Industrial Workers of the World

http://www.melbourne.foe.org.au/?q=ebulletin

Historic Decision to Protect Red Gums on Murray River

Ten years after Friends of the Earth and the Yorta Yorta indigenous people first conceived of a jointly managed Barmah-Millewa National Park, the Victorian government have joined us in our vision. On December 30 Victorian Premier John Brumby made history by committing to protect 95,000ha of Murray River Red Gum forests, and create the state’s first jointly managed National Parks. As ‘the kidneys of the river,’ wetland-forests like Barmah are critical to the health of the Murray River. Protecting these complex ecosystems will bolster the Murray’s natural resilience in the face of climate change and reduced water flows. Doing so in partnership with the Traditional Owners will set our community on a more just and respectful footing so that we may together, take better care for this country. Many challenges remain before we have a healthy Murray-Darling basin – not least, the protection of the great red gum forests across the border in NSW.

Australia's Climate Action Summit Jan 31 – February 3 - facilitated meetings and workshops; in four strands: campaign development, movement building, skills workshops, and information and discussion sessions. The aim of the two days is to create a strategic national climate campaign and form a national grassroots network. Details at:

http://www.climatesummit.org.au/

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ommunity occupation of the North South pipeline Thursday January 22 The short-sighted pipeline project will pump 75 billion litres of water a year from the Goulburn River, the major Victorian tributary of the Murray, to supply Melbourne. At present a 12 kilometre swathe is being cut through the Toolangi state forest, threatening Special Protection Zones and the ecological integrity of the forest. Please consider joining us for a community occupation of the work site on thursday 22 January, from 9.30am Our plan is to hold a peaceful occupation of the site. This area is considered a 'no go zone', meaning people entering the site will be asked to leave and be arrested if they fail to do so. We need people prepared to be arrested as well as others who can provide support (staying outside the work zone). This action is organised by Friends of the Earth, in support of affected rural communities and in the cause of sensible water policy. If you are intending to come, please contact Cam Walker as soon as possible. 03 9419 8700/ 0419 338 047/ cam.walker@foe.org.au For further details on the pipeline, its impacts, and alternative ways to meet our water needs, please see: http://www.melbourne.foe.org.au/?q=water/home

sustainable water options for Melbourne community presence outside the office of politician Tim Holding Springvale, thursday January 29 We all know that Melbourne is facing growing water stress. In response, the state government has announced a desalination plant for the Gippsland coast near Wonthaggi and the North - South pipeline, which will pump water from the Goulburn River.

The pipeline and desal plant will be disasterous for our state:

- They will have major impacts on rural communities and coastal environments.

- They will create very few long term jobs.

- The desal plant will need vast amounts of energy – and hence contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions (if green energy is sourced to run the plant, this will limit our ability to shift current energy production from coal into renewables).

- A French company - either Suez or Veolia - will control the desalinated water. This is a Build, Own, Operate scheme and the government will not control the water and it will have to make concessions to the company's profits on pricing. - T

hese projects will be enormously expensive – around $5 billion dollars. Both these projects are being built for the benefit of Melbourne people, so we should educate ourselves about the impacts of these projects, as well as looking at the alternatives. It is time to bring the message to the Minister for Water, Tim Holding, and other key members of the state government that Melbourne people want a sustainable water future. There will be a peaceful and colourful community assembly outside the electoral office of Victoria's water minister, Tim Holding, on thursday January 29, from 11.30 am – 1pm.

Please consider coming along, and send a message to our government that we want water options that: - are sustainable - create long lasting jobs - are greenhouse friendly - don't take water from parched river systems north of the Divide or damage coastal areas

Where: 387 – 389 Springvale road, Springvale (close to Springvale station).

Please bring friends and banners This community action is organised by Friends of the Earth, please let us know if you are able to add your organisations name. For further information:

Cam Walker 9419 8700, 0419 338 047, cam.walker@foe.org.au