NANNA KERRY JOINS GRAFTON NANNAS FOR KNIT-IN ON December 8

The Grafton Nannas were urged to get active again before the end of the year by that feisty, opinionated anti-gas campaigner, Nanna Kerry.  Her last outing with her compatriots was on June 30 in Lismore at the celebration of 10 years of nannering campaigning.  According to Nanna K it was well past time they took her to a knit-in outside the office of the Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis.

 

 

So the Nannas set up in the heat and enjoyed a short knit-in before heading off to lunch.  They were all disappointed that the local member did not venture out for a chat as they wanted to raise two very serious concerns with him.

The first was to say how horrified they were at the State Government's plans for a waste to energy incinerator at Casino.  They know that this will be grossly polluting and are astounded that the Government - after its experience with the local community during the Metgasco coal seam gas fiasco - thought that they could impose another polluting industry on the area.

The second was their concern about the gas pipeline from Santos' Narrabri Gas Project in the Pilliga to Newcastle which will pass through a prime agricultural area.

As Mr Gulaptis is retiring at the election in March next year, Nanna Kerry would have enjoyed meeting him again.  That is rather surprising as the last time she met him, he was far from complimentary to her.  However, despite this disappointment, she greatly enjoyed her interaction with her Grafton colleagues who showed her how much they enjoyed her company.

 

 

 

ARE PROPERTY DEVELOPERS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PREVENTING THE EXTINCTION OF KOALAS ?

This was the question that the Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas and Greed had for their State MP, Chris Gulaptis, Member for Clarence. 

Grafton Nannas and several supporters (and one very active Jack Russell pup) met outside Mr Gulaptis' electorate office in Prince Street, Grafton, on Thursday 17th September.  This gathering, the first for many months, occurred because the Nannas were appalled at the shenanagins of the NSW Nationals over the relatively new Koala State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).  

 

Grafton Nannas outside the office of C Gulaptis MP

This knit-in was a completely new Nanna experience  as we were meeting according to COVID restrictions - limited numbers, social distancing and, for those who were able to wear masks, with face masks. All of this made communicating with each other rather challenging - particularly for those of us who are becoming hard of hearing.  And our increased volume  meant we were noisier than usual.

We presented  the office with a letter to Mr Gulaptis which explained our concerns about his position and that of his party.  The text of the letter is below:

 

State Environmental Planning Policy (Koala Habitat Protection) 2019 

Over the many years that we Nannas have been around, we have witnessed some weird performances from politicians but the NSW Nationals’ “drama” of last week really “takes the cake”.  The members of the Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas and Greed are appalled at what you and your colleagues have done and are continuing to do.  

We are amazed to hear that you “love Koalas like every other Australian”. You’ve certainly got a very strange way of showing this recently-revealed affection. 

The Nannas are well aware that since 2012, when the Nationals came into government, they have been pressuring their coalition partners to weaken biodiversity protection.  This has resulted in significant weakening of both native vegetation legislation and State Forest logging regulations.  These changes have had serious impacts on biodiversity - including on koalas.

Koalas have suffered from a range of impacts in recent years including climate induced drought and bushfires as well as dog attack, car strike and disease.  But the major cause of their decline is habitat loss.  Your party, Mr Gulaptis, has had a big role in recent years in ensuring that habitat loss is accelerating.

So now we have you and your colleagues paying lip-service to the need to protect koalas while you are undermining a recent change to koala policy. 

And why are you doing this? It seems that all the hoo-ha is about property developers who are worried they might have difficulty is pursuing their plans for rural subdivisions or residential development on urban outskirts because they will need to put in development applications to councils.  This will then trigger the SEPP. 

Surprisingly the Nannas do not consider the desires of property developers to make what they would no doubt call “an honest quid”  should outweigh the protection of koalas which are on track to extinction in NSW by 2050 unless really effective measures are put in place to protect them and their habitat.

Are property developers more important than preventing the extinction of koalas?

