Thursday, October 8, 2009

ALEC Update October 8

Tax deductible donations to ALEC:
http://www.egive.org.au/index.php?inc=orgdesc&org_id=57&org_categoryid=1

ALEC website www.alec.org.au

ALEC weblog: http://aridlandsec.blogspot.com/

desertSMART www.desertsmart.net.au

=========================
ALEC Update
Thursday October 8, 2009
=========================
Good afternoon all,
Hope you’re having a good day.
It’s a big ALEC update for this week, covering many events that are happening in October.
It’s National Water Week from October 18-24 – check out what’s happening in Alice Springs below.
There won’t be an ALEC Update for a couple of weeks....so, take the time to have a read and see what you might like to participate in.

NOTE: The ALEC AGM will be held at the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens on Sunday October 25 from 5-7pm. This will be a good opportunity to meet the Management Committee, maybe even nominate for a position. Members and renewing members welcome. More details in a separate email next week.

Don’t forget: Milkwood Permaculture are coming to Alice Springs in April 2010. If you’re interested in learning the principles of permaculture and completing a Permaculture Design Course – check the link http://milkwoodpermaculture.com.au/courses/details/11-alice-autumn-pdc there are discounts for early registration.

There’s heaps going on this month from Permablitzes to AGMs to film nights and sleep outs.

Check the What’s on?? section below for key dates and events in October.

Have a great week, see you one or more of these fantastic community events.

Cheers

Jimmy

‘Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be’ – Khalil Gibran

Some news items from this week
------------------------------------------
Paladin Accuses NGOs of Being Paid to Stop Malawi Uranium Mine
http://www.tradingroom.com.au/apps/view_breaking_news_article.ac?page=/data/news_research/published/2009/10/276/catf_091003_050900_7086.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=aTM6t2_qIcW8

Uranium Policy a hypocrisy
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/uranium-policy-a-hypocrisy-20091004-ght0.html

Emissions pledges not up to the mark: report
http://www.theage.com.au/national/emissions-pledges-not-up-to-the-mark-report-20091007-gn96.html


Ross Garnaut: Rising seas wash away Mabo's victory
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/politics/rising-seas-wash-away-mabos-victory-20091007-gn3z.html


Climate pledges so far are nowhere near enough
http://www.newscientistcom/article/dn17940-climate-pledges-so-far-are-nowhere-near-enough.html

What’s on???

Grab your diaries:

Fri Oct 9 Applications for Community Garden Project Officer close – see www.alec.org.au for details

Fri Oct 9 Sleep Out – highlight homelessness and protest by-laws – Uniting Church Lawns, Todd Mall 7pm (see Community News)

Sat Oct 10 Permablitz @ Ben and Neridah’s – 969 Ross Hwy – from 10am (see Community News)

Sun Oct 11 8CCC Annual General Meeting @ RedHot Arts - 3-5pm (see 8CCC in Community News)

Wed Oct 14 Ride to Work Day – Breakfast on Alice Springs Town Council Lawns 6.30am-9am (see Community News for details)

Fri Oct 16 Amangkeme (growing) - Irrkerlantye Arts opening @ Olive Pink from 6.30pm (see end of update for details)

Fri Oct 16- 18 Lead with the heart workshops – Alice Springs http://www.ozgreen.org.au/upcoming.php (See Community News)

Sun Oct 18 – 24 National Water Week activities – Public Library Display all week (see Community News for details)

Sun Oct 18 Water week activities at the Todd Mall Markets (see Community News)

Mon Oct 19 ‘Securing our Water Future’ forum – Andy McNeill Room – 5.30pm

Tues Oct 20 ‘Water, Tailings and Angela Pamela - Andy McNeill Room 5.30 – 7pm – ASAP Collective

Wed Oct 21 Community Film Night – Desert Park Exhibition Centre – 7pm FREE

Sat Oct 24 The Day of Action http://www.350.org

Sun Oct 25 ALEC AGM @ OPBG 5-7pm (more details next week)

COOL news from desertSMART COOLmob

New focus on garden water use
------------------------------------------------
desertSMART COOLmob is pleased to announce that we have employed Sunil Dhanji and Julia Hengstler to undertake home water audits with an increased focus on garden water use.

If you would like an audit, contact desertSMART COOLmob on 8952 0211 or email dka.coolmob@coolmob.org and make a booking.
===========================
Water Week Activities Oct 18-24
===========================
Glenn Marshall, COOLmob Manager will be speaking at the ‘Securing Our Water Future’ forum at the Andy McNeill room, ASTC on Monday October 19.
Get along and hear from local water experts about our water source, water use and water security.
-------------------------------------
Project Manager
Desert Smart COOLmob
Ph: (08) 8952 0299 Fax: (08) 8953 2988
http://dka.coolmob.org

Beyond Nuclear News

Hi everyone,
I am busy getting ready for the NSW Camp for Climate Action, where I am running a workshop on why expanding the nuclear industry is a false solution to climate change.

See http://climatecamp.org.au/

Part of this workshop will be a case study of the proposed expansion of the BHP Billiton Olympic Dam uranium mine, on Kokatha and Arabunna land in SA.

While I hope to highlight the vast destruction this expansion will cause (using up to 260 million litres of water a day and calling for public subisidies on diesel to dig for four years BEFORE hitting the targeted ore body) , BHP has been making headlines of its own, see two stories below.

Regarding the first article, it is an outrageous proposal for the company to recruit free labour from prisoners, masked as training, to help meet their Indigenous employment quota.

This proposal has been aptly tagged 'The nuclear chain gang' with the description 'from prison to poison for profits'.

Stay tuned for a reportback from climate camp!
Nat
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
BHP in the news this week.................

BHP gives prisoners work experience at Olympic Dam
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,26174651-5006301,00.html

BHP in scramble after mine damaged

http://www.theage.com.au/business/bhp-in-olympic-scramble-after-mine-damaged-20091007-gn80.html


------------

http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com

------------

Beyond Nuclear Initiative
Uranium Project

natwasley@alec.org.au
0429 900 774

Community News

SLEEP OUT

to highlight issues of homelessness in Alice Springs and protest the proposed Council by laws
Friday 9th October 7pm Uniting Church Lawns (Todd Mall)
Bring a swag and a banner if you like.
Uniting Church have been informed.

Ben and Neridah's permablitz – Sat Oct 10 from 10am

Ben and Neridah are planning a permablitz on Sat the 10th October at 969 Ross Hwy.
Please come along and help with numerous projects, including wicking worm beds, aquaponics, sheet mulching and building stuff.
Bring your hat and favourite tools.
regards
Ben and Ned

RIDE TO WORK DAY – Wednesday October 14

Join the commuter evolution, join the BIKE TRAIN in Alice Springs
Four meeting points around town – join the closest to you-
Eastside/Sadadeen: Undoolya Rd roundabout, cnr Stott Terrace @ 7am leader – Herb
Northside/Braitling: Penny Farthing, Northside shops @ 6.30am leader – Anne
The Gap/Golf Course: South Terrace cnr Taffy Pick crossing @ 7am leader – David
Larapinta: Larapinta shops near Lyndavale Dvr @ 6.45am leader – Kathy
FREE BREAKFAST ALICE SPRINGS TOWN COUNCIL LAWNS 6.30AM-9.00AM

NATIONAL WATER WEEK 2009 October 18-24

“SECURING OUR WATER FUTURE”
THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES INVITE YOU TO THE FOLLOWING EVENTS:
SUNDAY 18TH OCTOBER
BALLOONS, WATER PLAY AND INFORMATION AT THE TODD MALL MARKETS 9am -1pm
MONDAY 19TH OCTOBER
“SECURING OUR WATER FUTURE”: PUBLIC FORUM
Do you have questions about the water supply in Alice Springs, the Mereenie aquifer, how it is managed and what actions are being taken for water security? Come along to this facilitated public information event.
Andy McNeil room, Alice Springs Town Council, 5.30 pm
Speakers: Alan Whyte (Power and Water); Graham Ride (groundwater consultant, Centreprise Resource Group); Tanya Howard (Water Conservation NRETAS); Glenn Marshall (desertSMART COOLmob).
WEDNESDAY 21ST OCTOBER: COMMUNITY FILM NIGHT
A special FREE screening of two locally produced films, which address water management from different cultural perspectives.
“Water in Alice Springs” – Climate Action Group. Melaleuca Award winning short film. An engaging look at local attitudes to water and where our water comes from.
“Mer Rrkwer-akert” – April Campbell and Lisa Watts.
Traditional owners from Ti Tree go on a journey to visit Rrkwer (Brooks Soak) to respect their ancestors, to perform ceremony and to see how the country has changed. They haven’t been back for over 40 years. This film records their journey and their observations on environmental change.
Desert Park Exhibition Centre
7 pm. Free event.
ALL WEEK: DISPLAY AT ALICE SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY
Student art works from Ti Tree school.
Indigenous Language and Culture students undertook a unit of work on water sources, it use and how to look after their water supply.
A selection of their posters will be on display at the library to celebrate National Water Week.

