in a planned fashion that would allow for continued revegetation. Signs were erected to show the work was undertaken by members of Landcare, another showed what wildlife frequented the area, there was seating and a pathway allowing people to walk from one side to the other.
Today, one large section of this land has been trashed, and, it appears, this destruction sanctioned by Maitland City Council. In my opinion it shows just how much influence the developers have over a local community.
Hundreds of trees were ripped out, the signs have been taken away, the seating removed, the walking trail destroyed, and a fence erected to stop “trespassers”. All this just for a few more houses. As well, several “jetties” have been placed out into the waterway for the enjoyment of a few, although I have been told these have not been approved by the council.
So, how and why did all this happen? Yes, the land was privately owned, firstly by Hunter Water who sold it to the developers. All legal. Yet the land had to be rezoned to allow for buildings.
It all began back in June, 2010, when the then Maitland Council Strategic Town Planner was given the task of making amendments to the Local Environment Plan (LEP) for the Bolwarra Investigation Area. In other words, rezone the land to allow for more housing.
However, the town planner was very much aware of the wetlands. In his Executive Summary of June 2010 he wrote this:
“ …. the site accommodates regenerated vegetation that was planted by various community groups, including the Maitland and Bolwarra Landcare Groups’; … council assisted in managing this regeneration project by overseeing pathway construction, revegetation and seating, and the administration of such projects that were funded predominantly by Landcare and other government agency grants. ….. therefore potential development in this area would not be in the community’s interests”.
The planner ended with the statement that this land was “significant to the community and the council should protect the area of regenerated vegetation and simultaneously recognise the significant work undertaken by community groups in the past, whose work was often carried out under the auspices and supervision of Maitland City Council.”
There are other statements in this report that warrant quotation. Under the heading Environment:
“The need to retain linkages between areas of remaining vegetation and the wetlands will need to be planned for”.
And: “The water quality and habitat value of the wetlands will need to be protected”.
So, what went wrong. How did the developers manage to rip out so many trees and trash a large part of the area and walk all over the community and its efforts to protect our disappearing wildlife?
In my opinion, it goes to show the influence that developers have over communities - not just in Bolwarra but I know events like this have been happening across the city, the valley and the state.
And it’s time for the community to stand up.
I call on Maitland City Council to restore this wetlands area, to return it to the community and rebuild a sanctuary for our wildlife. I would like to see the signs put back in, the seating put back in, removal of the fence, removal of the jetties and the walking trail restored.
I would also like to see the council hold an open and transparent inquiry into how this happened. I ask the council and councillors to consider this:
1: The initial report from the strategic planner called for this land to be protected.
2: The council played a role in the formation of this sanctuary both financially and through project management.
3: Other financial support through grants (public money) was provided by government agencies.
4: Dozens of volunteers of all ages help to plant those trees that were removed by bulldozers.
5: The community also has rights, including the right to protect trees.
6: Why was the community ignored on this issue? Why did the general manager not reply to two letters asking for clarity on this situation? Two letters that were hand-delivered and containing extensive detail were not even acknowledged as being received.
John Brown (11/6/2018) jsbrown@live.com.au
On behalf of former Bolwarra Landcare members, and
more than 300 people who signed a petition regarding the wetlands among other issues.
This petition was presented to Mayor Loretta Baker on May 24.
Who has the right to trash a large section of a wildlife sanctuary created by dozens of volunteers?
And who has the right to smash the vision of a well-known and much-loved local environmentalist who spent a great deal of his time organising and planning this sanctuary?
I’m referring to the Bolwarra Wetlands, situated a few kilometres north of the Maitland CBD, where community volunteers banded together to plant thousands of trees in a reserve around the waterway. This was to be a sanctuary for the local wildlife and the vision of the late Doug Dyce, of Kensington Road, Bolwarra – leader of Bolwarra Landcare and a well-known Hunter Valley solicitor.
Trees were planted in a planned fashion that would allow for continued revegetation. Signs were erected to show the work was undertaken by members of Landcare, another showed what wildlife frequented the area, there was seating and a pathway allowing people to walk from one side to the other.
Today, one large section of this land has been trashed, and, it appears, this destruction sanctioned by Maitland City Council. In my opinion it shows just how much influence the developers have over a local community.
Hundreds of trees were ripped out, the signs have been taken away, the seating removed, the walking trail destroyed, and a fence erected to stop “trespassers”. All this just for a few more houses. As well, several “jetties” have been placed out into the waterway for the enjoyment of a few, although I have been told these have not been approved by the council.
So, how and why did all this happen? Yes, the land was privately owned, firstly by Hunter Water who sold it to the developers. All legal. Yet the land had to be rezoned to allow for buildings.
It all began back in June, 2010, when the then Maitland Council Strategic Town Planner was given the task of making amendments to the Local Environment Plan (LEP) for the Bolwarra Investigation Area. In other words, rezone the land to allow for more housing.