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRAFTON NANNAS BACK INTO REGULAR KNITTING - THE LATEST TWO JAUNTS

The Grafton Nannas are well and truly back into their regular weekly flashing of the pointed sticks.  They now knit on a Thursday afternoon.

At each knit-in now they brandish their knitted chains - a symbol of outrage at Premier Baird's draconian protester laws.  (Interestingly, while these chains may not be much use for chaining Nannas together  - other than symbolically - they are quite useful as scarves.)

Last week the Nannas had a change of venue - moving up Prince Street to station themselves outside the Grafton office of federal MP Kevin Hogan, Member for Page.  The Nannas really enjoyed knitting in this pleasant spot and chatting to the passers-by.  It's not the proximity to the federal MP that makes this spot so appealing to these doughty women.  It's the space, the tropical palms, the seating -  and the proximity to the pedestrian crossing.

A pleasant spacious area for a knit-in

Nannas pose outside Mr Hogan's office

This week the Nannas returned to their old haunt outside the office of our state MP, Chris Gulaptis, Member for Clarence.

This week we were delighted to welcome back three Nannas who had not been at knit-ins for some time.  So we had lots of catching up to do.  We nattered non-stop and discussed all sorts of nannerly subjects including patterns and yarns, the best way to make chains, and the oh-so exciting federal election campaign.

This Nanna loves the old-style crochet patterns

 

 

 

This Nanna is knitting a square for "wrap with love"

This Nanna is knitting for her grandson

GRAFTON NANNAS WRITE TO LOCAL MEMBER CONDEMNING NSW GOVERNMENT'S NEW ANTI-PROTESTER LAWS

The Grafton Nannas delivered their letter objecting to the draconian anti-protester laws to the office of Chris Gulaptis, Member for Clarence, during their knit-in on Wednesday  11 May.  The text of the letter is printed below.

NSW Government Laws Against Protesters

Members of the Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas are very concerned at your Government's new laws imposing heavy penalties on protesters.

These are aimed particularly at the concerned citizens who protest against coal and gas-mining companies.  They were obviously introduced at the behest of the mining industry which we, along with many other community members, believe has far too much influence on governments.

The Nannas regard these draconian laws as an infringement of civil rights.

We understand that protesters may face fines of $5500 (an increase from $550) for trespass and could face up to 7 years jail for interfering with mining operations.

While penalties have been increased dramatically for protesters, the penalties for serious breaches by mining companies have been drastically reduced so that they are a mere "slap on the wrist".  For example, mining without authority, which under the former laws was a $1.1 million fine plus $110,000 a day for a company if successfully prosecuted in court, is now "punished" with a $5000 penalty notice.

Furthermore the Nannas are appalled that these new laws give police the unprecedented powers to search vehicles and confiscate equipment which in their opinion may be used for a lock on.

It appears that NSW is heading in the direction of becoming a police state where civil rights are trashed.

Favouring mining companies has long been a policy of NSW governments but your Government is certainly outdoing the pro-mining bias of previous governments.

It's very obvious to the Nannas that your Government's priorities lie with the big polluting end of town.  While Minister Roberts and the Premier may think that these harsh laws will stifle community opposition, we assure you that you are mistaken.

The Nannas, along with other members of the community, have a right to object to developments which threaten the environment and human health and will continue to do so.

GRAFTON NANNAS PROTEST AGAINST NSW GOVERNMENT'S NEW PROTESTER LAWS

After a long rest the Grafton Nannas have returned to the street fired up about the draconian laws Premier Mike Baird and Resources Minister Anthony Roberts have legislated.  These laws are designed to discourage the community from protesting against mining - particularly CSG and unconventional gas mining.

The Nannas met today at the usual spot outside the office of local MP, Chris Gulaptis, Member for Clarence.

 
To emphasise their point about the threat these laws pose to civil liberties in NSW, the Nannas chained themselves together using knitted chains.  As one tired Nanna pointed out, "It's not easy knitting these chains.  I've been so busy the last few days that I haven't had any time for nanna naps.  I'm tuckered out and just want to get back to some straight knitting!!"

