CHARCOAL APPROVAL INFLAMES OPPOSITION
On 2nd May the State Government approved a charcoal factory for a site 8 kms south of Mogo and about 3 kms west of Broulee. The factory will take 200,000 tonnes of native forest timber each year, for at least the next 20 years, to make charcoal for a silicon smelter at Lithgow.
This decision has enraged thousands of people -- teachers, parents, tourism operators, ALP branch members and conservationists are just some of those crying foul. Even people who did not see how it would affect them are changing their minds. Sawmills are worried about future supplies as forestry becomes even more "waste" driven, and oyster growers fear the muddy waters that are likely to result from intensified logging.
Now Councils and communities all the way along the Princes Hwy/Appin/Katoomba transport route to Lithgow are voicing their opposition.
For more information phone the Charcoalition hotline (02) 8250 0024
LEGAL CHALLENGE UNDERWAY
The Land and Environment Court has been inundated with appeals against the approval.
Charcoalition has engaged top notch Sydney environmental lawyers and has already lined up a formidable team of expert witnesses.
YOU CAN HELP BY
Donating - Legal fights cost money. Please donate to Coastwatchers/ Charcoalition Legal Fighting Fund at any IMB branch or post cheques to Charcoalition Treasurer, PO Box 521 Batemans Bay 2536.
Those wishing to make a substantial donation please discuss options with our Treasurer, Margaret. 02 4471 2512
Fund-raising - We need people to organise raffles, run events, etc. Phone Margaret 02 4471 2512
Spreading the message - The people who regularly organise stalls, arrange letterboxing, etc need help. Please ring Sue 02 4471 7135
NON-VIOLENT ACTION WORKSHOPS
These successful workshops are being run by Eurobodalla Greens. The Greens believe that it is essential for members of the public to be aware of the effectiveness of direct non-violent action and how to protest in a peaceful manner. Bookings are essential. Phone Annie 02 4472 2700
OTHER NEWS
Tree poisoning - State Forests poisoned many trees last year, originally intimating that they could be used for charcoal production. After a public outcry the poisoning was stopped but not until a month after the Minister told Parliament it had ceased. Now State Forests and Australian Silicon are denying that poisoned timber, which can release dioxins when burnt, will be used to make charcoal.
Old Growth Targeted - Logging plans for the next 12 months target areas that have the highest conservation value. They include the headwaters of the Deua River and the old growth forests of Badja.
Other reductants - Charcoalition is suggesting use of recovered timber from the urban waste stream to make charcoal. Ultra clean coal is an alternative reductant that could be used to make silicon. A mix of both is also viable
Documents galore - Charcoalition has copies of most of the documents that the Government was forced to release to Parliament and we will use some in our legal appeal.
Mercury emissions - The Dept of Planning has confirmed that 57.54kg of mercury per year (6.85g/hr) will be among the other noxious gases emitted from the stacks.
Cyclist for Old Growth forests - Sean Marler, cycling from Brisbane to Melbourne to raise awareness of damaging forestry practices, passed through Mogo on 14 June. Visit his website at www.cycle.wild.net.au/cogf.
TRIVIA NIGHT
Friday 28 June at 7 pm
Football Clubhouse, Mackay Park, Batemans Bay (behind the Bowling
Club)
Entry $7 per person. Tables of 8-10 people
Tickets on sale at the door or before at -- Batemans Bay - Vision
Vogue, Allergy Centre Mogo - Willow Café Mossy Pt - Muffins'n
More Moruya - Southlands
Delicious supper , cakes, tea & coffee for sale. BYO
Proceeds to Charcoalition Legal Fighting Fund
CHARCOALITION MONSTER RAFLLE DRAW
Bridge Plaza, Batemans Bay - 3 to 6 pm on Friday 21st June
Our Mayor, Peter Cairney will be drawing the winning tickets at approximately 5pm.
There will be entertainment from the Moruya Accapellago group, and local star Jeff Aschmann will sing his Charcoal song.
So come along and join in the fun, you will be able to buy a raffle ticket at the stall. Maybe you might win one of the great prize
Keeping up to date
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