Nannas welcomed back NSW pollies after the summer break, heard from speakers on hot topics, and learnt about the dangers of heatwaves.
Welcome Back Pollies – Must Do Better!
NSW politicians returned to Macquarie Street on Tuesday and Nannas were there to welcome them back. It’s something we do when parliament resumes in February, May and August each year. We invite speakers about the issues we want action on, and a few pollies call in to meet with us and say a few words. It’s always a fun event with purpose and heart.
Our rally on Tuesday 3 February had great speakers, Nanna singing and a cake. Nanna Bernie did a wonderful job as MC.
Coal
Representatives from Mudgee Coal Alert (MCA), Lock the Gate (LTG), Nature Conservation Council (NCC) and Hunter Jobs Alliance called in to tell us about their advocacy for a just transition from coal mining in NSW.
Bev Smiles from MCA was our first speaker, followed by Manjot Kaur (NCC) and Steve Phillips from (LTG). They told us about the battles in the regions to stop new coal mines, particularly Moolarben, and the need for better government resourcing for the transition from coal. Steve spoke of the need for five per cent of coal royalties to go into the transition from coal in the regions – not the one per cent the government currently allocates.
Steph Lentz from the Gardens of Stone Alliance spoke about Centennial Coal’s new proposals near Lithgow and the impacts on the Sydney drinking water catchment and the nearby Gardens of Stone. (More will be posted on our website soon.)
Nanna Catherine Reynolds gave a great talk about the impacts of the Peabody coal mine under the Woronora Reservoir and the Royal National Park – and their bid to expand with new longwall mines. Peabody mine discharged coal waste near Helensburgh which travelled 20-30km, ending up in the Royal National Park.
Forests
Doro from the Bob Brown Foundation (BBF) delivered some terrible news about what’s happening with the Great Koala National Park. Wildlife corridors that were promised are being logged, and there are lots of proposed logging holes in the park. Doro said we must have an intact Great Koala National Park, not a Swiss cheese one with broken corridors.
BBF are continuing to have their Forest Vigil on Wednesdays at 12 noon when the parliament is sitting. Doro asked everyone to spread the word about the national day of action on forests on 22 March.
Heat
Farrah Chaar from Sweltering Cities told us about their campaign for more protection for people during heat waves, and their work to help people prepare their homes and environment for extreme heat.
MPs
Judy Hannan, member for Wollondilly, came by early to say hello before a meeting inside parliament.
Dr Amanda Cohn, Greens MLC and spokesperson on Emergency Services talked about the urgency of better preparations. At least the government now has Health/Ambulance responsible for emergencies. Previously it was the police.
Dr Cohn lives in Albury, which was one of the worst affected places during the recent heatwaves. Nearby across the border there were terrible fires. She said it’s not just the 42 degree days, it’s that it stays really hot all night.
Sue Higginson, Greens MLC, headed straight for Nanna Caroline’s delicious lemon cake as we were packing up. She acknowledged the great work being done by groups around the state, and she encouraged us to keep holding pollies to account in our fight for planet, people and nature.
Summary
Sydney Knitting Nannas want NSW politicians to do better. Heat waves, fires and floods have ravaged the state since the pollies last sat in the parliament. It’s time for real climate action – no new coal mines and increased support for the regions to transition from coal.
The Net Zero Commission warned the parliament in December that expanding and extending coal mining is not consistent with the NSW Climate Change Act. Yet 18 new projects are in the planning system.
Hot City, Cool People
Nanna Alanah attended Hot city, Cool people: Rising Heat in Sydney held in Parramatta Town Hall on 5 February to mark Extreme Heat Awareness Day.
It was a spirited gathering held in an elegant heritage venue with comfortable seating and free snacks. The Tongan Youth Choir sang like angels.
A panel discussion of Heat Stories and Solutions in Health, Sport and Community, was moderated by professional footballer Nicola Barr. The panel included Dr Michael Bonning, (GP and public health advocate, Dr Cybele Day (public health psychiatrist), Tom Green (professional footballer) and Tracey Greenaway (Red Cross disaster worker).
Their message was that increased heat has moved from being ‘uncomfortable’ to being dangerous/ lethal as more Australians die from the effects of extreme heat than from any other climate emergency, including bushfires.
Extreme heat also has serious effects on mental health and there has been an alarming rise in the numbers of acute psychiatric crisis presentations at accident and emergency (A&E) departments.
The keynote address was given by Tongan / Australian author Winnie Dunn. Heat disproportionately affects poorer people and First Nations people. They are often residents of Western Sydney or in other heat trap suburbs where neighbourhoods have too much cement, few trees, substandard and crowded housing with no fans or air-conditioners. Other issues are the high cost of electricity, weak renters’ rights, long commutes to work and bus-stops with no shelter.
Suggested solutions were improvements to renters’ rights, enforcement of housing standards for landlords, and a review of building standards for schools.
In the short-term Sweltering Cities is embarking on community education around the dangers of extreme heat, and spreading the word about coping strategies for families. These include increasing water intake, using fans, wet t-shirts, curtains and blinds and going to air-conditioned public buildings.
Sweltering Cities has teamed up with the Sydney Alliance who have been able to effectively engage with politicians to get things done.
Penguin Parade
Nanna Bron joined the Penguin Parade at the Bob Brown Foundation (BBF) action in Newtown on the 3 February. BBF is calling on Swisse to immediately stop selling krill oil, due to the devastating impacts of krill fishing on Antarctica’s ecosystem and wildlife.
Nannas are watching
Hell’s Grannies gave us a laugh.
Nannas are reading
Up to 100,000 dead fish found on bank of Lake Menindee (ABC Broken Hill)
‘Rage knitting’ against the machine: the hobbyists putting anti-ICE messages into crafts (The Guardian)
It’s time to make fossil fuel polluters pay for their damage (MSN)
Five Simple Shifts for Climate Communication in 2026 (Potential Energy)
Gina Rinehart’s company donated almost $900k to rightwing group Advance, political donations data shows (The Guardian)
Epstein files reveal Peter Mandelson supported campaign to undermine then-Australian PM Kevin Rudd’s mining super profits tax (The Guardian)
Cadia goldmine faces Supreme Court class action over contamination claims (ABC News)
These voices are the loudest in Australia’s ‘climate wars’ (The Conversation)
The billionaires bankrolling right-wing astroturfers Advance Australia (Michael West Media)
Forthcoming Events