Part way through the knit-in the Nannas were greeted by a very unusual visitor who claimed his name was Neville Bogan.  Neville, who claimed to be an "old mate" of our local member (which the Nannas doubted),  kept the rather astounded Nannas entertained with some unlikely tales and cheeky banter before he  disappeared around the corner.

Neville Bogan, itinerant entertainer!

Some time later the Nannas were joined by a visitor from The Daily Examiner who was interested to hear why we had returned to knit outside Mr Gulaptis' office.  As well as discussing their concerns, the Nannas told him that they were delivering a letter to Mr Gulaptis which clearly stated why they were there.

The Nannas enjoyed the  outing and decided that the government's attack on civil liberties meant that they needed to return to regular knit-ins.  As one Nanna said sadly as they packed up before heading to the coffee shop, "These politicians are really very slow learners.  You'd think they would have worked out by now that gas-mining was a no-go because of community opposition.  But here they are introducing fascist-type laws to stop protesters.  Shows they still think they can foist gas-mining on us."

SHIRT SIGNS

GRAFTON NANNAS WRITE TO MP ABOUT GOVERNMENT'S CSG PLANS

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas recently wrote to their local member of State Parliament, Chris Gulaptis, about his Government's plans to re-start CSG/unconventional gas mining in NSW.
The text of the letter is printed below:

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas were delighted when the NSW Government bought back the petroleum export licences covering the Northern Rivers.  We thought, "At last we have a gasfield free Northern Rivers!"

We note that in your February "Clarence Valley Newsletter" you reiterate that there will be no coal seam gas industry on the North Coast.  The Nannas presume that by "coal seam gas" you mean all forms of unconventional gas.

We are concerned, however, at a report which appeared in The Northern Star on February 9th.  Mining Minister Anthony Roberts was reported as having a plan to unlock new coal seam gas reserves to local mining companies that will supply to the local markets rather than for export.  Since that rather astounding revelation all has been quiet.

What exactly did the Minister mean?  Has your Government plans to issue further PELs for gas companies in this state?  If so, what areas are to be targeted?

You are well aware, Mr Gulaptis, of the concerns of the Nannas and will appreciate that we are anxious to learn exactly what the Government intends.


The Nannas are looking forward to our local MP's response.

A GAS FREE NORTHERN RIVERS - LETTER TO CHRIS GULAPTIS MP

During their Knit-in on Tuesday 10th November the Grafton Nannas delivered a letter to their local State MP, Chris Gulaptis, Member for Clarence. The text of this letter is printed below:

* * * * *

The members of the Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas are delighted that the NSW Government, of which you are a member, has negotiated a buyback with Metgasco (of PELs 13, 16 and 426) which, if agreed to by the shareholders, will see them out of the Northern Rivers.

We applaud you for your efforts in helping to bring this about.

Obviously we hope that the Metgasco shareholders will accept the deal the Government has negotiated with its board.

If they do not, we assume that the Government has a contingency plan which will see the licences cancelled so that Metgasco leaves the Northern Rivers permanently.

The Nannas, however, still have concerns about the gas-mining industry.  Removing Metgasco  does not guarantee that the Northern Rivers will be gasfield free.  We, along with many other community members, want the threat of unconventional gas exploration and mining removed permanently from our area.

We urge you to work towards ensuring that the Government declares that the Northern Rivers is permanently off-limits to unconventional gas-mining so that no further Petroleum Exploration Licences are granted here.

Has the Government currently any plans to declare the Northern Rivers Gasfield free?

* * * * *

The Nannas are hopeful that the Government will realize that removing Metgasco, while certainly very welcome, is only part of the "job" and that they will complete the job in the very near future.  Then the Nannas should be able to pursue some more nannerly interests!!

