Barnett talks from His Bottom Line

Below is an interview from a few days ago, but clearly illustrates the slapdash approach of the premier and his one man show. Obviously, Barnett would do well to visit the areas he hopes to annihilate because apparently these sites are not pristine nor spectacular. Clearly, this illustrates that the man has never visited the Dampierlands for any length of time.
And about that bottom line .Eyesoncountry believes that a true and honest bottom line should hold three components equal:
environment, social and economic. If any one of these components are missing or not taken into equal consideration than it is proven that these project fail in everyway.

Premier Barnett's doorstop
REPORTER
Premier, I understand you’re meeting with the Kimberley Land Council…

COLIN BARNETT
Ah, yes…

REPORTER
… and Wayne Bergmann said that the Council’s urging… urging you not to engage in compulsory acquisition of their land up there in the process for the... for the exercise. What’s the... what’s the story there? What’s the score?

COLIN BARNETT
Well, the reality is that as it stands at the moment the State has lost the Inpex project. We are doing all that is possible to keep the door open and to try and attract Inpex back. But for the moment they are working on the basis that they will build their plant in Darwin. That means that all of the benefits associated with that project, including Aboriginal benefits, are lost to the people of the Kimberley. The other project is Woodside’s Browse project. Woodside and myself and the Government are doing all that is possible to ensure that project proceeds and that the gas comes onshore with the LNG plant on the Kimberley coastline, just to the north of Broome.

Now that is not going to be easy to achieve and what needs to happen is that the site needs to be identified, that will happen before Christmas, and then measures put in place to make that site State property. And that, hopefully, will be done by consent agreement – that would always be the preference. However, the State will, at the same time as identifying the site, proceed with the necessary preparatory work to acquire that site.

REPORTER
So did you ask for the meeting with Mr Bergmann today?

COLIN BARNETT
No, he sought the meeting and I’m happy to meet with him and I’m intending to go to Broome later in the week. There’s a cyclone hovering around so depending where that goes will determine whether I go. But that’s the plan: to go there and look at the sites and also meet with the Shire and I think also meeting with some of the environmental groups.

REPORTER
So when would you hope to make a decision?

COLIN BARNETT
Ah, the site will be identified prior to Christmas, that’s the intention.

REPORTER
Then compulsory acquisition then is not out of the question?

COLIN BARNETT
No. I made that very clear during the election campaign and it is not something unusual. This process… and bear in mind the Kimberley Land Council has been given under the previous government $7 million. A lot of money, a lot of money. Now I’m not about to hand over more money for a process that doesn’t have a conclusion. I would always prefer a consent agreement, that is in the interests of all parties to do that.

But you know, without being dramatic, if this land is not secured by the State and then available to be leased out to proponents of LNG, then there will be no LNG project in the Kimberley and there will be no benefits for the Aboriginal people of the Kimberley, and there will be no benefits for the wider economy of the Kimberley, and that’s the bottom line. One project’s been lost, I don’t intend to see a second one being lost.

REPORTER
And that’s effectively what you’ll be telling Wayne Bergmann?

COLIN BARNETT
I’ve told Wayne Bergmann from the time of the last election that was the State’s position. The Commonwealth was aware of that, they are broadly supportive of it. All parties would want to see an agreed consent. And can I again stress that the two sites… the favoured sites – North Head and James Price Point – are not on that part of the Kimberley coast that most people identify as that pristine spectacular coast line. It is not that part of the Kimberley, it is the area on One Arm Point to the north of Broome, okay?

REPORTER
So are you hoping to then... to make a recommendation to Cabinet on Monday week? That's really your last chance, isn't it?

COLIN BARNETT
Ah I don’t discuss Cabinet, but we will identify the site.

REPORTER
Premier, given these figures, are you still determined to push on with the State kicking in for Oakajee?

COLIN BARNETT
Ah, well I’ll talk... I’m not going to discuss it. The Treasurer handles the Budget and that’s his... that’s his job. Oakajee is… as Troy Buswell said, Oakajee is before Infrastructure Australia. It is arguably the most important economic development project for this State for perhaps the next 20 years. To make sure it happens the State will need to play a role, hopefully with the Commonwealth, and that’s what we’re about. This is about economic development and developing a whole new region of Western Australia.

