We Socked It To 'em Again - in Hervey Bay!

Long-time campaigners against the TCD were overwhelmed by the turn out for the protest outside the ALP Community Cabinet Meeting in Hervey Bay on Sunday - our second rally this month.

Hundreds of people, young and old and from near and far, gathered outside the building at Wide Bay TAFE where Premier Bligh and her Ministers later met with deputations from the Fraser Coast community on a wide variety of issues. Ms Bligh and Andrew MacNamara (Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change and Hervey Bay MP) were escorted inside the venue by several uniformed and plainclothed police as the crowd vented their rage, screaming anti-dam sentiments at them. They also demanded Bligh "Sack Any Mac" (MacNamara) because he has failed so diabolically to represent his electorate on this issue.

Above: Bligh arriving.

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas didn't have it any easier. Someone stuck a 'NO DAM' sticker on his folder and he was quick to screw it up and throw it to the ground. (During the deputations Lucas was caught saying that water flowing out to sea is "wasted") But more on that in a future blog entry!!

Gold Coast Rally a Huge Success

Hundreds of people turned out for the protest rally outside the ALP Conference on the Gold Coast this weekend - and there is no doubt the politicians knew we were there! At one point we could hear our chanted words "NO DAM" echoing off the building. Federal Treasurer, Wayne Swan even got a personal serenade as he walked into the convention building.

After the official speeches where we were joined by national media, the crowd gathered in front of a balcony where delegates were having lunch and we helped them to see we are serious about stopping this dam!

Go to the link below for photographs of the protest:

http://picasaweb.google.com/greatermary/RallyQldALPGoldCoastConvention21June08

There are also photos available at:

http://s183.photobucket.com/albums/x51/wwwwatch/CascadesRally/?albumview=grid.

The Rally has been mentioned in the West Australian, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Brisbane Times - proof that this issue is truly national. For a short cut to these stories go to http://www.travestonswamp.info/forum/viewforum.php?f=12.

Next Sunday at the Community Cabinet we have an opportunity to put further pressure on Anna Bligh and her Government! The Bligh Government must be feeling the pressure at the moment with the gap between the ALP and the coalition reducing from about 20 points to 4 points on a two-party preferred basis. We need to have a massive turn out next Sunday to increase this pressure! Protest begins at 12:30pm at Wide Bay TAFE Uraween Rd.

Dok’ku Event a Stunning Success!!

Despite having had to compete with the World's Greatest Pub Crawl in Maryborough, brass band competitions and the threat of strong winds and rain, a crowd of determined supporters gathered at Tandora Homestead this weekend to celebrate the Mary River. They sent a loud and clear message to the world, on behalf of all lovers of river and sea, that the Mary must never be dammed! (For background on this event please read the blog entry below)

In the late afternoon a shower which had been threatening to fall all day, finally travelled across the strait from Fraser Island way, momentarily interrupting speeches, but soon the cloud passed, the sun came out, and miraculously there was a drop in the wind and well over a hundred people began scattering across the Dok’ku site to start lighting the slightly dampened candles.

The ceremony was swift and effective. Just before sunset a helicopter began filming the display, circling the area as the sun went down and the giant image of the Mary River Cod and the word ‘DOK’KU’ began to glow brighter and brighter in the growing darkness.

On the hill overlooking the site proud participants raised ‘Mary River Forever’ signs to bring home the message to all who would view the footage being taken: that they care about the fragile ecosystems of the Mary River and Great Sandy Strait, and that it is vital both be protected for future generations of both land and sea.

It was a very moving experience for all involved. On behalf of the campaign, we offer a big thank you to Jorge and Erica and Art for Earth, the sponsors and participating environment groups, and all the volunteers who worked so very hard to make this event such a resounding success!