Minister Felix Ellis emphasized personal responsibility in fire safety during the launch of Tasmania’s “You light it, you own it” campaign on January 20, 2025. He highlighted the extreme bushfire risks in Tasmania and urged citizens to prevent reckless fires. However, concerns arose about the government’s plans to expedite renewable energy projects, including high voltage transmission lines, which may heighten bushfire risks. The connection to past disasters, like the 2009 Black Saturday fires, raises questions about accountability and safety in light of community opposition to these developments.
Category: Environment
CROSSROADS: The Fight for Fairness in Tasmania
Adam Martin, an Independent Candidate for Braddon, highlights the growing influence of oligarchy in Australia’s democracy, particularly in Tasmania. He asserts that the wealthy are manipulating the political landscape, pushing aside local farmers and businesses for profit. Martin calls for a return to economic fairness, prioritizing small industries, affordable housing, and accessible energy for Tasmanians. He demands transparency in politics to reclaim democracy from corporate influence, urging the community to stand together for their values against increasing oligarchic control.
PROTECTING OUR OCEANS, OUR FUTURE
In an impactful reflection, Robin Weare discusses the detrimental effects of overseas-owned fish farming on Tasmania’s coastal ecosystems, particularly Parsons Bay. After relocating from Nubeena, she expresses concern for future generations, questioning whether they will experience clean oceans and vibrant marine life. Despite the industry’s claims of job creation, it contributes marginally to local employment and taxes, while profiting greatly from Tasmania’s resources. Weare urges Tasmanians to unite against this exploitation, advocating for environmental preservation and local interests in the upcoming elections.
ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER – LET’S TALK ABOUT TREES!
Environmental Corner with Geoffrey Curtis is a regular feature on the Braddon Beagle. Trees play a crucial role in providing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, a process that has existed for about two billion years, initially due to cyanobacteria. Notable discoveries include the Bristle Cone Pine, the oldest known living tree at nearly 4,800 years, and the Wollemi Pine, over 60 million years old, which reproduces by cloning. Furthermore, ancient trees demonstrate remarkable interconnectedness, communicating via root systems to support each other. The article invites readers to appreciate and connect with trees in their natural habitats.
ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER – LET’S TALK ABOUT GEOTHERMAL AND WAVE ENERGY
Environmental Corner with Geoffrey Curtis will be a regular feature on the Braddon Beagle.
Today’s article discusses the emerging technologies of geothermal and wave energy as renewable sources in Australia. It highlights the challenges of geothermal energy extraction compared to Iceland’s accessibility and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, it introduces Wave Swell Energy’s innovation in harnessing wave energy, emphasizing the need for financial support and collaboration to advance green energy initiatives in Australia.
ROBBINS ISLAND: WHERE THE WIND BLOWS FREE OR INDUSTRIAL WINDFARM?
WHERE THE WIND BLOWS FREE OR INDUSTRIAL WINDFARM?
Why is the government hell bent on building a windfarm on Robbins Island, a sensitive environmental area and crucial to the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot?
PRESS RELEASE – MARINUS LINK
While we were all enjoying the holidays in early January, too occupied with other things to notice, Marinus submitted a Development Permit Application with the Burnie City Council. The proposal involves the construction and operation of two converter stations and one switching station located in Heybridge, Tasmania.
SNIPPITS
Geoffrey Curtis’ goal is to be informative, interesting, diverse, probing, and, when necessary, controversial. His aim is to give readers insight into Local, State, National, and Global topics.
PLIGHT OF THE WEDGIES
Al Hort and his wife own several hectares of pasture and forest where they enjoy being able to observe Tasmanian Wedged-Tailed Eagles play and hunt.
The following article is a very personal account about the plight of the Wedgies with some important questions that need answering.
RESILIENCE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
In recent times there has been a lot of talk in government about resilience. As a nation we are reeling from large-scale weather-related events such as the Victorian bushfires, and multiple Queensland floods. I’m not an academic or a climate scientist but I can see that things are changing, and uncertainty is increasing.
Australians are being forced to react dramatically to a range of disruptive events – and we’re unprepared. It’s difficult for emergency services and the military to respond to the surge in scale and frequency of calls for help both in our communities and overseas. Help is too late and not there when it’s needed.
Are you prepared?