REPORTER
Do you accept the loss of our Triple-A credit rating in the next couple of years?

COLIN BARNETT
No, we’re not going to entertain that. I’m sorry, I’m not... I’m not second guessing the... I’m happy to answer questions on other topics but I’m not doing a re-run. The Treasurer has responsibility for the State’s finances and he is doing a superb job and indicated today his comprehension of the issues and the preparedness to act on them.

REPORTER
Well Oakajee...

COLIN BARNETT
No, I’m not doing...

REPORTER
...Oakajee is your baby, Premier. I mean if you insist on that going through it will put more pressure on the Budget.

COLIN BARNETT
Well I’m not answering the Budget. Oakajee has got a way to go. On Oakajee itself there is a draft agreement between the proponents and the State that is being finalised now and I hope that we will be in a position shortly to sign that agreement, and the Commonwealth will be provided with a copy of that agreement. The private proponents will then have to go into their detailed feasibility for their part of the project which is basically two-thirds of the total.

REPORTER
Weather permitting you’re off to Broome tomorrow, is that right?

COLIN BARNETT
Planning to go to Broome, yep, weather permitting. Okay? All right, thank you, thank you.

Environmental Protection Authority has released early environmental advice

The Environmental Protection Authority has released early environmental advice on the Western Australian Government's site evaluation process for a multi-user liquefied natural gas processing precinct to process gas resources from the Browse Basin on the Kimberley coast.

EPA Chairman Paul Vogel said that, based on available data, of the four sites under consideration environmental risks and impacts are likely to be manageable at two sites, Gourdon Bay south of Broome and James Price Point north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula."The other two sites, North Head and Anjo Peninsula are not considered suitable for large scale industrial development from an environmental point of view, Anjo peninsula also has wildness values that would be threatened," Dr Vogel said.'

North Head has nearby settlements likely to be affected by emissions and whale calving and resting grounds immediately offshore.'In formulating the report the EPA has taken into account advice on the size of precinct that may be needed as, once established, the site is likely to attract further large proposals in the future.

'For James Price Point the risk of future expansion being significantly constrained is likely to be low, at Gourdon Bay future expansion may be limited by the frontage available with direct access to deep water if the precinct is laid out with jetties south of Cape Latouche Treville.

'The EPA also strongly supports evaluation of the national heritage values of the Kimberley with a view to conserving and protecting significant, representative marine and terrestrial areas and determining opportunities for joint management between Government and traditional owners; it is important that this is done in parallel with the LNG precinct assessment process.

'There are also a number of important issues that have been raised through the site evaluation process and the public submissions period which are best addressed by other government agencies; issues in relation to the downstream planning and infrastructure needs of the precinct, pressures on the coastal environment from an influx of people and socio-economic impacts.

'The sites examined in the EPA's report have not been subject to formal environmental assessment. A formal environmental assessment of a strategic proposal will be undertaken to fulfil this requirement for whichever site is chosen.

Future proposals which are brought forward and which fit within the assessed strategic proposal, known as derived proposals, will not generally be subject to further assessment by the EPA.'Any additional developments requiring an increase in the overall footprint of an approved precinct would be subject to further comprehensive environmental assessment at the time, particularly in terms of cumulative impacts,' Dr Vogel said.

EPA snubs Premier's choice for LNG hub

The state environment watchdog has rejected Premier Colin Barnett's preferred location for a liquefied natural gas hub in the Kimberley, saying nearby settlements are likely to be affected by emissions. The Environmental Protection Authority today released its advice for a multi-user LNG processing precinct that will process gas from the Browse Basin.

Four sites were shortlisted by the state government and the Kimberley Land Council, which represented the traditional land owners, with Anjo Peninsula, Gourdon Bay, James Price Point and North Head named as suitable areas.

Premier Colin Barnett had previously named North Head as his preferred location. Today the EPA recommended Gourdon Bay, south of Broome, and James Price Point, north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula, as the two sites where environmental risks and impacts are likely to be manageable. "The other two sites, North Head and Anjo Peninsula are not considered suitable for large scale industrial development from an environmental point of view, Anjo peninsula also has wildness values that would be threatened," EPA chairman Paul Vogel said.

