beyond the shore

BIG IDEAS, APRIL 6, 2013 DR FRANK NICKLASON STAFF SPECIALIST PHYSICIAN, ROYAL HOB ART HOSPITAL

Just a Number: #19 of the Gunn’s 20

On or about 9 April 2002 the Nineteenth Defendant exhibited, caused to be exhibited or otherwise communicated, a media release on a website in the following terms:-

‘Doctors For Forests are calling for an immediate and independent assessment of potential health risks from the large woodchip stockpiles on the Burnie Wharf area.

A spokesman for DFF, consultant Physician Dr Frank Nicklason, said today “Potentially dangerous legionella bacteria and fungal organisms could be present in the stockpiles, posing significant health threats, especially if inhaled.”

“Contrary to recent claims from Mr John Gay, from Gunns Ltd that the stockpiles are turned over every three months, I have been told by sources from the wharf that for at least on of the stockpiles, the base has remained undisturbed for several years.”

“If this advice is correct, then the material at the base could be similar to compost or potting mix, and gardeners buying potting mix are warned of the potential dangers of Legionella bacteria, fungal disease, asthma and dermatitis if such matter isn’t handled carefully.”

“The elderly, those with chronic lung conditions and people with weakened immune systems are at most risk from legionella bacteria, along with certain fungal organisms which can cause allergic lung conditions.”

“I have spoken to many Burnie residents who have expressed concerns relating to woodchip dust being blown over the town by Northerly winds.” “The people in Burnie deserve nothing less than an urgent, fully independent risk assessment of the woodchip stockpiles and the actual or potential threats to the community.”

“Solastalgia”

WHAT IS SOLASTALGIA?

IN THE LAST FEW YEARS GLENN ALBRECHT INTERVIEWED AUSTRALIAN PEOPLE TO DETERMINE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF THE WORST DRY SPELL IN HISTORY.

HE IDENTIFIED A NEW TYPE OF SADNESS. HE CALLED IT SOLASTALGIA.

SOLASTALGIA REFERS TO THE PAIN ASSOCIATED FOR LOSS OF HOME, PLACE, LANDSCAPE ENVIRONMENT.

Photo: Pete Godfrey Pine Plantation, clearfelled hillsides, no streamside protection, no erosion control. Tasmanian Times

Ray Direen, at E74D, Huon Valley, Southern

Tasmania

Log trucks lined up outside the Gunns mill at Triabunna after protesters stopped operations. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE, The Mercury

Timberworkers for Forests Tasmania

Getting the better of the community

FROM THE GRUEN PLANET EPISODE 7

WHEN ASKED WHAT TACTICS MINING COMPANIES LIKE SANTOS MIGHT USE TO TRY TO TURN THE TIDE OF PUBLIC OPINION, SELF-DESCRIBED ‘MARKETING GUY AND OCCASIONAL PROPAGANDIST’ TOBY RALPH SPOKE ABOUT THE ‘FUCCEM’ APPROACH – A SIX-POINT CHECKLIST THAT INVOLVES:

The FUCCEM Approach

•  FORGING LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS

•  UNDERSTANDING LOCAL CONCERNS

•  CREATING LOCAL OPINION LEADERS

•  CLAIMING THE MIDDLE GROUND

•  EMPLOYING ACTIVISTS AS CONSULTANTS, AND

•  MARGINALISING THE REMAINDER

•  TWS ONLINE HTTP://WWW.WILDERNESS.ORG.AU/CAMPAIGNS/COAL-SEAM-GAS/INSIDE-THE-HEAD-OF-A-MINING-EXEC

The Rosetto Effect

•  IN ROSETTO, PENNSYLVANIA, UNUSUALLY LOW RATES OF HEART DISEASE COULD NOT BE ATTRIBUTED TO VARIATIONS IN TRADITIONAL RISK FACTORS

•  THE EXPLANATION SEEMED TO LIE IN THE VERY HIGH LEVELS OF SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS, THE STRENGTH OF FAMILY TIES, AND NURTURING WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR POPULATION HEALTH WITH INDUSTRIAL SCALE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIETAL DAMAGE ASSOCIATED WITH CLEARFELLING OF NATIVE FORESTS, BROADACRE PLANTATION FORESTRY ON PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL LAND, OPEN CUT COAL MINING, AND COAL SEAM GAS EXTRACTION?

“SOLIPHILIA”

•  GLENN ALBRECHT LATER COINED THE TERM SOLIPHILIA AS THE ANTIDOTE TO SOLASTALGIA

•  SOLIPHILIA IS THE POLITICAL AFFILIATION OR SOLIDARITY NEEDED BETWEEN US ALL TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A PLACE, A BIOREGION, THE PLANET.

•  IT REQUIRES UNITY OF INTER-RELATED INTERESTS

OVERCOMING SOLASTALGIA

SOLASTALGIA WILL BE OVERCOME ONLY WHEN SUFFICIENT OF US ACT IN SOLIDARITY TO DEFEAT THE FORCES OF DESOLATION

“THAT SEEMS TO ME TO DESCRIBE WHAT IS HAPPENING, AS PEOPLE ABANDON TRADITIONAL AFFILIATIONS TO FORM NEW ALLIANCES WITH WHOEVER IS STANDING UP FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY AGAINST THE FORCES OF DESOLATION”.

SHARYN MUNRO

THANK YOU