Elissa Jenkins – Green Grrl

For pics visit www.elissa.info/nodams/

Today I attended the No Dams protest at Kanganda. The State Government is proposing to build a dam on the Mary River, resuming about 500 residents and threatening the survival of the Mary River Turtle, Mary River Cod, the lungfish and a frog. The proposal is flawed because it is aimed at helping solve the water crisis, but the dam won’t hold enough water to make a significant impact. Additionally, there’s no need to even consider damming the river as there are other alternative solutions to consider first (e.g. water tanks). For more, visit www.nodams.org.au.

I picked up Dr Jean Joss from the airport and drove her to join in the protest at Kanganda and speak at University of Sunshine Coast. Jean, who flew in from Sydney for the protest, is an expert on the threatened lungfish (or Dala as the indigenous folk call it). It’s apparently the oldest living vertibrate which means it’s really really old (therefore significant and valuable) and also helpful to study evolution.

After watching Bob Brown lead 120 canoes in a ‘Flotilla of Hope’ on the Mary River, I went to Kandanga Hall where Bob was giving a speech. I staffed the Greens stall and we sold heaps of No Dams badges, stickers and signs. Although I didn’t hear it myself, Bob’s speech worked a treat. Thanks Bob!

After that we drove to Sunshine Coast Uni where Jean, Jo Bragg from Environmental Defenders Office and Bob spoke. A local indigenous woman, Eve, introduced us to the name Dala, the Aboriginal name for ‘lungfish’. I appreciated her passion and historical information. It was so important to hear it. I hope to help Eve in her aspect of the campaign.

It was a good day. Great to see city and country folk coming together. There should be more of it.

Tonight I attended the launch of The Greens No Dams campaign. Enjoyed a bit of music, a touching and inspiring film about Tassie’s legendary Franklin River campaign and – at the end of the evening – a speech from Senator Bob Brown.

Bob is spending the weekend visiting those who would be closely affected should the Logan River and Mary River be dammed and inspiring action from all those interested in preserving the natural environment.

It’s all about water, water, water – and there are other options aside from silly dams.

This is the start of a long debate – a debate that will be won Mr Beattie. Let’s not drag it out. I’ve got better things to do on my weekends.

Dear Mr Greg Bourne and WWF Australia team,

I read with dismay the news that WWF Australia has accepted the federal government’s push to expand uranium mining and
exports.

As a Generation X Australian, I cannot believe I am going to have to be part of renewing an anti-nuclear campaign that I thought was fought and won 20 years ago.

I am absolutely dumbfounded that an environmental organisation in Australia is supporting this ludicrous idea.

I write inform you of my thoughts and let you know that I will not be donating any further money to WWF until you reverse your decision.

I understand that WWF International opposes nuclear power as a clean-energy alternative to greenhouse intensive coal-fired power

I pity the staff at WWF – some of who I am certain will not support the organisation’s decision. I hope they find another environmental organisation to work in that will fulfill the very real and rightious goals of the environmental movement in Australia.

Regards,

Elissa Jenkins, Brisbane.
elissa@race.net.au
0418 786 986