NEWSLETTER July 2021
It’s mid-winter, a great time to keep our brains and bodies active!
Let’s get started…and start some conversations…
LOCAL
MDEG is supporting the newly-formed group Rylstone Region Coal Free Community (RRCFC). Check their website and sign on for updates: https://rylstonecfc.com/
We will hold an information stall to inform Mudgee people about the threat to our region if the Hawkins-Rumker Preliminary Regional Issues Assessment (PRIA) recommends that the area be released for Coal Exploration!
MDEG will use RRCFC material. We are equipped and ready to go. Be part of the team on Saturday.
WHEN: Saturday 17th July, 8am – 1pm
WHERE: Robertson Park, pathway from Perry St to the Farmers Market
FREE TO VOLUNTEER!…PLUS…POTENTIAL HUGE BENEFITS TO YOU, THE PLANET AND GENERATIONS TO COME! SEE YOU THERE!
At RRCFC’s last public meeting, there were a large number of people who had only just heard about this potential coal exploration. The NSW Government’s efforts to contact people, and the importance of the RRCFCs efforts in making people aware of the threats to the local area is clear. Many had a problem with the process itself. The lack of notification, the opaqueness of the process and the added chaos raised by COVID and loss of in-person meetings, means community consultation will be poor. Many will not have the opportunity to have their voices heard. The time provided for submissions has been extended and now closes on 18th August. https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/hawkins-rumker
Adams Lead
Members were tasked with a different routine on the first Saturday of this month! A major section of the large Yellow Box (e. melliodora) had succumbed to gravity, moisture and a hollow trunk! It was on the ground and had collected part of the picnic table. Fraser, Derek, Rick, Kay, John, Gail and Gerard rolled up their sleeves, and got out the chainsaws. Fortunately the table can be repaired (rebuilt), and the sign that was knocked off its post can be reattached. Many thanks to these great workers who have the Reserve looking good again!
The public meeting called last month by Healthy Rivers Dubbo about the proposed Gin Gin dam project on the Macquarie-Wambuul River was a great event!
It was recorded, and you can hear selected speakers at your leisure, by selecting the time frame within the video https://healthyriversdubbo.com/2021/07/02/healthy-rivers-dubbo-public-meeting-june-2021/
You can also read media coverage of the event https://healthyriversdubbo.com/2021/06/21/media-coverage-of-public-meeting-about-gin-gin-dam-proposal/
GLOBAL – Plastic Free July
Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. There are many ways to get involved – something for everyone here. Find out about micro-fibres, and challenge yourself with The Slow Clothing Manifesto, visit the blog/website of Graeme Stuart, lecturer at Newcastle University: https://sustainingcommunity.wordpress.com/2017/03/04/the-story-of-microfibres/
NATIONAL – NAIDOC Week
What a feast of interesting TV programs and films have been shown on ABC and SBS. Hope you have been challenged, encouraged and motivated by activities this last week. ’Heal Country!’ calls for all of us to continue to seek greater protections for our lands, our waters, our sacred sites and our cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration, and destruction. Get involved!
REGIONAL – National Tree Day
This annual community tree-planting and nature protection event has the goal of planting one million new trees, shrubs and grasses each year. It’s a call to action for all Australians to put their hands in the earth and give back to their community. M-WRC is hosting their annual National Tree Day event, make a day of it and join in the fun!
When: Sunday 25 July, 10am – 12pm
Where: Glen Willow, Mudgee (near the suspension bridge)
· Gloves, tools and refreshments will be supplied.
· Bring a hat and enclosed shoes.
· Free barbeque for all participants at 12pm.
· For more information, visit Council’s Facebook page.
TIME FOR A CUPPA, AND READ AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT
Global Production Report produced by the UN and other agencies:
‘The Production Gap The discrepancy between countries’ planned fossil fuel production and global production levels consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C or 2°C.’
Don’t be misled and think this report will be too technical. It is quite reader-friendly. I’m sure you will get a lot out of the Executive Summary.
Link to document https://productiongap.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/PGR2020_FullRprt_web.pdf