'North Head has nearby settlements likely to be affected by emissions and whale calving and resting grounds immediately offshore.'In formulating the report the EPA has taken into account advice on the size of precinct that may be needed as, once established, the site is likely to attract further large proposals in the future.'For James Price Point the risk of future expansion being significantly constrained is likely to be low, at Gourdon Bay future expansion may be limited by the frontage available with direct access to deep water if the precinct is laid out with jetties south of Cape Latouche Treville." Dr Vogel stressed that Gourdon Bay and James Price Point have not been subject to formal environmental assessment.

A formal environmental assessment of a strategic proposal will be undertaken to fulfil this requirement for whichever site is chosen, Dr Vogel said. Yesterday, Mr Barnett said a decision on the site will be made before Christmas with a meeting with the KLC scheduled later for this week, depending on cyclone activity.

The Premier also did not rule out compulsory land acquisition for the LNG hub development. "...without being dramatic, if this land is not secured by the State and then available to be leased out to proponents of LNG, then there will be no LNG project in the Kimberley and there will be no benefits for the Aboriginal people of the Kimberley, and there will be no benefits for the wider economy of the Kimberley, and that's the bottom line,"

Mr Barnett said. "One project's been lost, I don't intend to see a second one being lost." In September, Inpex chose the Northern Territory ahead of WA for the construction of an LNG facility for its Ichthys project.

Woodside Petroleum is evaluating potential sites for its Browse Basin project, with the LNG hub as one option. The company is also evaluating the option to process the gas at its North West Shelf operation or its Pluto LNG project.

Environs Kimberley supports Shire of Broome decision

Media Release 17th December, 2008
Environs Kimberley welcomes Broome Shire Council motion rejecting LNG Hub
Environs Kimberley has welcomed Broome Shire Council’s decision to send a strong message to WA Premier Colin Barnett rejecting the development of an LNG hub or precinct on the coast within the Shire of Broome.
The motion, which was promoted by Cr Nik Wevers and passed 5 votes to 4, argued that an LNG hub would cause: “extreme and permanent destruction of marine and terrestrial environments which are of national and international significance”.
The motion also outlined the risks of an LNG precinct to existing industries within the Shire of Broome such as pearling, fishing and tourism as well as potential destructive impacts on Indigenous cultural and heritage values.
“This is a great outcome for Broome and for the Dampier Peninsula environment,” said EK Director Martin Pritchard.
“Now we just have to hope the Premier listens and takes account of local opinions and sentiments.”
Council also moved a motion requesting the Premier to provide advice on the State Government’s plans for continuing the Northern Development Taskforce and requested a commitment regarding socio-economic and industry impact studies.
“We are looking forward to participating in the Shire’s proposed forum and static exhibition which will inform and educate people within the Shire on the direct impacts - economic, environmental and social - of an LNG hub or precinct,” Mr Pritchard said.
“We urge the Premier to look into alternative sites in the Pilbara which already have existing infrastructure.”
Media Contact:
Martin Pritchard: 08 9192 1922 or 0427 548 075

Barnett on Country, James Price's Point & North Head, Friday

Attention!Attention!

Many people are aware Colin Barnett is currently in the Kimberley and is planning to make his: announcement of his preffered site and intention to exercise compulsory acquistion of country for the gas hub.

Eyesoncountry has been informed that Colin Barnett is planning to visit both James Price Point and North Head on Friday the 19th of December to make his accouncement.

Urgent Call For Support at Shire Council Meeting Today

Eyesoncountry are seeking your urgent support for Cr Wevers and her brave attempt to ensure the Shire does not support a gas precinct within the Shire of Broome and that the Shire also follows through with its own vision and mission statements.

We are encouraging all concerned people to email all shire councillors and raise their concerns.You can also support Cr Wevers in her endevours, by attending the Broome Shire Council's meeting, today, 17th December 2008.

Cr Wevers has put forward the following motion(in short) that "That the Council advises the Premier, Mr Colin Barnett, that it does not support the location of a gas processing hub/precinct in the Shire of Broome".

Redhand would like to apologise for not bringing this to your attention sooner , however it appears that we have been suffering from unexplainable blogging blocks!

