A section of the Southern River at Brookdale has been closed after a huge sewage spill. Approximately 700,000 litres of sewage spilled into the river on Monday night when a pipeline burst while being fixed by the Water Corporation.
This is starting to be like the "Never Ending Story", true its not the same line each time but just where is the money from annual yearly rates collected being spent by Water Corp?
Would it possibly be because the sewage line has gone past it's use by date that so many problems are coming to light, not so long ago it was a line in Belmont so who's next.
How old are the CBD lines, are they next to be flooded in sewage, does the Water Corp believe in preventative maintenance or any maintenance for that matter. How many burst water pipes have been experienced ? Or do they wait till it burst then carry out band-aid solutions? We keep hearing from this government how things are to expensive to fix, so just on what or where is the surplus from this state being spent on?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Democracy does it exist?
As reported on Perthnow yesterday, "Reporter Paul Lampathakis was warned he could be jailed unless he reveals his sources for a story which led to a police raid on the newspaper's office. The Sunday Times reporter appeared before a parliamentary select committee hearing into the April 30 raid. Mr Lampathakis was asked three times to name the whistleblower and three times he refused to answer".
Just how many politicians realise that it's the job of a reporter to report the news and endevour to keep the people informed regarding the public purse. What happened to Mr Lampathakis is wrong by any standards, to threaten him with jail if he doesn't reveal his sources is nothing but a bullying tactic.
As well you may ask, just how are these politicians representing the public by their action or closer to the point, what are they trying to keep from the public? There are those that need to realise some people do have ethics and they would get a lot further if they adopted some of their own.
How can Mr Lampathakis be in contempt of parliament when our public officials have also been untruthful to parliament, yet they weren't fined or jailed aren't they suppose to be the example. To impose jail or a fine on Mr Lampathakis would be the height of hypocrisy.
The people of this state have been fed the boom for breakfast, lunch and tea, so where has the money gone, why haven't there been significant changes to the increasing problems that exist within this state? This government have gone way beyond themselves, they have forgotten who they are suppose to represent.
The issue of Freedom of The Press is very important to the people, the shield law should have been past long before now, at least we know reporters are held accountable by the editor. Which is far more than can be said for public officials, seeing as we have to wait to vote them out. This parliamentary select committee how can they be un-biased?
To use the police in this manner was abuse, the only interest by government was to find out who was the whistle blower, the police are there to remove criminals and keep the law. I'm absolutely disgusted a government can place their own needs above the people they represent.
Just how many politicians realise that it's the job of a reporter to report the news and endevour to keep the people informed regarding the public purse. What happened to Mr Lampathakis is wrong by any standards, to threaten him with jail if he doesn't reveal his sources is nothing but a bullying tactic.
As well you may ask, just how are these politicians representing the public by their action or closer to the point, what are they trying to keep from the public? There are those that need to realise some people do have ethics and they would get a lot further if they adopted some of their own.
How can Mr Lampathakis be in contempt of parliament when our public officials have also been untruthful to parliament, yet they weren't fined or jailed aren't they suppose to be the example. To impose jail or a fine on Mr Lampathakis would be the height of hypocrisy.
The people of this state have been fed the boom for breakfast, lunch and tea, so where has the money gone, why haven't there been significant changes to the increasing problems that exist within this state? This government have gone way beyond themselves, they have forgotten who they are suppose to represent.
The issue of Freedom of The Press is very important to the people, the shield law should have been past long before now, at least we know reporters are held accountable by the editor. Which is far more than can be said for public officials, seeing as we have to wait to vote them out. This parliamentary select committee how can they be un-biased?
To use the police in this manner was abuse, the only interest by government was to find out who was the whistle blower, the police are there to remove criminals and keep the law. I'm absolutely disgusted a government can place their own needs above the people they represent.
As for a government that's "open and accountable" when and to whom?
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Our Environment
English Scientists are advocating more research into the possible links between environmental pollution and type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. The Korean scientists found people were more at risk of diabetes if they were thin with high levels of POP's in their blood, than if they were over weight but with low levels of POP's
The British medical journal "Lancet" Dr's Jones and Griffin highlighted the need to research the possible link between persist ant organic pollutants, (POP's) and insulin resistance, which can lead to adult onset diabetes.
POP's is a group of chemicals which includes many pesticides such as dieldren, DDT, toxaphene and chlordane and several industrial chemical products or byproducts including polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB's, dioxins and furans. Correlation does not automatically imply causation, but if there is a link the health implications could be tremendous.
There has been almost no consideration in the past for the possible influence of environmental factors such as pollution. POP's came into prominence as effective pesticides with the introduction of DDT in the 1940. But many of these chemicals including DDT fell out of favour after the were blamed for the declining number of wild birds and other animals and the possible negative human health effects.
