NANNAS CAST ONTO THE BLOG AGAIN

Where have we been lately?

The Grafton Nannas have been indulging in too many nanna naps to post anything on the blog for ages.  But they haven't been ignoring matters gaseous.  The Nannas have continued with knit-ins at their usual venue outside the office of local member, Chris Gulaptis, MP.  And they have enjoyed nanna natters over several relaxed morning teas and an end of year nanna lunch.

But it's time we returned to serious matters!


Nannas Concerned about Salty Water Produced During Gas Mining

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas Against Gas have written to their local State Member of Parliament, Chris Gulaptis, about the environmental threat posed by the water produced during the gas mining process.

Nanna Lynette delivers the letter to Chris Gulaptis' office.

The Nannas understand that this water is usually very saline and that it is produced in large quantities.  Obviously the miners need to take great care in dealing with this liquid so that there is not a repeat of the 10,000 litre spillage that occurred some years ago in the Pilliga (in central NSW).

The Nannas asked Mr Gulaptis what precautions the State Government was taking to ensure that the produced water was safely stored and disposed of safely.

They believe that there is a need for regulation and also an effective monitoring/compliance framework so that mining companies do not shirk their responsibilities to the NSW community.

They also cautioned the Government about any proposal to let the industry self-regulate on this matter saying such a move "would be extremely risky and would not be in the interests of the community".

The Government's regulation of the gas mining industry leaves a great deal to be desired.  Government action has only happened following considerable public pressure and even then measures have usually been tokenistic (as in the case of the 2 km exclusion zone).  The Nannas expect rhat there will be a similar reluctance to act effectively on this matter.


Where were our Local Federal MPs when the Franklins came to Canberra?

Glenugie farmers Donna and Mick Franklin rode horses from Grafton to Canberra to protest against Metgasco's coal seam gas mining in their area.  They arrived in Canberra on  December 3 after an epic 74 day journey along the Bicentennial Trial.  The Franklins and others in their party were joined by other Clarence Valley people (including Knitting Nanna Sarah) outside Parliament House.

They must have been disappointed that the federal local members, Luke Hartsuyker (Cowper) and the newly elected Kevin Hogan (Page) did not bother to meet them on their arrival. The Glenugie area is in Hartsuyker's electorate but people from Page were also involved in the ride - and in the Glenugie protest and blockade which encouraged the Franklins to embark on their protest ride.

It was not really surprising that Hartsuyker was not present as he has never shown any concern about CSG or the Metgasco activities at Glenugie.  However, Hogan campaigned strongly against CSG in the recent federal election. So the Nannas are left wondering if Mr Hogan, influenced by his National and Liberal Party colleagues, is now re-thinking his anti-CSG stance.

The Daily Examiner's report of the Franklins' arrival in Canberra.

I

Honesty in Question?

The Nannas were quite upset on Polling Day to find that the Nationals had openly attempted to deceive the electorate by displaying signs as pictured below.

CSG Mining (Unconventional Gas Mining) is predominantly a state issue and the Nannas think this is stretching things a tad too far.

The Federal Govt can have some input on Gas Mining as indicated by the recent passing of the 'Water Trigger Legislation'. The fact that Janelle Saffin strongly pushed this legislation shows how concerned she was about gas mining in her electorate.

The Nannas will be meeting with Mr Hogan in the not too distant future to discuss this and many other issues of concern to them.

YET ANOTHER NEW VENUE FOR A KNIT-IN

The Grafton Nannas have been quite nomadic in the last few weeks!  The Federal Election inspired them to move around town - last week to the campaign office of the Nationals' candidate, Kevin Hogan, and this week to the campaign office of the sitting federal member, Janelle Saffin M.P

The Nannas delivered a letter to their local member, similar to the letter that was delivered to the National candidate's campaign office at the  knit-in the week before.  As Ms Saffin was campaigning elsewhere in the electorate, the Nannas delivered the letter and a gift of  one of Lynette's elegant Nanna necklaces to a campaign volunteer.

Letter and gift delivery.

Page MP Janelle Saffin is opposed to CSG mining in her electorate - a fact which really pleases the Nannas.  It is truly wonderful when your parliamentary representative actually represents the interests of the majority of her/his electorate - something we Nannas regret does not happen enough throughout our nation.  Far too often MPs are tied to the policies of their parties which are often not in the interests of the communities they represent.

