The Nature Conservation Council of NSW (NCC) today condemned the ‘conditional’ approval of the plant, near Mogo, south of Bateman’s Bay, saying the Government had already expanded the range of commercially acceptable species on the basis of their suitability for charcoal production.

The Mogo plant will burn around 200,000 tonnes of forestry ‘residue’ every year to make charcoal suitable for producing silicon at a facility in the State electorate of Bathurst, held marginally by the Labor Party. The Mogo and wider South Coast community had run a vocal and passionate campaign against the factory, claiming it would compromise the growing tourism industry, present health risks to surrounding residents, and lead to a massive increase in industrial traffic through the area.

A NSW government report titled “State Forests South Coast Region residue wood supply forecasts” from 11th April 2001, obtained under Freedom of Information states:

“The range of commercially acceptable species for merchantable residues was expanded to include bloodwoods and ironbark species together with the traditional light/white species suitable for pulp. The list was increased to include species with red timber, as these are preferred for the production of charcoal. These coloured timbers are unsuitable for pulp”

NCC executive officer, Kathy Ridge: “For the NSW Government to claim the approval was conditional upon no forest tree be cut down for the sole purpose of charcoal production is a blatant misrepresentation of the facts.

“It is clear the NSW Government wants the community to believe that no additional pressure will be placed on the South Coast forests. However the decision today will increase the range of species counted as residue specifically to supply the charcoal factory.”

“The extraction of stumps from the forest floor and branch material will undeniably increase the impact of the forest activities on the South Coast, but there has been no environmental impact study looking at exactly how much damage this is likely to cause.

“For the NSW Government to sell the future of those forests for a song to a private company is appalling. The community wanted the forests protected, the Indigenous community called for the project to be rejected.

“How will the Government deliver on their promise that no new trees will be cut down to burn in the charcoal furnace? Will they stop production on the basis of proof that trees are being taken directly to the charcoal factory?

“NCC is sure that in no time at all the community will be able to prove that the conditional approval from the NSW Government is no more than weasel words to win the seat of Bathurst in the next election,” Ms Ridge said.

Published with permission

Let the People Decide!

A five hour ‘Extraordinary Meeting’ of Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) was held on Tuesday to address requests from the community to help fund a legal appeal in the Land and Environment Court against Planning NSW decision to approve the charcoal plant in Mogo. ESC voted to place the decision to take action square in the laps of the community.
The people will decide if they want to commit funds for this purpose and the result will be made known on June 18. Fine details are yet to be worked, out but there will be extensive education period so that everyone is able to make an informed decision.
Ron Nye from the South Coast Regional Aboriginal Lands Council and Emmett O’Loughlin from the Charcoalition were present during the discussion.
Council retained Price Waterhouse Coopers – legal (PWC) to provide preliminary advice on the steps involved and the legal and specialist costs.
According to the Mayor, Peter Cairney, PWC believe that the charcoal plant is the most important environmental issue ever to come before the Land and Environment Court in Australia. They are confident that the community has a very good case on numerous points and have named an internationally renowned top barrister as their preferred choice. Mayor Cairney was quick to point out that PWC agreed good-humouredly that this case ‘would look good on their Curriculum Vitaes’.
PWC advised that multiple actions were preferable to a joint appeal but indicated that
coordination of all actions would produce the best outcome.
Other organizations will be approached to ascertain their views regarding possible action and joint funding including the NSW State Opposition, the NSW and South Coast Regional Aboriginal Lands Council, Cowra Shire Council, Boorawa Shire Council, Bathurst City Council, Lachlan Regional Transport Committee, The Wilderness Society, The Illawarra Regional Organization of Councils (IROC) and the NSW Greens.
Charcoalition has already decided to appeal and has indicated their willingness to cooperate with Council should the community decide to go to court.
Advice was also given as to the type of action to be lodged.
A class one ‘merit appeal is based mainly on environmental issues and usually incurs no court costs if the appeal is lost. It must be lodged within 28 days of the decision.
A class four judicial appeal is based mainly on judicial issues but costs could be incurred. It must be lodged within 90 days of the decision. The NSW government has the right to rule out this type of action under section 102 of the act.
Council decided to lodge a ‘merit appeal’. Price Waterhouse Coopers was instructed to do so immediately in case the community decides to allocate the funds. ESC can withdraw if necessary.
Charcoalition legal spokesperson, Emmett O’Loughlin was very pleased with Council’s decision and with PWC’s favourable opinion of the case. He said that there are several very good points to argue on both fronts. This group may decide to lodge both merit and judicial actions.

The Travelling Road Show

Charcoalition held the first one many information days, at Broulee last Sunday, regarding the Planning NSW decision to approve the charcoal plant in Mogo. Approximately 500 anxious people from Canberra, Moruya, the Bay and the immediate area crowded in to Broulee School Public Hall to hear several passionate speakers explain the facts of the Assessment and the consent approval.

What they heard renewed their hopes that the approval for the plant may be reversed.

Charcoalition believe there are many anomalies in the assessment report and that there are definitely good grounds for an appeal. This belief has been confirmed by legal opinion from environmental lawyers and subsequently by Council’s solicitors Price Waterhouse Coopers.

The information day swelled the coffers of the fighting fund. Several thousand dollars were deposited into the IMB Coastwatchers/Charcoalition bank account.

The ‘travelling road show’ was launched to inform the community of these facts and to act as a springboard to raise money for the fighting fund. Information days will be held in Batemans Bay, Narooma and Moruya over the next few weeks. Charcoalition also hopes to spread the word as far as Wollongong.

Many of the northern towns missed their chance to oppose the charcoal plant as Australian Silicon indicated it would use the Kings Highway to cart product and timber. During the assessment process by Planning NSW, the company changed its mind and will now use the Princes Highway, which puts small towns such as Berry right in the line of the truck traffic.
CEO Australian Silicon, Peter Anderton insists that only 5 trucks will pass through Shoalhaven City each day.

Charcoalition Roads and Traffic spokesperson, Nola Ford believes this to be untrue. “Mr Anderton has only counted the trucks carrying charcoal. He has forgotten that sawdust, sludge, fluxwood and carbon fine (charcoal grounds) must also go north from Mogo.

‘Using mathematical equations and the figures from the company, our experts have also calculated the amount of charcoal able to be loaded into a semi. Charcoal is bulky but light. A semi will only be able to carry 12 tonnes not the 24 tonnes indicated in the assessment report. More trucks will be used.”

She also pointed out that logging trucks have been left out of the equation altogether. “The timber trucks do not belong to the company, therefore they have not been counted.

“When logging occurs around in the Milton/Ulladulla area, 60 trucks per day will use the highway.”

Published with permission

I feel that I must preface this editorial with the fact that for a large chunk of my voting life in this country, I voted Labor.
I believed in their policies – in their desire to bring the best to the majority.

I now think NSW Labor has lost sight of these intrinsic goals.

It appears to be totally devoted to bringing the best to the party – and the individuals within the party – not to the people.
I’m sitting here on a rainy, bleak Sunday night reflecting on the events of the week.

Our Police Commissioner ‘resigned’ and ended up with an huge payout – a year’s salary, unlike the rest of the resignees in NSW, who end up with what is due – one or two weeks salary.

The Sun-Herald report – unrest in Gosford. A high-rise development, sitting on the coast was approved in spite of Dr Refshauge’s vow to prevent over-development of the coastline.
NSW Labor is charging $3300 for the privilege of close encounters with Labor leaders.
Port Kembla Copper, opened because the Labor Party supported the move, against the arguments and the fears of pollution, has recorded 25 sulphur dioxide emissions exceeding world health standards this year and the Labor Party still want to let it operate!
And, up to 100 residents in the Eurobodalla Shire are facing their ninth month of eating, drinking and sleeping ‘No go in Mogo’. Eight months of devoting 12 to 15 hours a day – seven days a week, to saving their health, their investments and their lifestyle from the greed and the arrogance of the Labor Party.

I am flabbergasted that NSW Labor appears to think the electorate is stupid.

Does it really think we would swallow the supposed ‘resignation’ of Ryan and the monumental payout?

Does it really think we would accept that a high-rise development on the coast of NSW was OK in this instance?

Does it really think that we would think, paying large sums for the privilege of talking with high level Labor politicians was the go, when we, the constituents can’t even get a look-in, when we are fighting for our democratic rights?

Does it really think that this community would swallow the fact that NSW Labor would protect this community from pollutants from the charcoal plant, if it goes ahead? Look at Port Kembla Copper!

Does it really think that the people fighting night and day against the charcoal plant are doing this out of some misguided anti-Labor thing or radical green thing?

I think not!!

On Friday, the majority of talk-back radio callers all said the same thing.

The Labor Party is imbued with power and this has bred an arrogance – a ‘we know what is best for you so don’t argue’ – ‘and if you argue, we will sock it to you anyway’ – ‘so lie down and take it’ mentality.

Well I for one have had it!

I am sick of pollies, who ignore the will of the people.

I am sick of pollies, who put democracy on the ‘backburner’ – in the name of ‘this is the best thing for the state’.
What a load of codswollop!

This party is doing these horrendous things for VOTES – but only VOTES that result in seats – nothing more – so that NSW Labor retains its licence to go on giving us more of what we don’t want – closed hospitals, reduced dental service, reduced policing and above all unwanted development!!

Too long in power, breeds arrogance and arrogance breeds contempt.

I think the Labor Party views the NSW electorate with contempt.

But, I also think the NSW electorate views the Labor Party with contempt.

And the NSW electorate will have the final say!

March 2003 can’t come soon enough!

A five hour ‘Extraordinary Meeting’ of Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) was held on Tuesday to address requests from the community to help fund a legal appeal in the Land and Environment Court against Planning NSW decision to approve the charcoal plant in Mogo. ESC voted to place the decision to take action square in the laps of the community.
The people will decide if they want to commit funds for this purpose and the result will be made known on June 18. Fine details are yet to be worked, out but there will be extensive education period so that everyone is able to make an informed decision.
Ron Nye from the South Coast Regional Aboriginal Lands Council and Emmett O’Loughlin from the Charcoalition were present during the discussion.
Council retained Price Waterhouse Coopers – legal (PWC) to provide preliminary advice on the steps involved and the legal and specialist costs.
According to the Mayor, Peter Cairney, PWC believe that the charcoal plant is the most important environmental issue ever to come before the Land and Environment Court in Australia. They are confident that the community has a very good case on numerous points and have named an internationally renowned top barrister as their preferred choice. Mayor Cairney was quick to point out that PWC agreed good-humouredly that this case ‘would look good on their Curriculum Vitaes’.
PWC advised that multiple actions were preferable to a joint appeal but indicated that
coordination of all actions would produce the best outcome.
Other organizations will be approached to ascertain their views regarding possible action and joint funding including the NSW State Opposition, the NSW and South Coast Regional Aboriginal Lands Council, Cowra Shire Council, Boorawa Shire Council, Bathurst City Council, Lachlan Regional Transport Committee, The Wilderness Society, The Illawarra Regional Organization of Councils (IROC) and the NSW Greens.
Charcoalition has already decided to appeal and has indicated their willingness to cooperate with Council should the community decide to go to court.
Advice was also given as to the type of action to be lodged.
A class one ‘merit appeal is based mainly on environmental issues and usually incurs no court costs if the appeal is lost. It must be lodged within 28 days of the decision.
A class four judicial appeal is based mainly on judicial issues but costs could be incurred. It must be lodged within 90 days of the decision. The NSW government has the right to rule out this type of action under section 102 of the act.
Council decided to lodge a ‘merit appeal’. Price Waterhouse Coopers was instructed to do so immediately in case the community decides to allocate the funds. ESC can withdraw if necessary.
Charcoalition legal spokesperson, Emmett O’Loughlin was very pleased with Council’s decision and with PWC’s favourable opinion of the case. He said that there are several very good points to argue on both fronts. This group may decide to lodge both merit and judicial actions.

AJ Intro
It is almost impossible to give justice to the issues that come across my desk which remain unaddressed or else to use a colloquial expression – buggered up by Government.

On Hunter’s Hill High, for example, the Government doesn’t listen to the people, it just tells the people, and then we find that information is withheld. On Hire Cars and Jet Skis, the Government doesn’t listen to people – it doesn’t want to know their concerns.

On Land Tax, an issue we are going to have to address again, it doesn’t listen to people – it doesn’t want to know. Who’s representing who? We turn to the south coast, where by any objective analysis, it’s a story of utter chaos, and can I use the word “dissembling”? Someone not telling the truth.

Now the south coast, as you know, is one of the most beautiful parts of the State – they call it the Nature Coast. But that may not be the case for much longer. It hasn’t received much publicity outside of the area, but they certainly have written to me in droves. There is a proposal for a massive, and I mean massive, near the little towns of Mogo and Broulee.

That’s about half way between Moruya and Batemans Bay. And this plant would produce Charcoal, which would then be taken to a proposed silicon metal production plant at Lithgow. There they’d make the like of solar cells and silicon chips – all very laudable.

Now the Mayor of Lithgow, Neville Castle, has written to me to say how the Council is well aware “that a number of projects could be hijacked by a minority of emotive protestors”.

If you are going to accuse “emotive protestors” of having a vested interest, you’d have to level the same accusation at the Mayor of Lithgow – he has a vested interest, after all, the Lithgow factory will not go ahead unless the charcoal factory is approved. But it’s the very scale of this proposed charcoal plant and the potential impact on the environment and local communities, that has people fuming.

How big? Well try 73 hectares, or put it another way, it’s the size of 107 football fields. But only 25 have been cleared. The site is surrounded on three sides by bush. The proposed plant will have 5 chimneys, each more than 30 metres, or 11 stories high. It will operate 24 hours a day for 350 days a year. The plant will consume around 200,000 cubic tonnes of timber per year which will be turned into between 30,000 and 35,000 tonnes of charcoal. It will be located between 2.2 and 2.6 Km from three local schools. It will be 2.5 km from a proposed college. 2.9 km from the Broulee retirement village.

But above all else, is that very few people in the area want it. The Eurobodalla Shire Council has reportedly been pushing for the plant to be built – once again, local government riding roughshod over the wishes of local residents.

What’s also clear is that the State Government is also pushing for the plant to be built. But Andrew Refshauge the Planning Minister will tell you that no decision has been reached.

But on the 14th of February this year, Bob Carr was quoted in the Eurobodalla Sun News paper as saying “It’s going ahead, end of story I am certain that it’s environmentally sound it’s going ahead it’s as simple as that.” Now that is another story that I will come to in a moment.

Chris Kowal is the head of the Charcoalition, the group fighting to keep the plant out, and he’s on the line. Chris, good morning,

CK Good morning Alan

AJ How long has this proposal been on the drawing board?

Ck It came to the community’s attention way back in August/ July last year.

AJ So who’s pushing for it to be built?

CK State Government’s pushing for it to be built

AJ and why have they chosen Broulee and Mogo

CK they have chosen the South Coast, Broulee Mogo area because the regional manager for State Forests has been flogging off our forests for the silicon proposal

AJ so there is plenty of timber down there?

CK well there is plenty of timber, but that timber performs other functions

AJ sure, but what I am saying is that would be the reason for them wanting to locate it there?

CK that’s correct

AJ how many people live in the area

CK you’ve got a ball park figure, 30,000 is the permanent population of the Eurobodalla Shire

AJ right, it’s known as the nature coast isn’t it, that is it’s attraction to tourists?

CK That’s it attraction to tourists, that’s it’s attraction to retiree’s too, there is a huge market for people retiring to the south coast because they have had enough of the hectic industrialised ….of their working lives

AJ I mean, 73 hectares is a big lump of land isn’t it, with only 25 so far cleared, does that mean that close to 50 hectares of bush land would have to be ripped out?