Below is a list of correct and current email addresses for Broome Shire Councillors.Apparently, incorrect email addresses are currently circulating:

shirepresident@broome.wn.com.au
eo.kacc@westnet.com.au
albert@garnduwa.comau
eatonshelley@bigpond.com
chris@arthousebroome.com
nikwevers@bigpond.com
councillor.lander@broome.wa.gov.au
councillor.matsumoto@broome.wa.gov.au
councillor.foy@broome.wa.gov.au

Whale area put Japanese firm off Barnett gas hub

13th December 2008, 9:30 WST

The Japanese company Colin Barnett wants to lure back to WA to build a $25 billion gas plant in the Kimberley does not like his preferred site for the State’s first LNG precinct because it is a whale resting area.

Documents obtained by The West Australian under Freedom of Information laws reveal that in July Inpex wrote to Duncan Ord, chairman of the State Government’s northern development task force, warning that a number of the shortlisted sites, including North Head, were not suitable for several reasons including the threat they posed to whales.

In October when the Premier released the task force’s report, which shortlisted four possible sites for the project, he controversially named North Head, 26km north of Beagle Bay, as his preferred site.

After Inpex announced it would build its gas plant in Darwin rather than the Kimberley, Mr Barnett admitted that his desire to lure the company’s gas development back to WA had helped form his decision to nominate North Head as his preferred site.

Inpex has repeatedly stated its favoured Kimberley site is Maret Islands, located off the coast and not a shortlisted site, while documents reveal it would also consider the Anjo Peninsula.

In an email attached to the letter to Mr Ord, Inpex said its research suggested the whale issue was a potential gas development showstopper.

“Inpex . . . would certainly struggle to endorse any location that interferes directly with whale calving/resting/migration,” the email said.

On Thursday, about 500 locals attended a Save the Kimberley rally in Broome to protest against Mr Barnett’s push to industrialise the region.

North Head has been identified as a nursery for humpback whales and a feeding ground for flatback turtles, both of which are vulnerable species.

The FOI documents also reveal that Inpex gave the Kimberley Land Council more than $4 million during negotiations for a possible site for a gas processing hub and repeatedly warned the previous Labor government it was considering building its gas plant in Darwin rather than off the WA coast.

Inpex wrote to Mr Ord in February detailing the funding it had paid to the KLC between 2006 and January this year.

This funding was on top of the almost $7 million paid to the KLC under a financial agreement with the previous government to consult traditional landowners over gas development in the region.

Mr Barnett said on Thursday the KLC, which had asked the State Government for another $2 million to consult traditional owners, would not get any more large payments.

PERTH
JESSICA STRUTT

Shire debates Turtles' nesting on Cable Beach, Broome

Photos by Rodger Grohmann

THIS WEEK: A female flatback turtle returning to the water after nesting on Cable Beach at 6.00pm Sunday 7th December in the public swimming area.

Next Wednesday 17th December, the Shire of Broome will debate closing Cable Beach from sunset to sunrise for the turtle nesting season.
See VEHICLE IMPACTS ON NESTING TURTLES at
http://www.broome.wa.gov.au/council/pdf/agenda/2008/20081217oa.pdf

You are encouraged to write to the Shire Councillors to express your opinion on this debate.

Shire President. Graeme Campbell - shirepresident@broome.wn.com.au
Deputy Shire President. Chris Mitchell - eokacc@westnet.com.au
Cr. Michael Albert - albert@garnduwa.com.au
Cr. Shelley Eaton - eatonshelley@bigpond.com
Cr. Elsta Foy - phone fax 61 8 9192 739
Cr. Rob Lander - councillor.lander@broome.wa.gov.au
Cr. Chris Maher - chris@arthousebroome.com
Cr. Peter Matsumoto - councillor.matsumoto@broome.wa.gov.au
Cr. Nik Wevers nikwevers@bigpond.com

The turtles breeding on Cable Beach must be protected

Dolphins Taiji City Council and Shire of Broome

The Shire will also debate the issue of dolphins' slaughter in Taji Japan. Taiji is Broome's Sister City and has been for many years. See Item 11.4 TAIJI on the agenda 17 December at www.broome.wa.gov.au Further information and a good video can be seen at www.savejapandolphins.org

Missy Higgins sings for the Kimberley

Article from: The Australian

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24789726-16947,00.html

AUSTRALIAN pop star Missy Higgins has given an internet-only performance from her new home town of Broome to highlight the threat to the Kimberley region from industrialisation.