However, the town planner was very much aware of the wetlands. In his Executive Summary of June 2010 he wrote this:
“ …. the site accommodates regenerated vegetation that was planted by various community groups, including the Maitland and Bolwarra Landcare Groups’; … council assisted in managing this regeneration project by overseeing pathway construction, revegetation and seating, and the administration of such projects that were funded predominantly by Landcare and other government agency grants. ….. therefore potential development in this area would not be in the community’s interests”.
The planner ended with the statement that this land was “significant to the community and the council should protect the area of regenerated vegetation and simultaneously recognise the significant work undertaken by community groups in the past, whose work was often carried out under the auspices and supervision of Maitland City Council.”
There are other statements in this report that warrant quotation. Under the heading Environment:
“The need to retain linkages between areas of remaining vegetation and the wetlands will need to be planned for”.
And: “The water quality and habitat value of the wetlands will need to be protected”.
So, what went wrong. How did the developers manage to rip out so many trees and trash a large part of the area and walk all over the community and its efforts to protect our disappearing wildlife?
In my opinion, it goes to show the influence that developers have over communities - not just in Bolwarra but I know events like this have been happening across the city, the valley and the state.
And it’s time for the community to stand up.
I call on Maitland City Council to restore this wetlands area, to return it to the community and rebuild a sanctuary for our wildlife. I would like to see the signs put back in, the seating put back in, removal of the fence, removal of the jetties and the walking trail restored.
I would also like to see the council hold an open and transparent inquiry into how this happened. I ask the council and councillors to consider this:
1: The initial report from the strategic planner called for this land to be protected.
2: The council played a role in the formation of this sanctuary both financially and through project management.
3: Other financial support through grants (public money) was provided by government agencies.
4: Dozens of volunteers of all ages help to plant those trees that were removed by bulldozers.
5: The community also has rights, including the right to protect trees.
6: Why was the community ignored on this issue? Why did the general manager not reply to two letters asking for clarity on this situation? Two letters that were hand-delivered and containing extensive detail were not even acknowledged as being received.
John Brown (11/6/2018) jsbrown@live.com.au
On behalf of former Bolwarra Landcare members, and
more than 300 people who signed a petition regarding the wetlands among other issues.
This petition was presented to Mayor Loretta Baker on May 24.
Greens pushing council on environmental and social issues
Maitland Greens organised a meeting with Maitland Mayor Loretta Baker recently to discuss environmental issues related to our city that we feel need urgent attention.
Co-convenor Jan Davis, co-secretary John Brown along with supporter and community activist Camille Adams spent an hour discussing these issues along with three senior council officers.
*The good news is that all our issues and concerns are under control. They are all on the council's 3-year, 4-year, 5-year plans!
*The bad news is that all our issues and concerns are under control. They are all on the council's 3-year, 4-year, 5-year plans!!
Jan indicated to the mayor and council officers that she would like this first meeting to be the beginning of a "conversation" .
Other items discussed were:
. Community gardens. (The council said they could not help. It was up to the community to read the policy and get on with it).
. Greening committee. (Council says it exists, but does not have community representatives).
. Rooftop solar panels (Council said some buildings do have panels - take a look at the art gallery).
. Stronger policies and signage against violence against women.
.Waste reduction (Council says they are on to it?)
. Recycling. (Council working on it but it's all a secret at the moment).
Camille, as a young mother, talked about the difficulties facing families. She spoke passionately about the tree destruction at Bolwarra Wetlands and the need for better footpaths and cycleways.
Camille presented a petition to the mayor containing 300 signatures calling for an end to tree destruction. Despite being a busy young mum running her own business, this petition came from her own initiatives.
Hopefully we will continue this "conversation" with the council and we will be asking members for their input on what subjects should be raised.
The Greens are not just a political party - we are a community movement.
Go The Greens!
The picture shows Jan with Camille and her daughter.
Maitland Greens organised a meeting with Maitland Mayor Loretta Baker recently to discuss environmental issues related to our city that we feel need urgent attention.
Co-convenor Jan Davis, co-secretary John Brown along with supporter and community activist Camille Adams spent an hour discussing these issues along with three senior council officers.
*The good news is that all our issues and concerns are under control. They are all on the council's 3-year, 4-year, 5-year plans!
*The bad news is that all our issues and concerns are under control. They are all on the council's 3-year, 4-year, 5-year plans!!
Jan indicated to the mayor and council officers that she would like this first meeting to be the beginning of a "conversation" .
Other items discussed were:
. Community gardens. (The council said they could not help. It was up to the community to read the policy and get on with it).
. Greening committee. (Council says it exists, but does not have community representatives).
. Rooftop solar panels (Council said some buildings do have panels - take a look at the art gallery).
. Stronger policies and signage against violence against women.
.Waste reduction (Council says they are on to it?)
. Recycling. (Council working on it but it's all a secret at the moment).