The Stockholm convention, an international treaty banning a dozen of the worlds most dangerous POP's that took effect in May 2004 has helped reduce exposures, but many such chemicals remain in use even those that have been banned may linger in the environment for years.
Once released POP's can travel long distances in the atmosphere before they are deposited on land or in water.Humans can be exposed to POP's through diet, occupational accidents and the environment. As these compounds biodegrade slowly, they continue to find their way into the food chain and ultimately into the blood streams of individuals.
This should give our government reason for serious thought when it comes to food grown here in Australia. Particularly notice should be given to foods that are entering through Free Trade Agreements, one container being check out of five is pathetic. Food imports are being permitted in from countries that don't pass our food standards, the sea foods that are grown in the "Mekong" delta and in Ti water ways are no different from growing in a sewer.
As an example chlordane was banned two decades ago in the United States but continue to be present at high levels in the US food supply. It is well documented that POP's can cause negative health effects.The US Environmental Protection Agency states that the pesticide chlordane eg. can cause cancer, can lead to behavioral disorders in children if exposed before birth or while nursing, harms the endocrine system, nervous system, digestive system and liver.
The British medical journal "Lancet" Dr's Jones and Griffin highlighted the need to research the possible link between persist ant organic pollutants, (POP's) and insulin resistance, which can lead to adult onset diabetes.
POP's is a group of chemicals which includes many pesticides such as dieldren, DDT, toxaphene and chlordane and several industrial chemical products or byproducts including polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCB's, dioxins and furans. Correlation does not automatically imply causation, but if there is a link the health implications could be tremendous.
There has been almost no consideration in the past for the possible influence of environmental factors such as pollution. POP's came into prominence as effective pesticides with the introduction of DDT in the 1940. But many of these chemicals including DDT fell out of favour after the were blamed for the declining number of wild birds and other animals and the possible negative human health effects.
The Stockholm convention, an international treaty banning a dozen of the worlds most dangerous POP's that took effect in May 2004 has helped reduce exposures, but many such chemicals remain in use even those that have been banned may linger in the environment for years.
Once released POP's can travel long distances in the atmosphere before they are deposited on land or in water.Humans can be exposed to POP's through diet, occupational accidents and the environment. As these compounds biodegrade slowly, they continue to find their way into the food chain and ultimately into the blood streams of individuals.
This should give our government reason for serious thought when it comes to food grown here in Australia. Particularly notice should be given to foods that are entering through Free Trade Agreements, one container being check out of five is pathetic. Food imports are being permitted in from countries that don't pass our food standards, the sea foods that are grown in the "Mekong" delta and in Ti water ways are no different from growing in a sewer.
As an example chlordane was banned two decades ago in the United States but continue to be present at high levels in the US food supply. It is well documented that POP's can cause negative health effects.The US Environmental Protection Agency states that the pesticide chlordane eg. can cause cancer, can lead to behavioral disorders in children if exposed before birth or while nursing, harms the endocrine system, nervous system, digestive system and liver.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Post Office
Someone in the Post Office deserves a star above:
Our 14 year old dog Abbey died last month. The day after she died, our 4year old daughter was crying and talking about how much she missed her. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. She dictated these words.
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my Dog Abbey? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven, I love her so very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog, even though she got sick. I hope that you will play with Abbey, she likes to play ball and swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.
We placed the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God in Heaven. We placed our return address on the back, then Meredith pasted several stamps onto the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots to get all the way to heaven.
That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet, I told her that I thought he had.
Today there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed To Meredith, in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it, inside was a book by Mr Rogers called, "When a Pet Dies". Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey and Meredith, and this note.
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in Heaven. Having the picture was a big help and I recognised Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick any more, her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.
Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep, and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for your beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you to write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have, I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find I am where ever there is love.
Love, God.
Our 14 year old dog Abbey died last month. The day after she died, our 4year old daughter was crying and talking about how much she missed her. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. She dictated these words.
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my Dog Abbey? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven, I love her so very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog, even though she got sick. I hope that you will play with Abbey, she likes to play ball and swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her, you will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith.
We placed the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God in Heaven. We placed our return address on the back, then Meredith pasted several stamps onto the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots to get all the way to heaven.
That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet, I told her that I thought he had.
Today there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed To Meredith, in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it, inside was a book by Mr Rogers called, "When a Pet Dies". Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey and Meredith, and this note.
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in Heaven. Having the picture was a big help and I recognised Abbey right away. Abbey isn't sick any more, her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart.
Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep, and have something to remember Abbey by. Thank you for your beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you to write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have, I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find I am where ever there is love.
Love, God.
Frustrations
I can understand why so many are fed up with hearing about the 'Boom' of a life time. Just what does it equate to for your average West Aussie? When summer arrived the public were told not to use air-conditioners, and limit power usage between 3-6pm because of a shortage of electricity.