CK a large part of that yes, there is a buffer around the edges but the majority of that would be cleared out, yes

AJ and 5 chimneys the equivalent of 11 stories high, I mean that’s not small is it?

Ck Oh absolutely not, you would actually see this from such prominent places as Broulee and Tomakin Headlands where you have beautiful spectacular coastal scenes, with a beautiful mountain back drop and smack bang in the middle of it you would have these five retorts going 24 hours a day

AJ that’s what I was going to say, 24 hours a day 350 days a year, where will the timber come from? Because I notice Australian Silicon operation saying that no trees will be cut down for the sole purpose of charcoal.

CK that’s a wonderful play on words by the beaurocrats in State Forests, what they’ve actually done is, in short they have jiggled the figures and come up with rhetoric like that so that most people would like to believe, oh that’s nice they’re just doing a more thorough job.

AJ yeah the timber’ll fall out of the sky

Ck that’s right, but the reality is far from it, extra trees will be cut down and extra impacts will be made within the catchment and will bugger up people’s drinking water and aesthetic values and for the reasons why they came down here in the first place.

AJ What about trucks though? How many trucks are we talking about on a daily basis, cause you’ve then got the additional trucks taking the charcoal to Lithgow.

CK Look, the truck numbers is huge, we are talking about possibly in excess of a hundred percent increase in heavy vehicle movements, because of this industrial proposal

AJ and Australian Silicon says well traffic won’t increase by more than 2.7%

CK that’s right, it’s an absolute joke

AJ hard to believe isn’t it? Just for the benefit of our listeners, the charcoal’s produced – am I right here Chris, the timber’s brought to the plant, it’s weighed, unloaded, chopped and in the air it’s dried, it’s fed then into a drying chamber and a carbonising chamber, and the charcoal is then made and cooled and loaded on to trucks and off to Lithgow.

CK that’s correct Alan

AJ and there are by products of a result of all this aren’t there?

Ck yes there is wonderful by product called pyrolingus acid, which is more commonly known as a tarry sludge but, we’re told there will be no sludge produced and it won’t be an issue as it will in a sense be treated on site with a wonderful biological treatment that hasn’t worked anywhere else in the world.

AJ I notice the national parks and wild life service has laid questions about a number of aspects about this and it say’s and I quote ” the national parks and wild life service considers the information provided is not sufficiently adequate to permit an informed decision in regard to the potential impact of the proposal and what is potentially an important natural and cultural setting, critical areas such as the impact on threatened species and their habitat, wet land ecological values and aboriginal sites haven’t been investigated to an appropriate level. What sort of promises have been made about jobs?

CK That’s a wonderful area, jobs, well we’ve been promised up to a 120 odd jobs when the particular document signing over the project as a project of State Significance, it was signed off on the basis of only 10 jobs

AJ so if it is a project of State Significance it gets taken out of the control of local authorities and everything and is solely in the hands of the state government.

CK that’s correct, Andrew Refshauge becomes the decider

AJ right, Now I believe that two proposals similar at Dubbo and Gunnedah were rejected, so why, if it’s no good for Dubbo and no good for Gunnedah why is it OK for Broulee and Mogo

CK Well that’s got us beat, as far as we can figure, the will of the people just doesn’t count when it comes to the will of the government, and this is being clearly driven by apolitical agenda which said ” Well we promised some heavy industry jobs for Lithgow, and they’re going to get it regardless” The labour party has got nothing to gain in the seat of Bega, so we can put all our unpleasant stuff down there, because they’ll rant and rave, and it doesn’t matter to us.

AJ This is, as I say to my listeners, Hunters Hill revisited, this is Hire Cars revisited, Jet Ski’s revisited, you don’t listen to the people, you tell the people. Now premier Carr would have us believe that no decision has been made. Now remember, I said that the Eurobodalla Sun Newspaper carried a story on the 14 February, and that story quotes the premier as saying “It’s going ahead, end of story, I am certain it is environmentally sound, it’s going ahead it’s as simple as that.” Well enter a young fellow by the name of Brett Mason who is seventeen years of age, he was the reporter who wrote the story, just hang on there Chris, and I’ll go to Brett, Brett, Good morning.

BM Good to speak with you

AJ you too, you’re seventeen years of age, still at school

BM that’s right, year 12

AJ In the middle of exams

BM just finished my half yearlies

AJ right, but you are the person who actually wrote this story, so you are prepared to say on a million Bibles that you did have a conversation with Bob Carr

BM I did in fact have a conversation with Bob Carr, and it was reported correctly on the 14th February,

AJ You represented your self as Brett Mason, representing the Eurobodalla and Shoalhaven Sun Newspapers

BM Yes, that’s how I introduced myself to the Premier

AJ and you had a visible press pass?

BM I did

AJ Was there anyone else present?

BM pardon

AJ Was there anyone else present?

BM yes there was another fire fighter that was with me, his name is Rodney Morley, he is a resident of Moruya, and I have dealt with Rodney in the past, I have covered a lot of stories on the charcoal issue, and we both went over to speak to the Premier about the story.

AJ and Mr Carr said what

BM we introduced ourselves, and Rodney started the conversation by saying that he wanted the charcoal plant to go ahead and at first Mr Carr was a bit confused, he wasn’t sure what he was referring to, and he asked where Rodney lived and Rodney said in the Eurobodalla, and the Premier shook his head and said well it’s going ahead end of story, I mean as though to say why are you bringing this up, it’s happening, and he said he is personally aware of the issue, he had spoken with council, and other departments, and he was certain that it’s environmentally sound, it’s going ahead it’s as simple as that, and that was kind of what happened

AJ and is the Premier now saying that no decision has been made?

BM that’s the impression that I’ve got, and in other local media sources the Premier spoken to other local newspapers and radio stations and their spoke person, and it’s painted a picture that the Premier’s denied the conversation and makes me out to look as though I am a liar, which is very disturbing that the Premier has forgotten our conversation.

AJ a seventeen year old doesn’t have too many recourses against the Premier, does he?

BM No

AJ You’ve written to Mr Carr, haven’t you, outlining your proof and seeking an apology – have you heard back from him?

BM Actually he rang yesterday afternoon – well not the Premier himself, it was Michael Salmon the senior press secretary who rang me at 10 to 5 yesterday and spoke with me but he did inform me that this was an off-the-record conversation, so I’m still waiting for a formal reply to my letter.

AJ All right – well you just hang in there, you keep your chin up, we need people like you in the media and good luck with your exams and good luck with your future employment.

BM Thank you very much

AJ OK and let’s go back to Chris Kowal. If it’s not too late, and the government hasn’t already made up it’s mind, what’s your message to Premier Carr and the Government?

CK Our message to Premier Carr is that he needs to listen to the people. There has been an overwhelming response from the community against this proposal from a wide variety of sectors. From the Tourism industries down here, from teaching industries, health industries, from the community at large, Canberra has spoken out loudly against it, and as Sydney becomes aware of it they too are speaking out loudly against it because they know we do not want another industrial heartland, something like Port Kembla, down the South Coast, that we are the Nature Coast and with good reason.

AJ OK Leave it there – thank you for your time. This is another classic story isn’t it about the way in which government does or does not listen to the concerns of the people. What is government of the people by the people for the people if it doesn’t listen to the people?

Greens MLC Ian Cohen today warned the Government and Premier Bob Carr that the South Coast charcoal plant was a key election issue for the Greens.

“The Greens NSW have formally made the Charcoal Plant a key issue for next years election,” said Mr Cohen

“We completely oppose a charcoal plant either on the South Coast or anywhere else in NSW which might burn woodchip and burn native forests.”

“Effectively, this is now a key issue in our preference negotiations with the Carr Government.”

“I spoke at the highly successful No Charcoal Rally on the Sydney Domain last Sunday. I was most impressed by the range of conservation groups and communities represented there and the strong passion against the plant.”

“I understand that several hundred people at the Rally volunteered to actively campaign in Sydney against the plant so I anticipate the Labor party and the Premier are going to have their ears well and truly unblocked on this issue.”

“They have certainly not been listening to the vehement protests of the South Coast community against this archaic and barbarous proposal.”

Indeed, as evidenced by the Treasurer, Michael Egan, in Parliament yesterday the only thing the ALP really seem to be listening to is the sound of dollars and jobs in Lithgow and the silicon smelter company which will use the charcoal.

“The Treasurer set up a Dorothy Dix question from his own party so that he could proclaim that ‘.. the New South Wales Government has been working and continues to work hard to secure the Lithgow silicon smelter project..’. They are certainly not listening to the electorate which 80% opposes woodchipping and burning of forests.”

“The Greens want real forestry jobs and real economic benefits and that means plantations not more woodchipping and burning of our beautiful and complex forests.”

Published with permission.

The Eurobodalla Shire Council Works and Facilities Committee asked that conditions suggested by the community (to be included as conditions of consent for the proposed charcoal factory) be noted.

The community, anxious that their amenity be retained asked for over 40 inclusions. Council concluded that many of these were already covered in their report but asked that 4 matters be framed into the conditions already before the Minister for Planning NSW.

* That water be supplied to site by Council (at cost of applicant) as backup supply in drought, to be of a size to provide fire-fighting service in emergency events – to ensure the site has enough water on hand to fight any fires that could ensue.

* Water from Council supply shall be via the roadway route from Mogo and not Tomakin or through private properties.

* Properties adjacent and approximate to the plant (in fallout zone) to be connected to that Council water at cost of applicant – to ensure that these residents, who rely on tank water for drinking, are not forced to drink water polluted by air-born toxins in the emissions from the retorts

* Appropriate pollution management and fire/explosion management plans be incorporated into the EMS.

The committee also asked for the right to amend the conditions of consent as necessary. This move is important as council has been asked to supply its conditions to Planning NSW, prior to the development being approved and prior to sighting the amended Environmental Impact Statement.

Published with permission.

Australian Silicon Limited (ASO) announced the completion of the acquisition of the minority ownership to consolidate 100% holding in the Australian Silicon Project.

The Company paid Doral Mineral Industries Limited $1.4 million for the remaining 10% ownership and other interests in the
Australian Silicon Project. The payment was met through the exercise of 7 million options at 20 cents by Portman Limited which raised $1.4 million for ASO. ASO have put in place a working capital facility of $550,000, with the Company’s major shareholder Portman Limited. Funds will be used to fund ongoing development costs for the Australian Silicon Project.

Determination of the final Development Approval for the integrated silicon project is expected from the NSW State Planning Minister in the next few weeks.

The Company has also advanced discussion with suitable off take groups to meet project finance requirements for the production of silicon metal at Lithgow.

Portman Limited increased its relevant interest in Australian Silicon Limited on 28/03/2002, from 37,000,000 ordinary shares (67.4%) to 44,400,000 ordinary shares (71.73%).

It appears that Portmans thinks it is backing a winner It is now poised to either fight an appeal in the Land and Environment Court or begin building the charcoal plant as soon as the approval comes through. The Charcoalition group, one of many opposed to the project, are asking their many supporters to donate to the fighting fund at the IMB Building Society, as they feel as this move by Portmans indicates an approval from the NSW Government is imminent.

Published with permission.

Dear Editor (re letter by Keith Dance)

Mercury was used in gold mining operations for the separation of fine gold particles through amalgamation then burning.

Elmer Diaz, University of Idaho, states “during the amalgamation process, a good amount of metallic mercury is also lost to rivers and soils through handling under rough field conditions. Mercury-rich tailings are left in most mining sites. It is expected that soils around mining sites should also be contaminated.”

Up to 87% of the mercury used vaporises and is dispersed into the atmosphere, being deposited onto forest soils and rivers, to be absorbed by vegetation.

New Scientist magazine 08/09/2001 reports that according to the National Centre for Atmospheric Research in Colorado,”about 95% of the mercury stored harmlessly in the forest is spewed back into the air when the trees are burned.
The University of British Columbia reports that ALL trees contain some mercury.

According to a Bega Metallogenic Map and Mine Data sheets, 1978, there were 318 registered mines from the Victorian border to Bingi. 227 of these were registered as mining gold. Contrary to what Keith implied, less than 20 of these mines were in an alluvial geological setting, the rest were mainly shaft mines, with a few open-cut and shallow pit operations.
Many of these 227 mines would have used mercury.

Some mercury is present in the trees that will be burned by the charcoal plant. All mercury in these trees will be vaporised then emitted into the atmosphere. There appears to be an oversight in the EIS because there is no mention of mercury emissions in the document.
The Charcoalition has called on the NSW Government to include this issue as part of the assessment process.
In particular,the mercury content of trees destined for the charcoal plant the amount of mercury vapour that would be emitted from the retorts, and the health impacts of such emissions.

Keith is right – mercury is crap, and we don’t want any more of it in our environment.
Chris Kowal
Charcoalition

Published with permission

The NSW Government has been warned it faces a united fight by the environmental movement if it approves a charcoal plant on the state’s south coast.

Around 1500 people gathered at a rally in central Sydney yesterday to voice their concerns about the proposed Mogo plant.
The plant would burn wood from nearby state forests to create charcoal for a silicon factory near Lithgow.
Conservationists and concerned residents argue the plant would consume 200,000 tonnes of trees from the South Coast Forests a year.

They also objected to plans for three wood-fired power stations in the area, which would increase woodchipping.
NSW Greens MP Ian Cohen, Independent NSW MP Clover Moore and Democrat MLC Arthur Chesterfield-Evans attended the rally at the Domain.

They all stressed that environmental issues would feature heavily in the 2003 election.

Ms Moore said this would present a threat to the Carr Government winning the election.

“It will be very close. The Carr Government is supposed to be green. I think they have a very good reason to worry.”

Noel Plumb from the South East Forest Alliance issued a warning to Premier Bob Carr, echoing the politicians.
“We’re going to make it very clear to the Labor Party and Premier that there will be enormous electoral damage to the party if they don’t a: refuse to approve this charcoal plant and b: go back and honour their promises to protect the forests and stop woodchipping,” he said.

A vocal supporter, Mr Carr promised “the most advanced, environmentally friendly technology” when he turned the first sod on the site in 1998 – and blew kisses at protesters.

The key promise was that the $350 million state-of-the-art technology installed at the site by Port Kembla Copper would meet the stringent environmental conditions placed on its operations.

Re-opening the smelter was controversial, but it was the promises of what the world benchmark environmental controls would achieve that finally brought about a trade-off between the needs of industry and the expectations of the community.

Port Kembla Copper’s fifth – and most serious – breach of its licence on March 7 has reignited the debate over its future. The company has apologised for the brown spotting incident, but residents living in the shadow of the smelter have had enough.

Premier Bob Carr has ordered an urgent meeting between Port Kembla Copper and the state’s highest-ranking environment bureaucrat.

A spokesman for the Premier said court action would be taken if pollution problems were not resolved.

The comments follow the worst recorded case of brown spotting and 25 sulphur dioxide exceedences at the plant this year.

The Premier has called for intervention from the EPA director-general.

Environment Minister Bob Debus labelled the brown spotting incident “particularly disappointing”.

“This rally was a big wake up call to Bob Carr and his Government,” said Noel Plumb and Glen Klatovsky for the groups.

“The Carr Government is in very real danger of losing the conservation vote through this archaic and barbarous charcoal proposal which would strip mine the South Coast forests.”

“The massive new woodchipping operation will do untold damage to its wildlife, catchments, scenic amenity and the quality of life for residents and visitors. It threatens the economic base of the South Coast, nature based tourism. It has to be the single most irresponsible and damaging forestry proposition since the Eden Woodchip operation was established.”