Leading with the Heart workshops – Alice Springs - Oct 16-18

Leading with the Heart begins with a 3-day workshop that will enable you to:
✳ Strengthen your resilience to face up to global ecological challenges;
✳ Harness inner wisdom to create new ways of living and reduce ecological footprint;
✳ Build rational, emotional and spiritual intelligence;
✳ Learn how to listen deeply and question strategically;
✳ Create communities of change with connectivity from local to global.
The workshop will include:
✳ State of the planet, ecological footprint assessment
✳ Strategic questioning and deep listening skills training;
✳ Self awareness, life stories and personal development;
✳ Creative thinking, values and visioning;
✳ Goal setting and planning for life changes and eco-social action.
Leading with the Heart ties in well with Transition Towns.
OzGREEN will come to Alice Springs to run this workshop 16th-18th October 2009 at the reduced price of $350 (usually $660).
To register online go to: www.ozgreen.org.au/upcoming.php
Please register ASAP

Alice Springs Landcare AGM – October 31st 9am @ Arboretum – Todd River bank

Thanks for your support of Alice Springs Landcare (ASL) over the past twelve months.
Since October last year we have held numerous events around Alice Springs, such as Clean-Up Australia Day at Ilparpa Claypans, weed and rubbish removal at Spencer Valley as well as National Plant-a-Tree Day at Dixon Park on Northside.
You may have noticed the public notice in last Fridays Centralian Advocate.
On Saturday, 31st of October at 9:00am Alice Springs Landcare is holding an annual general meeting, Buffel Grass removal and BBQ. This will be held at the Arboretum on the bank of the Todd River, Sturt Terrace, the same site as last year. There is plenty of parking along Sturt Terrace and opposite Casa Nostra Restaurant.
Please come along and renew your membership, catch up with the ASL committee and have a vote in the AGM.
I am looking forward to re-nominating for the position as President and spending another year helping to protect remnant vegetation.
Please give me a call if you have any questions
Regards
Tim Collins
President, Alice Springs Landcare Inc
tim.collins@aapt.net.au
ph: 08 8952 2631

Invitation to comment on Draft Joint Management Plans for West MacDonnell and Watarrka National Parks

You are invited to comment on the Draft Joint Management Plans for:
West MacDonnell (Tyurretye) National Park and
Watarrka National Park.
The West MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon are well recognised symbols of the Territory’s outback. Located within Australia’s Red Centre National Landscape, these parks contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation, heritage and the Territory tourism economy.
These Draft Joint Management Plans are prepared in accordance with the 2005 amendments to the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act providing for joint management with Aboriginal Traditional Owners.
The focus on the plans is on shared decision-making between the joint management partners to achieve the legislated objectives of conserving natural and cultural values, providing for public enjoyment and ensuring the interests of Traditional Owners in relation to the Parks are pursued.
The Draft Plans can be viewed or downloaded from http://www.nt.gov.au/nretas/consult/
Submissions will be received until Friday 13th November 2009 and may be sent to parkplanning.nretas@nt.gov.au

8CCC

Tune into 8CCC Drive (102.1FM) on Tuesdays after the 4.30pm news and weather for the Radioactive Show, see http://www.3cr.org.au/podcasts/
Tune into Sustenance to hear the latest on the sustainability and environmental frontline.
Hosted by Kat Taylor and friends, listen to inspiring interviews, groovy music and stimulating conversation from 7-8:30pm every Wednesday night on 8CCC 102.1FM
============================
ALL WELCOME
8CCC Community Radio Inc
Annual General Meeting
3 - 5pm Sunday 11th October at Red Hot Arts
Corner of Stott St and Bath St Alice Springs
If you value 8CCC, Alice’s community radio station…
If you want to keep hearing local voices, local music, local stories on radio…
If you’ve got skills in radio, computer. digital technologies, financial management…
If you’re interested in new music - world, country, rock, hip-hop, reggae, blues, whatever…
If you want to learn to produce or present great live radio…
Then 8CCC needs you!!!
We’re calling for new members for 8CCC Board of Management. We need a strong Board with members who can meet monthly, plan and make decisions and put in some regular voluntary hours keeping everything on track.
We’re also calling for people to join our 8CCC volunteer support teams - the programming team, the music library team, the community team, the technology team, submissions and grants team. This is for people who can give practical support regularly or occasionally but in their area of interest.
Come to the AGM 11th October. Join 8CCC.
Be an active part of Alice Springs community radio.
For more information phone 0427 527771 or email 8ccc@netspeed.com.au

Food Not Bombs

Are you for food and social justice?
Come to the Courthouse Lawns at 5.30pm every Sunday
To find out more about Food Not Bombs in general, see http://www.foodnotbombs.net/
email : fnbalicesprings@gmail.com

Alice Springs Community Bank

Not Just Another Bank.

Banking with the Alice Springs Community Bank® Branch of Bendigo Bank in the
Coles Complex enhances community resilience in two ways; by banking with a
local branch our local economy is stimulated and employment is created, but
by banking with a locally-owned branch the local economy also benefits via a

community grants scheme and returns to the 373 local owners of the branch franchise.

All these 373 shareholders are now urged to consider what banking or financial services products they may be able to source through the branch. Because the income from branch operations is returned to the community what is good for the Alice Springs Community Bank is good for the Alice Springs Community.


Please contact our new Manager Lee Bagnell or any of our friendly staff (ph
89527517) to enquire about becoming a shareholder or for information or a
quote about our banking products.

http://www.bendigobank.com.au/public/community_bank/community_bank.asp?name=
alice_springs

Alice Solar City

ALEC is a proud member of the Alice Solar City Consortium Alice Solar City is very much aligned to our objective of creating healthy futures for arid lands and people.

To find out more or to sign up just drop into the Smart Living Centre at 82 Todd Street (next to Bojangles) and have a chat with their friendly staff or visit the website www.alicesolarcity.com.au or call 8950 4350.

Olive Pink Botanic Gardens

Dry and Diverse
Runs until Oct 12, Olive Pink Botanical Gardens. “Dry And Diverse” is an exhibition of recent etchings and linoprints exploring dry zone flora by Helen Clarke. Helen’s reduction linocuts are noted for their lustrous, textured surfaces and strong colours. As the edition is created, the lino is slowly destroyed through the reduction process. The hand-coloured etchings depict seeds, pods and other parts of plants organised to suit her sense of design. More info: Benjamin Convery, 8952 2154, curatoropbg@internode.on.net
===============================
Upcoming: Amangkeme (Growing )
===============================
Irrkerlantye Arts @ Olive Pink Exhibition
Irrkerlantye Arts is proud to announce an exhibition of works titled Amangkeme at the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens on 16 October 2009.
Works include screen printing techniques developed at Charles Darwin University. Hand painted ceramics include domestic and decorative ware. Other items on exhibition include textiles with hand printed bush tucker themes by MK Turner, Patsy Morton, Cathy Turner, Sharon Alice, Amelia Turner, Teresa Davies, Shirley Turner, Channi H Bell, Veronica Turner and Amanda Turner.

The exhibition will open at 6pm on the 16th and will run until Monday 26th October.
Everyone is welcome.

See you all there.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast with the Birds at the Bean Tree Caf̩ within Olive Pink Botanic Gardens each weekend from 8.30am. Caf̩ operates Tues РFri 10am Р4pm. Sat & Sun 8.30am Р4pm.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Monday, August 17, 2009

COOL news from DesertSMART COOLmob

Desert Smart COOLmob is very pleased to welcome Glenn Marshall to the team as the new assistant project manager. Glenn will be working part-time along side Robbie Henderson who will continue in his current role. Glenn is well known in Alice environmental circles, and has extensive experience working on sustainability issues in remote and urban communities. Glenn was a main driver behind many previous successful environmental initiatives in Alice – including the Centre for Sustainable Arid Towns, Bowerbird tip shop and the Cool living house project. He was also one of ALEC’s longest serving coordinators. COOLmob looks forward to an exciting future with Glenn back in the fold…
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Desert Smart Gardens Challenge August 15 – POSTPONED until further notice
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The series of gardens challenge workshops continues......
However, this week’s planned workshop at Clarke St has been postponed until further notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Robbie Henderson

Project Manager
desertSMART COOLmob
Ph: (08) 8952 0299 Fax: (08) 8953 2988
http://dkacoolmob.org

Beyond Nuclear News August

The "We are not no-one, this is not nowhere' event at the ALP national conference on July 30 was very successful, with over 150 people, many of them conference delegates, coming along to look at the photo exhibition of the targeted dump sites and hear the deadly speakers.