The water problems had started some years previously when water restrictions were put in place, there were a variety of reasons given. Where we actually given the true facts of the situation? Enter the carbon neutral desalination plant , run from the wind farm at Emu Downs. (Totally untrue)
Now in Winter we're told to cut the use of gas and electricity for heating, 2 minute showers etc because of the gas explosion. Why haven't the government explained why they didn't have a back up contingency plan, in this gas rich state? They are quick to take from the tax payers, when it comes to parting or spending our hard earned taxes on what the people require to make this state function it's too expensive.
The hospital and health crisis is no better or any closer to being resolved, even with all the promises and hot air announcements. What happened to all the new (qualified) doctors and where have the nurses gone?Only last week doctors from a major hospital were threatening to walk out in mass, due to the long hours expected of them.
Our police and teachers are limited and underpaid for what's expected of them, and definitely treated with indifference. A flash new police station does not make crime go down, we need adequate police to cover the areas before they can make a difference..
Our taxes are among the highest in the country, the people expect to see problems being corrected or rectified not covered up. Now all utilities are to increase by approximately 10%, most things necessary to survive are being increased in price, except wages. The only "Boom" most experience in WA is the cost of living.
The water problems had started some years previously when water restrictions were put in place, there were a variety of reasons given. Where we actually given the true facts of the situation? Enter the carbon neutral desalination plant , run from the wind farm at Emu Downs. (Totally untrue)
Now in Winter we're told to cut the use of gas and electricity for heating, 2 minute showers etc because of the gas explosion. Why haven't the government explained why they didn't have a back up contingency plan, in this gas rich state? They are quick to take from the tax payers, when it comes to parting or spending our hard earned taxes on what the people require to make this state function it's too expensive.
The hospital and health crisis is no better or any closer to being resolved, even with all the promises and hot air announcements. What happened to all the new (qualified) doctors and where have the nurses gone?Only last week doctors from a major hospital were threatening to walk out in mass, due to the long hours expected of them.
Our police and teachers are limited and underpaid for what's expected of them, and definitely treated with indifference. A flash new police station does not make crime go down, we need adequate police to cover the areas before they can make a difference..
Our taxes are among the highest in the country, the people expect to see problems being corrected or rectified not covered up. Now all utilities are to increase by approximately 10%, most things necessary to survive are being increased in price, except wages. The only "Boom" most experience in WA is the cost of living.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
As Expected
On one hand business have said they back carbon trading, followed by "We won't foot the bill".
This was the blunt message from big business, this was their message a day before
Professor Garnaut delivers his report on the impact of an emissions trading scheme.
Greig Gailey from the Business Council in Sydney, addressed the CEDA or Committee for the Economic Development of Australia to inform them that businesses and industry can't be expected to absorb the inevitable higher energy costs. He said that consumers, households, other businesses and government should prepare to pay more,when business is forced to pass on additional costs.
Because the cost of purchasing carbon credits will fall to business in the first instance, they can not be expected to absorb these costs. Business will respond in the usual way by increasing the costs. He went on to say " Efforts to force business to absorb these cost or to limit the extent to which business can pass on carbon costs will only result in less investment, fewer jobs and lower growth". It seems each time something comes along that isn't to the multi nationals liking, we hear that same phrase or similar.
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Instead of companies being more worried about earning what they refer to as an adequate return on their investment . Isn't it time to take a step back and look at damage already done. We should all be prepared to do our part including our government, where are the renewable energies? Global Warming didn't just appear, other countries had already started working on and installing solar installations, and wind farms as well as new technologies.
Australia should be working on existing problems to which there are many, not allowing more companies to rape our country sending profits off shore. When they have taken all the resources and gone, just what will be left for the future generations of Australia?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Limited Future ?
To date there have been many reports regarding Climate Change, the question remains does our government realise just how serious the situation is? It's believed the currant target of a 60% cut by 2050 is unlikely to be effective.
New research warns measures to cut geenhouse gases need to be increased to keep temperatures increases below dangerous levels. The Australian National University report found the earth's ability to absorb carbon will decline as global warming increases, accelerating the rate of temperature change.
As global warming continues there is significant risk that the uptake of carbon by the oceans and terrestrial ecosystems will decline. Results being a greater proportion of each unit of emissions will stay in the atmosphere,the result a higher concentration of carbon and greater warming.
The author Mr Macintosh said "Decision makers often rely on data that doesn't account fully for information, so policy makers tend to overlook the importance of climate-carbon cycle feed back.It could result in abatement targets being set to low and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration objectives being exceeded".
It's believed that greater emission cuts are needed in an attempt to keep temperatures below 3 degrees. It's know many companies have refuted reports mainly due to the expense, or is it the bottom line? At the end of the day we need a country with a future for future generations, it's time for government to attain some vision.
The technology is available so why aren't Australia incorporating what's at hand in solar,wind,
wave power and geothermal while new technologys are researched and developed the excuse we hear time after time, "it's to expensive" is not an excuse at all!
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