“We are also seeking discussions with the new Leader of the Opposition, John Brogden, to see if they will have a fresh look at their approach to the issue. At present they just want to shift the plant location, which will not end the threat to forests and catchments.

The Labor Party stands at risk of being stranded on a major conservation issue if the Opposition can be persuaded to support the 80% of the community opposed to woodchipping and burning our forests.”

“Bob Carr needs to kill the charcoal plant idea ‘stone dead’ and very quickly if he is to salvage anything from this mess, including his reputation as a ‘green’ Premier.”

“Forests are certainly back on the political hot list. We are going to campaign strongly on forest protection all the way to the next election to ensure that Bob Carr meets his 1995 election promises to save the forests and to stop woodchipping”

Greens MLC Ian Cohen today claimed that the ‘No Charcoal’ Rally on the Sydney Domain this Sunday afternoon is clear evidence that the Carr Government has wasted more than $100 million dollars of taxpayers’ money in its farcical restructure of the logging industry.

The Rally has been called by major environment groups to oppose plans supported by the Carr Government, although not yet approved, to woodchip and burn South Coast forests for a massive charcoal plant at Batemans Bay

“This Rally is a wake up call to the Government that conservationists and the public are increasingly aware that Bob Carr has failed to meet his promises to save the forests, promises that got him elected in 1995,” said Mr Cohen.

“Yet his Government has handed out more than $80 million in so called structural adjustment payments to the timber and transport unions and the logging companies.”

“A further $20 million at least has been spent on various assessment processes by the Carr and Howard Governments, much of it peripheral or even counter to the main business of protecting the forests.”

“I will make sure that this is a central issue in the NSW election that is now due in less than twelve months.”

“After nearly five years of forest assessments, the public finds that Bob Carr’s Government is helping promote industry plans to massively extend woodchipping, to heavily increase logging and to burn forests for charcoal production and power stations.”

“This is not what they were promised and expected.”

“It is also not what they expected to happen to nearly $80 million of NSW Environment Trust Funds raised from waste levies, levies supposed to pay for environmental improvements.”

“I will be speaking at the Rally on Sunday afternoon and I will be happy to meet Bob Carr or any other member of his Government there on the stage to debate this forestry fiasco.”

“We are heartened at the response with many groups, including from Wollongong, Nowra, Ulladulla, Milton, Lake Durras, Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma, Canberra, Queanbeyan, Moss Vale, Braidwood, Goulburn, Central Coast, Newcastle, north-east NSW and Armidale, all promising to attend,” said Noel Plumb and Glen Klatovsky, spokespersons for the groups. “There is great concern not only about the charcoal plant but also other new woodchipping and burning threats to the State’s forests.”

“It is clear that Sydney conservationists will also solidly support the rally, which will start with a concert at 1.00pm, with speakers from 2.00pm.”

“The forests of the South Coast, between Narooma and Nowra and out to Braidwood, are now under a huge new threat with a decision by the Carr Government only a few weeks away for a massive charcoal plant to be built on the South Coast at Mogo near Batemans Bay.”

“This appalling proposal will consume 200,000 tonnes a year of trees from the South Coast forests, to supply charcoal to a silicon plant at Lithgow. This is the same discredited, archaic attempt to rob and plunder the forests which was howled out of western NSW two years ago.”

“Amid enormous community uproar, the Premier ruled out logging the Goonoo and Pilliga forests for charcoal. These forests represent the last significant native forests left in north west NSW”

“Now the same company from Western Australia, an iron ore miner called Portman Limited under the name of Australian Silicon, is proposing to massively woodchip the South Coast forests for charcoal with the continued support of the Premier’s Strategic Projects Unit and the enthusiastic encouragement of NSW State Forests.”

“The South Coast charcoal woodchipping will directly threaten catchment values, the 150 existing sawmill jobs, the fishing industry, oyster growers and the 6200 jobs in the region which depend on nature based tourism, worth more than $700 million a year to the regional economy. In return the ‘forest miners’ are promising somewhere between 20 and 50 jobs for the smash and grab raid on our forests.”

“The charcoal plant will more than double the native forest logging in the region. There is already an environmentally unsustainable supply of up to 65,000 tonnes a year of woodchips to the Eden chip mill from the South Coast forests.”

“There has been no environmental or economic assessment of the threats to our South Coast forests and catchments by such a proposal. The limited assessment of the effects of the plant itself at its Bateman’s Bay site received the largest ever number of public submissions, over 1500, with more than 98% of submissions opposing the factory.

“The Government is essentially relying on conservation advice from NSW State Forests which was humiliated in western NSW just two years ago. This agency added to its long list of environmental disgraces and lack of credibility when its reports and recommendations supporting the western charcoal logging were rejected by the Government as unsustainable in the face of public outrage. The same agency is now saying that the South Coast charcoal logging is sustainable. They cannot be believed.”

“There is a growing public realisation and anger that, despite the expenditure of more than $100 million dollars of public funds on NSW regional forest assessments and consequent logging industry restructuring, the forests are under worse threat than ever and are still being brutally over-logged and woodchipped.

Published with permission

Refshauge Between a Rock and Hard Place

In September 2001, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) wrote to Planning NSW in relation to matters to be addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), concerning the wood processing facility near Mogo. It advised that a “full archaeological survey of the property and any associated infrastructure was required.

Their recent submission reveals that this was not done – “A review of the EIS indicates this assessment was not undertaken.”

Dr Andrew Refshauge MP is the Planning NSW Minister and the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

As the former, he is the man who can rubber-stamp the development application for the charcoal factory.

As the latter, he must consider carefully the report on cultural heritage from NPWS, regarding Australian Silicon’s EIS.

He is the man ultimately responsible for protecting Aboriginal culture. The findings in the NPWS submission are very critical of the authors of the EIS and concludes the information provided, “is not sufficiently adequate to permit an informed decision in regard to the potential impact of the proposal on what is potentially an important natural and cultural setting.” This places Dr Refshauge between a ‘rock and a hard place’.

He must now find a way to balance his two portfolios to reach an appropriate decision.

Some of the many negative findings in the NPWS report:

* “There is however, no documentation from the Mogo Local Aboriginal Land Council within the EIS. This is a major omission and constitutes a significant failure to adhere to NPWS requirements for extensive consultation with all relevant Aboriginal community groups.”

* ” Failure to discuss recent research indicates a poor understanding of South Coast archaeology on the part of the report authors.”

* “The 1993 report by Navin has never been forwarded to NPWS (the report appears to have been produced for ERM – the company who undertook the EIS for Australian Silicon).

* “It is also inappropriate to use Navin 1993, which is apparently based on research in the Shoalhaven region, well to the north of Broulee, when a more detailed and more locally focused regional synthesis is available in Knight (1996).

* “Failure to refer to Knight demonstrates a poor understanding of the archaeological literature among the EIS authors.”

* Why have burial sites not been discussed given that the site is close to the Candlagen Creek estuary and that a burial site (not shown on the Table A.1) has been recorded 400 m south of this creek at Broulee?”

* “The consultation process for this project appears to have been ineffective.”

* “What does the statement ‘Archaeological sites Site 1 and 1F1 previously recorded by Barber (1995) were ‘thoroughly examined’ mean? “How were the sites thoroughly examined when no subsurface investigation was undertaken?”

* “No staff in SAHU (the appropriate NPWS unit for such consultation) were consulted about these recommendations.”

The report is damning.

ERM appears to have glossed over the impact on cultural heritage and to have ignored recommendations from National Parks and Wildlife, the department charged with preserving the same.

Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Mayor, Peter Cairney is extremely concerned. “The EIS shows total disregard for the rich Aboriginal culture evident on the South Coast and records no consultation, using research from a different region, no detailed examination of the site.

“It’s as if we have taken a giant leap back 200 years.”

Carr Pays Penalty – Major ALP Branch Collapses

The Moruya branch of the ALP – its ‘jewel in the crown’ in the Eden-Monaro electorate – collapsed at its meeting last Wednesday(March 27) with members disillusioned with Premier Bob arr and his Labor Government.

When nominations were called for officeholders, the silence was deafening. Not one person offered to stand.

ALP sources said members had lost faith in their party and it is all due to the actions of one man – the NSW Premier, Bob Carr.

Moruya is very close to the site of a proposed charcoal plant.

This wood-processing facility will produce charcoal, an integral part in the manufacture of silicon. The end product will then be trucked to Australian Silicon’s (AS) smelter at Lithgow.

Mr Carr appears desperate to see the planning process for the plant succeed and is prepared to sacrifice his stated ‘jewel in the crown of NSW’, his ‘last remaining coastal wilderness’ – the Eurobodalla Shire – to get his wish. The Moruya branch does not want the plant.

The members are concerned about the impact it may have on the health of the community.

Among the record number (1521) individual submissions, made to Planning NSW refuting the findings of the Environmental Impact Statement, are several from experts in the environmental field.

Moruya branch members took the findings very seriously and asked that the Premier speak with them.

Mr Carr ignored the request.

Keith Simmons, a long-time party member, was charged with the task of closing down the branch.

“Premier Carr has ignored us. He has shown such arrogance and disdain towards our members and towards the rest of the community that we felt we had no option but to withdraw our support for the ALP,” a disgruntled mr Simmons said.

“There would be only 3 or 4 branch members still willing to hand out at the next state election.

“Our branch has 40 members.

“It has always been very active – we raised 29% of the funds for the Labor candidate, Steve Whan in the last federal election.

“Steve is not very happy with our decision but some things are more important than being a branch member of the Labor Party.

“Health is one of those things.

“I was one of the 400 people, who attended the Sydney rally.

“It was hot and uncomfortable, but I felt it was worth the effort.

“I expected Mr Carr to come out and speak to us. He did not bother.”

Mr Simmons met the Premier at the opening of the Eurobodalla Shire Botanical Gardens last year where the Premier signed ‘Doc’ Evatt’s biography for him. Keith wryly said, “I am thinking of sending the book back. I don’t want Mr Carr’s autograph anymore.”

As late as yesterday, Mr Simmons was ringing round former members of the branch.

He said he was confident he would retain enough of them to fill the vital positions and have sufficient to hold regular monthly branch meetings. It used to be that ALP country branches could meet every second month during winter with as few as six members present to constitute a proper meeting. It is not known if that remains the case in regard to the ALP Moruya’s branch.

Published with permission.

The movers and shakers behind the construction of the controversial charcoal plant at Mogo have ignored the offer of a free and viable site from an anonymous donor.

The philanthropist offered Australain Silicon 500 acres freehold last November 5, 2001 in a letter to Brett Peterkin, consultant for the company.

The large tract of land oin the Tallaganda Shire on the Nowra-Nerriga Road has a gravel pit on an approved haulage road.

The other benefit of the site is that it is just a few kilometres from the proposed new Shoalhaven Highway connecting Canberra and Nowra.

This would allow better access to railway and road transport.

Tallaganda Shire Council indicated its willingness to locate the charcoal plant within its shire at a meeting on November 14.

According to the philanthropist, Australian Silicon has totally ignored the offer.
Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Mayor Peter Cairney spoke with the landowner. “He is puzzled and so am I. If the NSW Government is serious in their bid for the silicon smelter then they should encourage the company to accept the offer,” the mayor said.

Published with permission.

The ‘Charcoal No Go’ message has reached Canberra, with a massive rally organised for 20 March in Civic.

The protest will include speakers, bands, petitions and information stands. The rally has been organised by two Canberra residents Paula Nesci and Emma Harris who are concerned about implications of the plant.

Kerry Tucker from Greens is scheduled to speak and CSIRO has been asked to speak about their newly developed clean coal process.

“Although the charcoal factory it is not in Canberra it is still of concern as a large majority of ACT residents,” Emma said.

“It would be a nightmare to see the plant go ahead. Most Canberra residents have a connection to South Coast – many more than Bob Carr thinks.” Promotional material is currently being distributed around the ACT, outlining the arguments against the development.

A number of Canberra residents have travelled to Batemans Bay to participate in protests in the past, and organisers are expecting a solid turnout. For those interested in attending, meet at Garema Place, Civic at 12:30pm on March 20.

Published with permission

I’m Not a Liar! says Sun Reporter

Last week the Sun reported an interview between Brett Mason and the NSW Premier, Bob Carr. Mr Carr stated that the charcoal plant was going ahead. 2EC, the local radio station reported on Monday that Mr. Carr did not recall speaking with the media. (Eurobodalla Sun reporter Brett Mason) The Sun questioned Brett about the incident. “I am very upset that the Premier does not appear to recall my interview. I would hate people, especially in Batemans Bay to think that I lied. This is exactly what happened.

“Rodney Morley, local charcoal plant supporter, and I were at Circular Quay with about 20 other Eurobodalla fire-fighters, when we noticed the Premier walking through the crowd. I decided to approach him and ask him about the charcoal plant. Rodney came with me as he wanted to tell the Premier of his support.

“I was wearing a large, clear press pass on my shirt that included the name of my paper and my photo. I introduced myself as Brett Mason from the Eurobodalla Sun.

“The Premier replied, ‘Pleased to meet you’, then Rodney introduced himself and began speaking about the plant. As they spoke, I made no secret of the fact that I was recording the conversation on my notepad.

“The Premier clearly stated that he had spoken to council.

“After Rodney finished, I asked them for a photograph. The Premier shook Rodney’s hand and congratulated him on being ‘very mature’ about the debate. They posed for several photographs then Rodney departed.

“I then asked the Premier about the rumoured political motivation behind the Lithgow smelter as reported in the paper. He humphed that the rumours were absurd. I was in the middle of another question when the television cameras appeared and the Premier moved away.”

Brett re-interviewed Rodney on February 14 and again on February 18. On both occasions Rodney stated that the Sun article was correct.

February 14:
Brett asked, “Rodney, will you confirm that the article in the Sun was correct.”

Rodney replied, “Yes that’s right he said it’s a done deal. The quotes were right.”

February 18:
Brett said, “I have just heard the Premier say that he did not speak any media about the charcoal issue. This means he thinks the quotes are untrue. Rodney replied “That’s what I heard him say and what you heard him say. That’s what the Premier said – ‘it’s going through don’t you worry about it.’ That’s what he said.”

Editor’s Note:
During his months with the paper, Brett learned the ‘rules’ of reporting from our award winning Senior Editor, Jim Baker. Brett recorded all conversations, including the quotes in his notebook, exactly as they were spoken.

Brett also rang the Sun during the parade after his scoop and reported it word for word. He may be a junior reporter but he understands the necessity of recording only the facts, without embellishment.

Premier Carr must have had a momentary lapse in memory due to the excitement of the day.

Letters to the Editor

Answering Olive

The Editor

Yesterday at council, Olive Moriarity questioned the validity of the Charcoalition, one of the many groups and organizations around NSW protesting against the charcoal factory.

Charcoalition is a sub-committee of the Coastwatchers Association Inc. Coastwatchers has a $10 million public liability insurance policy.

Charcoalition is not however the only body protesting this monstrosity in Mogo, either by rallying or making submissions against the EIS.

Shellharbour Council, The ACT government, the Eurobodalla Shire Council, the Greens, the Longbeach Association, The Mossy Point Community Association, the Broulee Community Association, The Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Board – the list is too long to number and growing daily.

We are an association that respects the people’s right to speak out against inappropriate development. We also respect the people’s right to speak for a development. In fact, it is on record in our minutes that Cr Dance, who has consistently said he was pro the factory, should be respected even if we don’t agree with him, however this respect took a nose-dive after he used an obscene gesture to make a point.

