Pictured above are Greens candidate John Brown, right, with Greens MLC Dr John Kaye and Maitland Greens members at a rally in Maitland.
BUSINESS AS USUAL OR CLEAN AND GREEN
Maitland Greens have nominated John Brown to be their candidate at next year’s state election.
Mr Brown, a freelance journalist, sees the election as a major crossroad which will determine the future of this country.
“People have a choice – they can continue along the path of ‘business as usual’ with the two old parties, or choose to take a new direction, down the road to a cleaner and greener future with more jobs and fewer scandals,” Mr Brown said.
“Clean not only means looking after the environment but also stamping out the greed which appears to have captured many of our state and federal MPs from the old parties,” he said.
Mr Brown, from Bolwarra Heights, was the Greens candidate for Paterson in the recent federal election.
“I was very happy to see the Greens vote increase in Paterson,” he said.
“It goes to show that voters are beginning to realise that the accusations thrown against the Greens by Labor and Liberal are not true. We are ordinary people dedicated to a better future for our children.
“The Greens offer a cleaner future, by ending the rush into coal seam gas at the expense of our farming community, protecting our precious water supplies and focussing on renewable energy where the jobs of the future will be.”
Mr Brown said he also has a long list of local issues that demand attention.
These include overturning the decision to cut the heavy rail into Newcastle; lifts for the aged and families using the Victoria Street rail station; retaining the East Maitland Courthouse for judicial use; and working to make sure that Maitland’s next hospital will be kept in public hands.
John Brown
0439279170
Attended the Bust the Budget rally at Civic Park in Newcastle Sunday afternoon. Well over 1000 people were there to listen to a range of speakers. I believe this was organised mainly by the union movement but quite a few people had a say - NRMA, uni student, teachers' union, union movement, ALP MPs and the Greens own Lee Rhiannon spoke very well. Of course Abbott, his cabinet and the Liberal policies came under attack and how they are changing the face of this country. Out the window goes the "fair go" replaced by cruelty towards our fellow humans as well as animals. An unrelenting attack on education and health, the poorest in our society and a total lack of compassion for our youth were also mentioned. Senator Rhiannon pointed out that it would be good to see a fairer tax on the more wealthy of this country The big banks could pay a bit more and the mining tax sucks. A great afternoon to reminder us of the job ahead - get rid of those Liberals, and let's start at the state election in March.
Maitland Greens (some of) at the protest in Sydney on keeping our rail line into Newcastle. We won't give up.
Took part in the NAIDOC week march through Maitland Mall Monday morning. I'm not good at crowd estimations, but I reckon probably about 100 people took part, a little more than last year. The best part was to see so many children, particularly 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.
The Maitland Greens were well represented with myself, Wendy, Margie, Jan et al, and the local Amnesty group had a few members including the Rev George, his sister Janet and Jane. A lot of our members are also in Amnesty.
Congrats to all involved.
"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.
The Maitland Greens were well represented with myself, Wendy, Margie, Jan et al, and the local Amnesty group had a few members including the Rev George, his sister Janet and Jane. A lot of our members are also in Amnesty.
Congrats to all involved.
Part of the crowd at the protest rally in Sydney on Wednesday 28th May. An estimated 200 people turned up to support keeping our rail into Newcastle. A good contingent from Maitland made the trip and the protest went off without incident. Guest speakers included Mahreen Faruqui and David Shoebridge, both Greens in the Upper House. This is a big issue for Maitland people and the Greens will fight this all the way. There is a lot of talk about the decision to cut the line and open it to developers with the word corruption mentioned many times.
THE LATEST NEWS
The Maitland Greens have been involved in trying to save the historic Glebe Paddock in East Maitland (above) from development.
Convenor John Brown spoke at a public meeting on site of about 80 residents plus the mayor and about six of the councilllors. Here is our statement made after that meeting:
The move to save the Glebe Paddock behind Wallis Street, East Maitland, from development deserves the support of Maitland City Council.
There are many reasons but these are the top issues:
1- Supporting the city’s culture and history
2- Saving the flora and fauna, which leads to …
3. Keeping at least some of the city’s rural lands.
There are other issues like need (is this development necessary with all the other development in the east, west, south and north of Maitland?); infrastructure, like roads, schools, excess traffic and transport; and heritage tourism; and the historic Glebe cemetery.
It appears that by far the majority of residents in the area oppose the rezoning of this land, which would lead to residential development.
From my knowledge this area has strong European historic links - like the Glebe Cemetery, the land where the first stone was recovered to help built nearby St Peter’s Church and the closeness of Oldholme, a former governor’s cottage. Apparently the land was a gift from the Crown to the Anglican Church.