Camille, as a young mother, talked about the difficulties facing families. She spoke passionately about the tree destruction at Bolwarra Wetlands and the need for better footpaths and cycleways.
Camille presented a petition to the mayor containing 300 signatures calling for an end to tree destruction. Despite being a busy young mum running her own business, this petition came from her own initiatives.
Hopefully we will continue this "conversation" with the council and we will be asking members for their input on what subjects should be raised.
The Greens are not just a political party - we are a community movement.
Go The Greens!
The picture shows Jan with Camille and her daughter.
THE hottest period on record has been officially confirmed, with the world experiencing its hottest five-years from 2013 through 2017, according to new climate data.
The Climate Council’s ‘2017: Record-breaking Year for Heat and Extreme Weather’ report coincides with a release of climate data from peak climate observation body the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The global temperature averaged over the last five years (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) has been confirmed as the highest ever on record for any five-year period. This record is part of a sharp, long-term upswing in global temperatures, with 17 out of the 18 years hottest years on record all occurring in this century.
KEY FINDINGS:
The Climate Council’s ‘2017: Record-breaking Year for Heat and Extreme Weather’ report coincides with a release of climate data from peak climate observation body the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The global temperature averaged over the last five years (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) has been confirmed as the highest ever on record for any five-year period. This record is part of a sharp, long-term upswing in global temperatures, with 17 out of the 18 years hottest years on record all occurring in this century.
KEY FINDINGS:
- The 2013-2017 period has been the hottest five-year period ever recorded.
- 2017 was the third hottest year ever recorded, and the hottest year in which temperatures have not been boosted by an El Niño event.
- The world’s 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 1998 and 17 of the 18 hottest years on record have occurred this century.
- 2017 was Australia’s third hottest year on record.
- Seven of the ten hottest years on record in Australia have happened since 2005. Five of the seven have occurred the past five years.
- 2017 broke records for hot, dry conditions with more than 260 heat and low rainfall recordsbroken throughout winter.
- The increasing global heat, driven primarily by the burning of fossil fuels, exacerbated extreme weather events around the globe and in Australia in 2017.
The pictures show a new election slogan under consideration by Maitland Greens. How about this from our two young enthusiastic Greens members. The only change I can see would be ...... Make Maitland Green Again ...... we can start by planting a lot more trees, open up new parks, have more dedicated cycleways and more walking paths. The developers in this city walk away with millions in their pockets - wouldn't it be great to see them put some of that cash back into the city. Let's start with our environment.
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Maitland was once a prime agricultural area .... now it's a landscape filled with houses, bricks and cement. We need more Greens in Maitland.
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Big year for The Greens ..... and more to come. 2018, we are ready
Christmas fever? Nah .... I like to think of it as hay fever.😀😀
Best wishes to all our Greens members and supporters for this holiday period.
It's been a big year.
- The Greens showed true integrity in this whole dual-citizenship debacle. Scott Ludlum and Larissa Waters resigned immediately upon discovering their mistake. Just take a look at the way Lib/Lab have been squabbling and backstabbing for months. Disgusting.
- Marriage Equality achieved. While Lib/Lab run around patting themselves on the back - it was The Greens that kicked off this push .... decades ago. Congrats.✅✅
- Poll victory in Victoria. Greens grab seat of Northcote with first indigenous MP for that state.
- Victory in Queensland. Who would have thunk it? After our first councillor on Brisbane council we now have our first MP. Go The Greens.
- An increased number of councillors in NSW local govt.
So ..... next year it's onward and upward.
Be prepared for likely federal election. Then in 2019 it's the state election.
Bring it on!!
Best wishes to all our Greens members and supporters for this holiday period.
It's been a big year.
- The Greens showed true integrity in this whole dual-citizenship debacle. Scott Ludlum and Larissa Waters resigned immediately upon discovering their mistake. Just take a look at the way Lib/Lab have been squabbling and backstabbing for months. Disgusting.
- Marriage Equality achieved. While Lib/Lab run around patting themselves on the back - it was The Greens that kicked off this push .... decades ago. Congrats.✅✅
- Poll victory in Victoria. Greens grab seat of Northcote with first indigenous MP for that state.
- Victory in Queensland. Who would have thunk it? After our first councillor on Brisbane council we now have our first MP. Go The Greens.
- An increased number of councillors in NSW local govt.
So ..... next year it's onward and upward.
Be prepared for likely federal election. Then in 2019 it's the state election.
Bring it on!!
Love this. It's just the bees knees ..... so to speak
A little bit of history in a small alleyway in Central Maitland. Read about the Pender family's influence on the city of Maitland at The Bikesmith coffee shop, a great place for coffee, food and meeting people. And you can get your pushbike fixed or maybe buy a new one. The black writing artwork doesn't quite make the grade, but it was a great idea. And congrats to The Bikesmith for an urban beehive.
