The efforts that the local group Manning Clean Water Action Group (MCWAG) have made to get locals onside and aware paid off for us today. Cleavers Tyres refused to accept payment for fixing the tyre. I was touched. Many thanks Ashley.
If you need tyres in Taree go to Cleavers Tyres. I believe we should support the businesses who support our campaign.
Over 300 people from as far north as Camden Haven and as far south as Bulahdelah attended the Awareness Raising day at the Manning St Wharf in Taree.
Some of those attending made their own "wearable" placards.
Karl, Greg and the rest of the team did a great job organising and promoting the day. Over 300 people attended and were treated to a range of speakers, entertainment, real coffee and "gourmet" sausage sangas. They organised media (we were on Prime TV News last night) and a wide range of speakers. NBN TV News ran a story on the news tonight.
The most moving speaker was an Aboriginal woman who spoke of taking her husband to see her home country after many years away. She spoke of the devastation wrought on her country by coal seam gas mining and mining in general. She had tears in her eyes and so, I think, did every one else. It really made it personal.
The NSW Farmers Association rep spoke about the Association's efforts to influence the state government and the detailes of recent changes introduced by the NSW state government. They are doing a great job of keeping the pressure on the government.
A local solicitor spoke about the legal aspects and his final remark, that the law needed to be changed, really rang a chord with everyone present.
Other speakers talked about the impacts of coal seam gas mining.
We did a brisk trade in LTG and NRG merchandise and signed up 36 new members to the Lock The Gate Alliance. I know Sean will be happy! Many attending expressed their enthusiasm for the National Day of Action on 16 October. It should be a great turnout in Taree on 16 October.
I was able to announce the news about the Upper House Inquiry into coal seam gas mining and extraction to great applause. You can follow the link to see the Terms of Reference. They are very wide ranging. What we need now is a REAL moratorium on ALL coal seam gas exploration and extraction activities while the Inquiry takes place. More action is needed.
The speakers were all filmed and you will be able to see them on You Tube within a week. I will post a link here once they are uploaded.
We were overwhelmed by the encouragement and generosity of locals who "chipped in" to support our tour. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We head off in the morning to Newcastle for a day with children and grandchildren before getting back into it all again on Monday with a meeting at the Environment Centre at Hamilton in Newcastle.
We have added an Upcoming Meetings section to the blog at the top right so check it out and see when we are coming to a town near you.
Cheers
Michael & Julie
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