EcoFest, renewables, membership, and a petition
My friends,
I wanted to remind you about EcoFest which is on Sunday at the Tondoon Botanical Gardens. Gladstone Regional Council have done an amazing job as usual in organising the main event of the year.
Electric vehicles
We will have a stall with Electric Vehicles (with some electric outboards this year!) and some of the newer electric vehicles. Many thanks to Arthur Hunt who has assisted with getting the owners to visit EcoFest to speak to the public directly about their vehicles.
Next year, we are planning to hold a separate EV expo - there are just too many vehicles that we want to show you!
Renewable energy
We are also hosting a conversation space at EcoFest about the rapid transition to renewable energy which is causing a great deal of concern to everyone living here.
Some of the projects are well sited and will provide an ongoing energy source that is not tied to the ups and downs of the coal price.
Unfortunately, many of these projects are simply inappropriately sited - there’s no way to get around that fact. The planning process doesn’t allow for any general community consultation on the location of the projects - and it certainly doesn’t cover the cumulative impact to the landscape, or the distress as rural areas are industrialised.
We’re focused on providing reliable information to the community, so come along and have a chat! We can’t fix this unless we work together.
Become an associate member
We’re giving away hats and plants for people who would like to become a member. Don’t worry, this sort of membership doesn’t require you to vote or attend meetings - but it is an excellent way to show your support.
We’re planning to give associate members discounts on our merchandise and early notice of plant sales.
Fill out an application form at our stall at EcoFest and get either a free hat or plant, while stocks last.
Much love,
Anna
From our friends at Alliance to Save Hinchinbrook
Please sign Queensland parliamentary petition (link below)to save Queensland’s national parks from commercialisation (eg leases etc).
Hinchinbrook Island National Park is under threat again.
We have no objection to the present permitting system, permits being approved on an annual basis.
In contrast, leases granted for commercial use of all or part of a national park, whether longterm or VERY long term (eg 70 years) are just plain wrong.
Leasing a state asset is equivalent to selling its use rights; and every political party says so - when in Opposition!
“Commercialisation” via leasing of national parks must stop. The land acquired for national parks is a public good. It must not be gifted for the use of private developers.
Regards
Margaret
Alliance to Save Hinchinbrook Inc (ASH)