A little bit of history in a small alleyway in Central Maitland. Read about the Pender family's influence on the city of Maitland at The Bikesmith coffee shop, a great place for coffee, food and meeting people. And you can get your pushbike fixed or maybe buy a new one. The black writing artwork doesn't quite make the grade, but it was a great idea. And congrats to The Bikesmith for an urban beehive.
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Santa Goes Green this Christmas. Well done mate. The reindeer have been put out to pasture for a long, well earned rest.
And they still keep killing the trees
The destruction continues at Bolwarra Wetlands. More large trees have been felled, a Landcare sign removed, wildlife sign removed, seats removed, pathway blocked and partly smashed, all in the past week. We have written to Maitland Council for an explanation on how the developers were allowed to move in and destroy this land which was zoned as a native reserve - but there has been response. Dozens of Landcare volunteers and local residents including children, all planted hundreds if not thousands of trees in this reserve ...... only to see it smashed by the developers.
This has been met by indifference and thunderous silence from our elected officials. But we won't be giving up on this yet. Stay tuned.
The first picture (below) shows the hole where the Landcare sign used to be. The second pic shows the sign that was removed. The third pic shows where the wildlife information sign used to be, the fourth is the sign that was removed. The following pics show the recent destruction.
The destruction continues at Bolwarra Wetlands. More large trees have been felled, a Landcare sign removed, wildlife sign removed, seats removed, pathway blocked and partly smashed, all in the past week. We have written to Maitland Council for an explanation on how the developers were allowed to move in and destroy this land which was zoned as a native reserve - but there has been response. Dozens of Landcare volunteers and local residents including children, all planted hundreds if not thousands of trees in this reserve ...... only to see it smashed by the developers.
This has been met by indifference and thunderous silence from our elected officials. But we won't be giving up on this yet. Stay tuned.
The first picture (below) shows the hole where the Landcare sign used to be. The second pic shows the sign that was removed. The third pic shows where the wildlife information sign used to be, the fourth is the sign that was removed. The following pics show the recent destruction.
Developers rip out trees, destroy wetlands
An open letter to Hunter Water:
Managing Director, Board of Directors
As a member of the Maitland community and a former member of Bolwarra Landcare I write to express my despair and disappointment with Hunter Water over the destruction of part of the Bolwarra Wetlands area.
Recently the bulldozers and heavy machinery moved in to rip out the trees that had been planted by local residents, many of them children. I feel that Hunter Water has to carry some responsibility for the destruction after the land, that Landcare members believed had been donated for a wetlands reserve, was sold to developers for residential, and we ask that Hunter Water make some community donation to rectify the situation.
I see that Hunter Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary of serving the Hunter so what a great time for your organisation to show its support for our community by contributing to the repair of the wetlands or by sponsoring new environmental works in the area.
Former members of Bolwarra Landcare (now disbanded) and local residents were shocked to see the destruction. Inquiries to the local council revealed that this land was sold some years ago by Hunter Water to the developers.
The Bolwarra Wetlands Reserve, located at the rear of the tennis courts and nearby primary school, was officially opened on December 21, 1993. The reserve surrounded a large body of water that belonged to the adjacent water board treatment works – which has long since been closed.
The land was also bare. Not a tree in sight. This was a great opportunity for community members to jump in and start an extensive tree-planting scheme around the body of water. We had been assured that the land had been donated by Hunter Water as a designated reserve. In fact, some were told the land had been leased by Landcare.
Dozens of members and others, including lots of children, spent many months planting hundreds of trees. After some years the planting was complete. It was now home to a whole range of different species of birds, kangaroos and other native animals, including hundreds of pelicans. A walkway provided access from homes through to the local school and sports ovals. It was a mini-rainforest.
The planting was not “just plant a few trees”. It was done methodically with a long-term plan in mind.
You can imagine our surprise, anger and disappointment when we discovered recently that the developers had moved in and ripped out a portion of our rainforest to build several more homes. Our investigations and inquiries with Maitland Council indicated that the sale of land was legal – from Hunter Water to the developers.
This raises several questions which I hope your corporation can answer. 1: Did Hunter Water sell this portion of land without consultation with local residents? 2: Did you not know Landcare had planted hundreds of trees on this portion of land? 3: Why did you let Bolwarra Landcare erect a sign on this land to indicate it was part of a reserve? 4: Do you have any record of a signed lease to Landcare?
And lastly: Does the corporation have an environmental conscience? That is, will you donate the money raised from selling this land back to Landcare to help with repairs and perhaps pay for more plantings in the area? Bolwarra Landcare no longer exists but with your community support it could be revived and more good environmental work achieved in the area.
Please note that Maitland is one of the fastest growing residential areas in this state. This exponential growth has led to the destruction of much of the natural environment. It comes down to the fact that every tree in Maitand is special. We need more, not less.
So, a financial contribution, or in-kind support by Hunter Water would be a great community achievement for Hunter Water.
Supported by Maitland Greens
An open letter to Hunter Water:
Managing Director, Board of Directors
As a member of the Maitland community and a former member of Bolwarra Landcare I write to express my despair and disappointment with Hunter Water over the destruction of part of the Bolwarra Wetlands area.