Iain Shedden, Music writer | December 12, 2008

The award-winning singer from Sydney moved to Broome a year ago and says her new environment has inspired her songwriting.

Higgins, 25, wrote half of her second album, On A Clear Night, in her adopted home town.

``I know that there are plans for some serious industrialisation up in the Kimberley coast,'' she says in the seven-minute film clip.

On Thursday 500 local residents attended a Save the Kimberley rally in Broome to protest against WA premier Colin Barnett's proposals for the compulsory purchase of land in the Kimberley region for industrial development.

The previous day, Mr Barnett revealed to local business leaders his plan to forcibly acquire land from Aboriginal people in the Kimberley that would provide the site for a gas-processing precinct.

``We can't just let the oil and the gas companies come and destroy this beautiful land," Higgins says. "This is a criminal thing to do to this part of the country. It's just wrong.''

The clip also shows Higgins making her first public performance in Broome, singing her song Going North at a local bar.

She explains that the song is about going to Broome and also about standing up for what you believe in.

``The Kimberley has something really powerful and special about it,'' Higgins says.

``It gets under your skin. I felt a connection there to my country that I didn't feel in the city.

``It has taught me a real respect for the land and for my country that I never really apppreciated before.''

Higgins, who left Australia this week to perform in the US, has been expanding her career while in Broome.

She is one of the musicians with an acting role in director Rachael Perkins's film Bran Nue Day (should be Dae).

The feature film, starring Geoffrey Rush, Deborah Mailman and Tom Budge, is being shot in and around the town.

As Redhand has said before, there are around 34,000 people who live in the Kimberley, 15,000 who live in Broome and less than 2,000 who live on the Dampier Peninsula where North Head and James Price Point are located. We need help from around Australia and from around the world to protest the Western Australian State Government's planned compulsory acquisition of land for an LNG gas hub/precinct which will cause vast environmental damage and social dislocation of community.

Support from more people like Missy Higgins is needed - and appreciated.

Broome Community does not support LNG development on the Kimberley coast.

The rally of about 300 people held in Broome today made it clear that the development of an LNG gas hub or precinct is not welcome here.



Yes, we love the Kimberley.

The Premier Mr Barnett must understand Kimberley people will not support his proposal without proper engagement with the community, protection of Aboriginal heritage, advancement of the environment and encouragement of enterprise that is entirely conducive with the needs of our community and the special wilderness that we all currently enjoy.





Speakers included Neil McKenzie, Albert Wiggan, Marty Sibosado and hosted by Kevin Blatchford, Save the Kimberley. (videos soon).

Pamphlets promoted:

LNG in the Kimberley is NOT "inevitable".
There ARE alternatives to a gas precinct in the Kimberley!
The Kimberley is one of the last unspoilt wilderness areas in the world - lets keep it that way!

Protests will continue.

Hands off country. Stand up for the planet.

ANTI GAS HUB RALLY TODAY

First Broome street march and rally against the LNG proposal attracts about 250 people 

The Premier's latest announcement on gas precinct site

December – NDT announces James Price Point as its recommended site for an LNG

processing precinct gas hub site to be known shortly

Posted 8 hours 38 minutes ago
Updated 8 hours 32 minutes ago

Colin Barnett to name Kimberley hub site within a fortnight

-->

• Map: Broome 6725

The Premier Colin Barnett says the Government has narrowed down to two sites, the location for an industrial gas hub in the Kimberley.

Mr Barnett has told a business luncheon in Perth, the two sites are North Head, about 125 kilometres north of Broome, and James Price Point, about 60 kilometres north of Broome.
Previously, Mr Barnett has named North Head as his preferred site.
A final decision will be made within a fortnight.
Mr Barnett told the gathering the Government would use the Publics Work Act to acquire the land.
"So we will acquire it as Government owned land and then we will lease it out to proponents," he said.
"Whether that be Woodside, Inpex or anyone else in the future.
"That may sound a bit radical.
"I assure you it's not.
"That is the way most industrial land in Western Australia has been acquired and operated."
from www.abc.net.au/online

Woodside compensation offer inadequate: Kimberley elders

December 04, 2008
Article from: The Australian

KIMBERLEY traditional owners are furious at mining giant Woodside over a compensation offer for a proposed gas hub development in Western Australia's far north.
The Kimberley Land Council, which represents native title claimants at the four potential sites for the hub, said the proposal was “offensive”.