GRAFTON NANNAS WRITE AGAIN TO CHRIS GULAPTIS MP

The Grafton Nannas have written to  Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis seeking information on the State Government's plans in relation to PEL (Petroleum Exploration Licence) 426.  This PEL, which covers a large part of the Clarence electorate, still appears to be in the hands of Metgasco.   Metgasco is the company which was involved in exploration for coal seam gas at Glenugie near Grafton and Doubtful Creek near Kyogle.  It was also the company which was forced by the State Government to put on hold its plans to drill at Bentley near Casino last year.

PEL 426

The Nannas letter referred to a recent visit by two of its members to discuss matters relating to the Government's proposed buy-back of some petroleum exploration licences around the state. It referred also to the fact that PEL 426 expired at the beginning of 2014.

The letter to Mr Gulaptis continued:

Despite commitments from local members, including yourself, to work towards removing the gas-mining threat from our region, the Nannas note that Metgasco still has expectations about its future in the Northern Rivers, including the Clarence.

According to an ASIC Report Extract:
"Metgasco continues to wait for renewal of PEL 426, something that was expected in February 2014.  Metgasco has accepted all conditions and paid its renewal fee.  Metgasco notes that OCSG (the Office of Coal Seam Gas ) demands annual reporting and the payment of annual fees, despite not being able to confirm the renewal for 18 months.  Metgasco re-submitted its renewal application in July 2015 in the Government's new format requirement."

While this stated expectation may be a tactic to "up the ante" for compensation from the Government, it is still of concern to us.  Of concern is the amount of time that has passed without a resolution - or indeed any sign of progress - in resolving the matter.  We trust that this delay is not an indication that we are going to be stuck with gas-mining and Metgasco - and that the Government has caved in to the industry.

If that is the case, as we have said in the past, the Nannas, who would prefer a relaxed nannerly lifestyle, will return to campaigning strongly with other members of our community who oppose this invasive, polluting industry.

 The Nannas want effective action on achieving a gasfield free Northern Rivers.  We want PEL 426 and the petroleum exploration licences in our region rescinded. We urge you to convey our concerns to the relevant Government ministers.

Nannas delivering letter to Gulaptis' office

STITCHING UP THE BIG ISSUES

MEDIA RELEASE

14^th June 2015

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas celebrated “World Wide Knit in Public Day” in Market Square in Grafton on Saturday.

A highlight of this special knit-in was the unveiling of a pair of giant knitting needles which were so large that they needed two stalwart Nannas to wield them. 

During the knit-in the Nannas called on local National MPs to stitch up the big issues associated with the gas-mining industry in the Clarence and the rest of the Northern Rivers.

“We are very disappointed that the Nationals rejected the move to vote at their State Conference to have the Northern Rivers made gasfield free,” said spokesperson Lynette Eggins.

“Following all the hype from some North Coast Nationals about listening to their communities as well as the statements from State Leader Troy Grant, we were beginning to think the Nationals were serious about keeping this area free of that invasive, polluting industry.”

“There are seven PELs (Petroleum Exploration Licences) in the Clarence electorate.  Three of these have expired.  They should not be renewed. And we call on the Government to cancel the other four, two of which are held by Metgasco.”

“We also call on the Member for Lismore, Thomas George, to support his fellow National, Chris Gulaptis, in having the whole Northern Rivers declared gasfield free,” Ms Eggins continued.

The Nannas believe that if the Nationals and their Coalition partners, the Liberals, fail to declare this region gasfield free, it is very likely that there will be more big confrontations like those seen at Glenugie, Doubtful Creek and Bentley. The Nannas and many others were hoping that these confrontations were a thing of the past in the Northern Rivers.

GULAPTIS WANTS A GASFIELD FREE NORTHERN RIVERS

The Grafton Nannas have been lobbying their local member  about their concerns about CSG and unconventional gas-mining since the time of the Glenugie campaign  around the end of 2012.

Many members of our community want a gasfield free northern rivers because they believe this industry threatens the local natural environment, productive agricultural land and the health of the community.