Maitland was once known as the “Heritage City” but, to us, its history is being swallowed up by sprawling new suburbs. This is also cutting into our rural lands. Once that is gone, you will never get them back.
This new development is simply not needed – the cost is far too high.
LATE AND DISTURBING NEWS:
The council has voted to develop this block. Only two councillors voted against it - Henry Meskauskas and Loretta Baker.
The scene at the council meeting was a pantomime. Very foolish councillors saying silly things. They completely ignored the two major issues - the heritage value and the rural value. Most only were interested in the size of the blocks, with one talking nonsensically about the view.
To us, this is the final nail in coffin of Maitland's past and future. Goodbye heritage, goodbye rural history - hello and welcome to the western suburbs of Newcastle!
Sad, but true.
Convenor John Brown spoke at a public meeting on site of about 80 residents plus the mayor and about six of the councilllors. Here is our statement made after that meeting:
The move to save the Glebe Paddock behind Wallis Street, East Maitland, from development deserves the support of Maitland City Council.
There are many reasons but these are the top issues:
1- Supporting the city’s culture and history
2- Saving the flora and fauna, which leads to …
3. Keeping at least some of the city’s rural lands.
There are other issues like need (is this development necessary with all the other development in the east, west, south and north of Maitland?); infrastructure, like roads, schools, excess traffic and transport; and heritage tourism; and the historic Glebe cemetery.
It appears that by far the majority of residents in the area oppose the rezoning of this land, which would lead to residential development.
From my knowledge this area has strong European historic links - like the Glebe Cemetery, the land where the first stone was recovered to help built nearby St Peter’s Church and the closeness of Oldholme, a former governor’s cottage. Apparently the land was a gift from the Crown to the Anglican Church.
Maitland was once known as the “Heritage City” but, to us, its history is being swallowed up by sprawling new suburbs. This is also cutting into our rural lands. Once that is gone, you will never get them back.
This new development is simply not needed – the cost is far too high.
LATE AND DISTURBING NEWS:
The council has voted to develop this block. Only two councillors voted against it - Henry Meskauskas and Loretta Baker.
The scene at the council meeting was a pantomime. Very foolish councillors saying silly things. They completely ignored the two major issues - the heritage value and the rural value. Most only were interested in the size of the blocks, with one talking nonsensically about the view.
To us, this is the final nail in coffin of Maitland's past and future. Goodbye heritage, goodbye rural history - hello and welcome to the western suburbs of Newcastle!
Sad, but true.
ELECTION IS ALMOST UPON US
Maitland Greens have opened the call for nominations to be our candidate for the State seat of Maitland in the election in March next year.
Wanna be a pollie?
Now is your chance.
Nominate and be backed by a vibrant team of local Greenies.
Be quick.
This seat is held by Liberal Robyn Parker, but she is under pressure to keep it. The Labor Party has already claimed victory. If that's what you want then stand back and let it happen. We'll be in there fighting. Go the Greens.
The Newcastle March in March resulted in a great turnout for the Greens. We were well represented from all parts of the Hunter.
This picture shows Greens from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens. And it is only a slmall number who turned up on the day.
There were some great speeches on the day and the crowd was estimated at about 3000. People from all walks of life, young and old.
I love a good protest march. I am actually doing something, instead of sitting and home and complaining .... how about you?
No doubt the group on the left were the most intelligent bunch on the day!
This picture shows Greens from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens. And it is only a slmall number who turned up on the day.
There were some great speeches on the day and the crowd was estimated at about 3000. People from all walks of life, young and old.
I love a good protest march. I am actually doing something, instead of sitting and home and complaining .... how about you?
No doubt the group on the left were the most intelligent bunch on the day!
Letter to the Editor publlished in Newcastle Herald:
I was stunned when I read the letter from Scott Hillard (“Let’s raise the level of ‘rhetoric’ ” NH 18/3/14).
His sarcastic attack on union official Gary Kennedy for Mr Kennedy’s criticism of Gina Rinehart and Alan Joyce (in words that even I don’t approve of) showed that he is trying to rewrite history.
Mr Hillard congratulates Mr Kennedy of “exemplifying the very best the Left has to offer”.
What about the Right? Where to start? OK how about our now PM Tony Abbott standing in front of and talking to a group of his supporters who were carrying signs which read “Bob Brown’s Bitch “ and “Ditch the Witch”(pictured above). How about one of Mr Hillard’s heroes shock-jock Allan Jones declaring that (Greens leader) Bob Brown and (PM) Julia Gillard should be put in sacks and dumped in the ocean? Then declaring that Ms Gillard’s father died of shame over his daughter.
What about the death threats against independent Tony Windsor and his family, and the constant attacks on Rob Oakeshott, who found it difficult to live in his own community.
Tony Abbott’s relentless attacks in Parliament against Ms Gillard led to her now famous “misogyny speech”. I could go on.
