Environmental Protests to Take Place in Port of Newcastle

The Port of Newcastle will play host to the Australian outlet of an international protest on climate change, focusing on asking the world to walk away from fossil fuels.

The peaceful protest  is under the banner Break Free and is being conducted in association with Greenpeace.

Hundreds of Australians are expected to attend the event running from May 7-8, with thousands expected to attend around the world, with peaceful protests taking place in the United Kingdom, Canada and South Africa.

"We are in a climate crisis right now, there's no other way to put it" said Dr Nikola Casule from Greenpeace Australia.

"February was the hottest month on record, we've had places in the Arctic that effectively had no winter.

"There are certain parts of the Arctic that were 16 degrees above normal."

It comes after Environment Minister Greg Hunt attended the Paris climate conference late last year, signing the commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

"The Turnbull Government has so far maintained the policies of the Abbott Government" said Dr Casule.

He went on to say Break Free's goal is to force elective representatives to take real action on climate change, and calling on Parliament to implement policies that can make a change.

However, Dr Casule has said reducing carbon emissions needs to include the reduction of Australia's exportation of coal.

"Australian carbon emission is only a small part of what we really need to be talking about.

"It's our exports that are our biggest contribution to global warming, and to stop that we need to keep coal in the ground."

One of Australia's largest exports is coal, with millions of dollars coming in from nations across the world, including China.

"The debate you hear in Canberra kind of misses the point if it's not talking about a reduction in the Australian coal industry" said Dr Casule.

Image courtesy of The Australian (LINK).

State Government to Debate of Port Stephens/Newcastle Merger

The State Government has set a time and date to begin debating over the legitimacy of a merger between Port Stephens and Newcastle Councils.

The debate will take place in NSW Parliament House on March 23

The debate will go ahead at 4.30pm on March 23rd after 10 000 concerned residents signed a petition shown to the Government.

It comes after months of fierce campaigning against the merger by Port Stephens Council, who were deemed Fit for the Future during an evaluation by IPART late last year.

Parliament had a similar debate surrounding two Council's in Sydney, who were also opposed to the merger.

During the debate, Minister for Local Government, Paul Toole said the decisions were based on evidence that suggested the merger was appropriate.

But Port Stephens MP Kate Washington objected to the claims, later saying "these processes had been completely thrown out the window and seen boundaries drawn, like Port Stephens and Newcastle."

Port Stephens Mayor Bruce MacKenzie said yesterday that a merger between Dungog and Port Stephens would be more appropriate, but Washington says Council has done to little to late.

"They should have been having these conversations earlier on in the process.

"Out Council had its head in the sand, thinking it was all fine.  But all along, the Government has been asking all Councils to have these discussions."

But Washington is adamant the debate later this month will be an eye-opener for Premier Mike Baird.

"I know it's gonna be a fiery Parliament on the 23rd of March.

"Its just an opportunity to bring it to the Premier's doorstep, and to show him the extent to which our community is opposed to this merger."

Image courtesy of Red Rubble (LINK).

Award Celebrates Contribution by Over 65's

Port Stephens residents are called on to nominate a senior citizen who has made their region a better place for the 2016 Seniors Local Achievement Award.

The award recognises over 65's who have made a real difference to their community through any of their chosen fields.

Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington says the awards are a great way to showcase seniors who have given back.

"There are people that contribute as part of their roles in any of the service clubs, lions clubs, rotaries" she said.

"There's just so many different ways people are contributing and strengthening our community."

People can nominate seniors by calling Washington's office on 4987 4455, or via Email at portstephens@parliamnet.nsw.gov.au.

"I'm really hopeful that people will contact me office to nominate people for this award"  Washington said.

"There's a wealth of people [who] could possibly be nominated."

Nominations close March 25th, with the winners announced as part of the 10 day-long NSW Seniors Festival, which runs from April 1-10. 

Image courtesy of the Boroondara Bulletin (LINK).