Recently the bulldozers and heavy machinery moved in to rip out the trees that had been planted by local residents, many of them children. I feel that Hunter Water has to carry some responsibility for the destruction after the land, that Landcare members believed had been donated for a wetlands reserve, was sold to developers for residential, and we ask that Hunter Water make some community donation to rectify the situation.
I see that Hunter Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary of serving the Hunter so what a great time for your organisation to show its support for our community by contributing to the repair of the wetlands or by sponsoring new environmental works in the area.
Former members of Bolwarra Landcare (now disbanded) and local residents were shocked to see the destruction. Inquiries to the local council revealed that this land was sold some years ago by Hunter Water to the developers.
The Bolwarra Wetlands Reserve, located at the rear of the tennis courts and nearby primary school, was officially opened on December 21, 1993. The reserve surrounded a large body of water that belonged to the adjacent water board treatment works – which has long since been closed.
The land was also bare. Not a tree in sight. This was a great opportunity for community members to jump in and start an extensive tree-planting scheme around the body of water. We had been assured that the land had been donated by Hunter Water as a designated reserve. In fact, some were told the land had been leased by Landcare.
Dozens of members and others, including lots of children, spent many months planting hundreds of trees. After some years the planting was complete. It was now home to a whole range of different species of birds, kangaroos and other native animals, including hundreds of pelicans. A walkway provided access from homes through to the local school and sports ovals. It was a mini-rainforest.
The planting was not “just plant a few trees”. It was done methodically with a long-term plan in mind.
You can imagine our surprise, anger and disappointment when we discovered recently that the developers had moved in and ripped out a portion of our rainforest to build several more homes. Our investigations and inquiries with Maitland Council indicated that the sale of land was legal – from Hunter Water to the developers.
This raises several questions which I hope your corporation can answer. 1: Did Hunter Water sell this portion of land without consultation with local residents? 2: Did you not know Landcare had planted hundreds of trees on this portion of land? 3: Why did you let Bolwarra Landcare erect a sign on this land to indicate it was part of a reserve? 4: Do you have any record of a signed lease to Landcare?
And lastly: Does the corporation have an environmental conscience? That is, will you donate the money raised from selling this land back to Landcare to help with repairs and perhaps pay for more plantings in the area? Bolwarra Landcare no longer exists but with your community support it could be revived and more good environmental work achieved in the area.
Please note that Maitland is one of the fastest growing residential areas in this state. This exponential growth has led to the destruction of much of the natural environment. It comes down to the fact that every tree in Maitand is special. We need more, not less.
So, a financial contribution, or in-kind support by Hunter Water would be a great community achievement for Hunter Water.
Supported by Maitland Greens
Sign the petition at Organic Feast, William Street, East Maitland.
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- Beware council attack on Morpeth heritage: What next?
The Office of Environment and Heritage wrote to the council seeking support to implement a community consultation process to determine the level of community support to the listing of the Morpeth Heritage Conservation area on the State Heritage Register.
So what's the problem with that?
Isn't that what councils are supposed to do? Seek community support.
The council officer recommended that the council offer its support for the process but not commit to an outcome at this stage.
Fair enough. No skin off anyone's nose.
But hang on ...... the majority of councillors decided to "decline to support ..... community consultation". The report was "noted" ie, chucked out.
The vote was 8-4 to deny public consultation on what is a major issue and relevant to the Morpeth area in regard to tourism and off course, the area's history. The eight deniers of public consultation were four Liberal and four Penfold members of council.
This is a shame and hopefully will become a major issue.
It is believed that certain developers have their eyes on certain areas and want to put more houses, more cars and more trucks through this quiet village.
Get ready for a fight!
Message for the people of Maitland and especially our city council:
The revolution has started, and there’s no stopping it. It’s a peaceful revolution and involves people taking matters into their own hands.
It’s called the Going Solar Revolution and involves thousands of Australian households installing solar panels on their rooftops. Whether the reasons are ethical (helping to fight climate change) or practical (reducing those ever increasing electricity bills) doesn’t matter as statistics show that sales of solar panels continue to be one of the fastest growing businesses in Australia.
A recent Roy Morgan survey showed that nearly one-quarter of all Australian households have invested in “Home Solar Electric Panels” as at March 2017. This is because of falling technology costs ( ie panels are getting cheaper), and volatile electricity prices.
The strongest uptake is in South Australia with 32.8 per cent. Queensland is next at 30.2 per cent while NSW is lagging at 17.7 per cent.
Householders are not the only ones benefitting from solar panels as plenty of businesses look to reduce their overhead costs.
At a local level, it is time for our council to take up the challenge of going solar. Solar panels could be installed on council buildings to save electricity costs and a rooftop of solar panels could be installed on all of council’s carparks, giving vehicles protection from the weather, soaking up the sun for more power and possibly even offering power for electric cars.