It has been difficult to convince local Members of Parliament about the validity of our concerns but, following the March State Election where sitting members lost votes, it seems that the penny has finally dropped. 

The Knitting Nannas Against Gas who are members of the Grafton Loop are very pleased that their local State Member of Parliament, Chris Gulaptis,  is now reflecting the views of a majority of his constituents in the Clarence Electorate. He conveys this clearly in a recent speech in the NSW Legislative Assembly.

* * * * * * *

Transcript from Hansard of the speech made by Chris Gulaptis MP, Member for Clarence, to the NSW Parliament on 7th May, 2015.

Mr CHRISTOPHER GULAPTIS (Clarence—Parliamentary Secretary) [1.21 p.m.]: I speak for the first time in this the Fifty-sixth Parliament of New South Wales with the honour and privilege to serve as the member for Clarence. I thank the voters in the electorate of Clarence for this privilege. It is also a great privilege to serve this Parliament as Parliamentary Secretary for the North Coast, and I take on this role with great humility and with all due responsibility.

During the election campaign and, in fact, over the past four years, one issue has been at the forefront of community concern across the North Coast, and that issue is coal seam gas [CSG]. Since coming to government in 2011, the Liberal and Nationals Government has taken every measure to regulate the coal seam gas industry and to provide protections for our water and our environment. We have taken a very measured approach to the development of a CSG industry in New South Wales when compared with the approach of the previous Labor Government and we have taken a much more precautionary approach to that taken by the Queensland Government.

The NSW Gas Plan developed by the Liberal and Nationals Government is based on science. It has been very successful in reducing the CSG footprint across New South Wales from about 48 per cent to 11 per cent through its buyback program as well as through the cancellation of licences, where appropriate. But still community opposition to CSG grows. I live in this community and I hear what a wide cross section of people say.

These are people from all walks of life, like the Knitting Nannas who sit outside my office every Tuesday afternoon, the famers who rely on the clean, green reputation we have in the Northern Rivers to market their produce, and just ordinary townsfolk who are concerned about the future for their grandkids. These are not extremists, just everyday people from my electorate. They are very fearful of the potential for long-term impacts on our water, our land, our livelihood, our health and our lifestyle that the CSG industry may have in my electorate of Clarence and in our beautiful Northern Rivers. We live in a lifestyle region and we must protect the very essence that makes it such a wonderful place to live.

I applauded the action taken by the Liberal and Nationals Government to suspend Metgasco's drilling program at Bentley last year, and so did the people of the Northern Rivers. There is something very fundamentally wrong when 6,000 or 7,000 people are prepared to confront 1,000 police because they feel so concerned about the impacts of the CSG industry, that it is an industry which is incompatible with our traditional agricultural industries, that it is wrong for the Northern Rivers and that it is dangerous to our environment. Confrontation of this magnitude is not the way we conduct business in any jurisdiction in Australia, nor is it acceptable or appropriate to conduct business like this in the electorate of Clarence.

I was extremely disappointed by the decision of the Supreme Court of New South Wales to quash the suspension of the drilling program issued to Metgasco by the New South Wales Government. I was disappointed because I believe the decision is wrong and it flies in the face of community sentiment. The community wants a gas field-free Northern Rivers. I support my community and I support this proposition.

I have urged the Government to explore every opportunity to appeal the decision of the Supreme Court. Should this not be an option, then I firmly believe that the Government has the capacity to deliver a gas field-free Northern Rivers through the NSW Gas Plan. I urge the Government to investigate, as a matter of urgency, every option available to do so, starting with the Metgasco licence. I believe there is an opportunity whereby a compromise position can be reached which satisfies Metgasco, the New South Wales Government, the taxpayers of New South Wales and the community of the Northern Rivers. They want a gas field-free Northern Rivers. That is what I want, I know that is what my colleagues on the North Coast want and that is the goal we should be aiming for as a government.