The Nannas have found it very refreshing to knit in different parts of town for the last two knit-ins.  They have had nannerly chats with dozens of passers-by about their knitting and the gas-mining industry.

NANNA HEAD DECORATION

 
NANNA  CREATIVITY

Maureen's Tea Cosy - top pompom to come

 

Deb's Triangle - part of a chain

The Nannas know that Mr Gulaptis, our state MP, has been missing the Nanna knit-ins outside his Grafton office in the last few  weeks.  But, as soon as the election is over, the Nannas will be back in their old haunt!

The Nannas just had to lend their support to the federal election - and show that they know the federal parliament has powers over gas mining - powers they want to see continued and, if possible, strengthened.

NEW KNIT-IN VENUE

Last Thursday the  Grafton Nannas left their usual knit-in haunt and set up their chairs outside the campaign office of National Party candidate for Page,  Kevin Hogan.  We thought it was time that we gave a little nannerly attention to the federal election campaign.

Mr Hogan was elsewhere in the electorate but the Nannas had a very pleasant chat with one of his youthful helpers and handed over a letter about Nanna concerns.  We didn't leave a yellow flower as they are reserved for State MP Chris Gulaptis but Lynette left Mr Hogan a memento - her crocheted triangles to decorate his car rear-vision mirror.

Letter Delivery Team

THE NANNAS' LETTER TO MR HOGAN

The Grafton Chapter of Knitting Nannas Against Gas understands that you are opposed to coal seam gas mining in the Northern Rivers area.  While this is very reassuring, we trust that you are also against other forms of unconventional gas mining (such as tight sand and shale gas mining) in our area.

While we applaud you for reflecting the position of the community in our electorate, we have serious concerns about the Coalition Parties' position on mining.  It is clear that the Coalition would encourage the expansion of mining in the belief that it is beneficial to the economy.  Politicians often become obsessed with economic arguments and fail to see the downsides of an industry such as mining – particularly in relation to the general community's amenity and health as well as the health of the natural environment on which we all rely.

If the Coalition were to form Government after the election, what would its position be on gas mining – particularly on gas mining in our area?  What would be your position if you were elected and a Coalition Government was intent on encouraging the development of gas mining in our area?

* * * * * * * * *

The Nannas enjoyed the different venue and the opportunity to meet with people in a busier part of the town than their usual spot.  The next knit-in will be at yet another venue.  Variety is certainly the spice of  life for the hard-knittin' Grafton Nannas!

French knitting progresses.

Anti CSG Tiger - the next project

NANNA  GUEST  OF THE  DAY

Chook Against Gas, Speckledy, checks the Nannafesto

ANOTHER KNIT-IN - ANOTHER LETTER

The Grafton Loop of the Knitting Nannas held their weekly knit-in as usual outside the office of Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis on Thursday 22nd August.

Nannas pause for refreshments.

It was time for another letter to our hard-working parliamentary representative Chris Gulaptis.  The reason  - another move by the NSW Government to disempower local communities and help their mining friends.  The Government is proposing to amend the Mining State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) so that community groups have less chance of taking the government's planning decisions about mining to the courts.

The Nannas' concerns in their letter to Mr Gulaptis

The Knitting Nannas are writing to you again because we are appalled that the Government is proposing to disempower local communities even further when it comes to mining development.  We object very strongly to the amendment to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Mining, Petroleum Production and Extractive Industries).

 The proposed amendment means that the "significance" of the "resource" (be it a coal or gas resource or whatever) to the economy becomes the central consideration in the approvals process.  This means that other matters of importance to the local community – such as their amenity, health, water resources, and the natural environment – will be downgraded to minor considerations.

The Knitting Nannas fear that the Government is forgetting the importance of those people they are supposed to represent – the general community.  We also note that many people are becoming increasingly concerned about the continuation of governments' anxiety to promote mining despite public unease.

We believe that this amendment to the SEPP should be abandoned in the interests of the general community and our children and grandchildren.

 Letter Delivery Team with letter & flower.

A couple of determined Nannas.

(No messin' with us!)