These initiatives are not new. Both Newcastle and Lake Macquarie councils have been involved in solar panel installations for years, it just appears that Maitland is slow to react to a city’s needs for the future.
Here’s a suggestion for our council: Become a broker on solar panels, gather residents names and find the cheapest deal possible deal for installation.
As climate change worsens and the summer weather gets hotter it’s time to put Mother Nature to work. For all of us.
Note: This picture shows a cottage in East Maitland. I reckon the owners know the value of solar panels.
The revolution has started, and there’s no stopping it. It’s a peaceful revolution and involves people taking matters into their own hands.
It’s called the Going Solar Revolution and involves thousands of Australian households installing solar panels on their rooftops. Whether the reasons are ethical (helping to fight climate change) or practical (reducing those ever increasing electricity bills) doesn’t matter as statistics show that sales of solar panels continue to be one of the fastest growing businesses in Australia.
A recent Roy Morgan survey showed that nearly one-quarter of all Australian households have invested in “Home Solar Electric Panels” as at March 2017. This is because of falling technology costs ( ie panels are getting cheaper), and volatile electricity prices.
The strongest uptake is in South Australia with 32.8 per cent. Queensland is next at 30.2 per cent while NSW is lagging at 17.7 per cent.
Householders are not the only ones benefitting from solar panels as plenty of businesses look to reduce their overhead costs.
At a local level, it is time for our council to take up the challenge of going solar. Solar panels could be installed on council buildings to save electricity costs and a rooftop of solar panels could be installed on all of council’s carparks, giving vehicles protection from the weather, soaking up the sun for more power and possibly even offering power for electric cars.
These initiatives are not new. Both Newcastle and Lake Macquarie councils have been involved in solar panel installations for years, it just appears that Maitland is slow to react to a city’s needs for the future.
Here’s a suggestion for our council: Become a broker on solar panels, gather residents names and find the cheapest deal possible deal for installation.
As climate change worsens and the summer weather gets hotter it’s time to put Mother Nature to work. For all of us.
Note: This picture shows a cottage in East Maitland. I reckon the owners know the value of solar panels.
The sign just outside Largs. Whoever did this has some serious problems. At first I thought it was from a shotgun, but on closer inspection, probably an axe. Road rage (someone booked for speeding) or just straight out vandalism. Whatever, still is a bit scary that there are people like that in our community.
Maitland Greens have signed on to support the Nurses and Midwives Association in their campaign:
If You Don't Care, We Can't Care.
The pledge was to back:
* Restoring $57 billion in health funding cuts
* Support the Medicare system
* Protect penalty rates
* Commit to RNs 24/7 in aged care.
In NSW, nurses and midwives are finding it increasingly difficult to provide the level of expert care patients need and deserve. $57 billion in health funding cuts to Medicare bulk-billing incentives for life-saving treatments, proposed cuts to penalty rates as well as staffing and skill mix shortages in aged care are all leading to serious problems for the future health of all Australians.
If You Don't Care, We Can't Care.
The pledge was to back:
* Restoring $57 billion in health funding cuts
* Support the Medicare system
* Protect penalty rates
* Commit to RNs 24/7 in aged care.
In NSW, nurses and midwives are finding it increasingly difficult to provide the level of expert care patients need and deserve. $57 billion in health funding cuts to Medicare bulk-billing incentives for life-saving treatments, proposed cuts to penalty rates as well as staffing and skill mix shortages in aged care are all leading to serious problems for the future health of all Australians.
Australian Greens leader Richard Di Natale (centre) with Michael Osborne, left, from Newcastle Greens and John Brown, right, from Maitland Greens.
During the Maitland Council election campaign, one of our biggest issues was solar power for our city. We wanted the council to install solar panels on all the council buildings to help reduce power costs. Unfortunately we did not have any Greens elected to the council - but that doesn't mean we will give up. Far from it. The fight goes on. Power to the People.
Save Mambo Wetlands
This beautiful wetlands at Salamander Bay is under attack from the Baird state Liberal Government. Part of the wetlands site is owned by the Department of Education - a fact that was not known to the local landcare members as they worked tirelessly to improve the area for the resident koalas and other native flora and fauna. A public meeting was called and attended by well over 100 local residents who signed petitions, took up placards and pledged to contact all the local MPs as well as petition the government to save this land. To no avail yet, but we, The Greens, stand firmly with the residents and are ready to keep fighting. We have both state and federal policies specifically aimed at saving ALL our precious wetlands from the ravages of greedy developers assisted by greedy governments. People first, please - not profits.
This beautiful wetlands at Salamander Bay is under attack from the Baird state Liberal Government. Part of the wetlands site is owned by the Department of Education - a fact that was not known to the local landcare members as they worked tirelessly to improve the area for the resident koalas and other native flora and fauna. A public meeting was called and attended by well over 100 local residents who signed petitions, took up placards and pledged to contact all the local MPs as well as petition the government to save this land. To no avail yet, but we, The Greens, stand firmly with the residents and are ready to keep fighting. We have both state and federal policies specifically aimed at saving ALL our precious wetlands from the ravages of greedy developers assisted by greedy governments. People first, please - not profits.
