SASSY NANNA FORCES COLLEAGUES TO VENTURE OUT

A week ago a few of the Grafton Nannas decided it was time to don the yellow and black and sally forth into the wider world while exercising social distancing and extreme care.

The major incentive for this break from home life was our sassy colleague, Nanna Kerry.  She had become increasingly restive.   She was sick of being in COVID isolation and had been loudly demanding an outing.  She was also very anxious to show her support for all those Nannas as well as the thousands in the west who are opposing Santos' plans for the Narrabri Gas Project which is now being considered by the  NSW Independent Planning Commission as the final part of the approval process.

 So we visited a small park by the river overlooking Susan Island. Nanna Kerry was delighted to be in the fresh air - and she loves the Clarence River.  She wasn't too happy about the face mask but she reluctantly agreed to being a good example to Nannas and others during this health crisis. And she loved Lynette's "I stand for the Pilliga" face frame.

Five masked Nannas & Steve's dog, Tilly

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

KNIT-IN 26th MAY

The Grafton Nannas welcomed back stalwarts who'd been busy elsewhere in previous weeks - Julie, Pam and Lynette. As usual all the Nannas had a great natter about gas (always a fascinating topic)  and (of course) politicians and many other matters.

 Sarah, who had metres and metres of french knitting (result of a year or more of knit-ins) found a very impressive use for the long, skinny yellow snake and showed us how to arm knit.

The result was a spectacular necklace, which Sarah modelled using  some very fancy dance steps which entertained us all.

As usual there were some interesting chats with passers-by.

Lynette's needling brooch.

NINETY-FIVE YEAR OLD NANNA STILL CLICKING THE NEEDLES

The Grafton Nannas have been knitting every week in their usual spot outside Chris Gulaptis' Prince Street office but, as the Nannablogger has been cruising elsewhere, their exploits of the last few weeks have not been recorded in the blog.

This week the Grafton Loop was joined by a visitor - Anna's mother.  We were  delighted to meet Val who at 95 still wields a mean pair of needles and is very supportive of the Nannas' cause.

Val with her knitting - and she's spot-on with the colours!

Suzanne was finishing her colourful scarf for her grandson who had helped in the design and Donna showed her interesting neckwarmer/poncho which Sarah modelled for us. 

Donna was showing off her collection of bamboo needles which, seeing she has so many,  some of us suspect she might be going to hire out. (Perhaps she will heed our federal treasurer's call and "Have a go" setting up a new business - Nannas Knitting Needle Hire!)

THE NSW GAS PLAN - NANNAS WRITE TO LOCAL MP

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas has recently written to their local State Member of Parliament, the Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis MP about their concerns about his government's Gas Plan.  Below is the text of the letter:

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas has major concerns about the NSW Gas Plan which the Government is assuring us will protect the community from the many ill-effects of gas-mining.

The concerns elaborated by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer in her report have not been properly addressed - nor has the Government implemented some of her most important recommendations.  We mention just two as examples:

• comprehensive environmental monitoring, including baseline monitoring, is needed with data to be held in a publicly accessible data repository (Recommendation 10)
• further research into the fate and transport of chemicals and their biological reactions (Recommendation 12) 

Neither of these measures has been enacted and it seems that they are unlikely to be dealt with as the Chief Scientist recommended.

The Chief Scientist's Report also referred to the many health risks at all stages of CSG extraction and listed adverse health outcomes - respiratory, genitourinary and digestive diseases, skin diseases, some cancers, hormonal disruption, and fertility and reproductive effects.  Just how does the Government propose to deal with these very serious impacts of gas-mining?  We Nannas are particularly concerned with the likely health impacts on our children and grandchildren. 

Since the Plan's release we have seen a number of publicly-funded advertisements attempting to "sell" the plan to voters. Both the advertisements and the spin produced by the Government and various Ministers have been totally unconvincing. 

Local MPs had the opportunity to stand up for their constituents when the Government came out with this Plan.  Local MPs could have stood up to the Government and said, "No gas-mining in my electorate."  The Nannas think it is shameful that MPs who are members of political parties toe the political line rather than serve the interests of their electorates.  In our view it is no wonder that many electors feel as they do about politicians and the major political parties.

If the Baird Government retains government after March 28th we fully expect it to encourage gas-mining - including fracking - throughout the Northern Rivers.  Nothing it has done in the past - including its ineffective Gas Plan - gives us any confidence it will be otherwise.

The Nannas assure you that they will, along with many other citizens concerned for the future of our area, continue to oppose this invasive and toxic industry.

A VERY INTERESTING KNIT-IN

The Grafton Nannas left their usual venue outside MP Gulaptis' office (and we're sure he missed us!) to set up outside the Link, further up Prince Street.