Great speeches were given by:
Audrey McCormack, Traditional Owner for Mt Everard waste dump site Matthew Gardiner, Unions NT Secretary Arthur Rorris, South Coast Labor Council Dave Sweeney, Australian Conservation Foundation

A statement was read from Damian Hale (MP for Solomon, NT) who was double booked for the evening.

The reception from ALP delegates on this issue was heartening and our presence caused a little stir at the conference- Minister Martin Ferguson at the last minute included reference to the waste dump in his speech and again committed to repealing the Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Act that is allowing the dump to be forced on the NT. While this is good to hear- it is a promise from the before the last election after all to repeal- there was no time frame given for this action except for 'before the next election'. This is not acceptable for the people who have had the nuclear dump threat hanging over their heads for over four years, so the campaign will continue to call for immediate and unconditional repeal.

Surprisingly, I had a call from Prime Minister Rudd's office an hour before the event passing on his apologies and wishing us a successful event!! So we at least got the topic on the ALP radar.


Cheers,
Nat

http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com

------------
Beyond Nuclear Initiative
Uranium Project
natwasley@alec.org.au
08 8952 2011
0429 900 774

NT Threatened Species Art & Photography Competition 2009 - Call for Artists

The Threatened Species Network is seeking artists and photographers to enter this year’s NT Threatened Species Art & Photography Competition.

The theme is ‘threatened species, their habitats and their threats in the NT.’ It is open to all ages and for all mediums with significant prizes on offer. Individuals as well as community groups and schools are invited to submit works. Entries close 24 August 2009.

Works will be on display at the Darwin Entertainment Centre Gallery from 7 - 10th September with an official opening and winners announced by Ms Alison Anderson MLA. A selection of winning entries will then be on display at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Please contact TSN for more details on (08) 8941 7554 or savannas@wwf.org.au

ALEC update August 13th

G’day all,

The weeks are warming up as we head into the busy end of the year....as if
it wasn’t busy enough!!
Some good news ..... ALEC has finally got confirmation that our operational
funding from the NT Government is on its way. Yay!
Also the Climate Action Group has been offered a grant to organise the
Climate Emergency Seminar Series and ALEC has been offered $10 000 through
the EnvironmeNT Grants program.

The community garden visioning session was an inspiration. 25-30 people
attended on Saturday afternoon to generate ideas and actions to make the
community garden a reality. If you want to be involved and kept up to date
with information, email me at info@alec.org.au.

The failure of the Federal Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme to
get through the Senate is generating a huge response by groups including
GetUp, Southern Cross Climate Coalition and many others.
Check the links to see what else is happening on this front:

https://www.getup.org.au/campaign/ReEnergise&id=705

www.cleanenergyjobs.com.au

***********************Volunteers needed***************************************
The desertSMART EcoFair is coming up.
September 19 @ Olive Pink
It’s going to be huge!!!!
We need volunteers to help out on the day and in the lead up to it.
Currently we have 5 volunteers, we’re going to need 15 more.
Please let me know if you can be available to help.
Tasks include:
Before:
- Design and distribution of posters
- Following up with stall holders, presenters and other parties via
phone and email
- Promotion
- Setting up site
During:
- marshalling and information distribution on-site
- managing areas including: Kids Space, LearnSpace and general
stallholding area
- general site management

If you can help out in any way...please call me on 8952 2497 or email me at
info@alec.org.au

****************************************************************************
*************
Kind regards

Jimmy

When the soil disappears, the soul disappears. ~Ymber Delecto

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Key dates:
Grab your diaries:

Sat Aug 15 Landcare 3-5pm at Dixon Community Park (see Community News
for details)

Sat Aug 15 desertSMART Garden Challenge (see COOLmob News) – postponed
until further notice.

Sat Aug 15 Solar Oven Making Workshop – All spaces filled

Mon Aug 24 Deadline for Submissions to the NT Threatened Species Art &
Photography Competition 2009 (details below)

Fri Aug 28 Deadline for Submission to Alice Springs Town Council RE:
Public Places By-laws

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Get involved

Become a Financial ALEC Member 09-10: http://www.alec.org.au/eng/join_alec

Tax deductible donations to ALEC:
http://www.egive.org.au/index.php?inc=orgdesc&org_id=57&org_categoryid=1

Check the website http://www.alec.org.au

ALEC Update June 11 2009

Hi all,
Welcome to all new members, existing members and those who have recently renewed their membership for 2009-10.
Hope this finds you well.

Quick update: The World Environment Day Benefit Gig at the Lane Upstairs has been postponed until Fri June 19. (see details after key dates below).

Despite the launch being postponed, the Finke About It- No Alice U-mine Campaign was not postponed. Between a team of 5-7 of us, we handed out over 1000 flyers and 1500 stickers to punters at the Finke Desert Race. We were all surprised by the positive responses of about 8 out of 10 people we spoke to. Stickers are available at the ALEC office, see http://www.alec.org.au/eng/news/alec_news/finke_about_it for more details.

####################STOP PRESS
The Climate Action Group (CAG) is a finalist in the Power and Water Melaleuca Awards for Environmental Excellence. Last year, CAG produced a short film titled ‘Water in Alice’, the film gives great insight into where our water comes from, how we use it and how we can conserve it. Well done CAGgies and especially Ruth Apelt for producing the film. Winners will be announced next Wednesday night in Darwin. Good luck!
######################

Please check the key dates below, see if there are any of interest to you.

Thanks for your continued support.

Jimmy

“When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.” Anon

Key dates:

Grab your diaries:

Fri June 12 Olive Pink Botanic Gardens – Tiny territory exhibition opening 6pm – Lunacine film – Dr Strangelove 7.30pm (see end of update for details)

Sat June 13 Steiner Fair June 13 Ragonesi rd (details in Community News)

Sun June 14 Spencer Valley Field Day 9-11am Gosse St Park (details below)

Wed June 17 Annual Art and Film Night – Larapinta Valley Town Camp 4pm-8pm (details in Community Notices)

Fri June 19 ALEC Fundraiser and Membership Drive The Lane from 8pm (details below)

Sat June 20 Feral Dove Information and Trapping Workshop (details in Community notices)

Tues June 30 Submissions to NT Govt Living Rivers Strategy due (see Community News below for more detail)

Fri July 10 NT Landcare award entries close (details in Community News)

Fri Aug 7 Submissions due for BHP-B EIS (see Community News)

Mon Aug 24 Deadline for Submissions to the NT Threatened Species Art & Photography Competition 2009 (details below)

ALEC Membership Drive / No Alice U-Mine Fundraiser

The Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC) invites you to share in a night of entertainment ranging from the informative to the inspirational.
Come and share:
- Campaign stories
- The Northern Territory premiere screening of Uranium: Is it a country? German-made film on the nuclear chain from 8.30pm (53min)
- The Super Raelene brothers
- DJ Mili the Moocha and friends
- and MONSTER RAFFLE.

Entry: $10 concession/ALEC Members / $15 full - free Finke stickers on entry
Renew your membership ($30 individual/$50 family) and get in free.
Fundraiser for the Finke About It - No Alice U-Mine Campaign

Enquiries: Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC)
8952 2497 info@alec.org.au

COOL news from DKA COOLmob www.dkacoolmob.org

DKA COOLmob has received record numbers of water audit requests over the past few months. Over 90 audits have been requested since the beginning on March, including 25 in the past three weeks.

What is driving this increased demand for audits? We think a number of factors are behind this positive trend. COOLmob has signed up a number of new audits from events such as the Alice Solar City first birthday celebration, and the recent Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Open Day. Alice Solar City have also been very busy conducting home energy audits, and have been referring residents to also receive water audits. Further audits have been booked due to advertising, word of mouth and referrals from Power and Water.

The recently announced 20% increase to the cost of water is also expected to increase future demand for water audits. For many people getting a water audit and taking action to reduce consumption will be a realistic way to limit the financial impact on their back pockets. In fact, if the ‘average’ Alice Springs resident was to reduce their water use to the average level in other similar sized Australian towns, they would still see a reduction in their water bills despite the price rise.

DKA COOLmob offers home water audits for only $10. A trained auditor can provide cheap and easy solutions to save water and money in your house and garden. Contact Robbie on 89520299 or dk.coolmob@coolmob.com to make a booking


Robbie Henderson

Project Manager
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob
Ph: (08) 8952 0299 Fax: (08) 8953 2988
http://dka.coolmob.org

Beyond Nuclear News

Almost four years since the dump was announced, the campaign is still strong and gaining momentum. Last week the ACTU passed a resolution at its congress last week demanding the Government immediately repeal the law and launch a public inquiry into radioactive waste management.