POLLUTION
by Josie, aged 11:
Look outside, see the trees
Watch the flowers in the breeze
Things won't be like this in a year or two
If polluting is all we do
Seize the night
Seize the day
Things won't always be this way
Thousands of people are dying
In the night you hear children crying
Let's stop the war
Our people are sore
The world can't help itself
Who cares about your wealth
Help me to help you
Show the world what you can do.
by Josie, aged 11:
Look outside, see the trees
Watch the flowers in the breeze
Things won't be like this in a year or two
If polluting is all we do
Seize the night
Seize the day
Things won't always be this way
Thousands of people are dying
In the night you hear children crying
Let's stop the war
Our people are sore
The world can't help itself
Who cares about your wealth
Help me to help you
Show the world what you can do.
CLIMATE CHANGE - ACT NOW
I really despair at the attitudes of most of our elected politicians and their lack of vision and their lack of planning for the future. And it comes from both Liberal and Labor.
I refer, of course, to their continued support for the coal industry. “Coal, coal, coal” they cry at a time when the coal industry is in structural decline – and has been for a while. They should be crying out: “Job, jobs, jobs, for the future”.
We should be moving toward a rapid transition from coal to renewable energy for those jobs of the future. Now is the time to act. We need to dramatically reduce our emissions from coal, oil and gas in this decade and beyond.
We are so lucky in Australia to have access to sources of renewable energy, and yet incredibly unlucky to have two major political parties who will not take the necessary steps to mitigate these impacts.
We need real action on climate change - our future depends on it. The ALP and LNP refuse to call for a moratorium on coal. The government’s plans to expand coal exports made us an international laughing stock.
Last year was the hottest year on record (records started in 1880) globally, with the global temperature being 0.90°C above 20th century average.
For nine months of 2015 temperatures, on average, were above average and broke global records. July 2015 was the hottest month ever recorded on Earth.
Climate change and emission of greenhouse gases was a major driving factor for record global heat. Many bush fires were made worse by climate change. The Great Barrier Reef, as well as other marine ecosystems, is threatened by rising ocean temperatures and increased ocean acidity.
This is part of a trend. Of the top 10 warmest years on record, all have occurred since 1998. 2015 was the 39th year in a row with above-average global temperatures.
We have a terrific well-trained workforce in the Hunter and we should be making sure they have a job to go to when the last mine closes. Sooner rather than later would be good.
I really despair at the attitudes of most of our elected politicians and their lack of vision and their lack of planning for the future. And it comes from both Liberal and Labor.
I refer, of course, to their continued support for the coal industry. “Coal, coal, coal” they cry at a time when the coal industry is in structural decline – and has been for a while. They should be crying out: “Job, jobs, jobs, for the future”.
We should be moving toward a rapid transition from coal to renewable energy for those jobs of the future. Now is the time to act. We need to dramatically reduce our emissions from coal, oil and gas in this decade and beyond.
We are so lucky in Australia to have access to sources of renewable energy, and yet incredibly unlucky to have two major political parties who will not take the necessary steps to mitigate these impacts.
We need real action on climate change - our future depends on it. The ALP and LNP refuse to call for a moratorium on coal. The government’s plans to expand coal exports made us an international laughing stock.
Last year was the hottest year on record (records started in 1880) globally, with the global temperature being 0.90°C above 20th century average.
For nine months of 2015 temperatures, on average, were above average and broke global records. July 2015 was the hottest month ever recorded on Earth.
Climate change and emission of greenhouse gases was a major driving factor for record global heat. Many bush fires were made worse by climate change. The Great Barrier Reef, as well as other marine ecosystems, is threatened by rising ocean temperatures and increased ocean acidity.
This is part of a trend. Of the top 10 warmest years on record, all have occurred since 1998. 2015 was the 39th year in a row with above-average global temperatures.
We have a terrific well-trained workforce in the Hunter and we should be making sure they have a job to go to when the last mine closes. Sooner rather than later would be good.
Maitland Greens (some of) at the protest in Sydney on keeping our rail line into Newcastle. We won't give up.
Many Greens take part in the annual NAIDOC week march through Maitland.
Always great to see so many children, particularly the very young ones, wearing their colours, carrying signs and joining the chant:
"Whadda we want?"
"Justice!"
"Whenna we want it?"
"Now!"
I took this picture, but it is only one section of the gathering. I couldn't see properly because of the sun on my phone. But it works.
A lot of our members are also in Amnesty.
Congrats to all involved.
Maitland Greens and friends at another protest rally.