Our research was done by scholars, educated beyond tertiary level in the parts of the EIS that was appropriate to their respective fields. We were well aware that one must stick to the facts without resorting to untruths or the submissions would have no validity.

We would respect you as well Olive, if we thought that you had researched the topic thoroughly and understood all the issues. The job figures, you often quote, have been challenged by Eurobodalla Shire Council among many others.

N Ford
Mossy Point

Cold comfort?

The Editor

It must come as a source of great comfort to the electorate of the Shire that David Laugher no longer wishes to represent them. I should imagine the feeling is mutual. If he won¹t resign forwith he should be removed from office until he has gained at least some comprehension of the true role of a local councillor. He might start by learning the basics of drafting a motion – without consistently making infantile mistakes.

Interested voters might like to organise a petition urging the Minister of Local Government to remove this man from office.

It must also be remembered that Councillor Green who addressed the electorate as ‘rabble’ was not elected by popular vote. Having gained fewer votes than other more worthy candidates she was ‘co-opted’ onto the council by preference votes to bolster the (late) mayor.

The antics of Dance, although of questionable taste, do not damage his position as a councillor. However the electorate might well return his gesture in kind should he have the temerity to stand at the next election. Finally the Mayor Peter Cairney is quite at liberty to ignore the vote taken to muzzle him. It holds no weight in common law. At best it will provide a chuckle at the confused naivety of the five who so foolishly made their whingeing a matter of public record.

Freedom of speech is a democratic right and this country with its allies fought two world wars to ensure its continuance. The foolish five must allow the same courtesy to the duly elected Mayor as they stridently demand for themselves.

While we the electorate of course retain the right to laugh at their simpleton antics.

Max Tickner

Rosedale

Three Councillors targeted ‘yellow ribboners’ in the gallery at a most extraordinary Eurobodalla Shire Council Meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Cr Dance gestured ‘Up you’, Cr Green described them as ‘rabble’ and Cr Laugher inferred that he did not wish to represent them.

Eurobodalla Shire Council Chambers was the scene of a most extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Crs Laugher and Dance called the councillor’s together specifically to gag the Mayor, Peter Cairney and to rescind council’s unequivocal NO to the charcoal plant.

Although the yellow ribboners were forced by the rules to remain silent, it did not stop them from making their feelings known. Cheers and claps greeted the mayor, unlike Cr Dance, the subject of boos and hisses.

Cr Dance responded by giving the crowd ‘the finger’.

His obscene gesture inflamed the tempers of the onlookers, causing them to remark on the unfolding scene.

Cr Laugher’s motion to ‘shut the Mayor up!’ was eventually successful. He argued that Mayor Cairney’s comments about the Premier were causing damage to other issues involving state government. When asked ‘which issues’ – he could not recall any but finally mentioned the Bay School site. It was pointed out that this development has nothing to do with state government.

Mayor Cairney asked the question – “Are you inferring that Carr would be spiteful enough to wreak out his vengeance on the innocent people?” Cr Green interjected, “It doesn’t give you the right to be abusive personally. There is growing support from people who believe that there were statements recorded, personally attacking Carr. You were quoted as Mayor and in that cap are speaking as Council.”

Cries went up. “Where are they – those people?”

Cr Green replied, “they are not here – they don’t have to join the rabble in the gallery. This has got to do with democracy.”

Mayor Cairney asked for order and commended Cr Green for being on the right track. “You are right, this is a democracy. It is all about democracy, honesty and openness.”

He stated that he was, however, confused. Council had passed Cr Vardon’s motion in April 2001 to allow the Mayor to comment freely on any decisions that were unanimous. He remarked that he had done just that. Council had given an unequivocal No to the plant.

A vote was eventually taken – For; Vardon, Green, Laugher, Dance, Pollock, Gough.

The Mayor is no longer allowed to speak on behalf of council regarding the charcoal plant.

The second event of the afternoon was a motion to apprise the Premier that comments attributed to Cr Peter Cairney, in the Bay Post, Jan 22 and the Canberra Times, Feb 1, were not supported by the Council of Eurobodalla Shire.

It was pointed out that there was no Bay Post on Jan 22 that there was nothing in the Jan 23rd edition at all.

Cr Laugher hastily removed the dates from the motion and recommitted it. For; Green, Dance, Laugher, Pollock and Gough.

Council will write a letter to the Premier.

Then came the main event as far as the Charcoalition was concerned.

Crs Laugher, Dance and Pollock moved to rescind council’s unequivocal NO to the proposal for a charcoal plant in Eurobodalla Shire.

“Although I am against the plant on this site, I personally know of two other sites,” explained Cr Laugher.

When asked where they were, he replied that it was not his place to tell. “Shame, shame!” echoed through the room. “You were elected to represent us.”

Cr Laugher replied, “I will choose to represent the people that I choose to represent.”

It was pointed out that if we are to have this plant, council must be in a position to request infrastructure and funding to support it, from the state.

Cr Smellin quietly but firmly stated that infrastructure and funding had been included in a previous motion ‘cobbled’ together by Cr Vardon.

For; Vardon, Green, Dance, Pollock, Gough, Laugher.

Council no longer gives an unequivocal NO to the proposal for a charcoal plant.

My personal views no longer coincide with those of the majority anyway. Council no longer is unanimous in saying no.

I will however comment on the fact that as Mayor, I was given the responsibility, by a majority vote, to speak on behalf of council regarding unanimous decisions. I will continue to do so.

I am guilty of having the temerity to criticize a political leader. When I did this, I did it with the knowledge that Council had voiced an unequivocal no. When faced with the fact that this Shire was being forced to accept something we did not want and when faced with the fact that our request for rational discussion of the matter was ignored; I spoke out, vehemently. Sometimes you have to make noise to get attention.

Some of the other councillors do not agree. They think that if they speak out, the state government will wreak vengeance on this shire.

If their fears are true then it is a sad, sad world we live in. To live in fear that we may be punished for voicing our views in a vehement manner is scary.

I do not believe for a second that any government would punish innocent people for standing up for their rights. We live in Australia – a democracy. Australians have a unique and rather endearing trait. We do not stand on ceremony when it comes to voicing our opinions about our governments and their leaders – especially when we perceive indifference and wrongdoing. We see examples of this every day when our various parliaments are in session. Insults fly thick and fast across the floor.

Debates tend to inflame tempers so we use words to emphasize our beliefs. Sometimes these words are inflammatory but then sometimes they have to be in order to make the point.

We are quick to criticize absurdity but we are equally quick to praise inspiration.

Australians are very lucky to live in a country governed by democracy. Over the years many have fought to retain that democracy and with it the right to speak out. I for one will keep on doing so.

Published with permission

“It’s Going Ahead!”

Bob Carr speaks with ‘The Sun’ and congratulates local ‘Red Ribboner’

NSW Premier Bob Carr congratulated local charcoal factory supporter, Rodney Morley in Sydney last week for his stance on the development.

Mr Morley approached the Premier at Circular Quay during the firefighters’ ticker tape parade with a Sun reporter.

Rodney told Mr Carr, “We want the charcoal plant to go ahead.”

The Premier replied, “It is going ahead – end of story.

“I am personally aware of the issue. I have spoken with council and other departments and am certain the development is environmentally sound – it’s going ahead – it’s as simple as that.

“We need jobs in that area. The process shows a number of jobs will be created and I support them. I will not be swayed or bullied on this issue -the plant is going to happen.”

Mr Morley showed his support for the Premier, who once again forcefully shook his hand and congratulated him for being ‘mature’ about the debate. The Sun took the opportunity to speak with the Premier about the issue. “Has the NSW Labor Government purposely chosen the seat of Bega as the dumping ground for this development to ensure strong polling in marginal Labor seats such as Lithgow, in the upcoming election?”

“Humph – that is absurd!” declared the Premier.

Mr Morley was thrilled with Carr’s words of praise.

My personal views no longer coincide with those of the majority anyway. Council no longer is unanimous in saying no.

I will however comment on the fact that as Mayor, I was given the responsibility, by a majority vote, to speak on behalf of council regarding unanimous decisions. I will continue to do so.

I am guilty of having the temerity to criticize a political leader. When I did this, I did it with the knowledge that Council had voiced an unequivocal no. When faced with the fact that this Shire was being forced to accept something we did not want and when faced with the fact that our request for rational discussion of the matter was ignored; I spoke out, vehemently. Sometimes you have to make noise to get attention.

Some of the other councillors do not agree. They think that if they speak out, the state government will wreak vengeance on this shire.

If their fears are true then it is a sad, sad world we live in. To live in fear that we may be punished for voicing our views in a vehement manner is scary.

I do not believe for a second that any government would punish innocent people for standing up for their rights. We live in Australia – a democracy. Australians have a unique and rather endearing trait. We do not stand on ceremony when it comes to voicing our opinions about our governments and their leaders – especially when we perceive indifference and wrongdoing. We see examples of this every day when our various parliaments are in session. Insults fly thick and fast across the floor.

Debates tend to inflame tempers so we use words to emphasize our beliefs. Sometimes these words are inflammatory but then sometimes they have to be in order to make the point.

We are quick to criticize absurdity but we are equally quick to praise inspiration.

Australians are very lucky to live in a country governed by democracy. Over the years many have fought to retain that democracy and with it the right to speak out. I for one will keep on doing so.

Eurobodalla Shire Council Chambers was the scene of a most extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Crs Laugher and Dance called the councillor’s together specifically to gag the Mayor, Peter Cairney and to rescind council’s unequivocal NO to the charcoal plant.

Although the yellow ribboners were forced by the rules to remain silent, it did not stop them from making their feelings known. Cheers and claps greeted the mayor, unlike Cr Dance, the subject of boos and hisses.

Cr Dance responded by giving the crowd ‘the finger’.

His obscene gesture inflamed the tempers of the onlookers, causing them to remark on the unfolding scene.

Cr Laugher’s motion to ‘shut the Mayor up!’ was eventually successful. He argued that Mayor Cairney’s comments about the Premier were causing damage to other issues involving state government. When asked ‘which issues’ – he could not recall any but finally mentioned the Bay School site. It was pointed out that this development has nothing to do with state government.

Mayor Cairney asked the question – “Are you inferring that Carr would be spiteful enough to wreak out his vengeance on the innocent people?” Cr Green interjected, “It doesn’t give you the right to be abusive personally. There is growing support from people who believe that there were statements recorded, personally attacking Carr. You were quoted as Mayor and in that cap are speaking as Council.”

Cries went up. “Where are they – those people?”

Cr Green replied, “they are not here – they don’t have to join the rabble in the gallery. This has got to do with democracy.”

Mayor Cairney asked for order and commended Cr Green for being on the right track. “You are right, this is a democracy. It is all about democracy, honesty and openness.”

He stated that he was, however, confused. Council had passed Cr Vardon’s motion in April 2001 to allow the Mayor to comment freely on any decisions that were unanimous. He remarked that he had done just that. Council had given an unequivocal No to the plant.

A vote was eventually taken – For; Vardon, Green, Laugher, Dance, Pollock, Gough.

The Mayor is no longer allowed to speak on behalf of council regarding the charcoal plant.

The second event of the afternoon was a motion to apprise the Premier that comments attributed to Cr Peter Cairney, in the Bay Post, Jan 22 and the Canberra Times, Feb 1, were not supported by the Council of Eurobodalla Shire.

It was pointed out that there was no Bay Post on Jan 22 that there was nothing in the Jan 23rd edition at all.

Cr Laugher hastily removed the dates from the motion and recommitted it. For; Green, Dance, Laugher, Pollock and Gough.

Council will write a letter to the Premier.

Then came the main event as far as the Charcoalition was concerned.

Crs Laugher, Dance and Pollock moved to rescind council’s unequivocal NO to the proposal for a charcoal plant in Eurobodalla Shire.

“Although I am against the plant on this site, I personally know of two other sites,” explained Cr Laugher.

When asked where they were, he replied that it was not his place to tell. “Shame, shame!” echoed through the room. “You were elected to represent us.”

Cr Laugher replied, “I will choose to represent the people that I choose to represent.”

It was pointed out that if we are to have this plant, council must be in a position to request infrastructure and funding to support it, from the state.

Cr Smellin quietly but firmly stated that infrastructure and funding had been included in a previous motion ‘cobbled’ together by Cr Vardon.

For; Vardon, Green, Dance, Pollock, Gough, Laugher.

Council no longer gives an unequivocal NO to the proposal for a charcoal plant.

Articles published with permission

Editorial

This week I had planned to skip my editorial but a chance remark during Council’s Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday changed my mind. Cr Vardon tried to shift blame for the charcoal plant onto Mayor Cairney. He inferred that because Mayor Cairney was so outspoken about the factory and in particular the Premier, that he had destroyed the good relationship between council and the state government. Personally I think this theory of Cr Vardon’s is rubbish. I am proud to have a Mayor who is willing to stand up and be counted when he believes a wrong is being done. Mayor Cairney is not afraid to call a spade a spade. He loves his shire and he will do anything to fight for the people’s right to keep their amenity. He may swear occasionally and vent his wrath but then he is passionate about this issue – very passionate. Then I got to thinking about the meaning of ‘good relationship’ on my way back to the office. What good relationship? Can’t see it, can’t hear it, can’t taste it! The state government removed dental services, part of our health services not to mention the bloodbank next door in Bega. It allowed our highways to fall into such a dreadful condition that the Princes Highway won the dubious accolade of the road that causes more deaths than any other in NSW. The Kings Highway is so unstable that it keeps on falling down. Our police station is undermanned. Lack of hazard reduction in the parks appears to have contributed greatly to the worst bushfires this state has ever endured. Now, the state government has removed our democratic rights. This good relation is about to force us to accept an industry that 80 percent of us do not want. If these are the acts of a good relation – god help us if we have a bad one. Solution My answer to all this is simple. Get rid of the State Government. They cost us a fortune and bring us grief. We would do much better by having larger local governments with greater responsibility and a federal government to allocate monies. Think of all the services we would be able to afford if we didn’t have to pay obscene amounts of money to state pollies – better health and dental services – better roads and rail access etc etc. I for one am tired of being ignored by a state government just because I do not live in a marginal seat – and tired of paying the price for state governments to gain a marginal seat.

Tie a Yellow Ribbon

Mogo was awash with colour on Saturday. Close to 2000 people, bedecked in yellow marched up the Princes Highway, carrying signs and chanting slogans, in protest against the proposed charcoal plant. For the first time, the Aboriginal elders turned out in force, anxious that their objections be heard. The Environmental Impact Statement made erroneous claims that the indigenous people were consulted. Georgina Parsons, an elder for the Walbunga made it clear that her people did not want this factory at all. She is very concerned with the health aspect, as many of the young aboriginals suffer from respiratory problems. Georgina also stated that this area is home to many sacred sites, precious to Walabunga culture. “We do not want this plant in the Walbunga region which extends from Narooma to the Shaolhaven River and from several miles out to sea to beyond Braidwood.” Charcoalition reported that there was lots of support from many new recruits to the cause and the day was covered well by the media. Lots of tickets were sold for the bus trip to Sydney ($20) on February 27 to picket NSW Parliament, demanding a meeting with the Premier. Any interested parties phone Col on 4471 7501.