See the below article for the full story:
Unions demand repeal of nuclear dump laws

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/10/2594189.htm?site=alicesprings

------------

http://beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com

------------

Beyond Nuclear Initiative
Uranium Project

natwasley@alec.org.au
08 8952 2011
0429 900 774

The Alice Springs Steiner School Autumn Fair

The Alice Springs Steiner School Autumn Fair
NOW: Saturday 13 June
8am - 2pm
Lot 9523 Ragonesi Rd.
This is a fabulous community event with delicious food, handmade
crafts, a giant lawn sale, our famous cakes, children's games and activities, candle dipping, archery (make your own bow and arrow).
Visitors will be entertained all day long with performances
from Christopher Brocklebank; Drum Atweme; Classical violinists Jane and Caroline; the Steiner School Strings Ensembles; blues from Ross, Chris and Herman; folk from M'lis and Jayne; songs from Ever. Relax with a massage or commission your own caricature!
For more info 8953 4578.

Yarrenyty-Arltere Learning Centre Annual Art and Film Night June 17

art for sale : short films: bbq
Larapinta Valley Town Camp (end of Blain St)
Wednesday 17th June 2009
4pm-8pm
Ph 08 8952 7207

Feral Dove information & trap-making workshop June 20

The feral dove population of Alice Springs is estimated to be above 8000. Come along to learn how this impacts Alice Springs’ locally native species. Also covered will be how to make a feral dove trap for your own backyard, using easy-to-find, cheap materials. A coordinated effort can help to reduce this population.
Where? Lot 1858 Heffernan Rd
When? Saturday 20th June 9am
RSVP? 15th June to 89 555 222 or lfw@lowecol.com.au
www.lowecol.com.au

Families for a Nuclear Free Future

***U ART: OUR VOICE - Exhibition at the Alice Springs Public Library until July 3.

Alice Springs Artists have created an exhibition responding to the Uranium mining and dumping issues challenging our town!!!

NT Landcare Awards entries close Friday 10 July

Entries are now open for the 2009 Northern Territory Landcare Awards.
The Landcare awards recognise those who have demonstrated excellence in caring for our precious land and water resources.
Nominate yourself, your organisation, school or community - anyone can apply.
Winners will receive $1000 and an entry in the national Landcare awards.
Application forms available from www.nt.gov.au/landcare or by calling 8941 0905.
Reward those working to protect our environment.

Spencer Valley Field Day June 14

Date: Sunday June 14 2009
Time: 9-11am
Location: Meet at Gosse St Park
Activities: Weed Removal and buffel control
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water bottle and gloves. Supervision provided.
If you have any hand tools eg. mattock - please bring them along

This event proudly coordinated by Alice Springs Landcare Inc with generous support from Greening Australia.

Living Rivers Submissions due June 30

See http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/water/livingrivers/ for more details, or pick up a hard copy from the environment centre.

BHP BILLITON'S OLYMPIC DAM MINE

http://www.foe.org.au/anti-nuclear/issues/oz/u/roxby/summary
On May 1, 2009, BHP Billiton released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) promoting its plans to turn the Olympic Dam (Roxby Downs) mine in South Australia into the largest uranium mine in the world.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS BHP Billiton has written the EIS itself. The company has not been required to study the viability of mining copper, gold and silver without also extracting and selling uranium − an option which would allow for ongoing, profitable mining while addressing at least some of the major problems. Nuclear fuel chain issues (such as WMD proliferation risks) are excluded from consideration in the EIS process.
SA government website for the Olympic Dam expansion: www.olympicdameis.sa.gov.au
BHP Billiton's website: www.bhpbilliton.com/bb/odxEis.jsp
To go straight to the EIS documents: www.bhpbilliton.com/bb/odxEis/downloads/draftEisDocuments.jsp

Written submission deadline: Friday August 7, 5pm Submissions can be emailed to: OlympicDamEIS@state.sa.gov.au Or posted to: Manager, Assessment Branch, Department of Planning and Local Government
RE: Proposed Olympic Dam Expansion. GPO Box 1815, Adelaide SA, 5001 Phone (08) 8303 0752

NT Threatened Species Art & Photography Competition 2009 - Call for

The Threatened Species Network is seeking artists and photographers to enter this year’s NT Threatened Species Art & Photography Competition.

The theme is ‘threatened species, their habitats and their threats in
the NT.’ It is open to all ages and for all mediums with significant
prizes on offer. Individuals as well as community groups and schools are invited to submit works. Entries close 24 August 2009.

Works will be on display at the Darwin Entertainment Centre Gallery
from 7 - 10th September with an official opening and winners announced by Ms Alison Anderson MLA. A selection of winning entries will then be on display at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Please contact TSN for more details on (08) 8941 7554 or
savannas@wwf.org.au

8CCC

Tune into 8CCC Drive (102.1FM) on Tuesdays after the 4.30pm news and weather for the Radioactive Show, see http://www.3cr.org.au/podcasts/
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Tune into Sustenance to hear the latest on the sustainability and environmental frontline.Hosted by Kat Taylor and friends, listen to inspiring interviews, groovy music and stimulating conversation from 7-8:30pm every Wednesday night on 8CCC 102.1FM

Food Not Bombs

Food Not Bombs
Are you for food and social justice?
Come to the Courthouse Lawns on Sunday afternoon at 5.30pm.

To find out more about Food Not Bombs in general, see http://www.foodnotbombs.net/
email : fnbalicesprings@gmail.com

Alice Springs Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank

Alice Springs Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank
Shop local...bank local

Banking with the Alice Springs Community Bank® Branch in the Coles Complex (ph 89527517) enhances community resilience in two ways; by shopping locally employment is created, but by the profits also being kept in the local economy via local ownership and the grants scheme, more money

http://www.bendigobank.com.au/public/community_bank/community_bank.asp?name=alice_springs

Alice Solar City

ALEC is a proud member of the Alice Solar City Consortium Alice Solar City is very much aligned to our objective of creating healthy futures for arid lands and people.

To find out more or to sign up just drop into the Smart Living Centre at 82 Todd Street (next to Bojangles) and have a chat with their friendly staff or visit the website www.alicesolarcity.com.au or call 8950 4350.

CARTRIDGE WORLD

THE environment is on everyone's minds, but some aspects of modern technology conflict with it. Locally owned Cartridge World Alice Springs is dedicated to the three R's -- reduce, reuse and recycle.
www.cartridgeworld.com.au
Contact Cartridge World, in Elder Street, on 8953 8700.

Red Hot Arts News and Events

Watch This Space

Olive Pink Botanic Gardens

Olive Pink Botanic Gardens
http://www.opbg.com.au/
-----------------------------------------------------------
Opens 6pm Fri 12 June, Runs 10am-4pm until 26 June, Olive Pink Botanical Garden ‘Tiny Territory’ is an exhibition of wildlife photography of 15 stunning images by local photographers Pamela Keil and Gareth Catt exploring small, often overlooked but amazing wildlife. Gareth Catt said “We live in one of the most amazing places on Earth and even the tiniest of wildlife here is spectacular when you really look up close. When people think of wildlife they usually think only of big things like kangaroos- we want to help people see the great beauty and charisma that the ‘minibeasts’ of the desert possess!”
More info: Mark 0447358045
---------------------------------------------------------------
Lunacine 7.30pm Friday 12 June Olive Pink Botanical Gardens
---------------------------------------------------------------
dr strangelove: or how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb
7.30pm Friday 12 June Olive Pink Botanical Gardens
Dr. Strangelove, Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964) is producer/director Stanley Kubrick’s brilliant, satirical, provocative black comedy/fantasy regarding doomsday and Cold War politics that features an accidental, inadvertent, pre-emptive nuclear attack. A cynically objective, Monty Python-esque, humorous, biting response to the apocalyptic fears of the 1950s.
Movie $10 pp, kids free, bring a swag & blanket. Bean Tree Cafe serving yummy soups, curries and running
----------------------------------------------------------------
Breakfast with the Birds at the Bean Tree Caf̩ within Olive Pink Botanic Gardens each weekend from 8.30am. Caf̩ operates Tues РFri 10am Р4pm. Sat & Sun 8.30am Р4pm.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

ALEC Update May 21, 2009

=====================================================================
ALEC Update
Thursday May 21, 2009
=====================================================================
G’day all,
I hope this finds you fit and healthy and in the swing of it.
This update reflects the busyness of many people’s lives within the community who are organising events and community get-togethers.
Please take the time to find out what is going on around town and support community action by turning up.
----------------------------------------
Just to let you know, ALEC has lodged a Freedom of Information request to the Department of Mining and Energy in relation to the approval of the Mining Management Plan and the processes involved. Community monitoring is continuing, apparently a second drilling rig has been set up on site, which is located 14.6km from the start of the gravel on the old South rd. If you’re interested in keeping an eye on what’s going on down there, email me info@alec.org.au and I can put you in contact with the drivers of that.
-----------------------------------------
If you’re interested in collective food growing, we’re in the process of applying for a grant to organise a Gardens for Food program where networks of households share time, labour, skills and produce. It will feed into the momentum towards a community garden and our own community’s resilience.
If interested, stay tuned, or call me 8952 2497.
-------------------------------------------
Keep well
See you soon