Every time the Grafton Nannas deliver a letter to Mr Gulaptis' office they present him with a charming yellow flower.    By now he should have a sizeable bouquet - or maybe a wreath - to decorate his office and remind him of Nanna concerns!

 NANNAS  LIKE  TO  LEARN  NEW  SKILLS

French knitting

NANNA  CREATIVITY

 

And then there was the little memento of our visit - not a yarn bomb this time.

Non-yarn Bomb

METGASCO REMINDED OF THE KNITTING NANNAS

 Three Nannas from the Grafton Loop travelled to Casino to join their northern compatriots - those  intrepid Lismore area ladies -  for a knit-in, catch up and general chin-wag outside the office of CSG company Metgasco on the northern side of town.

Busy Nannas

The door and the venetians of the office were closed and there was nary a sighting of those within while the Nannas clacked their needles.  Maybe it was a Metgasco holiday or maybe the sight of that gathering of venerable Nannas and their yellow yarn encouraged them to lie doggo.  Or perhaps it was all those car and truck horns tooting in support of the anti-CSG movement.

This Nanna loved the toots!

And there were plenty of toots from those driving by - some of them prolonged and very enthusiastic - and much delighted waving from the Nannas.

Once again the Nannas showed what a talented bunch they were.

High Nanna fashion- the latest in crocheted hats.

Messages even on the coffee cup!

Did they grow it, bottle it or label it?

And there's an exciting new label in Northern Rivers Wine in a celebration of recent campaigns.

And  the Grafton Nannas particularly loved the bottle of Glenugie memories.  Well done Northern Nannas.  We'll toast your achievement and your success! Confusion to your enemies!!

Knittin' In

The gals settled in for a nice knitting time this morning out the front of Chris's office.

Creativity was the order of the day!

Mmmmm what to do next week, no more decorations on the handrail we are told . . .

What is happening here? Is there a Nanna fishing - no its those little cherries on a needle.

Flag of KNAG - on top of things?

Triangular trail of trial and tribulations . . .

A significant piece - drill holes being blocked by many, many triangles!

Yarn bomb

A couple of little cherries :)

NANNAS CONCERNED ABOUT GOVERNMENT'S NEW PLANNING SYSTEM

Grafton Nannas once again carried their chairs and needles and settled outside the office of Clarence MP Chris Gulaptis to knit, plot and chatter AND to deliver a letter outlining their concerns about the NSW Government's proposed new planning system.

The Nannas enjoying working with the yellow yarn.

The Nannas' letter, delivered to the office with the usual yellow flower, urged our MP to speak to the Minister for Planning about making the proposed new planning system more community-friendly.

(We did not deliver the letter personally to Mr Gulaptis because he left the office and was away for such a long time that we thought he was avoiding us.  Hard to believe that our MP would want to avoid talking to such charming, harmless Nannas!  However, we were SO pleased that he returned just as we were about to leave and had a brief chat with us.)

The Nannas believe the Government's proposed changes give too much power to industry and development interests.  We want to see:

1. The principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) incorporated in the new system.
2. Rights for the ordinary community to access judicial review to remedy unlawful decisions made under the legislation for State Significant Development - including for coal mines and gas fields.
3. Removal of restrictions on third party merit appeals.
4. Incorporation of the environmental protections in the current planning system in the new system.

We hope to hear that Mr Gulaptis is lobbying enthusiastically on our behalf and the behalf of all the kiddies who have to live in the world that we are shaping.

In the meantime the Nannas will continue their regular knit-ins.  We enjoy so much our Nanna companionship, exercising our fingers, discussing our projects and chatting with the passers-by.

Speckledy, a Chook Against Gas, and a new friend kept the Nannas company.

GTown Knit-In

Well the gals were out and about today outside you know who's office. Muffled noises were coming from the inside, but the door was locked with a sign saying no-one was home :(

Interesting that you-know-who and that other National Candidate sped off in the big sign-written van upon sighting the Nannas.

Maybe it was the sight of all that yellow . . .

What a scary bunch we are!

QLD Nanna legends

 Queensland Nannas, Erica and Marianne with the stunning Ms Tara and progeny!

I did hear on the grapevine that these lovely nannas and friends were last seen leaving the gasfields of Tara for the cleaner surrounds of Warwick!