The result of all of this is that Mr Abbott became prime mister. He has changed politics in this country forever. He took us to new depths.
As I said, I don’t approve of the words Mr Kennedy used, but I feel his passion. I feel his anger at the loss of jobs and the rich trying to import workers and paying them less. I feel his revulsion at the treatment of workers, and I feel his frustration at the way this government is hiding information from the public.
John Brown, Maitland Greens
I was stunned when I read the letter from Scott Hillard (“Let’s raise the level of ‘rhetoric’ ” NH 18/3/14).
His sarcastic attack on union official Gary Kennedy for Mr Kennedy’s criticism of Gina Rinehart and Alan Joyce (in words that even I don’t approve of) showed that he is trying to rewrite history.
Mr Hillard congratulates Mr Kennedy of “exemplifying the very best the Left has to offer”.
What about the Right? Where to start? OK how about our now PM Tony Abbott standing in front of and talking to a group of his supporters who were carrying signs which read “Bob Brown’s Bitch “ and “Ditch the Witch”(pictured above). How about one of Mr Hillard’s heroes shock-jock Allan Jones declaring that (Greens leader) Bob Brown and (PM) Julia Gillard should be put in sacks and dumped in the ocean? Then declaring that Ms Gillard’s father died of shame over his daughter.
What about the death threats against independent Tony Windsor and his family, and the constant attacks on Rob Oakeshott, who found it difficult to live in his own community.
Tony Abbott’s relentless attacks in Parliament against Ms Gillard led to her now famous “misogyny speech”. I could go on.
The result of all of this is that Mr Abbott became prime mister. He has changed politics in this country forever. He took us to new depths.
As I said, I don’t approve of the words Mr Kennedy used, but I feel his passion. I feel his anger at the loss of jobs and the rich trying to import workers and paying them less. I feel his revulsion at the treatment of workers, and I feel his frustration at the way this government is hiding information from the public.
John Brown, Maitland Greens
Please join in the campaign to fight the rail cuts
Help us get the message out to save our precious rail line into Newcastle
contact Jan on 0417 422 738
Help us get the message out to save our precious rail line into Newcastle
contact Jan on 0417 422 738
This was a letter to the editor of the Maitland Mercury and published on July 8, 2014 on how we feel about keeping the rail line:
“The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” is attributed to the great Mark Twain, but perhaps we may apply it the Coalition government’s announcement of cutting the Maitland to Newcastle rail line.
Or, the Lenny Kravitz song “It ain’t over till it’s over,” might be a better way to describe it.
Maitland Greens, along with Save Our Rail and several other organisations are preparing to keep the fight going – for as long as it takes.
The government says December 26 is the date the rail line will be terminated at Hamilton and work will begin in the new year to rip up the tracks. The haste is obvious. Start ripping up the track and there’s no going back if there is a change of government or the balance of power in the Upper House changes - or so the government thinks.
Making these drastic changes have been programmed for right in the middle of the school holidays and right at the height of summer. School kids trying to get to the beach, some with surfboards, and families trying to get to the foreshore, many with prams and strollers. The timing is a woeful, unless the government thinks everyone will be away for Christmas.
We have been told that another 20 minutes will be added to the trip by the time you get off the train at Hamilton and catch a bus into the city. Plus the extra cost.
So, there is still good reason to continue the fight. To finish with other quote, this one from Winston Churchill on how to pursue your goals. He gave three pieces of advice:
1: Never give up.
2: Never give up.
3: Never give up.
John Brown
“The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated,” is attributed to the great Mark Twain, but perhaps we may apply it the Coalition government’s announcement of cutting the Maitland to Newcastle rail line.
Or, the Lenny Kravitz song “It ain’t over till it’s over,” might be a better way to describe it.
Maitland Greens, along with Save Our Rail and several other organisations are preparing to keep the fight going – for as long as it takes.
The government says December 26 is the date the rail line will be terminated at Hamilton and work will begin in the new year to rip up the tracks. The haste is obvious. Start ripping up the track and there’s no going back if there is a change of government or the balance of power in the Upper House changes - or so the government thinks.
Making these drastic changes have been programmed for right in the middle of the school holidays and right at the height of summer. School kids trying to get to the beach, some with surfboards, and families trying to get to the foreshore, many with prams and strollers. The timing is a woeful, unless the government thinks everyone will be away for Christmas.
We have been told that another 20 minutes will be added to the trip by the time you get off the train at Hamilton and catch a bus into the city. Plus the extra cost.
So, there is still good reason to continue the fight. To finish with other quote, this one from Winston Churchill on how to pursue your goals. He gave three pieces of advice:
1: Never give up.
2: Never give up.
3: Never give up.
John Brown
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