Jimmy
--------------------------------------------------------------------

‘I have no doubt that we will be successful in harnessing the sun's energy.... If sunbeams were weapons of war, we would have had solar energy centuries ago. ~Sir George Porter, quoted in The Observer, 26 August 1973
-
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Key dates:
Grab your diaries:

Fri May 22 Closing date for U-Art our Voice exhibition – call Unanyntji (details below)

Sat May 23 Solar Open Day – Desert Knowledge Precinct 9-11am (Community Notices)

Sun May 24 Biodiesel-making workshop (details Community News)
Fri May 29 Ecology and conservation of the White Stork. CSIRO 3.30pm (details below)

Fri May 29 Critical MASSive – Council Lawns – 5.15pm – cycle
against uranium exploration (details below)

Fri May 29 More than my skin – opening Watch This Space 6pm (see WTS at the end of this email)


Sat May 30 Steiner Fair (details in Community News)

Tue Jun 2 Living Rivers Community Forum (more details next week)

Thu Jun 4 BHP-B Public Meeting RE: Roxby EIS (more details next week)

Fri June 5 U-Art our voice, exhibition opening, 6-8pm ASTC Library (details below)

Fri June 5 World Environment Night @ the Lane Upstairs 8pm-1am (details below)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
U-Art our Voice
Alice Springs Artists response to the uranium threat
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Calling all poets, song writers, artists etc to create works responding to the uranium mining-dumping threats to our town.
We are hoping to create an exhibition to be displayed in the ASTC Library June 5
Queries please call Unanyntji ;0488266478,unanyntji@hotmail.com Deadline May 22
---------------------------------------------------------------------
World Environment Day/Night
Friday June 5

The Lane Upstairs from 8pm
Come and join in the fun.
Films
Chris Aronston, Super Raelian brothers and friends
and a RAFFLE!

ALEC will be presenting Uranium: Is it a country?
An upbeat German documentary looking into the nuclear industry in both Europe and Australia. This film is on its world tour, with screenings in Berlin, Melbourne, Alice Springs and others.

A premiere for the Territory!

A fundraiser for ALEC’s anti-U mining campaigns
$10 concession
$15 full
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Room available
---------------------------------------------------------------------
We have a lovely self contained granny flat in Braitling becoming available on June 5th – its spacious and bright with a private outlook and its own outdoor entertaining area. Ideally we are looking for someone child friendly (we have 2 kids 10 months and 3 1/2) willing to possibly baby sit in exchange for part of the rent or a single parent looking to share the load around. Failing this – we would consider short term rentals whilst we find the right person. Call us Flis and Andy 8952 3572 for more details

COOL news from DKACOOLmob

=====================================================================
COOL news from DKA COOLmob www.dkacoolmob.org =====================================================================
Robbie is currently in Fiji for Live and Learn work. He’ll be back next week.
=====================================================================
desertSMART Gardens Challenge – brief round-up
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Last week, 15 people got together and put in a vege garden bed at Frances’ house. It was a no-dig garden which required us to fill a walled garden bed with manure and dirt, however that wasn’t just it. The bed was prepared with a lining of corrugated iron and black plastic, to allow drainage. This was then covered with shade cloth and pebbles and rubble was wrapped in shade cloth. Then started the layering, mixing, watering and general soil making with the original dirt, straw and cow manure. It was a fun day and all participants had a great time with people whose name they didn’t even know. It was a fantastic example of people just getting on with the job. We’re looking to do this again and make it a regular thing.
If you’re interested in finding out more, join COOLmob and stay tuned to the ALEC wire.
Have you had your Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob water audit?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob offers home water audits for only $10. A trained auditor will provide cheap and easy solutions to save water and money in your house and garden. Contact Robbie on 89520299 or dk.coolmob@coolmob.com to make a booking

Beyond Nuclear News

=====================================================================
Beyond Nuclear News
=====================================================================
Nat’s in South Australia on the Radioactive Exposure Tour around Roxby, Beverley and Honeymoon. More from BNI when Nat’s back.
Check the link below re: Ranger expansion
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Uranium mine 'expanding by stealth': greens
The operators of Kakadu's Ranger Uranium Mine have been accused of trying to expand the mine by stealth after the approval of a three-kilometre exploration tunnel.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/uranium-mine-expanding-by-stealth-greens-20090519-be9e.html

Climate News

=====================================================================
Climate News
=====================================================================
Polluters to get $12.5bn in carbon hand-outs
Australia's six biggest polluting industries will get an extra $1.1 billion compensation over five years under changes to the Government's emissions trading scheme.
http://www.theage.com.au/national/polluters-to-get-125bn-in-carbon-handouts-20090519-bec1.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Gas guzzlers under the pump
Australia's car makers could face a new mandatory fuel-efficiency standard following a United States decision to declare war on polluting gas guzzlers. http://www.theage.com.au/environment/global-warming/gas-guzzlers-under-the-pump-20090520-bfpa.html

Critical MASSive May 29 5.15pm Council Lawns

=====================================================================
CRITICAL MASSIVE MAY 29 Council Lawns 5.15pm
=====================================================================
Be part of the colourful crowd bicycling around town to show your opposition to uranium exploration at Angela and Pamela sites. Add this date to your diary - and yes you can skate or roller blade too :)

Date: Fri May 29
Place: - Meet at Council Lawns
Time: - 5.15pm
- cycle against uranium exploration

email: criticalmassivealice@gmail.com

Families for a Nuclear Free Future (FFANFF)

=====================================================================
Families for a Nuclear-Free Future (FFANFF) =====================================================================
MEDIA RELEASE 20/5/09
Families for a Nuclear Free Future (FFANFF)
Alice Springs citizens send Minister Vatskalis 400 clear messages:
Stop uranium exploration at Angela Pamela
Photo opportunity: Alice Springs Post Office, 2pm, Wed. 20.05.09
Residents of Alice Springs have delivered a strong show of community opposition to the uranium exploration currently underway at the Angela Pamela site. Today over 400 letters will be posted to the NT Mines Minister, Kon Vatskalis, demanding that exploration be halted immediately.
Families for a Nuclear Free Future spokesperson Isabelle Kirkbride says: “Exploratory drilling at the proposed mine site has commenced and this is the first step towards a possible uranium mine over our water catchment.
We have collected over 400 letters of opposition within the last week, which shows that the people of Alice Springs are becoming increasingly concerned about this issue.
This campaign against the proposal is growing and will continue to grow. Today over 400 people are telling the government and the company that there will be no uranium mining at the Angela Pamela site.”
The letter states:
“As you know, drilling commenced at the Angela site earlier this week. And how did the local community find out about it? Just by chance through local news reports.
This is another occasion amongst many, where the NT Government and Cameco have failed to uphold their responsibility to consult with the community. It is the community who will experience the harmful environmental, social, economic and health effects of any exploration or mining of the Angela and Pamela deposits. ”
Alice Springs residents have enthusiastically responded to requests to sign the letter to the Minister and it has been a successful awareness raising exercise. Most people are unaware of the site’s proximity to town, and that both the Finke Desert Race track and the historic Ghan siding run alongside the proposed uranium mine site.
Families for a Nuclear Free Future joins with the people of Alice Springs in the call to NT Minister for Mines, Kon Vatskalis, to revoke the exploration license granted to Cameco to look for uranium at the Angela site.
For comment: Isabelle Kirkbride (mob) 0428 504 232
email: ffanff@aapt.net.au

Rangeland Biology and Ecology Seminars

=====================================================================
Rangeland Biology and Ecology Seminars
=====================================================================
May 29, Friday, 3.30 at CSIRO Conference Room, Alice Springs.

Holger Woyt, MSc (Aquatic Tropical Ecology), University of Bremen, Germany

Ecology and conservation of the White Stork, Ciconia ciconia, in Germany
--------------------------------------------------------------------
The White Stork faces many problems during its annual migration as well as during its breeding season in Europe. Even though it is a well known charismatic bird species, it had almost disappeared from Germany in the 1980’s. Wide ranging community conservation efforts were able to stop the decline and stabilize the German breeding population. NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Union) has coordinated these efforts including recreating wetland habitats, protecting amphibian populations and modifying power pylons to reduce mortality by electrocution.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Coming Seminars
June 5 or 12 ( to be confirmed) : Boyd Wright. Fire ecology in the southern Tanami

SPEAKERS and participants NEEDED:
Volunteer speakers, requests or cancellation of email notification: contact Bill Low, Coordinator, P.O.Box 3130, Alice Springs; Phone/Fax 89 555 222, Fax 89 555 722; Email: LowEcol@LowEcol.com.au
Organisational and distributional assistance from CSIRO, NRETA, DPIFM, CAT, CLC.
Seminar notices are available on: http://www.cse.csiro.au/news/alicespringsseminars.pdf

Rangeland Biology and Ecology Seminars (formerly Rangelands Coordinating Committee) have been useful in facilitating communication between environmental researchers, managers and the interested public in Alice Springs since 1974. The seminars provide an opportunity for the diverse Government, Institutional, Council, Company and private technical community and interested public to discuss current research and projects, impacts on or opportunities in arid Australia. Presenters may provide information on research and management of biological, landscape, cultural and physical aspects of central Australia or pertinent topics from around the World. The seminars also provide a training arena to practice talks for conferences or to float ideas or to help develop a project. Sometimes they present technical travelogues of distant lands. Appropriate professional society or interest group notices can also be included. The venue is the one most appropriate for the speaker and audience but for consistency is usually the CSIRO Conference Room. Come along for a natter, a catch up or to meet new people and new ideas.

