Artwork ripped up and sewn back together, Water Trigger in first-of-its-kind court case, updates on Santos and Whitehaven’s polluting projects, young writers give us hope, a cross-cultural afternoon tea, and Nanna fan photo.
Repairable Landscape
Julie Paterson’s beautifully stencilled seascape of the Great Barrier Reef was cut up on the evening of Friday 20 June at the Tiliqua Tiliqua Gallery. Nannas were there, and again on Saturday for the stitching together.
The work, called Repairable Landscape, is based on the Japanese tradition, Kintsugi, of honouring the broken with repair that can add to the beauty. juliepaterson.com.au
What is the Water Trigger?
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC) requires the Federal Government to assess and determine whether to approve new projects that have impacts on nine “matters of national environmental significance (‘MNES’)”. Commonly referred to as Triggers, these are:
New projects likely to have a significant impact on any of the above must be sent to the Federal Environment Minister to evaluate and determine whether it can progress.
Nannas were part of the campaign to get the Commonwealth Water Trigger extended in the EPBC Act to apply to all unconventional gas eighteen months ago.
Water Trigger in the Supreme Court
Sydney Knitting Nannas and friends were outside the Supreme Court on Monday 23 June for the first of four days of hearings for a first-of-its-kind case about the Water Trigger.
George Woods explained Lock the Gate’s case for Tamboran B2’s Shenandoah South pilot project in the Northern Territory to be assessed by the Minister under the ‘water trigger ‘ laws. Lock the Gate thinks as groundwater is at risk of contamination, it needs an assessment, and a decision is needed under the national environment law.
The Shenandoah pilot project involves drilling and fracking 15 shale gas wells, using over a billion litres of water over five years, mixing it with chemicals and sending it back underground to fracture deep shale seams.
For more info see Environmental Justice Australia.
Santos Narrabri Gas Project Update
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, The Environment and Water (DCCEEW) quietly published its decision on whether the Queensland-Hunter Gas Pipeline from Wallumbilla to Newcastle should be reconsidered to be a controlled action. Proponents must show how they plan to avoid and mitigate impacts of a controlled action. DCCEEW found the project was not a “controlled action” even though much has changed since their first decision made in 2008. (Renew Economy)
The National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) again gave conditional approval for Santos to go ahead with the Narrabri Gas Project.
“Weighing the public interest evidence, including the evidence addressing environmental matters, the panel has found the Project offers a net public benefit, particularly where conditions are imposed to address the environmental and social impacts.” (NNTT Determination)
The Gomeroi Nation have filed an appeal in the Federal Court.
No New Coal: Whitehaven vs The Climate
The Australian Conservation Foundation and Mackay Conservation group are challenging Whitehaven’s proposal for a new open cut coal mine, Winchester South, in the Queensland Land Court. Environmental Defenders Office
A webinar on 26 June included a call for people to take four actions.
1. Join the Whitehaven Coal VS The Climate rapid response squad on Instagram,
2. Join our rally on July 21 at the Queensland Land Court, Brisbane,
3. Send an email to Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt, and urge him to reject Winchester South,
Chinese Women’s Association Afternoon Tea
Nannas Elizabeth and Louise brought craft items and home-made biscuits to a cross-cultural afternoon tea with the Chinese Women’s Association on Saturday 21 June. The association originated during Chiang Kai-shek’s regime. Nannas and members knitted, crocheted and talked about the two different groups’ activities while eating biscuits and delicious pork dumplings.
Climate Writers
Bev Smiles from Wollar gave a terrific presentation about the on-going fight against coal expansions at the monthly Climate Writers meeting on 22 June. The mostly young passionate audience took the opportunity to write to appropriate politicians. It was uplifting for Nanna Louise to be with these young people who are knowledgeable and so committed to saving humanity.
Plug In Launch
Nanna Keelah met Saul Griffith at the Brookvale launch of his latest book, Plug In!. When she told him she is a Knitting Nanna he told her excitedly about receiving his Nanna climate scarf gift at our Canberra event last year.
Nannas are listening
Kate McClymont on the complete insanity of investigative journalism. (ABC Big Ideas)
What’s the big idea? One vote. One Value – Christine Milne – Australians know how to solve national problems, but our political system protects the duopoly that creates them. That’s why we need proportional representation. (The Australia Institute)
Will American democracy survive the Dark Enlightenment? Sarah Churchwell on Gone with the Wind and the roots of extremism. (ABC Big Idea)
Nannas are reading
Australian consumer watchdog takes gas company to court alleging it misled consumers over renewables claim. (The Guardian)
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