This is a much busier part of the main street and gave us a marvellous opportunity to greet old friends and to chat with other passers-by.  And we received plenty of approving comments.  It's great to know that the awareness-raising of our little Nanna Loop  - along with all our Nanna compatriots elsewhere - is contributing to the community's general understanding of the threat that gas-mining poses to our way of life and the future of our children and grandchildren.

As well as the venue change, two things made this knit-in special.  We were delighted to welcome back our two down-river Nannas  and to have our three Poppas all with us.  The Poppas - Barry, Brent,and Steve - were awarded their supporter badges (Nanna Groupie badges!).

The Grafton Loop's Poppas

Another feature was the launching of Lynette's new Grafton Loop sign.  Really impressive!  Once again our designer-extraordinaire Lynette has done a great job.

Another event made this knit-in very interesting.  The Link, outside which we were knitting, is an arcade owned by Shoppingworld, the large shopping centre behind Grafton's main street.  A member of the Shoppingworld management staff requested that the crocheted banner "We want a gasfield ban not a gasfield plan" be removed from the window  (their property).  It was  removed but this staff member put in a complaint to Council about our presence. 

A Council officer arrived and had some discussion with Nanna representatives about our presence on council land - the footpath out the front.  As a result the Nannas (respectful elderly ladies  that we are) moved on as requested.

ANOTHER LETTER TO OUR LOCAL MEMBER

After a quiet period the Grafton Nannas shook out their yarns and returned to knit-in outside the Grafton office of Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis. At their latest knit-in on Tuesday December 2, they delivered a letter to Mr Gulaptis about the State Government's latest plans to change one of its State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP) relating to gas mining.

The text of the letter is below:

"The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas is shocked that the NSW Government is proposing changes to gas mining regulations to remove the requirement for a full EIS for six or more gas wells,  This will make the process less transparent and will give the community less opportunity for input into the planning process.

"The Nannas are shocked because the Chief Scientist's Report emphasised the need for transparency in the government's dealing with the gas mining industry.

"It seems to us that the Government has not learnt anything from the difficulties it has had over the past few years inrelation to gas-mining.  It obviously still believes it can ignore community concerns and continue to pander to the big mining companies.

"We understand that Santos and AGL support these changes.  Hardly surprising!

"These proposed changes should be abandoned."

 

Dorothy's Tea Cosies

Anna's Pattern

LATEST GRAFTON KNIT-INS

After their change of scenery for the knit-in outside federal MP Kevin Hogan's Grafton office, the Nannas returned to their old haunt outside the office of Chris Gulaptis MP at the other end of Prince Street. They don't want Mr Gulaptis to feel neglected and, as one Nanna said, "It's the state politicians like Mr Gulaptis we need to convince.  And the closer the election gets, the more likely they are to take notice!"

KNIT-IN August 5

 The Nannas were happy to be back at the river end of the street.

As usual, there were works to be admired.  Ann was very taken with Dorothy's beautiful knitted echidna.  And we all were impressed with the yellow and black goanna that Anna is working on.  It will be a fearsome-looking creature when she finishes it.

One Nanna showed how inventive these crafty ladies can be.  Wanting to knit a "yarn bomb" to tie to the Gulaptis rail, she asked if anyone had a spare set on knitting needles as hers were already in use. As no-one could help, she used one knitting needle and a biro to knit a yarn-bomb tie.

Using a biro to knit a yarn-bomb strip.

Yarn-bomb in place.

KNIT-IN  August 12

On this rather chilly afternoon the Nannas were joined by a head which some might refer to as a "celebrity".  But these Grafton Nannas, remembering that the politician represented by this head was a strong supporter of  gas mining, did not welcome its presence.

On a pleasanter note the Nannas admired Trinette's pink cotton washer and Dorothy's knitted kangaroo.

And this week's "yarn bomb" (left to show the MP that the Nannas wuz there) was much more elegant than last week's roughly knitted tie.

Flower yarn bomb on door handle

GRAFTON NANNAS CELEBRATE BENTLEY ACHIEVEMENT

This afternoon a group of Grafon Nannas gathered outside the office of Chris Gulaptis, Member for Clarence, to celebrate the wonderful achievement of all those who supported the Bentley blockade. The Nannas enjoyed a sedate nanna afternoon tea, a wonderful chat, plenty of laughs (particularly over a Media Release from local politicians). In a change from their usual knit-ins, not a stitch was knitted!  Guess this was more of a chat-in.

Nanna Audrey's delicious biscuits were a hit.

The Nannas were hoping that their MP would join them for a cuppa and a chat.  But, alas, he was in Casino and, according to a  member of his office staff, launching his disperse the flying foxes petition there.  This made the Nannas wonder if he was planning another petition which we would have all supported with considerable enthusiasm - DISPERSE THE GAS MINING COMPANIES.  Oh, well, we can but wish .....