Solar Open Day

=====================================================================
SOLAR OPEN DAY Saturday May 23 9-11am
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Bring the family, explore the Solar Centre and learn about solar and sustainable innovations you can use at home.
Displays by Alice Solar City, Desert Knowledge Australia, DKACOOLmob and PowerWater Solar Model Cars by Sunchase Giveaways Free Sausage sizzle and guided tours

Biodiesel Workshop

Make Your Own Biodiesel for 25 c / litre

When: Sunday 24th May 2009, 9 am to 2 pm
Location: Andy McNeill Room, Alice Springs Town Council, 93 Todd St, NT
Cost: $70 + $7 gst food not included
Speaker: Jonathon Thwaites, University of WA and the Alternative Technology Association WA

Contact: Jonathon Thwaites 0419 924 355

Greening Australia Nursery Sale

Greening Australia Nursery
PLANT SALE
8am-12pm THIS SATURDAY
23rd MAY
Nursery is located at Charles Darwin University.
Entrance 2, off Grevillea Dve, Primary Industries Nursery
Lots of Lovely Plants Ready to Grow
Desert Peas, Eremophilas, Eucalypts, Acacias & Bushfoods .
We will reuse your old tubes and 150mm pots, so bring them with you.
OPEN EVERY THURSDAY FOR SALES 9AM _ 4PM
Enquiries. Contact Frances on 0427 775027

Alice Springs Steiner School - Annual Autumn Fair

The Alice Springs Steiner School
Annual Autumn Fair
Saturday 30th of May
8am - 2pm
Lot 9523 Ragonesi Rd.

This is a fabulous community event with delicious food, handmade
crafts, a giant lawn sale, our famous cakes, children's games and activities, candle dipping, archery (make your own bow and arrow).
Visitors will be entertained all day long with performances
from Christopher Brocklebank; Drum Atweme; Classical violinists Jane and Caroline; the Steiner School Strings Ensembles; blues from Ross, Chris and Herman; folk from M'lis and Jayne; songs from Ever. Relax with a massage or commission your own caricature!
For more info 8953 4578.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Rally this Saturday against Uranium Exploration

Cameco has started exploratory drilling for uranium at Angela Pamela....

Gather on the Alice Springs Town Council lawns at 10am this Saturday the 9th May to show your support for a NUKE-FREE Alice Springs!

We must get the unusual suspects involved! Please invite 3 other people from
your workplace, kids' school or sports club to come along to get
informed and involved in the campaign.

MORE THAN A RALLY..
On Saturday the community will voice its opposition to uranium exploration. Not just to the town, but to government and national press through some strategic mass letter writing. Bring your pens, clipboards and ideas. Saturday is also an opportunity to meet other people with similar campaign interests- eg. lobbying, media, fundraising, engaging with tourism industry, etc etc etc.

A BRIEF UPDATE
The snap action on Wednesday afternoon was well attended by around 100 people. People expressed their disappointment that drilling had started through an open mike. Cars passing beeped in support. The Cameco Project and Regional Managers were invited to come down and talk to the crowd but they refused.
The rally was covered by ABC TV, CAAMA, and 3CR (Melbourne). Reps from local newspapers were present.

The NT government approved Cameco's Mine Management Plan (ie., a document which outlines the way exploration will be managed) last Friday. Gorey& Cole employees and drill rigs are now on site and drilling has started. Drilling will go for aprox 7 months.. Mine Management Plan should be available from the govt soon.
Cameco has not yet completed its Environmental Management Plan. Although there is no government requirement for them to do so, and there are some environmental management aspects to the Mine Management Plan, it does make you wonder.... Why are they allowed to start drilling without a thorough Environmental Management Plan completed and in place????

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Drilling started at Angela Pamela

-SNAP ACTION TODAY MAY 6TH, CAMECO OFFICE 5PM-
Exploratory drilling has started at the Angela Pamela site today.
Protest this afternoon!
Wednesday May6th
5pm
Cameco Office (Corner of Hartley St and Gregory Terrace)

Could a few people please swing past ALEC at 4:30pm to grab banners.
Also, if you have time to do some preparation this afternoon ( banners, fliers) drop past ALEC after 1pm.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSION # 1

ANGELA PAMELA, URANIUM MINING AND HEALTH

Tuesday 21 April, 5.30 6.30pm

Andy McNeill Room

Alice Springs Town Council Civic Centre

URANIUM MINING and HEALTH

ALEC invites community members to become informed about the risks to health posed by living close to a  uranium mine. The Public Health Association - NT Branch, launches this excellent new short presentation: Uranium Mining and Health (20 mins)

BUILDING A UNITED COMMUNITY AGAINST ANGELA PAMELA URANIUM DEVELOPMENT

ALEC is totally opposed to uranium exploration and mining in the Alice Springs water catchment, 23 km from the Post Office. ALEC invites individuals and groups in Alice Springs who share this concern to consider ways of working together to build an informed community that recognises the threats to our health, economy, environment, culture and diversity.

ALEC BOYCOTTS DATA MINING

ALEC will not be attending any so-called ‘community consultation’ sessions by the global market research company Synovate on behalf of their client, uranium miner CAMECO.

ALEC believes that Synovate are in town to ‘data mine’ our community.

In Synovates own words “Data mining refers to the process of discovering hidden patterns and relationships in order to increase clients' ability to use this information, to improve their competitive position and to improve their profitability”. (www.infocy.co.za)


Thursday, April 2, 2009

ALEC Update Thursday April 2, 2009

=====================================================================
ALEC Update
Thursday April 2, 2009
=====================================================================
G’day all,
Hope this finds you well. It’s been a busy week and this update reflects that (due to sheer size). It started with Kon Vatskalis addressing the public meeting last week, which by all accounts was great(the ABC report is in Beyond Nuclear News), a national day of action on Climate Change, Earth Hour, Senate Inquiry into Uranium Royalties in the NT and the regular day-to-day that is ALEC.

Everything aforementioned is covered in the body of the update, except for Earth Hour. Earth Hour in Alice Springs was great. Despite difficulty in distinguishing between before and after, in terms of lights out, a beautiful community event was had at the top of Anzac Hill. Alice Solar Cities distributed more than 100 solar torches with approximately 120 people turning up. The Cuban Percussion band played a beautifully chilled out set which gave people the space for peaceful contemplation, chatting, or hip-swinging to the music. It was a beautiful evening and a great way to spend Earth Hour in Alice Springs.
If you weren’t there, hope you had a great evening wherever you were. ALEC hopes to be more involved in organising community events such as this in the future. Thanks to all for turning up.

On another note, the Rudd Government’s stimulus package is set to be sent out to taxpayers next week. Regardless of your opinion on whether or not this is a good way of stimulating the economy, ALEC is requesting that you donate it (or at least part of it) to the Arid Lands Environment Centre’s Community Infrastructure Fund. The fund constitutes ALEC’s tax deductible gift fund (you can claim it on tax) and it will go towards establishing projects such as a community garden, community-owned solar panels, community workshops and other projects aimed at building community resilience in Central Australia.
Call me if you want more info: 8952 2497 info@alec.org.au

Bank account details are:

Bendigo Bank Account

ALEC Inc – Gift Account
BSB; 633 000 Account: 1343-58688
All donations over $2 are tax deductible
Email me if you donate, so I can arrange a receipt for your records.

Spread the word about this one.
Donate $50, $100, $200, $500, $900 whatever you want. It’s all going to be put into making this place a better place to live in the future.



Thanks.


Key dates:
Grab your diaries:

Thu Apr 2 National CLOSE THE GAP DAY – Andy McNeill Room 7.45pm-9pm (see details below)

Fri Apr 3 Peter Toyne 'Playing God' & Siying Zhou 'Greener in Alice Springs' opening at Watch This Space from 5.30pm (details below)

Sat Apr 4 Greening Australia and Garden for Wildlife Two year anniversary celebration! 8am – 12pm GA Nursery CDU (see below for more details)

Sun Apr 5 Families for a Nuclear Free Future. 4pm
Just walking the dog...at the Angela Pamela site.
(See below for details)

Sun Apr 5 Food Not Bombs 1 year birthday celebrations, Courthouse lawns, 6pm

Mon Apr 6 Expressions of Interest for Caring for Our Country grants close

Thurs Apr 16 Insect Workshop – Olive Pink 6.30pm – (details below)


Thurs Apr 23 National Biodiversity Strategy Review Information Session Desert Park, 2-4.30pm (see below for more details)


May 1-3 Wide Open Space Festival – Ross River – Volunteers needed for ALEC stalls, run camel BBQ and general hands on deck.
contact Jimmy 8952 2497 info@alec.org.au
(more details below)


Sun May 24 Biodiesel-making workshop (details below)

Have a great week

Kind regards

Jimmy

Plastic drink bottle collection

#######################################################################
STOP PRESS: Plastic drink bottle Collection.