Current Campaigns
Coal Mining
The Maitland Greens are working with community and environment groups to oppose the runaway expansion of the coal industry because of the following problems which exist through this industry:
· Coal mining is causing irreparable damage to our rivers and waterways, loss of biodiversity through destruction of habitat, and air and noise pollution are harming the health of local communities.
· Mining companies plan more new coal mines and coal mine extensions each year with the complete support of the government agencies, to date the NSW government has failed to assess and minimise the cumultitive impact of these coal mines on human health, social cohesion, rivers and waterways, loss of biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable jobs growth.
· BHP Billiton is currently undertaking explorations in the Gunnedah Basin, one of the richest farming areas in the state. If mining is allowed in this area the local farming area will be devastated and our ability to produce food will be severely diminshed.
· Coal mining is causing irreparable damage to our rivers and waterways, loss of biodiversity through destruction of habitat, and air and noise pollution are harming the health of local communities.
· Mining companies plan more new coal mines and coal mine extensions each year with the complete support of the government agencies, to date the NSW government has failed to assess and minimise the cumultitive impact of these coal mines on human health, social cohesion, rivers and waterways, loss of biodiversity, greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable jobs growth.
· BHP Billiton is currently undertaking explorations in the Gunnedah Basin, one of the richest farming areas in the state. If mining is allowed in this area the local farming area will be devastated and our ability to produce food will be severely diminshed.
Horse breeders launch campaign to save Hunter from mining
By MATTHEW KELLY April 8, 2014, 11 p.m.http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2206361/horse-breeders-launch-campaign-to-save-hunter-from-mining/?cs=303
Please go to the link, see this great article about horse breeders standing up for our communities.
By MATTHEW KELLY April 8, 2014, 11 p.m.http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2206361/horse-breeders-launch-campaign-to-save-hunter-from-mining/?cs=303
Please go to the link, see this great article about horse breeders standing up for our communities.
Draytons scales back mine plan as protest mounts, video By MATTHEW KELLY April 9, 2014, 11:30 p.m.
DRAYTON Coal has scaled back plans for its controversial Drayton South mine in response to mounting pressure for the government to reject the project.
This issue is ongoing, see link below -
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2209945/draytons-scales-back-mine-plan-as-protest-mounts-video/?cs=305
DRAYTON Coal has scaled back plans for its controversial Drayton South mine in response to mounting pressure for the government to reject the project.
This issue is ongoing, see link below -
http://www.theherald.com.au/story/2209945/draytons-scales-back-mine-plan-as-protest-mounts-video/?cs=305
Rail and Public Transport
Maitland Greens have been strong supporters of the Save Our Rail movement over a number of year and have continually insisted that we need more availability and better run public transport in general because of the following:
- The global climate crisis requires us to do all we can to cut down or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions thus the use of public transport rather than car travel is a prime objective.
- The rail and bus systems allows access for all people from the Hunter Valley and the Morisset area to access the inner city, beaches and foreshore of Newcastle and is particularly important and user friendly for people with bikes and surfboards, the elderly and the disabled.
- We need to improve this access by the extension of the current rail and bus systems and the improvement in the number of services( particularly train services) to areas in the Upper Hunter.
Water
Maitland Greens were heavily involved in the campaign to stop the Tillegra Dam- this was a big win for the environment, the commercial and recreational fishing industries, the farming community of Dungog and the people of the Hunter Valley.
- We now need to concentrate on the development of better water management by both Hunter Water and individuals in the community.
- Hunter Water need to concentrate on the improved management of water use, storm water capture and recycling systems as the current water resources are well able to cater for the expanding population of the Hunter area.
- Individual members of the community need to concentrate on their ability to curtail the amount of water they use-dual flushing toilets, water saving shower heads, not leaving taps running etc. We can all do this to help conserve this important resource.
Coal Seam Gas Mining
Maitland Greens are a staunch opponent of this form of mining and have been involved in various forums and protests in Sydney, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley on this issue.
- This form of mining has been touted as a "green option" when compared to Coal Mining. Many scientists and concerned groups have shown this to be untrue-we need to concentrate on the development of renewable options e.g. solar and wind.
- The concern of people with the process of CSG (using a variety of chemicals in the “fracking process”), has not been competently addressed by the companies concerned.
- The problems being experienced by people in the United States and in Queensland ( where this process is already being used ), have not been able to be fixed and have caused immense problems environmentally.
Useful links
Political and Activism:
www.nsw.greens.org.au
www.ecowarriors.org
Human Rights:
www.amnesty.org.au
www.hreoc.gov.au
www.hreoc.gov.au
Animal rights:
www.ecowarriors.org
www.animalsaustralia.org
www.voiceless.org.au
Environment & social justice:
www.getup.org.au
www.nsw.greens.org.au
www.ecowarriors.org
Human Rights:
www.amnesty.org.au
www.hreoc.gov.au
www.hreoc.gov.au
Animal rights:
www.ecowarriors.org
www.animalsaustralia.org
www.voiceless.org.au
Environment & social justice:
www.getup.org.au
For Aina