Cairney for Premier! By Brett Mason

“I may not be politically correct – but at least I’m sincere.” This is how Mayor Peter Cairney, affectionately dubbed the ‘Peoples Mayor’, began his address to the 2000 plus crowd at ‘Yellow Ribbon Day’. The mob roared to life when Mayor Cairney mounted the stage, with members of the crowd chanting ‘Cairney for Premier.’ Peter Cairney sincerely apologized for his ignorance regarding the proposal, assuring the community he would have acted sooner if all councillors had been informed of the details Passionately, he avowed to continue the fight against the proposed charcoal factory, assuring NSW Premier, Robert Carr that the Eurobodalla Shire would not be dictated to by stand-over tactics. With this comment, the crowd once again roared to life. “We all saw Bob on the telly last week – he thinks we are a push-over and we don’t count.” “Let’s show him we do count’ Cr Cairney declared. If Bob won’t listen I’ll be lying next to you when the bulldozers come!” Cr. Smellin sent his apologies via the Mayor – it was a working day. Cr Brown, awash with yellow ribbons, let all know his feelings on the matter.

Letters to the Editor

Who pays?

Bob Carr has now stated on National TV that he doesn’t care about what the community thinks about this proposal & that it will go ahead. Now that he has made the decision to put this monstrosity in the “wrong spot” there should be some fundamental questions answered and these are just a few of many.

* Who is going to fund major repair works on the Kings and Princess Hwy due to heavy vehicle movement?

* Who is going to compensate local communities for the potential loss in real estate values?

* Who is going to compensate local tourist businesses in and around the fallout area?

* Who is going to compensate communities when major health issues undoubtedly arise later down the track?

* Has the State Government suddenly become a dictatorship with total disregard to obvious EIS shortcomings just to win a few votes at Lithgow in the next State Election?

May we remind Bob that he is in Government to make decisions on behalf of the people. Bob Carr’s arrogance in this matter seems to outweigh his rational thought process or maybe this is going to be an ongoing scenario where by his government claims no responsibility for any of its actions – which is far from what a democratic society.

David Johnston
Rosedale

Sun shows ‘gusty journalism’

Dear Editor. Not known for his newspapers support for the Charcoalition against an obscene factory at Broulee/Mogo, Editor Chris Graham of ‘The Bay Post’ has belatedly emerged into the debate. However he has done this in what appears to be a very destabilising manner, He criticises the Charcoalition and its choice of ‘MAYORS’. Charcoalition did not choose a mayor – there is only one. Mayor Peter Cairney chose to back the Charcoalition, ex-mayor Chris Vardon did not. The Charcoalition, ably led by Chris Kowal, has been our only bright star shinning through a black charcoal night. Here is a group of unpaid volunteers dedicating every wakeful moment to the community’s concerns about health, environment and the future of our glorious shire. It has taken some rather ‘gutsy’ front-page journalism by ‘The Sun’ newspaper for the past couple of months, to finally bring Chris Graham and the Bay Post out of the closet. Mayor Peter Cairney has become our second shining star. In our hour of need, he has shown great intestinal fortitude to stand up and be counted in this ongoing battle against Premier Bob CHAR and his Charcoal Factory. For this we are all grateful. Shall we see the Ex-Mayor, Councillor Chris Vardon, fulfil his councillor obligations to the ratepayers and ‘take up the cause?’ He chose not to be part of the 3 person Shire Council team to lobby against the Charcoal Factory with premier Bob CHAR. Finally, on one point, I do agree with Chris Graham of ‘The Bay Post’ the debate is too important to loose, so let us all unite, now, for the battle ahead. A united Eurobodalla Shire will WIN this just battle and look forward to a great future.

Peter Dunn
Broulee.

WHO NEEDS TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL?

I refer to the letter in the Eurobodalla Sun Thursday 31 January 02 “Red Ribbon Reply” by R. Morley. He states “If the people believe that 107 football fields would fit on the Mogo site they need to go back to school”.

The official size of a rugby league football field, according to the official dimensions stated on a document by the Australian Sports Commission, is 100m x 68m, which equals 6,800 sq metres, or 0.68 hectares.

Prior to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), the company stated that the total Mogo plant site size was 73 hectares. 73 divided by 0.68 = 107 football fields.

The EIS (page S.8 and page 3.4) states that the total plant site size is 70 hectares, ie 103 football fields.

John Allen
Malua Bay

Coastal Sun – 24 January 2002
Articles associated with the Charcoal plant issue
Published with permission

EDITORIAL

Does the Eurobodalla Shire want a charcoal plant?

NO is the resounding answer.

Seventy-nine percent of the people who responded to the Sun phone poll said NO. (we discounted all votes, either yea or nay, if the voices were identical).

It is difficult to find a case for having the plant.

Anyone who is willing to stand up and be counted – for the plant – has only 1 argument. “It will generate jobs for the shire.”

Yes, it will. Ten jobs – not 100, not 55 but 10.

The Eurobodalla Shire Council says that the EIS is incorrect with its job statistics. They claim they did not give job projections to Australian Silicon.

Furthermore the Minister for Planning, Dr. Refshauge was advised by his staff that the plant will generate 10 jobs in this region. (Supported by a ministerial brief, written to inform Dr. Refshauge of the facts before he declared the plant ‘state significant’).

Ten jobs – a drop in the ocean!

How many businesses will be affected by the presence of the plant?

How long is a piece of string?

How many jobs will be lost because of the plant?

Again, how long is a piece of string?

Fuel

According to State Forests, wood will only come from standing trees. Nick Cameron (SF) went to great lengths to explain to me that wood lying on the forest floor will not be harvested.

But how long will it take before State Forests can mount an argument to sell the whole tree to Australian Silicon, not just the wasted bits?

This wood processing facility will gobble up fuel, especially if it doubles in size in 5 years time (a statement recorded in council minutes).

What will happen to the saw-mills then?

Roads

NRMA (2001) -“any additional truck movements on the Princes Highway will cause havoc.”

One semi does the same amount of damage to our roads as 10,000 cars.

One B-double does the same amount of damage to our roads as 20,000 cars. (statistics from the Australian Motoring Association).

One semi or B-double will enter or leave the plant every 6 to 8 minutes.

Who will pay for the damage inflicted on our highways? We will!

Who will pay for necessary highway upgrades to accommodate the trucks? We will!

Who will pay for the Batemans Bay and Nelligen bridges to be strengthened (RTA proposal), to accommodate the truck traffic? We will!

Who will pay Australian Silicon a NSW grant of $3 million dollars for the privilege of having the plant? We will!

This shire will pay dearly – job loss, noise pollution, water pollution, air pollution, the drain on our water supply, use of our taxes – the list is endless.

Who will gain?

Initially, perhaps a few local building material companies, a few local builders and 10 people.

Long-term loss for many or short-term gain for a few – is it worth it? It is time to stand up and be counted. The staff at the Eurobodalla Sun votes NO.
Carr government contradicts
promotion Of Nature Coast
The Conservation Council, South East Region and Canberra has joined the growing number of organizations to say NO to a charcoal plant. “The proposed charcoal plant will have negative environmental, social and economic impacts on the local South Coast as well as the broader region, including the ACT,” said Nicola Davies, Conversation Council Director. “The NSW decision making process will be hindered by an inadequate Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

“The EIS fails to adequately address forest management principles. Even more alarming, it makes an unjustified assumption that the proposed plant will not emit the toxic compound dioxin.

“It would be contradictory for the NSW Government to approve this development as it is totally incompatible with the Nature Coast image that Bob Carr and the Eurobodalla Shire Council are themselves promoting,” finished the Director.

Tie a yellow ribbon

Tie a yellow ribbon round the old gum tree on February 2.

The Charcoalition Committee are both relieved and worried.

Relieved because submissions are in and worried that the State Government may rubber stamp the charcoal factory, despite the committee’s best efforts and the efforts of the 1500 plus people who sent in their objections to the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning.

“We must show the Carr government that the fight is not over. Close to 80 percent of the community do not want this plant,” said Col Brown.

February 2 is ‘Yellow Ribbon Day’.

Everyone is asked to wear yellow and to tie yellow ribbons round your cars, trees, houses and boats.

The charcoalition will hold a community picnic day in the park at Mogo. Yellow is the order of the day.

Nola Ford, a committed charcoalition member was emphatic, “The ‘Walk across the Bridge’ was a fantastic turn-out with 2500 people. Let’s make this one bigger and better. Let’s show them we mean business.”

Letters to the Editor

Question Time

I have questions to ask.

Have all our councillors been acting on the behalf of the general community in Eurobodalla?

Why did only a small circle of select councilors know of the proposal in early 2001? Some of the councillors were not told about the project in its initial stages. Why?

It couldn’t have been a ‘commercially in confidence’ project because there were no other companies tendering. The only thing that may have threatened the existence of the project was people’s opinion.

Our elected representatives have a duty to disclose any major project that may impact on the community be contentious – they work for us – we pay them. Did the Council’s Business Development Board support the development under the chair of Councillor Laugher?

Australian Silicon’s Managing Director, Peter Anderton stated publically that the company was led to believe that the community would welcome it. Who told him that and why?

Finally, How much time and taxpayer’s money has already been spent on trying to have this project sited in our shire by council?

Thanks to the courageous stand by Mayor Peter Cairney, supported by councillors Allan Brown and John Smellin, for bringing to light the facts and for taking a stand against the State Government on this issue. At the next Council election, I for one will certainly be remembering who supported the community, and who didn’t.

Margaret Meakin, Malua Bay

See, Hear, Smell

Mr. Peter Anderton, Managing Director of Australian Silicon, was asked on the Today TV Show Thursday 17 January 2002 “How many people will the charcoal factory employ on a permanent basis?” Mr. Anderton replied “Directly, about between 50 and 60 people, and on the Eurobodalla Council’s own figures, about 120 people on an indirect basis.”

But Mr. Anderton’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Charcoal plant stated that the plant would generate only 25 permanent jobs directly, and a further 28 jobs in the forest industry.

To further confuse us, as Mayor Peter Cairney stated in his last Mayoral Report – a Brief describing the factory, signed off by the Minister for Planning Dr. Refshauge, states that only 10 jobs will be generated locally.

Mr Anderton also said of the charcoal plant, on the same TV show, also on ABS Stateline 7 December 2001, “you can’t see it, you can’t smell it, you can’t hear it”.

But Mr. Anderton’s EIS reveals that:

You CAN see it –
The EIS states “The upper extent of the retorts WILL BE VISIBLE at specific locations depending on the angle of view and the glow from site lighting and emergency gas flaring operations MAY BE VISIBLE at night.”

You CAN smell it –
The EIS states about odour, “It is unlikely that there will be any SUBSTANTIAL off-site impacts due to this source.”

You CAN hear it –
The EIS states (a) “The daytime operational noise levels MEET THE PROJECT SPECIFIC CRITERIA AT ALL BUT ONE RECEIVER. Night time exceedances over the intrusiveness criteria ARE PREDICTED under adverse weather conditions.” and (b) No construction or operational road traffic noise impacts BEYOND ACCEPTABLE LEVELS are expected.

John Allen,  Malua Bay

From the desk of Cr. Peter Cairney

My view re the charcoal factory has been challenged several times by the red ribbon brigade (people for the project). I always ask them why they want it. The answer is always the same. The plant will create jobs.

The brief, describing the factory, signed off by the Minister for Planning, Dr. Refshauge states that 10 jobs will be generated locally. Are these 10 jobs worth having if hundreds of others disappear?

To ensure future viability of this shire, the council needs to encourage and attract industry that is economically sustainable over many years and has the potential to provide job opportunities for our youth. Many young people would like to remain in the shire but are unable to because there are not many industries that offer ‘jobs with a future’.

Jobs in shire under threat

Real estate sales have already dropped because of the threat of this factory. Ask yourselves what else will disappear, if the threat becomes a reality?

In the short-term, use of our forests for charcoal will affect saw-mills in the region, putting many more than 10 people out of work. The very existence of the plant will impact heavily on our major income earner and employer – tourism. This will cause a domino effect. Jobs will go in shops, restaurants, supermarkets, service stations, boat rentals etc. etc.

Tourism depends on the unique environment of the Nature Coast – temperate climate, pollution free air and water, vast tracts of wilderness, abundant wildlife, superb beaches and inland waterways.

The charcoal plant will affect that pristine environment. How?

Noise pollution – according to an employee at Simcoa – a charcoal factory in Western Australia, with only 1 retort not 5 – the biggest problem they have encountered is the noise factor. The closest residence is 2k from the factory. The complaints about noise, especially at night, are constant. Water pollution – the factory sits in the middle of ‘wetlands’. Polluted run-off, not accounted for in the EIS will dump in the wetlands then feed into Candlagan Creek, a playground for children and into the surrounding area.

Air pollution – Small particles of matter will escape into the air, causing distress for people with respiratory problems. Road use – our feeder roads will be choked with trucks, carrying timber waste, charcoal and sawdust – 1 every 6 minutes will enter or leave the plant. Try travelling up the Clyde Mountain or the Princes Highway behind these trucks – a nightmare.

An Alternative

It is necessary for this shire to diversify in order to remain viable. We should not put all our eggs in one or two baskets.

I have been asking around, trying to come up with solutions. One that stood out was Information Technology (IT).

This council has already taken steps to improve local telecommunications. We can use this as a building block for the future.

IT is one of the fastest growth areas in the world. One hundred and eighty thousand jobs will open up in the next few years.

The University of Wollongong is trialling a pilot program – an intensive summer school ‘e-course’ for high school students. The course will allow the students to acquire an advanced knowledge of IT in a short space of time and will set them on the path to a career.

In the Newcastle/Hunter Valley region they are in the process of setting up a regional IT hub. This will serve as a local internet service provider (ISP).

A local ISP would operate with local call costs, local technical support and a local home page – add this to low rentals and you have prime selling tools to attract business and light industry to the region – projects with a future – projects that will not impact heavily on our environment.

Within the next few years, it will be possible to conduct all your business from home, using IT. People will be able to live anywhere they wish. The Eurobodalla Shire by diversifying this way would be able to offer affordable, dependable internet access plus a top environment. After all, we have been dubbed “the jewel in the crown of NSW”.

Ten jobs in the short-term or hundreds maybe thousands in the future – I know what I would choose.

Designs on our coast?

By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 17 January 2002)

The state government appears to have totally ignored their objectives in the ‘Design Guidelines for the NSW Coast’, by declaring that the Nature Coast is an appropriate place for a charcoal factory. Deputy Premier and Minister for Planning, Dr. Andrew Refshauge was very emphatic when he released paper, “We need to protect the qualities that make our coast attractive and prevent them from being eroded by poor development. “In consultation with the community, we want to ensure we value and protect the unique characteristics of each place along our coast.”

The guidelines will play a key role in influencing the liveability and sustainability of communities – factors such as clean air, clean water and a healthy natural environment.

The paper is one of the building blocks in the process for protection of the NSW coast and follows the introduction of the NSW Coastal Policy in 1997 and the Coastal Protection Package in 2001.

Professor Bruce Thom, Chair of the Coastal Council says, “There is a danger that the beauty of the coast will be destroyed by controls that do not respond to the characteristics of place, responding instead to the immediate demands of proposals on individual lots with little regard for the impact on the settlement of the surrounding areas.”

President of Charcoalition, Chris Kowal thinks the timing of the release of the guidelines is ironic.

“The charcoal factory proposal certainly shows little regard for the impact on nearby settlements and the surrounding area. It would not help maintain clean air, clean water or a healthy natural environment.”

Local resident Col Brown was amazed by the design guidelines. “The state government appears to be incredibly hypocritical.

“On the one hand they say we want to preserve and protect the coast and on the other they plonk a dirty great charcoal factory in the middle of it. “Do they have designs for our coast or designs on our coast?”

Council image charred

By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 10 January 2002)

The General Manager of Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC), Jim Levy admitted in front of the entire council and a packed gallery that he may have breached the privacy act.