J9 Stanton , local artist is once again calling out for people to collect their plastic drink bottles, rinse them and drop them off in the barrel on the balcony outside the ALEC office. She has a couple of projects on the go, including a building experiment and some art production so start collecting and reduce land fill.

Thanks
#######################################################################

DKA COOLmob News

Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob recently held a number of very successful gardening workshops. Fifty people attended the most recent workshop held at Frances Martins residence in Renner St., where Geoff Miers from Garden Solutions shared his knowledge about how to get the best value from the water used on veggie gardens, including discussion about garden design and irrigation. The next DKA COOLmob garden workshops will be held in May. These workshops will be held in the same gardens as previous workshops, however participants will be able to see how these gardens have changed. The workshops will also be more ‘hands-on’ and allow us to get our hands dirty. Watch the space for further details.

Sustainability tip:
Reduce your Food Miles! The distance that your food needs to travel before it reaches you has a significant impact on the environment. Transport makes up approximately 14% of Australia’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions. So what can you do about this? When in the supermarket always check where your food comes from, and purchase foods that travelled the least distance. Try not to eat fruit and veggies that are out of season, as they are likely to have traveled half way around the world, and truly do cost the earth. You can also attend our next veggie garden workshop and reduce the distance your food travels from thousands of kilometers to just a few meters!

Robbie Henderson

Project Manager
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob
Ph: (08) 8952 0299 Fax: (08) 8953 2988
http://dka.coolmob.org

Wasting Away in the Outback

Check this BBC link on the waste dump:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00jcrr1/Wasting_Away_in_the_Outback/

Uranium Mining and Human Rights- Indigenous Voices Speak out

The Beyond Nuclear project based in Washington DC recently convened a series of speaking events for Indigenous people affected by nuclear industry projects.

Featured speakers included Mitch, an Arrernte/Luritja woman from Central Australia, Sidi-Amar Taoua, a Toureg nomad from Niger and Manuel Pinto, an Acoma Pueblo person from New Mexico who won the 2008 nuclear free futures award. Dr Bruno Chareyron, director of CRIIRAD (Commission for Independent Research and Information on Radioactivity) also participated in the tour to present his research of uranium contamination in Niger.

The tour was timed to coincide with the Powershift Youth Climate Action Conference, which was attended by around 12 000 people from across the USA. There was a strong focus on ‘carbon free, nuclear free’ campaigning, with the panel discussions on nuclear issues attracting over 500 people.

Over the three days of speaking tour events, which included a press conference, film screening of Poison Wind (directed by Jenny Pond), and lobbying on Capitol Hill, the Indigenous speakers shared many personal experiences and insights about the devastating effects of the nuclear industry on land, culture and communities.

Mitch, who has spent years fighting a radioactive dump proposed on her traditional land said; we have companies coming into Australia and we are told that uranium is clean and green and its renewable energy. We know that this is lies and this is a disgusting form of control over a population that is made to rely on the government for all their resources, their energy, their consumption.

It is policies of genocide so that other people can have power.

We are told that the next generation will have the education and the smarts to fix up our problems… but I don’t think we have the moral rights as your elders to leave the mess for you to fix up.

We do not want the next generation to try and get water out of rock, to get air out of sludge, to get food out of the bottom of the sea that is full of algae.

Sidi-Amar Taoua explained the impact of the uranium mining industry on Toureg people and their traditions;

The Toureg remain of one of the last people who live in the Saharan desert. Their way of life revolves around finding grazing for flocks of livestock in one of the planet’s hardest landscapes.

Uranium continues to be a critical French national interest since the country produces more than 80 per cent of energy from power plants that are fuelled by Niger uranium. One French lightbulb in three is lit by uranium from Toureg land.

People have many kind of diseases. Many are worried about the spread of radioactive dust from the mining companies bulldozers and machines. People are forced to pick through the company garbage for scrap metal to build and furnish their houses. Meanwhile French mining executives and other expatriates live nearby in luxurious villas with land and swimming pools.

Toureg believe uranium mining and its attendant operations pose a critical threat for the environment and especially for the Toureg existence. The Toureg have inhabited this part of northern Niger since the 19th century. They understand that the world is changing but they are asking that their rights as indigenous people, their land and their way of life to be respected.

With the nuclear industry still insisting a ‘nuclear renaissance’ is around the corner, Manuel Pino from the Acoma Pueblo tribe succinctly pointed out;

…how can we put the cart before the horse and say that nuclear power is the answer when we cant even dispose of the waste or clean up the existing legacy mines or mills that exist, in a majority of times, on indigenous peoples lands.

Written by Natalie Wasley
Beyond Nuclear Initiative-uranium project coordinator
www.beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com

Opinions divided on uranium royalties

Opinions divided on uranium royalties
Posted Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:30pm AEDT
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/31/2531522.htm

The Ranger Mine is exempt from the Bill because it has its own deal with the Federal Government. (Reuters: Rio Tinto/David Hancock, file photo)
A Senate committee has heard from environmentalists who are opposed to changing the way uranium royalties are levied in the Northern Territory.
Hearings into the proposed changes started in Darwin this afternoon.
At present, the royalties are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, but the proposals would see royalties levied at 18 per cent of the mine's profits.
Conservation Foundation spokesman Dave Sweeney says the changes should give Aboriginal people the choice to oppose uranium mining on their land as well as addressing royalties.
"If the justification for this bill is that it will bring benefit to Aboriginal communities, shouldn't the first step be asking the communities if they want it?" he said. "Shouldn't that be the first question that is asked?
"Rather than assuming, rather than dictating, rather than imposing - ask."
Mr Sweeney told senators not to treat uranium like other minerals in the Northern Territory.
"Whilst [the Government] is trying to clear the decks and make uranium like any other mineral, we say very clearly it's not," he said.
"There is no other mineral linked with such significant weapons and proliferation and security risks.
"There is no other mineral that creates such long-lived waste. So it's not business as usual."
Meanwhile, traditional owners of the Ranger Mine land say the changes will compromise the livelihood of Aboriginal land holders.
Ranger is exempt from the Bill because it has its own deal with the Federal Government whereby the royalties are charged based on revenue.
Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation spokesman Justin O'Brien says the revenue-based system is less risky.
"Whether or not the mining company is making a profit, traditional owners are making a profit," he said.
"Traditional owners receive an economic benefit because while that operation is happening, they are precluded from accessing their country.
"We would much rather a system whereby people received compensation for that rather than only receiving an income stream when the company is turning a profit."

Locals demand answers over Angela Pamela

Locals demand answers over Angela Pamela
http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2009/03/27/2528374.htm?site=alicesprings&rotator=true

The Minister for Resources, Kon Vatskalis, spent a tense hour at a community meeting discussing the potential exploration at the Angela Pamela uranium deposits south of Alice Springs.

Over one hundred people packed the Andy McNeil room at the Alice Springs Town Council to put questions to the Minister.

A panel grilled the Minister on everything from water use to dust suppression, eventually asking him to revoke the license given to Cameco to explore the site.

The meeting was organised by a number of local organisations concerned about the proposed mine south of town.

Organiser, Emma Chessell, from the Alice Springs Angela Pamela Collective said the meeting was a success.

"It was really good the Minister reiterated his support for a public enquiry at the Federal level."

The Minister was heckled when he admitted to not knowing about the company's operations in Canada.

"I don't know what Cameco does in Canada, that's for Canada to decide," said Minister Kon Vatskalis.

Alice Springs local, Craig, who has lived in town for ten years and has two young children said he was disappointed with the Minister's response to one of his questions.

"I'm not happy with the response, I don't think he answered the question...It's in his power to end this now. He can revoke any licenses given and we wouldn't be here."

Following the meeting, Minister Vatskalis indicated that the mine may not even go ahead.

"There's no guarantee there's going to be a mine, there are a lot of hurdles to jump."

Climate Action Alert :CLIMATE ACTION GROUP

Climate Action Alert
=====================================================================
CLIMATE ACTION GROUP
Lobbying our Local Member
The Climate Action Group held a rally outside MHR Warren Snowdon's office on March 27th as part of a national Day of Action on Climate Change. The rally was a protest against the ludicrously low emissions target the Rudd government is proposing. CAG has submitted a list of questions via Warren's office and has been given an undertaking that these questions will be answered by April 14th.