Nannas present letter at Mr Gulaptis' office

The Nannas left a letter outlining their hope that Mr Gulaptis would take a stronger line on the gas mining issue which would reflect the concerns of his constituents.  The text of this letter is printed below:

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas is delighted that the NSW Government has at last listened to the concerns of the local community about the activities of gas miner Metgasco.  The suspension of  Metgasco's right to drill an exploration well at the Bentley Rosella site is a step in the right direction.

We were very interested to see the joint media release "North Coast Nationals Welcome Suspension of Metgasco Licence" in which you participated.  While it appears that you and your fellow North Coast National MPs are finally responding to the concerns of a significant proportion of your constituents, there is much more that you could be doing.

While we welcome the suspension, we are concerned that it is a temporary measure. 
As the Knitting Nannas have told you on a number of occasions, we do not believe that gas mining – whether it be conventional CSG mining or unconventional mining such as would have occurred at Bentley – is an appropriate industry for the Northern Rivers area.  Gas mining is an invasive industry completely unsuited to this wonderfully biodiverse and rich agricultural region.  The risks gas-mining poses to agriculture, to water resources, to the region's ecology, to human health and to our lifestyle mean it should never be allowed here.
We call on you, as our elected representative, to strongly lobby your government to revoke the mining PELs in the Northern Rivers area.  Are you prepared to do this?

GRAFTON KNIT-IN 13TH MAY

A lively group of Grafton Nannas met once again outside Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis' office in Grafton today.

 
The Grafton Nannas are strong supporters of the protest at Bentley. This weekend some of the local nannas will be travelling north to the protest camp to join their northern nanna compatriots and all the other community members trying to get the message across to the state government  and Metgasco that gas-mining in our region should be abandoned.

We saw the amazingly colourful knitting of Trinette who has been very busy flashing the needles since we last saw her.  She's  become a snake knitter of note.  And these snakes look great wound around poles.

There was a suggestion that we might see some pole-dancing near the green snake - but it didn't eventuate!

Dorothy has also been adding to her wonderful menagerie of knitted wildlife.  She unveiled her baby echidna to join its mother.  And next time she'll be bringing along her new rainbow serpent.  (What is it with these Nannas and snakes??)

Baby echidna joins its mother.

For more photos of this Knit-in, check out our Knit In page

RECENT GRAFTON KNIT-INS

Tuesday May 6 Knit-In
The cold weather is certainly affecting the old bones as a few stalwart Grafton Nannas had to rug up well for a knit-in lastTuesday  outside Mr Gulaptis' office.  We didn't see Mr Gulaptis and assume that he was in Parliament supporting the Clarence electorate. (Can we hope that he was telling his Government colleagues that people of the Northern Rivers don't want any gas mining in their area ???!!!)

We admired Dorothy's colourful crocheted medallions which she will make into a cushion.

 Suzanne told us about her recent visit to the protest camp at Bentley and her plans to "frock up" for the event there on Friday. She' also planning an outfit for a friend who will be accompanying her.  The Bentleyites obviously know how to provide some entertainment to lighten the serious effort they are engaged in!

And listening to our chatter and checking on the passers-by we had Dorothy's wonderful knitted echidna and platypus ably supported by Suzanne's knitted doll, Suzie.

Tuesday April 15
At this knit-in we were joined by Sarah's friend Carol who was catching up with Sarah on a short visit to Australia.  Carol hails from Omaha in the U.S. state of Nebraska. Carol told us about her concerns about a local environmental issue - the proposed TransCanada Keystone XL Pipeline which will carry oil sourced from the Canadian tar sands across the U.S. to the Gulf of Mexico.

Nannas are great untanglers!

 

 

Having a knitted ring helps with creativity.

NANNAS ARE AT IT AGAIN

A small group of dedicated Nannas gathered again outside the office of our local MP Chris Gulaptis to knit (and crochet) AND NATTER.  (Some  of us are better at nattering than knitting - or crocheting!).

What we really appreciate is that Nannas come when they can.  Most of us lead busy Nanna lives and can't make it every week - but we click and clack our needles on the street whenever we can.

After our knit-in we learned that Mr Gulaptis was planning to attend a science forum on CSG in the Parliamentary Theatrette in Sydney.  We hope that he learns more about what concerns us Nannas about how gas-mining is going to affect the  life of the kiddies in the future. There is a really urgent need for our representatives to learn more about the problems of this industry.  AND we hope that ALL of Mr Gulaptis' National Party colleagues also attend the forum. 

Who but a Nanna could devise a wig as elegant as this?

 

Dorothy's wonderful cushion cover

It must be serious when even the dolls are protesting !!