Colleen Ennis, whose property borders the site for Australian Silicon’s proposed charcoal factory, asked Mr Levy if he had breached the privacy act by giving a map plus names, telephone numbers and addresses to the company. Mr. Levy tried to dodge the question. Ms Ennis asked him again, “Mr Levy did you breach the privacy act?”

Mr Levy answered, “Yes, I may have.”

Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Mayor, Peter Cairney stated this matter would be investigated.

“All the council documents pertaining to the charcoal factory have been taken to the Minister for Local Government, Harry Woods.” Charcoalition members may pursue this matter privately.

By Heather Tindale

Over 200 people attended a public meeting last Sunday [16 December 2001] hosted by Eurobodalla Shire Council to inform residents of their appraisal of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for the charcoal plant site. Also present were representatives from State Forests and Australian Silicon.

The meeting was held on a Sunday to accommodate holiday home owners, many of whom were from Canberra.
Peter Anderton from Australian Silicon presented an overview of the project followed by Council’s review of the EIS from Peter Tegart, Director of Planning.

The Mayor, Peter Cairney then invited comment from the audience. Many of the questions required answers from council and Australian Silicon. Council was very forthcoming however Mr. Anderton (AS) declined, despite being asked on three occasions, to take advantage of this public forum. He did however indicate that his company would be available on Monday, at the Batemans Bay Community Centre to address any concerns.

Craig Oliver also from Australian Silicon explained the company’s position. “We were only asked by council to present an overview. We were not asked in the invitation to participate in the discussion.”

On Monday, Mr. Anderton commented on the perceived irregularities in the EIS. “We used Environmental Protection Act standards as guidelines for the study. The findings of the EIS are well within these standards.”
He also indicated that ERM, the company who undertook the EIS, could easily refute council’s findings.
Mr. Anderton was hopeful of a favourable outcome for his company based on the fact that council’s recommendation not to support the charcoal factory was conditional on the deficient EIS. He alleged that if Australian Silicon could prove that ERM’s findings were in fact correct, then council should, under the terms of its own recommendation, withdraw its opposition to this project.

Charcoal site not studied – Nye

By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 20 December 2001)

Environmental Resources Management Australia (ERM), the company hired to produce an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for Australian Silicon has been questioned about its claim that the Mogo Aboriginal Land Council (MALC) assisted in carrying out an archaeological investigation of the charcoal site.

The Coordinator of the Mogo Lands Council, Fred Nye stated that MALC was not told the site was intended for a charcoal factory.

He outlined the sum total of contact that the Council had with ERM. It consisted of “2 cursory phone calls (during which the callers did not adequately identify themselves and the purpose of their work), 3 cursory facsimiles and one brief site visit with a junior member of our staff. Mr Nye said he was “astonished to find the following paragraph (O.3) in the EIS:

The MALC were also asked to assess the cultural significance of the study area. Their report outlining the site investigation and their views on the metallurgical carbon plant is presented in Appendix A.

There was no Appendix A.

Fred insists, “the MALC did not prepare any such report nor do they recall being invited to prepare any such report. The statements are grossly misleading and should be corrected.

“Paragraph O.10 says recommendations have been formulated in conjunction with Mogo MALC. This is quite fanciful. It was not involved in the formulation of any such recommendations.

Mr. Nye is especially concerned that Appendix O makes reference to him. He feels the comments could suggest his active involvement in and support for the project. “They may have some capacity to lower the high esteem in which he is held in the community.

Mr. Nye thinks this may be actionable.

The Mogo MALC issued this statement: “The processes carried out in producing Appendix O were grossly deficient and comments of that Appendix are grossly misleading. Mogo MALC urges that an EIS with such serious defects should not be approved until such time as appropriate and comprehensive indigenous consultation has occurred.

“On the basis of the information presently before it; it should be clearly understood that Mogo MALC opposes the establishment of the charcoal plant. Dennis Zines, spokesperson for ERM said an “archaeological survey has been conducted and the EIS clearly states this.

Mr Zines admitted that ERM had not received report from the Mogo Lands Council. However, the company was expecting one and saved a place for it. “I think it would have been more sensible if we said in the EIS, that we contacted Mr Nye on seven occasions requesting his input and that no report had been received, he conceded.

What do you think

By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 20 December 2001)

Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Strategic Objectives stated in the Management Plan 2001-2006

Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) interprets the community’s views and melds them with the Shire’s administration. To facilitate that, there is a Social Contract between council and the community.

“We want a shire where, in a balanced and sustainable way:
a. the views of the diverse community are sought and valued in developing plans and projects for the future.
b. The ecological health and natural beauty of the environment is protected.
c. The local economy, including tourism is characterized by steady, sustainable growth that builds on our strengths.”

Exerpts from The Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (DUAP) white paper – ‘Plan First’.

a. ‘Plan First’ is about ensuring that community involvement happens earlier in the process by notifying people of the intention to prepare a local plan, so that they can help set the agenda and not just comment when a draft local plan is on exhibition.
b. . Earlier engagement of the community to help develop concepts and ideas will make the plan more collaborative, give the community a greater sense of ownership and ensure support for and legitimacy of the plan and corresponding actions.

What do you think? Read the timeline and draw your own conclusions. Has Council upheld its objectives in the Management Plan? Has DUAP followed their own white paper?

The Charcoal Plant Timeline when Council was the consent authority.

April 30 2001: From Nick Cameron, State Forests to Chris Vardon, Mayor of ESC –
I refer to your meeting with State Forests and Portman Ltd. on Tuesday 24 April 2001 regarding the Lithgow Smelter. In relation to this meeting, please find attached, as requested, a copy of the debate on this project held in the Upper House of Parliament in September last year.

June 1 2001: Note to File, signed by J. Levy, General manager ESC
Craig Oliver, Australian Silicon representative, advised me on Friday, 1 June 2001 that the company had reached an agreement to buy the preferred site and were pursuing an option. These negotiations are confidential at this time.

June 19 2001 – Fax from Nick Cameron (SF) to Jim Levy (ESC)
Please note the following information is sensitive and should remain strictly confidential. As you are aware the preferred site for the charcoal plant on the NSW South Coast is located 12km north of Moruya is a site known as ‘Springwater”.
The NSW Director General has recently written to Australian Silicon to confirm that the NSW Government will do everything possible to ensure the project proceeds within NSW. In line with this directive and the wishes of AS, State Forests is facilitating a meeting of relevant government agencies to resolve outstanding issues associated with the proposed Moruya charcoal plant. Your Council is invited.

June 26 2001 – Briefing of whole council on June 26 2001 “confidential”
The General Manager briefed the committee of approaches made by an organization looking at sites within Victoria and NSW to set up an industry. The information is ‘commercial in confidence’.

June 28 2001 – June 28 2001 – Discovery of Issues Meeting at Batemans Bay.
Those present were Australian Silicon, State Forests, ESC, various government agencies and the owner of the site.
Points made by Peter Tegart ESC:
Consider: quarry rehabilitation, change in road usage by road type, particulary for log and charcoal trucks, bushfire controls in association with proposed native vegetation clearing, water supply preferred pipeline route along power easement, use of tertiary sewage effluent, how many direct jobs will be created, value adding to timber industry, forest management and outcome and keeping community engagement simple.

July 17 2001, 1:15pm – note signed by Jim Levy
“Paperwork now complete with Shepherds and hope to sign off next week. Like to brief Crs before application submitted for state significance to assure Crs that they are to be included in the process. Craig Oliver will ring me back tomorrow before noon.

July 23 2001 – extract from company media release
“The Australian Silicon is now moving swiftly towards a project development and receiving the attention of a specific focused group to take it forward.”

July 24 2001 – Ordinary Meeting of Council closed to public in case the information if disclosed would “prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.”
Peter Anderton (Portmans/AS) briefed council on a project of ‘state significance’.
Recommendation: Council:
1. Thanks you for the presentation
2. encourages the consortium to undertake an EIS, conduct public consultation as appropriate and keep council informed.
3. Notes that it will offer assistance to ensure points mentioned are expedited at no cost to council.
4. Understands and accepts that this matter is a development of ‘state significance’, as identified by the State Government.

July 27 2001: extract from fax to Bruce McGee (SF) and Peter Anderton (AS) from Judy Redman (ESC)
“The confidential resolution is for Councillors only and is not released to public. Minute #369 is the version of the minutes which are available to the public (see council’s recommendation).
Charcoal Plant timeline when the State Government became the consent authority.

August 13 2001: Declaration by Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, Andrew Refshauge that the project is of State and regional significance under the appropriate act and declares it to be a State Significant development .

August 28 2001: extract of fax from Jim Levy to all councilors – request for keeping site owner confidential.
I have assured the owner of the site that Council and staff would respect the confidentiality agreement made between the owner and the developer.

August 28 2001: extract from confidential minute from committee of whole ESC.
“They are planning to double the facility in five years time.”

September 11 2001: Works and Facilities Committee Meeting ESC
Chris Kowal and Mina Anderson addressed the Committee regarding their concerns for the proposed charcoal plant at Mogo.
When will Council hold a public meeting to put all facts on the table?
Mayor Vardon advised that Council will wait until it is in possession of all the facts, including submissions from interested parties.
In respect of calling public meetings; Council does not have the authority to call public meetings but has asked the proponents to do so.
September – the public was finally told the exact location of the site and the details of the project in a series of public meetings.

In Assembly question time yesterday, Ms Tucker asked Mr Stanhope whether the ACT Government would put in a submission. Mr Stanhope said that he had not previously thought of doing so but would do so now because of her request. Mr Stanhope also agreed to take an ecologically sustainable approach to assessing the project.

“I am very glad that the new Labor Government is prepared to take more of an inter est in regional issues than the previous government. The South Coast is like Canberra’s backyard, with many Canberrans owning property there or visiting the area for recreational activities,” Ms Tucker said.

“This plant will have a significant environmental impact on the area. It would consume some 200,000 tonnes of Southern forests every year. Around 30,000 tonnes per annum of charcoal will be produced which will be transported by about 10 semitrailers per day from the plant over the Clyde Mountain and through Braidwood on its way to Lithgow.”

“The Government needs to take note of the community concern about this plant not just on the south coast but in Canberra.”

“I look forward to seeing the Government’s submission.”

Ian Cohen MLC
The Greens
Legislative Council, Parliament House
Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2OOO
Ph: 02 9230 2603 Fax: 02 9230 2267
Mobile: 0409 989 466
Email: ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au

“This is an admission by Bob Carr of his failure to resolve forest conflict in NSW,” said Ian Cohen, Greens MLC.

“He has repeatedly assured the public that he has ‘saved’ the forests yet now he is using Bjelke Petersen type measures to stifle legitimate conservation protest. We are right back where we were in 1995 when Bob Carr won election on his promise to ‘save the forests’. ”

“The regulations were introduced last Friday without any forewarning. The same day State Forests issued $1000 fines to protesters trying to stop old growth logging in the Badja Wilderness area in southern NSW.”

“Bob Carr will not admit that his Government is still logging old growth and wilderness forests but it is a fact.”

“Bob Carr will not admit that he reneged on the so called ‘balanced’ Southern Forest decision last year but it is a fact. He and the Federal Government later gave the logging industry an additional $9 million subsidy for plantation establishment without balancing increases in conservation reserves.”

“Bob Carr will not admit that massive increases in logging and woodchipping are now proposed by his Government for the Southern Forests, to feed charcoal plants and power stations, but it is a fact.”

“This is why forest protesters are risking their lives and massive fines to continue their unselfish and farsighted struggle to save the forests.”

“And Bob Carr proposes to fine them $1000 each time. This is ten times the fine imposed for negligence causing devastating bush fires in State Forests, hunting or trapping protected native animals in State Forests, discharging a gun in State Forests (a logging contractor recently shot to terrorise protesters with no action taken by State Forests) or even stealing or destroying valuable timber.”

A litany of ‘secrecy’

By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 13 December 2001)

“A council must keep the local community and the State Government (and through it, the wider community) informed about its activities.” Local Government Act 1993 – sect. 8

On June 28, a closed meeting was held in Batemans Bay at the State Forest Office. Representatives from the companies involved in the charcoal plant, five State Government Departments, Eurobodalla Shire Council and the site owner met to discuss issues arising from the project.

The meeting was kept confidential. The public was not informed.

On July 27, full council was briefed on the not yet ‘state significant’ project and voted to encourage the consortium to undertake an Environmental Impact Study, conduct public consultation and keep council informed. The meeting was closed. The public was not informed.

On August 28, the Director of Environmental Planning, Peter Tegart briefed councillors on status of project.

He stated that Council’s role was to assist with the EIS and with the conditions of approval. He further stated that the company was planning to double the facility in five years time.

REF: Council minutes stamped confidential.

The meeting was closed. The public was not informed.

Why was the public kept in the dark? The project did not fit the criteria for ‘commercial confidentiality’.

The plant was seen to be of major impact on the community as a whole. There were no other companies tendering for the plant, so Australian Silicon would not be disadvantaged by public disclosure.

The council did not appear to be carrying out its duty to “keep the local community informed”.

There are a number of anomalies, which have been pointed out by members of ‘Charcoalition’.

Why was the council briefed in July, that the project was designated ‘state significant’?

The latter was not declared until August 7. This must have coloured their decision to encourage the consortium. How did the company pick that site?

A company representative stated at a public meeting that the Eurobodalla Shire Council gave them the site, maps, names and phone numbers.

Why was the fact that the company intended to double the facility in 5 years kept secret?

This fact was ignored at the special council meeting on Monday. Mayor Cairney asked twice for it to be recorded in the minutes.

There have been several whispers that the company is looking at an alternate site in Eurobodalla Shire, possibly north of the bridge. This project will not just disappear.

Charcoalition members want answers. They are not a bunch of radical greenies, as they have been portrayed. They are very worried residents of the Nature Coast. Worried that secrecy not transparency is the operative word and that this secrecy could lead to the end of Eurobodalla Shire’s greatest treasure – its ‘fragile environment’.

The council considered the Environmental Impact Statement that has been submitted with the Development Application at a Special Meeting held this week, on Monday 10 December.

The council is also holding a Special Public Meeting to gauge the views of the community on the proposed development this Sunday 16 December at 2pm at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club auditorium.

In the interest of the public being well informed, the council presents the following information.

Council considers staff report on EIS

At a Special Meeting of Council held on Monday 10 December 2001, Council received a report from Staff presenting their professional views on the adequacy and voracity of the EIS submitted to the NSW Department of Urban Affairs & Planning for a proposed wood processing and metallurgical carbon facility at Lot 544 DP 736015 Parish of Tomaga. The following statement is the conclusion of that report generally finding the EIS had several shortcomings in the extent of investigations conducted to examine environmental, economic and social consequences should the proposed development proceed.

Public meeting
Councillors will be hearing the community’s views at a public meeting on 16 December 2001 at 2:00 pm at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club Auditorium. Those comments, together with the public comments incorporated already into Council’s submission will be presented to Department of Urban Affairs & Planning at the close of exhibition on 21 December 2001.

Report summary
Since the public announcement of the proposal in July, community emotion has been polarised. Naturally there have been concerns by neighbours to the proposed site, and those who believe their lifestyle, health, property values and business may be effected. Equally there has been broader community concerns with the impacts of the proposed development on the environment, on tourism and on traffic.

There appears to have been confusion over the legal status and certainty of supply within the Southern RFA. Similarly the quality and accuracy of information and community consultation conducted by the proponents has been questioned. There continues to be confusion, regardless of council efforts to clarify, over the role of council in the approval process. Councillors had been regularly briefed in confidence, at the request of the proponents, on issues or status of the proposal prior to lodging the DA and EIS with DUAP.