The proposal is understood to have required traditional Aboriginal owners to agree there were no heritage indigenous issues that would preclude the development going ahead at any of the four 1000 hectare sites.

It is also understood there was no offer of put-through, or royalties, in relation to the project.

Kimberley Land Council chief executive, who has written to Woodside chief Don Voelte rejecting the proposal, said it fell well below standard agreements between mining companies and Aboriginal people and would have given the company carte blanche, setting Aboriginal rights back 30 years.

“It is an insult,” he said.

“They want us to sign away our heritage rights before we even know where the project is, and what impact the project will have on Aboriginal communities.

Mr Bergman said the offer had been made in the context of Premier Colin Barnett’s threats of compulsory land acquisition.

“Woodside is attempting to negotiate with us with a gun to our head, with the state,” he said.

But Woodside said its benefits package would deliver significant social and economic benefits to Aboriginal people, including annual payments for education, training and compensation for native title owners, worth up to $500 million over the life of the project.

“Woodside is basing its proposal on a shortlist of potential sites drawn up by the Kimberley Land Council, so is working on the presumption these sites do not have significant heritage issues,” Woodside said in a statement.

“In any event it is proposed that if a Kimberley site is selected a comprehensive heritage survey will be conducted.”

Human noise drowns out song of whales

The songs that whales and dolphins use to communicate, orient themselves and find mates are being drowned out by human-made noises in the world’s oceans, UN officials and environmental groups have revealed.

That sound pollution — everything from increasing commercial shipping and seismic surveys to a new generation of military sonar — is not only confounding the mammals, it also is further threatening the survival of these endangered animals.

Studies show that these cetaceans, which once communicated over thousands of miles (kilometers) to forage and mate, are losing touch with each other, the experts said on the sidelines of a UN wildlife conference in Rome.

“Call it a cocktail-party effect,” said Mark Simmonds, director of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, a Britain-based NGO. “You have to speak louder and louder until no one can hear each other anymore.”

An indirect source of noise pollution may also be coming from climate change, which is altering the chemistry of the oceans and making sound travel farther through sea water, the experts said.

Representatives of more than 100 governments are gathered in Rome for a meeting of the UN-backed Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

The agenda of the conference, which ends Friday, includes ways to increase protection for endangered species, including measures to mitigate underwater noise.

Environmental groups also are increasingly finding cases of beached whales and dolphins that can be linked to sound pollution, Simmonds said.

Marine mammals are turning up on the world’s beaches with tissue damage similar to that found in divers suffering from decompression sickness. The condition, known as the bends, causes gas bubbles to form in the bloodstream upon surfacing too quickly.

Scientists say the use of military sonar or seismic testing may have scared the animals into diving and surfacing beyond their physical limits, Simmonds said.

Several species of cetaceans are already listed as endangered or critically endangered from other causes, including hunting, chemical pollution, collisions with boats and entanglements with fishing equipment. Though it is not yet known precisely how many animals are affected, sound pollution is increasingly being recognized as a serious factor, the experts said.

As an example, Simmonds offered two incidents this year which, though still under study, could be linked to noise pollution: the beaching of more than 100 melon-headed whales in Madagascar and that of two dozen common dolphins on the southern British coast.

The sound of a seismic test, used to locate hydrocarbons beneath the seabed, can spread 3000km under water, said Veronica Frank, an official with the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

A study by her group found that the blue whale, which used to communicate across entire oceans, has lost 90 per cent of its range over the last 40 years.

Despite being the largest mammal ever to inhabit Earth, the endangered blue whale still holds mysteries for scientists.

“We don’t even know where their breeding grounds are,” Simmonds said. “But what’s most important is that they need to know where they are.”

Other research suggests that rising levels of carbon dioxide are increasing the acidity of the Earth’s oceans, making sound travel farther through sea water.

The study by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in the United States shows the changes may mean some sound frequencies are traveling 10 percent farther than a few centuries ago. That could increase to 70 percent by 2050 if greenhouse gases are not cut.