Senate Inquiry
There is a Senate Select Committee on Climate Policy requesting input from organisations or individuals by this Wed 8 April. CAG is working on a submission, but anyone can put one in. See www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/climate_ctte/info.htm for where and how to send.

Action by Power and Water Corporation Jim Bamber, General Manager Retail has advised us that Power and Water expect to print comparative consumption data for electricity, water and greenhouse gas emissions on customer accounts from mid-April. Power and Water have also requested CAG's input into the design and format of a regular water consumption feature in local newspapers. (Electricity could follow.) We will be pleased to assist (and to keep nagging as necessary!)

Key Science Messages on Climate March 2009

Scientists at the international congress in Copenhagen, held in March 2009, have prepared a summary statement of their findings for policy makers. The congress was conceived as an update of the science of global warming ahead of the UN summit in December. Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in December this statement will go to officials and heads of state at the conference. The full conclusions from the 2,500 scientific delegates from 80 countries that have attended the three-day meeting this week will be published in full in June 2009.
The scientists' six key messages are:
1) Climatic trends
Recent observations confirm that, given high rates of observed emissions, the worst-case IPCC scenario projections (or even worse) are being realised. For many key parameters, the climate is already moving beyond the patterns of natural variability within which our society and economy have developed and thrived. These parameters include global mean surface temperature, sea-level rise, ocean and ice sheet dynamics, ocean acidification, and extreme climatic events. There is a significant risk that many of the trends will accelerate, leading to an increasing risk of abrupt or irreversible climatic shifts.
2) Social disruption
The research community is providing much more information to support discussions on "dangerous climate change". Recent observations show that societies are highly vulnerable to even modest levels of climate change, with poor nations and communities particularly at risk. Temperature rises above 2C will be very difficult for countries to cope with, and will increase the level of climate disruption through the rest of the century.
3) Long-term strategy
Rapid, sustained, and effective mitigation based on coordinated global and regional action is required to avoid "dangerous climate change" regardless of how it is defined. Weaker targets for 2020 increase the risk of crossing tipping points and make the task of meeting 2050 targets more difficult. Delay in initiating effective mitigation actions increases significantly the long-term social and economic costs of both adaptation and mitigation.
4) Equity dimensions
Climate change is having, and will have, strongly differential effects on people within and between countries and regions, on this generation and future generations, and on human societies and the natural world. An effective, well-funded adaptation safety net is required for those people least capable of coping with climate change impacts, and a common but differentiated mitigation strategy is needed to protect the poor and most vulnerable.
5) Inaction is inexcusable
There is no excuse for inaction. We already have many tools and approaches — economic, technological, behavioural, management — to deal effectively with the climate change challenge. But they must be vigorously and widely implemented to achieve the societal transformation required to decarbonise economies. A wide range of benefits will flow from a concerted effort to alter our energy economy now, including sustainable energy job growth, reductions in the health and economic costs of climate change, and the restoration of ecosystems and revitalisation of ecosystem services.
6) Meeting the challenge
To achieve the societal transformation required to meet the climate change challenge, we must overcome a number of significant constraints and seize critical opportunities. These include reducing inertia in social and economic systems; building on a growing public desire for governments to act on climate change; removing implicit and explicit subsidies; reducing the influence of vested interests that increase emissions and reduce resilience; enabling the shifts from ineffective governance and weak institutions to innovative leadership in government, the private sector and civil society; and engaging society in the transition to norms and practices that foster sustainability.
Based on a report on the conference outcomes in the UK Guardian.
Peter Tait

Greenhouse report 2009

This years Greenhouse 2009 conference in Perth held few surprises. The warming is worse than thought in the IPCC AR4, but until the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) is out in 2014 little can be done through this process to spur governments to further action. On the other hand the scientific meeting in Copenhagen last week, in the lead up to COP15 this December, put out a statement detailing the increasing rate of change and the need for urgent action.
Many examples of effects of this more than expected rapid warming were given at the conference. While the scientists say it is often difficult to pick whether this is natural variability, the fact that observed measures are tracking along the IPCC A1FI (most carbon intensive SRES) scenario is of concern. The Australian Climate Change Science Program (CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology) had available a booklet Science Update 2009 issue one summarising recent relevant climate change science, with relevant references. It discusses the more recent than IPCC AR4 changes. Subscription can be made at www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au.
Ross Garnaut described how the Great Recession interacts with this “time of decision” on climate mitigation, and he is pessimistic. Although the recession gives us a brief breathing space in emission increases, and an opportunity for structural reform with low opportunity costs, high unemployment and the new distrust for the market as a safe vehicle for managing change may impede effective action. He did make the point that private vested interests have had undue prominence and that those with the public interest at heart need to overwhelm these people.
Filippo Georgi from Aldus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy, presented on issues determining regional, in contrast to global, climate change modeling. It listed the sources of uncertainties that are inherent in the assumptions underlying and built into the models. In spite of these uncertainties massive work done with various ensemble runs of models over time have shown consistently:
Climate change will not be uniform; there will be regional hotspots at subcontinental scales and these are consistent in different models over time; southern Australia particularly in the west is such a spot;
There will be wide variation in climate / weather patterns between consecutive years at the same location;
Rainfall will in general be less frequent but more intense over land masses; and
Globally there will be increases in heatwaves over land.
The government and energy industry seem to think that business nearly as usual with minor tinkering will get us through. Chris Mitchell from the CO2 Group discussed barriers to reducing Australia’s greenhouse emissions which include:
A series of market and regulatory failures rather than a lack of technology, which by and large exists;
Serious complexity in ownership, governance and regulation, incompatibilities in technology and measurement, and lack of good research which all combine to make assessment, planning and decision making about energy options impossibly difficult.

Various industry and government representatives, both those seeking and those giving advice, are clear that they understand there are uncertainties with the science, but they accept the precautionary principle and want scientists to give them a best estimate on which they can begin planning.
Graeme Pearman, former CSIRO Atmospheric Division director and now consultant, emphasised the proposition that understanding and working with human behaviour is fundamental in working our way toward solutions to the uncertain, complex, urgent and inequitable problem that is climate change. He and other speakers discussed ideas for building resilience and sustainable communities to take us along this path. I will report on resilience and adaptation elsewhere.
From a long discussion about oceans it is clear that the problem with global warming and oceans is not sea level rise, but in fact ocean warming and acidification. Other issues pertaining to increases and decreases in salinity are also important. Essentially though climate changes are consequent to the warming of the oceans, which are the major heat sink. Second, as the major CO2 sink, the oceans are acidifying. This not only reduces many species capacity to calcify their shells, but more dangerously it has other effects on a wide range of biological processes necessary for life and reproduction.
Other more specific issues will be covered elsewhere.
To conclude, Graeme Pearman drew the analogy that there are about 6 billion pieces in a Boeing 747. This is roughly the same as the number of species on the planet that make up the ecosystem on which we rely for air, clean water, food and so on. If we were told that one or two (unidentified) pieces of the 747 had been removed we would probably still chose to fly in it. If, however we were told that a random 30% of pieces had been removed, we probably would not. The IPCC AR4 puts the projected likely loss of known species from our ecosystem with a 2 degree rise in temperature at about 30%. Do we still want to fly? Or turn down the thermostat?

Families for a Nuclear Free Future

Just walking the dog

Time: April 5, 2009 from 4:30pm to 6pm
Location: Angela Pamela
Organized By:ffanff


Event Description:
Bring your dog for a walk around the Angela Pamela site this Sunday. A good excuse to walk the dog!

Meet with dogs on board, at 4.30pm at the Old South Road turnoff (Maryvale Rd to Santa Teresa), to drive together down to the site.

Carpooling is FUN too!

Alice Springs Artists response to the uranium threat

Alice Springs Artists response to the uranium threat

Calling all poets, song writers, artists etc to create works responding to the uranium mining-dumping threats to our town.
We are hoping to create an exhibition to be displayed in the ASTC Library May-June
Queries please call Unanyntji ;0488266478 ,unanyntji@hotmail.com

NATIONAL CLOSE THE GAP DAY Thursday 2 April 2009 7.45 - 9pm

You’re invited to a Close the Gap event in Alice Springs, hosted by the Fair Trade Folk market stall.
Show your support for closing the 17-year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians.
WHAT: Community gathering to mark National Close the Gap Day
WHEN: Thursday 2 April, 7.45 – 9pm.
SPEAKER: Stephanie Bell, Director, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
WHERE: Andy McNeill Room, Alice Springs Town Council
FOOD: Coffee, tea and homemade sweet treats.
ENTRY: Gold coin donation (proceeds toward CTG)
*The Oxfam Close the Gap video will be screened and there will be an opportunity for discussion and response.
More information: Anna Lennie, Fair Trade Folk 0423 524 293
http://www.oxfam.org.au/campaigns/indigenous-health/