This report has relied upon the data and assurances provided by State Forests regarding the nature and long term availability of residue forest product for the charcoal facility. Without entering any discussion on the RFA, it is noted this project is an effort to ‘value-add’ to timber operations and products in an industry identified as requiring structural and innovative change through the recent work of the Timber Value Added Industry Officer engaged by Council under a grant. The proposal appears to attract options for ‘carbon credits’ under State credit guidelines.

It is considered any opposition to the facility simply on the basis it involves the removal of 200,000 tones per annum from State Forest would be difficult for the consent authority to introduce as a ground for refusal.

The degree to which the proposal satisfies community goals, say in terms of best use of forest resources or appropriate location of industry, was also the subject of the RFA and is outside the scope of this report. There is some conjecture as to the timing of the NSW Southern Forest Agreement and the content and auditing options of the associated Integrated Forestry Operation Agreement as is it relates to this proposal.

The proposal for the wood processing metallurgical and carbon facility indicates it will be a significant employment generator with flow on effects to the regional economy. It would be designed to, and conditioned to, comply with EPA and other agency standards and represents an important cog in a State Significant Development involving quarry at Cowra and a Silicon smelter at Lithgow.

Some public comment has been made on the reduction of hazard and waste timber burning by State Forests (the subject of regular smoke complaints), reduced bush fire hazard and improved water run off into catchments.

Similarly, there has been supportive comment on job creation and diversification of the local economy.

Should an extension be granted to the exhibition period, Council may wish to use the advice of the Scientific Advisory Group to assist assessment of this EIS. However, on this occasion as some member/s of that Group assisted in the Charcoalition submission, it was considered not appropriate to take that option at this time.

A schedule of summary points from the above discussion will be displayed at the public meeting.

However, the review by staff of Part B-D of the EIS have raised a number of concerns, either in terms of lack of information, clarity of information or errors and omissions. In summary, the following concerns have been raised under the headings contained in the EIS:

Council understands it is likely to receive from DUAP a copy of all the submissions received by the Department, to offer the opportunity to Council to provide further comment on the EIS. However, it is quite likely that given the gaps in information provided in the EIS, or matters requiring further research or clarification, that the State Government may request a supplementary EIS should the development wish to proceed. Council and the public will then be given the same opportunity to comment during another exhibition period on the other information contained in a supplementary EIS should it be requested by DUAP.

Submission by council to state government
The council will make a submission to the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning and will include the following issues.

Planning Context

• Considered the application may not form a proper Development Application, (Clause 50 Part 1 Schedule 1)
• May require a SEPP 1 objection to vary the 14m height limit for structures other than the retorts
• Inadequate information contained on the DA plans to ascertain a complete picture of the buildings to be developed, including site levels. In fact it may be considered the application does not comply with Clause 50 and Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the EP&A Regulations.
• The EIS does not address the probability of the development being integrated under the Water Act due to the volume of water collection and use of run off.
• Minor discrepancies in the descriptions of planning provisions, referencing to RLEP and the Rural Industry definitions.
• Potential for requirements of SEPP 1 objection to vary the 14 metre height limit for structures other than the retorts.
• The development may still be contingent upon relevant agency licences and approvals, including Council approvals for water supply and on-site sewage management (if required)

Economic

• Concern the economic multiplier between 1.463 and 1.816 “borrowed” from other similar developments elsewhere in the State. Multipliers should not be transferred or borrowed to apply to another economy or demography. Use of the income multiplier and the financial contribution requires further information.
• The use of income multipliers and financial contribution to the regional economy is questionable, including the potential double counting of expected job creation through redeployment of forestry labour.
• Cost benefit analysis was not included and did not adequately demonstrate feasibility of the project, and therefore appropriately identified the real opportunity costs. “Opportunity costs” can be described as regional economic benefits foregone if the project proceeds, not just if the project starts or does not proceed.
• Actual job generation is uncertain.
• Some inaccuracies over the analysis of wages contributing to the regional economy – a value of $630,000 (equating to 18 jobs) is nominated as the regional contribution, yet the EIS indicates elsewhere the facility will employ 20-25 jobs.
• Potential impacts upon tourism and land values have not been adequately addressed, including increased demand on public services and facilities
• Attitudinal impacts on Shire residents appears not to have been addressed.
• The Tourism significance of smaller villages in the central district appears not to have been appropriately referenced, and economic feasibility analysis may have been more appropriate to assess the potential financial and employment impacts on tourism
• Concerns the EIS did not contemplate the effect on the successful self drive marketing campaign of the Shire as a Nature Coast, and consequent tourist related employment.
• The EIS claims the facility will not be a catalyst for further industrial development of the same kind, yet indicates there will be opportunities for establishing linked or feeder industries.
• Concerns the transfer of sawdust and other wastes to complement landscaping supplies will swamp local markets and impact existing employment in local recycling industries.
• The EIS inadequately referenced the locality of local schools and colleges and retirement villages.

Traffic and Transport

• Traffic and transport calculations were considered correct, noting the increase in heavy vehicle traffic of 10% which may cause increased travel times and queuing. Options to be considered included conditioning of transport movements at times outside business hours and tourism peaks.
• Unclear as to definition of “heavy vehicles” ie rigid -v- articulated -v- B-double transport
• Noted the 10% increase is averaged across the whole Region for a whole year, yet timber harvesting will be concentrated in certain compartments causing concentrated increases heavy vehicle movements in a locality for shortened periods of time of a year but with greater noise and traffic impacts.
• Council had requested analysis of traffic loads of local, forest and State roads. There was inadequate information on the impact on local roads by locality in the EIS, negating opportunities for council to calculate road contribution options by the development.
• It is noted the RTA will require special design treatments for the Princes Highway access to the site and limit the type and articulation of heavy vehicles travelling State roads.

Noise

• The predicted noise levels are likely to impact on outdoor activities in the construction phase and cause sleep disturbance during the operational phase.
• Loading of retorts is likely to cause a noise exceedance, noting it is a 24 hour 7 day operation.
• The EIS indicated the operational intrusive noise criteria is a project limiting factor.
• No information to compare current noise/dust from the gravel operation.
• The EIS appears to not apply “modifying factor adjustments” to the calculations for intermittent and impulsive noise.
• It is considered traffic noise will be increased and perceptible to occupiers of land near the access road from the highway.
• There is concern noise assessments were not taken from some properties or “receptors” on the assumption they would have the same background noise and attenuating noise.
• Noted the background noise levels (daytime, evening and night) were up to 20% lower than the “benchmark” background noise level of 30dBA, established in the EPA guidelines.
• While noting an increase in noise level by 10dBA represents a doubling in the loudness, there is indication in the EIS that construction noise may not be contained within that range and that during favourable weather conditions (37.8%) the noise criteria could not be met.
• Suggested referencing to World Health Organisation and Department of Health guidelines on cumulative effect of noise on human function.

Air Quality

• Potential for the nominated outputs of each of the specified retorts may be exceeded and those scenarios (in terms of environmental impacts) are not adequately contemplated in the EIS
• There is potential for poor dispersion and cumulative impacts of particulate and pollutants in the atmosphere in the Broulee/Mossy Point locality due to the occurrence of stable weather patterns.
• There are some arguments the use of the Ausplume model is outdated and does not apply to coastal areas.
• Inadequate analysis of health risk to immediate and “fall out zone” residential areas, noting age/health demographic. WHO and DoH guidelines should be considered.
• The EIS incorrectly labels in Table 9.1 that the emissions are reported to be “prior to after burning”, rather than “after the after burning” of retort gases.
• Emission characteristics from the retort are based on optimum operating capacity. Should the Afterburners fail and the flare is required to burn off emissions, the EIS does not discuss adequately the air quality issues based on the likelihood of plant downtime and potential greater discharge of air pollutants during flare.
• Applying United States NIOSH indicators there is potential effect of pollutants on human and plant health in an accumulated and cumulative context. There is similar concern over particulate fallout into residential and farm potable water supplies.
• There may be arguments better meteorological information may have been gained from a site other than Moruya Airport where atmospheric and topographic characteristics are similar to the proposed site.

Soil and Hydrology

• Coefficients used for calculation in Hydrology are understated (by up to a factor of 3-4) due to the extent of hardstand areas on the site. The potential overflow into the SEPP14 wetlands requires further assessment against those higher coefficients. Untreated water may be similar in nature to leachate and may require specific licensing from EPA.
• Stormwater flows from the storage areas may contain fine sediment that may collect and release leachates and contaminants from processed water into SEPP14 Wetlands.
• Overflows have been calculated by using a dam size of 20ML and should have been based on the size of the runoff pond (2-3ML)
• The monitoring proposed is not located at point of discharge to the environment nor aligns with the EPA performance criteria.
• Clarification is required on the role of Council in collecting, assessing and policing of all emission, water and hydrology data.

Water Cycle and Demand

• Further analysis of maximum annual demand from a Council water supply is required in extended dry periods.
• Noted 55ML annual demand represents minor increase in Council water supply restrictions.
• Sizing of dam indicated as inadequate (Soil and Hydrology).
• The “notional” siting of a pipeline for water or treated effluent appears to cross a SEPP14 wetland which has not been identified on site maps, nor contemplated in the EIS.
• Should connection to council water or effluent supply be required, a pipeline/pumping stations at applicant’s costs following REF and negotiation with effected property owners.
• Unclear as to source of original “start up” water supply.

Waste Water

• Concentration of saline water and other contaminants or discharge to the STP requires appropriate controls to avoid shock loadings.
• Thorough investigation into the nature of contaminants into sewer system on a case by case basis be required
• Understood EPA will be regulatory authority under POEO Act.
• The effect of saline levels on timbers used in retorts (evaporative or emission process) not adequately discussed in terms of potential production of dioxins.
• Further analysis of evaporative and leachate consequences of recycled or harvested waters (eg PAH) in the production process required – concern discharged products may enter SEPP14 Wetland and impact air quality.

Waste

• Operational Waste to be dealt with under POEO Act and EPA Guidelines.
• A Waste Management Plan should be submitted for assessment of Waste Streams to enable compliance with Council’s Waste Minimisation Strategy.
• Further information is required on potential extraction uses and transport of processing bi-products such as saw dust and carbon fines, including freighting to external markets or burning off.

Visual Amenity

• Incomplete assessment of visual amenity. GIS evidence of greater potential view sheds other than nominated within the EIS.
• Omissions have varying degrees of significance as the visibility of the retorts or other structures are filtered due to backdrops and distance from viewing points.

Ecology

• Further research likely for threatened species (Yellow Bellied glider and leafless tongue orchid), particularly using Gaia Research examining existence, foraging patterns and habitat corridors in the Broulee coastal plain.

Heritage

• Noted little consultation with the relevant Aboriginal communities. While no sites identified, given “cultural richness” of the area an archaeological assessment may be required.

It is suggested that council should consider what further discussions, negotiations or actions could be taken should the Minister approve the development. Those actions may include:

• A ‘without prejudice’ list of conditions suggested by council to the Minister.
• Lobbying for ameliorating actions such as logging or charcoal loads to be transported at certain times of day or year; emergency management etc
• Response to pollution (noise, dust, air, water), cultural heritage or flora/fauna complaints to be dealt with by state agencies, not council, and by what means and whose cost.
• Lobbying for infrastructure improvement or funding for security of supply and road safety – such as upgrade of Princes and Kings Highways; duplication of trunk mains to off stream storage; or improvement to effluent reuse options.

Members of the public are invited to present their views to Councillors on the project, notwithstanding the resolution of the Special Meeting of council outlined below, and a public meeting to be held on 16 December 2001 at 2:00 pm at the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club.

Here’s what the council decided on Monday

MOTION Councillor Vardon/Councillor Gough

1. The report on the review of the Environmental Impact Statement – Proposed Wood Processing and Metallurgical Carbon Facility, Lot 544 DP 736015, Parish of Tomaga be received and noted.

2. (a) The State Government be informed that Eurobodalla Shire Council considers that the EIS undertaken by Australian Silicon Pty Ltd for a proposed charcoal facility at Mogo is deficient;

(b) The report on the review of the Environmental Impact Statement – Proposed Wood Processing and Metallurgical Carbon Facility, Lot 544 DP736015, Parish of Tomaga be submitted as part of Eurobodalla Shire Council’s submission to the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning, noting in particular the following points:

(c) The public comments as noted at the Special Meeting on 10 December 2001 and the resolution of the Tourism Board (attached to these minutes), be included in Council’s submission.

3 Council considers the EIS may be deficient in other matters as well which Council has been unable to determine. Council considers many of the issues which need to be addressed in an EIS have been overlooked.

4. Having regard to the above matters, Eurobodalla Shire Council informs the State Government that it does not support the application.

5. If the State Government decides to proceed further with this application, Eurobodalla Shire Council requests that all matters outlined above be further addressed and Council requests that a more detailed EIS be prepared and submitted and that Council be given further opportunity to comment prior to the application’s determination.

6. Council advise the Minister for Planning that should the Minister determine to approve the application, Council be given the opportunity to lodge “without prejudice” conditions of consent for inclusion on the approval.

7. Council receive a further report on options or projects to lobby the Government to augment the infrastructure and environment integrity and viability of the Shire potentially affected by the development.

8. Australian Silicon be informed of Council’s determination.

9. Council thanks the Council staff for their work in preparing the report for the Special Meeting of Council of 10 December 2001.

(The Motion on being put was declared CARRIED.
Councillor Dance voted against the Motion.)

Tourism Board View

The Eurobodalla Coast Tourism Board considered the proposal at a meeting held 7 December 2001 and resolved:

1. That the Eurobodalla Coast Tourism Board oppose the proposal by Australian Silicon Limited to establish a Wood Processing and Metallurgical Carbon Facility near Mogo on the grounds of its likely impact on the Board’s successful and long term branding of the Nature Coast and the potential impact of increased heavy traffic on the Board’s lucrative self drive market strategies.

2. That the Tourism Board’s view be conveyed to the Premier, responsible Minister and other stakeholders following the Chairman and Executive Officer advising the decision to the Mayor and General Manager of Eurobodalla Shire Council.

MAJOR POINTS
The application is for a Wood Processing and Metallurgical Carbon Facility.
It will supply charcoal to a proposed silicon factory in Lithgow.
The determining authority is the state government, not council.
The plant will use up to 200,000 tonnes of timber each year.
The plant will have a life of 20 years.
The major part of the plant will be five retorts to burn the wood each 34 metres high.
The company expects the plant to employ about 25 local full time personnel.

Need to know more?
The full report considered by council is available to read at a number of locations in the shire. It can be found at all three Public Libraries, in Moruya, Narooma and Batemans Bay as well as at council’s Moruya Administration Centre.

The report [PDF format] is also on council’s web site.

The EIS prepared by the consulting firm ERM is also on display at the council administration centre in Moruya and at libraries.

Bravery in search of truth

By Heather Tindale (Published in the Coastal Sun 6 December 2001)

This week, in an act of bravery the Mayor of Eurobodalla Shire Council, Peter Cairney placed his job on the line to stave off what many see as a sheer act of political expediency by the previous administration. The Mayor claimed at a public meeting, the truth of negotiations which have led to the Mogo charcoal plant furore, had been hidden in a maze of smoke and mirrors.

Mayor Cairney called on his fellow councillors to support a motion for an inquiry by the appropriate authorities into the proposed Charcoal Plant issue.

In an emotional address to council and to the assembled public he “did not take this action lightly.”