“This is a new, strange and unwanted development,” Simmonds said. “It shows how the degradation of the environment is all linked.”

However, governments seem ready to take action, said Nick Nutall, a spokesman for the UN Environment Program, which administers the convention being discussed in Rome. The conference is discussing a resolution that would oblige countries to reduce sound pollution, he said.

Measures suggested include rerouting shipping and installing quieter engines as well as cutting speed and banning tests and sonar use in areas known to be inhabited by the endangered animals.

ROME
AP4th December 2008, 8:30 WST

What Colin Wants for Christmas

WA Business News - Northbridge,
Western Australia,3rd November 2008

Colin Barnett is hoping Woodside Petroleum will fill his Christmas stocking with a pledge to anchor the proposed Kimberley LNG hub, one of the most controversial projects facing his government.
The West

This is the only bit of information Redhand could find in regards to this article and this comment.

A Glimpse into the Deep

Two Moons Whale and Marine Research Base have kindly given permission for us to show this wonderful footage of Humpback Whales taken right in the Middle Lagoon/North Head region.As you can see the footage shows how close these ancient allies swim along the coastline.

Eyesoncountry would also like to clarify that the Newsflash from Friday was eyesoncountry's observations only and is not scientifcally based.
Do some humpbacks stay in the northern waters whilst their counterparts migrate???? It only goes to show that further studies are vital in understanding these very special marine friends and imperative to their protection and that the fast-tracking of any Gas Hub on the Kimberley Coast would be in direct oppostion to Australia's stance on protecting and nurturing the recovering Humpback Whale population.

Newsflash

A large pod of Humpback Whales were seen today just offshore from Middle Lagoon, adjacent to North Head and they were seen to be breaching and cavorting for quite some time.Even after the so-called end of the "whale season"(it is presumed that most are on their southern migration) we are still seeing whales in the northern waters in one of their socialisation areas.Apparently it may be that not all whales take the migration,especially young bulls who may not be of mating age.
Again, Eyesoncountry calls on the State and Federal Governments to declare the area a Marine Park and endeavour to undertake further studies in this internationally significant region.

Bruno Dann, Traditional Nyul Nyul Owner

Bruno Dann requested to be filmed on the weekend to appeal to the government to rethink their proposed gas development on the Kimberley coast. This footage was first posted on Youtude under the Title: Please Think Again

We will never be able to create a just or sustainable world without addressing the ongoing colonialism, imperialism and genocide inherent in denying indigenous people control over their own lands and destinies.

The violation of country and destruction of indigenous cultures is inseparable from the other injustices that confront our world. It is no coincidence that even as cultural diversity and native languages disappear at rates unheard of in the history of our species, extinction rates have reached levels unseen.



While many pressing issues confront indigenous Australians, Governments and multinational corporations worldwide continue to launch new assaults on indigenous lands, in order to secure access to the resources that their economies need to sustain themselves, even when it is killing the planet. These resources are then used to secure corporate control over the rest of the world, leading to many of the other injustices that progressives routinely follow.

The fundamentally colonialist nature of these types of projects is underscored by the fact that their supposed benefits rarely flow to local communities — rather, they are intended to move resources away and to the wealthy. The dislocation caused by these projects is culturally devastating to indigenous peoples. Yet devastating as they are, infrastructure projects are in many ways only the shock troops that facilitate the ongoing assault on indigenous lands around the globe.

Once roads have been punched into country or electric generating capacity set up, for example, the way is cleared for an unremitting flood of industries. The economic model underlying globalised infrastructure represents a fundamentally non-indigenous way of doing business. It is based on the premise that the land is meant to be exploited for short-term gain; an indigenous way, in contrast, emphasizes relation with the land over the long-term and into future generations.

All around the world, indigenous communities are resisting assault by these types projects. They are defending their cultures against a global economy that insists that they assimilate, conform, consume, give up country and be silent.

