Food for Thought …  What do you think?…

I started off writing a newspaper letter for ORCA members to have a read of but kept getting sidetracked wondering whether ORCA should be involved in any way in the November council elections in light of the massive challenges our society is facing. Normally I would prefer to be part of a non political group but local council seems to be the one form of government where the community can have a real chance to have a say and implement ideas locally. I understand that local government decisions can be thwarted by State and Federal Governments, but are we losing the chance to have a voice and actively push to make alternate energy projects a reality if we don’t get involved?

Should ORCA be putting up candidates or endorsing candidates?

Are there any members with the profile, skills and health who are prepared to stand?

Imagine the difference an informed council could make to the future of our town!!!

What do you think?

Letter re Apollo Bay Harbour Development  (unfinished)

The Colac Otway Shire has recently notified ratepayers of a 5 day ‘Enquiry by Design’ process to determine the future of the Apollo Bay harbour. Whilst at first glance this may appear a fitting conclusion to an ’18 year’ saga, on further reading the harbour proposal remains fundamentally flawed through the continued lack of consideration of the impact of climate change on the Apollo Bay coastline.

Scientific studies by the world Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Australian CSIRO and the Victorian Coastal Spaces Council state unequivocably that climate change will have severe impacts on coastal areas. Increases in extreme weather, ranging from storm surges, king tides, violent windstorms, rising sea levels, higher sea temperatures and acidification of the ocean will produce significant impacts for coastal communities like Apollo Bay.

Coastal erosion, which is already occurring, will also impact on the viability of the Great Ocean Road as a transport and tourist route. The Victorian government has recently appealed for Commonwealth money to shift vulnerable seaside towns inland. As reported in the Age on 17/8/2008, the Brumby government has lodged a submission to a Federal House of Representatives inquiry into climate change and coastal communities, asking for financial support for a ‘retreat and protect’ strategy that could ‘minimise energy relief funds potentially required from the Federal government in the future.’

The submission also urges the Commonwealth to bolster emergency management planning and help alert coastal communities to climate change threats.

Before further ratepayers dollars and state government taxes are spent on the harbour project, perhaps the Colac Otway Shire council should address the following issues in relation to Apollo Bay.

The potential impact of climate change on Apollo Bay relative to its geographical and oceanic position.
Should development be moved to higher ground and the hills of Apollo Bay?  b

Whilst this might appear sacrilegious to those who have fought to keep the green hills surrounding the town, it may be a good long term option in order to maintain a safe township and a future tourist industry.

Provision of access to and from Apollo Bay.

At present there is no road into or out of Apollo Bay if the Barham River and Wild Dog Creek become impassable due to either flooding (as in 1923 and 1952) or through ocean inundation. This is of major concern for the potential safety of the community if an unexpected event occurs, as well as being of importance to the tourist industry if erosion, and consequent repair and inaccessibility, becomes an issue along the Great Ocean Road.

Future transport needs.

The impact of the decreasing availability and the increasing price of petrol on the community, and its impact on the future of the tourist industry, need to be assessed. Also the provision of basic transport between Apollo Bay and Colac.

Protection of water resources and arable land.

Natural resources in the Colac Otway shire including aquifers, rivers, estuaries and lakes should be assessed for protection and reservation for the benefit of present and future generations.

Viability of renewable energy options and first class sustainability measures.

How can council support clean energy options especially solar, wind and wave energy?  As well as helping the planet, both the tourist and building industries could benefit if Apollo Bay becomes a ‘showcase’ town known for its innovation and best practice.

The local government elections to be held in November 2008 will be of great significance to the future of our region if the councillors who are elected are prepared to……

• represent the voters who elect them without fear or favour
• seek information on climate change issues
• actively support initiatives like renewable, clean energy options
• work with the relevant authorities to protect and reserve water sources and arable land for the benefit of local food production and ecosystems
• develop policies to aid drought stricken areas of the shire and prepare for the arrival of new pests as a result of global warming
• work for shire voters in a similar way to Community Banks providing sound financial management while representing the wishes of the community
• provide the community with the knowledge to make informed decisions for the future