” I have viewed documented evidence – a paper trail going back to April of this year – that proves undoubtedly that there was evidence of involvement and negotiations with government departments and companies, by some Councillors and staff, long before most of the councillors were informed.” “The closest arm of government (to the people) is Local Government. We are elected to protect the residents in our community. It is all about ethics and integrity.

“I believe in transparent and accountable government, which is why I am prepared to stand up and be counted.”

On July 24, at a council meeting (closed to the public) was briefed on the proposed charcoal plant and its designation as a project of ‘state significance’.

That meant Eurobodalla Shire Council would have little control over the passage of any development application concerning the charcoal site and its subsequent construction and commissioning.

Council passed a recommendation to encourage Australian Silicon to undertake an Environmental Impact Study, to conduct public consultation and to keep council informed.

The minutes of that meeting read, “Council understands and accepts that this matter is a development of state significance as identified by the State Government.”

The project was not declared to be of state significance until August 13, three weeks later.

Mayor Cairney stated that the recommendation was passed by Councillors under the misapprehension that it was designated as one of state significance; whereas in reality on July 24, Council was actually the consent authority for the development, therefore that the “consultation process was corrupted from the start.”

The Mayor said he was unable to table the documentation as there was a great danger that this action might contaminate any inquiry.

When Mayor Cairney finished his address, the rest of the Councillors, who seemed divided into two camps, sprang into action.

Cr Pam Green led the objections for the anti-inquiry group which appeared to count among their numbers, former Mayor Chris Vardon and Councillors Laugher, Pollack, Gough, Dance and herself.

Cr Green began with a series of carefully crafted questions that insinuated the Mayor had not had proper advice. She stated she would not vote for any inquiry unless she was able to view the documents.

Cr Vardon declared the Mayor was “making a fundamental mistake. You have made a statement, which would indicate maladjustment in procedure. You said you showed the documents to ‘special’ councillors not to the others.” Mayor Cairney denied this.

He said he had only shown Crs Smellin and Brown the minute regarding the special meeting – nothing else.

Cr Laugher began his rhetoric, only to be interrupted by Vardon. He then declined to continue and ceded the floor to the ex-mayor. Heated discussion led to Mayor Cairney being forced to name Crs Vardon, Laugher and Pollock as the persons he alleged were implicated in the early negotiations.

Vardon declared he ‘would be happy if Parliament decided to hold an inquiry – in all my years on council, I have not done one thing of which I am ashamed.”

Cairney replied that he was “accusing Vardon of nothing.

Addressing Vardon directly, Mayor Cairney said “You got yourself into this position and you can get yourself out of it.”

In a counter move, Pam Green declared a vote of no confidence in the Mayor which was ignored, as Council then voted on the motion to support the Mayor’ s call for an inquiry.

The voting pattern was – for the inquiry: Crs Cairney, Smellin and Brown; against – Crs Vardon, Laugher, Pollock, Green, Gough and Dance.

Mayor Cairney, by his own admission said he did not have the eloquence so aptly displayed by Cr Vardon.

But those members of the public, seated in the gallery would realize Mayor Cairney possesses ‘a deep, abiding passion for transparent and accountable governance’.

He has staked his job on it.

South East Forest Alliance
CHIPSTOP

MEDIA RELEASE 9 November 2001

Charcoal Plant Will Decide Marginal Eden Monaro Seat – Labor Seizes Chance

Conservation groups today welcomed the significant move by Labor’s candidate, Steve Whan, to clearly oppose the highly controversial South Coast Charcoal Plant.

“In discussions with us, Steve Whan has clarified a statement he released to a meeting of over 500 people in Bateman’s Bay on Wednesday night,” said spokespersons for the groups

“Steve Whan has confirmed to us that he is now opposing the charcoal plant being established anywhere on the South Coast due to its obvious impacts on transport, community health and the South Coast forests and high community concern.”

“Conservation groups are confident that the Charcoal Plant issue will now decide the election outcome in the highly marginal seat of Eden Monaro, following the Bateman’s Bay meeting and today’s clarification. This follows other massive meetings in Mogo and Moruya in recent weeks also opposing the plant, each with 400-500 people.

“The Liberals candidate Gary Nairn has simply suggested that the plant be moved elsewhere on the South Coast if the huge community opposition in the Eurobodalla Shire continues. The community is wise enough to say ‘no’ to this divide and conquer approach.”

“South Coast people know that the charcoal plant will cause enormous damage to the South Coast forests and water catchments as well as the dependent tourism, fishing and oyster industries, wherever it is located. The plant will woodchip and burn 200,000 tonnes a year of South Coast timber for up to 40 years, tripling the current logging intensities and entrenching intensive, unsustainable logging.”

“Steve Whan and most of the community know by now that the mooted Environmental Impact Statement to be released after the election is already irrelevant as it will not address the key concern, the impact of the enormous timber requirement on the South Coast forests and water catchments. No one who has followed the fate of the South Coast forests since the Eden woodchip plant was established in 1969 will have any confidence in State Forest’s assertions that this massive timber supply will not damage the forests.”

“Many in the community will be motivated to support a candidate who clearly and firmly repudiates, before the election, the proposed charcoal plant being established anywhere on the South Coast.”

Ian Cohen MLC
The Greens
Legislative Council, Parliament House
Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2OOO
Ph: 02 9230 2603 Fax: 02 9230 2267
Mobile: 0409 989 466
Email: ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE

27 September 2001

RFA BILL DEAD – now for the South Coast Charcoal Factory

Ian Cohen MLC has claimed that the death of the Federal Regional Forest Agreement Bill in the National Parliament yesterday was also a critical blow to the controversial South Coast charcoal factory, a massive new woodchipping operation being pushed by the Carr government in NSW.

“The western Australian mining company, Australian Silicon, which has teamed up with NSW State Forests and the Carr government to promote this archaic, greedy and irresponsible scheme must now reconsider its position, said Mr Cohen.”

” Australian Silicon told me that they were seeking the timber supply from the South Coast forests because it would be guaranteed by both State and Commonwealth legislation.”

” There is now a huge question mark over any Commonwealth guarantee because the Beazley Opposition backed off supporting John Howard and Wilson Tuckey to ram the legislation through before Parliament rises for the Federal election. The ALP backed off in the face of enormous community opposition led by Greens Senator Bob Brown.”

“Now we need to see if the NSW Premier, Bob Carr, who boasts of his green credentials, will stop the charcoal factory in its tracks instead of putting a third NSW country region through the anger and frustration of fighting the factory to the death. ”

“The scheme has already been thrown out of Dubbo and Gunnedah when it was proposed to log first the western woodlands and then the north east forests for the charcoal supply.”

“A massive public meeting, some 500 people, near Batenmans Bay on the South Coast last night unanimously condemned the proposal and refused to support charcoal production through woodchipping and burning native forests on the South Coast or anywhere else. The meeting cheered to the rafters when told of the death of the Federal RFA Bill.”

“If Mr Carr wants to retain his green credibilty he will put an immediate stop to this and any more proposals to massively intensify woodchipping and logging on the South Coast or anywhere else in NSW.”

“Kim Beazley now has his last chance to gain conservation and green voter support and make it a close federal election. But he needs to pledge not to resurrect the RFA Bill and to implement a restructure of the logging industry out of native forests into plantations.”

Map from the Bay Post September 12th 2001

For educational and reference purposes only.

SOUTH EAST FOREST ALLIANCE

Media Release 30 August 2001

South Coast Charcoal Plant –
Lies, Damned Lies and State Forests

The South East Forest Alliance today warned that State Forests (the NSW logging agency) was not to be trusted in its defence of the massive new woodchipping proposal to feed a charcoal plant at Mogo near Bateman’s Bay on the South Coast.

“We have heard the same tired lies from State Forests and the logging industry for the last 30 years about woodchipping simply cleaning up forest waste,” said spokespersons for SEFA. “This week State Forests has renewed these pathetic lies in support of the charcoal plant.”

“State Forests is claiming that a huge amount, an additional 200,000 tonnes a year, can be ripped out of South Coast forests for charcoal without intensifying logging or felling more trees. This is an absolute nonsense, it just does not add up.”

“Currently 42,000 m2 of sawlogs a year are taken from the South Coast forests with up to another 90,000 tonnes directed straight to the Eden woodchip mill. If we accept the repeated lie that the 90,000 tonnes to Eden is from waste generated by the saw log operation, State Forests is claiming that there is still nearly twice as much useable timber again still left lying on the forest floor. If we do not accept this lie, State Forests has to massively increase its logging to supply the charcoal timber.”

“The truth is that any remaining material, upper trunk, branches or stumps from current operations is simply uneconomic for collection, whether for charcoal plant or chipmill. If it were economic, the woodchippers would have grabbed it years ago.”

“In any case, this material is desperately needed for recycling into the soil to sustain the forest ecosystem, already under extreme pressure from the unsustainable logging and woodchipping.”

“State Forests has also disclosed that it will send potential sawlogs to the charcoal plant, logs which were supposed to be retrieved from the woodchip pile by the controversial new salvage sawmill at Eden.”

“State Forests has claimed that it will provide a detailed, creditable report on the proposed sources of timber. It did the same when it supported an almost identical proposal to log the western woodlands for charcoal some eighteen months ago.”

“The truth is that State Forests’ report claiming that the timber was available in western forests on a sustainable basis was completely discredited by both conservationists and other government agencies. The report was even rejected by the Carr Government despite its desperation to support the Lithgow silicon smelter.”

“The truth is that there will be no independent or public scrutiny of State Forests’ resource claims for the Southern forests. This is because that State Forests has been exempted from Environment Impact Statements by the Carr Government for all forestry operations in areas covered by the so called Regional Forest Agreements.”

“We will not even get the degree of scrutiny that we were able to achieve on the proposed Dubbo/Gunnedah charcoal plant in western NSW where the Government had to at least conduct a nominal forest assessment because there was no Regional Forest Agreement in place.”

SOUTH EAST FOREST ALLIANCE

Media Release 23 August 2001

New Threat To Woodchip and Burn Southern Forests

The South East Forest Alliance today warned that the forests of the South Coast and Tumut are now under a huge new threat following the announcement that a massive charcoal plant is to be built on the South Coast at Mogo near Batemans Bay

“This appalling proposal will consume 200,000 tonnes a year of native forest from the South Coast and Tumut to supply charcoal to a silicon plant at Lithgow,” said spokespersons for SEFA. “The proposal is the same discredited attempt to rob and plunder the forests which was howled out of western NSW 18 months ago.”

“Amid enormous community uproar, the Carr government backed down and the Premier last year ruled out logging the Goonoo and Pilliga forests, the last significant native forests left in north west NSW, for charcoal.”

“Now the same company from Western Australia, an iron ore miner called Portman Limited, is proposing to massively log the Southern Forests with the continued support of the Premiers Department and the enthusiastic encouragement of State Forests.”

“The South Coast charcoal plant will directly threaten catchment values, the 150 existing sawmill jobs, the fishing industry, oyster growers and the 6000 jobs in the region which depend on nature based tourism, worth more than $600 milllion a year to the regional economy. In return the ‘forest miners’ are promising 53 jobs for the smash and grab raid on our forests.”

“This new threat comes on top of the current logging industry proposal to burn some 250,000 tonnes a year of native forest timber for a wood fired power station at Batemans Bay or Moruya. There is already an environmentally unsustainable supply of up to 90,000 tonnes a year of woodchips to the Eden chip mill from the South Coast forests.”

“The increasing pressure to rape and pillage the forests is a direct result of the Regional Forest Agreements, supported by both the Liberal and Labor parties, which have entrenched unsustainable native forest logging and woodchipping.

“In NSW the Carr Government has enacted special legislation to exempt State Forests from further Environmental Impact Studies once RFA deals are struck with the Federal Government. This means that the massive logging operations for the proposed charcoal plant on the South Coast will have no independent environmental assessment or public scrutiny. “

“The Government will essentially rely on advice from State Forests which was humiliated in western NSW and lost all credibility when its reports and recommendations supporting the charcoal logging were rejected by the Government as unsustainable in the face of public outrage.”

“There is a growing public realisation and anger that, despite the expenditure of hundreds of millions of dollars of public funds on regional forest assessments and agreements, the forests are under worse threat than ever and are still being brutally over logged and woodchipped.

Its time the ‘Green’ Premier, Bob Carr, put a stop to this nonsense and that the Federal Opposition led by Kim Beazley repudiates the RFA’s if it wishes to win the conservation vote.

Published with permission.

The ‘Charcoal No Go’ message has reached Canberra, with a massive rally organised for 20 March in Civic.
The protest will include speakers, bands, petitions and information stands. The rally has been organised by two Canberra residents Paula Nesci and Emma Harris who are concerned about implications of the plant.
Kerry Tucker from Greens is scheduled to speak and CSIRO has been asked to speak about their newly developed clean coal process.

“Although the charcoal factory it is not in Canberra it is still of concern as a large majority of ACT residents,” Emma said.

“It would be a nightmare to see the plant go ahead. Most Canberra residents have a connection to South Coast – many more than Bob Carr thinks.” Promotional material is currently being distributed around the ACT, outlining the arguments against the development.
A number of Canberra residents have travelled to Batemans Bay to participate in protests in the past, and organisers are expecting a solid turnout. For those interested in attending, meet at Garema Place, Civic at 12:30pm on March 20.

Ian Cohen MLC
The Greens
Legislative Council, Parliament House
Macquarie Street, SYDNEY 2OOO
Ph: 02 9230 2603 Fax: 02 9230 2267
Mobile: 0409 989 466
Email: ian.cohen@parliament.nsw.gov.au

“This decision is a turning point which the Carr Government will ignore at its political peril,” said Mr Cohen.

“However, I fear that the immediate reaction of the NSW Government and Australian Silicon will be to see if someone else can be bullied or fooled into hosting the charcoal plant. I am aware that the Braidwood community may now be targeted as the myopic Tallaganda Shire Council has recently resolved to encourage the plant. Alternatively, Shoalhaven Shire coastal towns may be targeted.”

“The Eurobodalla Shire Council has fairly reflected the overwhelming opinion of their community and other South Coast communities from Nowra to Braidwood. Council has also fatally punctured the claims of Australian Silicon that the plant would be an economic plus for the South Coast.”

“The Council’s report makes it clear that Australian Silicon has not addressed the mandatory requirements of the Director General of Planning to assess the potential impacts on tourism, the real economic driver for much of the South Coast.”

“The Council has concluded that Australian Silicon has not provided a credible cost benefit analysis and has failed to establish the real opportunity costs. Council has described the claimed financial contribution to the regional economy as questionable and that actual job generation is uncertain, including potential double counting of claimed forestry jobs.”

“The truth is that the charcoal plant and the associated massive additional logging of South Coast forests is a threat to the economy and ecology of the entire region, with especially high impacts on the community which has to suffer the actual plant.”

“The Eurobodalla Coast Tourism Board clearly shares the concerns of the community and conservation groups who have opposed the plant. The Board also decided this week to oppose the plant. This is a decision based on the likely damage to the successful tourism marketing of the Eurobodalla Coast as the Nature Coast, the public image or ‘branding’ of the region.”

“Low ash coal from New Zealand is a real alternative to the charcoal but the company and State Forests are clearly mutually determined to burn the South Coast forests.”

“It is now time for Bob Carr to put an end to this continuing farce and rule out the charcoal plant not only at Batemans Bay but anywhere in NSW, unless it can operate without burning native forests or destroying the amenity and economy of local communities. The Premier risks destroying his own branding as the ‘Green Premier’ unless he now acts quickly.”