Delving into the Deep

This week Hands Off Country will focus on the Marine Environment and we aim to bring you the most com pelling scientific evidence to date that proves without a doubt that North Head should not be the site for the Gas Hub and that the Kimberley in general is absolutely no place for industrialisation.
Below is the most up to date scientific study and research on Humpback Whales conducted in the North Head/Pender Bay region.The three year study's outcomes are very clear and highlight the fact that a Gas Processing Facility would directly impact on the recovering Humpback Whale population which is of international significance.This Whale Nursery and Socialisation Area is one of the most important left on the planet and Hands Off Country calls on the State and Federal Governments to immediately protect these areas.
This study has international significance and Hands Off Country would like to sincerely thank Two Moons Whale and Marine Research Base initiated and run by Goojarr Goonyool Aboriginal Corporation and the researchers and authors,Shannon McKay and Dr Deborah Thiele for allowing us to use this.Please note that the data in this submission is not to be cited without the authors consent.As such you will find the submission in full below.Just click on each page to view in full size.Pages 1-16 run in order down the page.

Humpback Whales

The Humpback whale is a moderately large baleen whale, reaching lengths of up to 17.4 metres and a maximum
weight of 45 tonnes. Hunted extensively throughout the 19th and 20th centuries (until a moratorium was implemented
in 1963), a staggering 95% of the Humpback population was slaughtered for human use.
Along the west coast of Australia, records show that at least
19,557 humpback whales were killed between 1911 and 1963,
in addition to 8,302 taken by east coast whaling stations.
The remaining populations numbered less than 600 in the
west coast, and 100-500 along eastern migratory pathways.

As the species struggles to recover from such decimation,
its survival continues to be threatened by degraded habitat
and disrupted calving areas. Attempts to manage human
impact on the Humpback Whale are limited by a general lack
of knowledge of their habitat requirements along migratory
pathways.

Figures taken from the Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage website, www.deh.gov.au/sprat, 19/06/07

Here are a few samples that can be used in the protection of the humpback whale. these are all recorded within 4 miles of north head

Attached is footage of a young calf. This unfortunate baby humpback was unlikely to see another dawn break!

Tiger Sharks take only a few ,There are many such baby humpback whales that will be displaced by the noise and vessel traffic of a GAS Refinery at North Head!. this displacement could very well lead to a higher mortality rate as the mothers and calves attempt to cope with what would be the human equivalent of evicting mothers and children into the unknown !. this area is a Humpback Whale Nursery in a recovering population that was almost wiped out by whaling less than one human generation ago.

If the Australian population were concerned about the fate of the baby humpback whale named Colin or (Collette) then they ought to be informed about the proposed gas refinery and the possible fate awaiting the many returning pregnant mothers that once again during our winter, will be seeking shelter in what they believed were ANTI Whaling friendly Australian Waters .

N.D.T.F Scientific advise on Humpback Whales

The Northern Development Task Force informed the indigenous community at the meeting at Middle Lagoon that their scientific advise was, "that a refinery at North Head was non preferred but manageable" ???

I would say as far as a humpback whale was concerned, The gas refinery can only "manage" to reduce their groups available "socialising, calving and resting areas"

(3 years of base line data and We never received a visit by the N.D.T.F ???)

What Example will we be setting

Australians cannot knowingly accept their actions against these mothers and calves .this would be contrary to the Australian international stance against Japan and the fact t hat Japan have agreed "for now" NOT to HARM or Kill Humpback Whales

A Response to the Proposed Gas Refinery

All of us Here at The Two Moons Whale And Marine Research Base Are awaiting the pr ocesses of Government . They now have 3 years of Humpback Whale, Base line data Via the authors in the form of the public submission . . these three years of survey are adjacent to north head.

We would expect that informed decision makers would not announce a gas refinery at North Head and instead announce the North Head area and Surrounds as a Humpback Whale Sanctuary .

Thanks must go out to Shannon McKay and Deb Thiele for their devotion to preserving and aiding the humpback whale

("my apologies to the male humpback whales for not mentioning you blokes as often")

(these images and audio are not for commercial use or gain without the strict consent of Two Moons Whale And Marine Research Base.)

Yours Sincerely

Andrew.J. Bowles

Chairperson Goojarr Goonyool Aboriginal Corporation

PO Box 1754 Broome WA 6725

Ph- 0891924616 Mob- 042813814

bull_humpback_under_boat.wav

Public_Comment_Submission.pdf

emailable_Tigers_And_Baby_Humpback.WMV