WOW these Nannas sure know how to create!!!

TARA (from the QLD Nannas)
Tara is a popular tantric deity of Tibetan Buddhism. She is an emanation of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, and she represents the female aspect of compassion.

Tara manifests in many forms. Two common forms are White Tara, who brings peace and long life; and Green Tara, who overcomes obstacles and saves beings in danger.
 
Photos courtesy Erica & Marianne

Ms Tara of QLD

GRAFTON NANNAS TRAVEL TO LISMORE FOR KNIT-IN

Four Knitting Nannas from the Grafton Loop travelled to Lismore on Monday 9th May. 

After stopping off in Casino for coffee, we visited the new Casino Environment Centre.  What a good  job those volunteers have done! The Centre is centrally located and has been beautifully decorated.  We Nannas particularly admired the comfy lounge chairs in the room adjacent to the shop - just the place for a tired Nanna to have a gentle snooze in the afternoon!  And there were some attractive local products on sale including soap "handmade in Nimbin by clean hippies", wooden photo frames, earings, and macadamia oil.

At Lismore we joined our wonderful northern compatriots, the Lismore Nannas,  for a knit-in outside the office of Lismore State MP Thomas George.

 The needles clicked and the tongues clacked as the two groups enjoyed a chat about their knitting projects and the current status of the coal seam gas campaign.  One passer-by, after assuring us that he supported our anti-CSG stance, asked why we were still campaigning as we had won the battle.  We pointed out that the battle was  far from over, that the CSG industry would be back and we were remaining vigilant.

The cool breeze encouraged Dorothy to don her knitted coat of many colours which was admired by the Lismore ladies, some of whom have been inspired to make a  knitted coat their next project.   Dorothy also performed her wonderful poem"Knitting Nannas" - which was greatly appreciated by the Lismore ladies.

Lynette has been very active and creative since our last knit-in and had some interesting products to show - crocheted bracelets, a very modish crocheted necklace and a smart phone cover sporting a Nanna logo.

We of the Grafton Loop really enjoyed our knit-in and will bring our needles to Lismore again. The Lismore Nannas indicated that they would travel south for a knit-in at Grafton some time  in the future.  We look forward to that.

REFLECTIONS ON GLENUGIE

Glenugie drill site on  8th February.  Traumatron to the right.

All has been quiet at the former Metgasco drill site at Glenugie now for about three weeks.  The drill and all the infrastructure have gone - except for the double fence.  Even that dramatic machine - the traumatron - which held up Metgasco's removal from the site, has gone.

The traumatron

It's interesting to look back on those from elsewhere who joined  Clarence Valley locals in the vigil and blockade.  Some of these supporters were day visitors but others camped along the side of the road or on nearby properties. There was some fancy accommodation (caravans and campervans), while some slept in vehicles and others in tents - many of these being makeshift shelters. Some  campers stayed for weeks; some remained for days, then took a break back home before returning to Glenugie.

Amonst the visiting supporters the Grafton KNAGs enjoyed meeting were our northern Nanna mentors - who showed their talents in knitting, crafting decorations and then displaying these on the protesters' Christmas tree.

Glenugie was visited by a number of politicians - Greens MLC Jeremy Buckingham and Federal Member for Clarence Janelle Saffin.  Another Greens MLC, Jan Barham from Byron Bay, joined the Knitting Nannas for a knit-in while she was at the site.

The Mayors of Lismore and Byron also visited as did several of their fellow councillors.

Interestingly most local politicians did not seem to think the Glenugie action of sufficient significance to rate a visit - even though they did not have far to travel!  Clarence Valley Councillors Margaret McKenna and Jason Kingsley were the exceptions.

Regrettably our local state member, Chris Gulaptis, did not visit the site.  When the Nannas spoke to him outside his office in Grafton on  January 25, they offered to escort him to the site so that he could see it for himself and talk to the  locals there.  He declined.  Later, in a letter to the Nannas he said that he would visit the site a a time mutually suitable to him and the property owner.

The Nannas don't know whether that happened - but his visit should have been made when Metgasco was working at the site.  A visit after they had left was pointless.

A sign left across the road from the deserted drill site says it all