John Butler Supports Saving the Kimberley Coast From Industrialisation

Day 27
Today many people joined the Goolaraboloo Family at Millibinyarriat  to show support at the beginning of the Lurujarri heritage trail. Everyone was welcome to come together and celebrate Reconciliation. The trail is an annual event which has run for many years as a way of bringing cultures together and sharing the stories of the song cycle which includes the Country proposed for the gas plant. Over a week Traditional Custodians guide people from all culture to walk the trail and learn. This is a shining light of reconciliation and cross-cultural learning.  Founded by the late Paddy Roe Law Boss for the James Price Point region, who earned the honor of Order Of Australia for his contributions to culture and reconciliation. The trail and the protection of the Law is continued by Joe Roe and family. A Gas Factory cutting the songline would destroy culture and damage Country – Joe Roe and his family have a cultural and moral obligation to stop this travesty from going ahead. THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES.

Today at the blockade we seem to have returned to the pattern established over the past few weeks. Convoy parks up the road. One car comes to blockade. Today 2 Police oversaw discussion with Woodside hired security. They were told that they would not be allowed through to clear or drill. Soon after they all turned around and headed back to town.

However later in the day police have headed out to assess the situation and numbers at the blockade and Waldaman camps. This is ominous but people are positive that the community will be strong in the face of any attempts to clear or drill at James Price Point.

Read more stories here
http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/
http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/

Some Sad News For Tim Taylor Trying To Circumnavigate NZ In One GO

Tim Taylor's, 24, plan to circumnavigate New Zealand in his kayak is over. Photo / Alan Gibson

My mate Tim (we have never meet, though have shared stories and ideas through the lead up, the participating and the end of our journeys; that where active at the same time, and thus we both understand each others experiences well and share comradeship) who was trying get right around NZ, the same Summer I was trying to paddle the length of Just one side of NZ, has unfortunately come to a loggers heads and has pulled the PIN. I know the feeling of disappointment he feels at what is lost, though also we feel great achievement in what has passed under the hull of our boats along the way. He has a lot to be stoked about  especially the hype for sea kayaking in NZ and around the world that he has created.  David H. Johnston writes on his blog site; www.paddlinginstructor.com:

"To be honest, I have never seen so much local media attention for any expedition as this one. It seems that two thirds of New Zealand has been closely following along. The other one third is made up of grumpy old people or kids under 16 who are way to cool to care."  Full article here

Good on yah Tim, you have earned a lot of respect and awe at trying (and almost succeeding at)something very very hard to accomplish. Respect.

Jaime

 Tim Writes

"Well folks I’m sad to say but the dream is over. Having spent weeks on shore waiting for the correct conditions to get around Cape Reinga, I finally admitted defeat this week and made the hard decision to return home yesterday morning via airplane. I know this may come as a bit of a shock to all of you have supported me throughout this whole expedition but it is not a decision that I came to lightly. Since arriving in Ahipara, at the base of 90mile Beach, I have been patiently waiting for a weather gap that would have allowed me to get up and around Cape Reinga. For those of you, who aren’t familiar with this area of NZ, just imagine a single stretch of beach that is roughly 85km long (it’s not 90miles like the name suggests). At the top are 3 different Capes to go around, including Cape Reinga which is where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet. Then it’s a 40km run, down the beaches on the East Coast, to the safety of Hohoura harbour. Now you might ask “what’s so hard about all off that, you’ve just done most of NZ”. The trouble with this area is that I’m switching between 2 coasts and 2 different water masses in a very short space of time and as a general rule, it’s fair to say that you don’t often get calm weather on both coasts at the same time i.e. if it’s calm on one coast, it will be rough on the other.  Then there is Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, aptly named ‘Meeting of the Waters’. This area can be an extremely violent place, with huge currents and both standing and breaking waves. There is not a single commercial skipper who does not treat this area respect this area because even in a big boat they know that it could destroy them in seconds if given the chance. So yeh, a real fun place in a kayak. 

Knowing all of these factors, I really did need a settled period of weather. Not only that but I needed less than 2m of swell on both coasts and unfortunately I just don’t believe that I will get these conditions until possibly next spring. On top of this I was extremely worried about my loss in fitness due to my enforced stay on land. Facing an area that is so extremely tough, I wanted to be at or near my peak or else I would just be asking for trouble. In the end I decided that this would be best achieved if I was at home where I have variety of training options and support. Trust me it wasn’t an easy decision to come to having already achieved so much, but I think it was the right decision in terms of safety and my own sanity.

I would really like to thank everyone who has been involved in my expedition. There are literally thousands of you and I never felt like I was alone while out on the ocean.  At the top of the list is my family, who have provided me with un-wavering support right from the beginning. Dealing with a moody athlete is often not easy but they are always there and for some reason they still love me haha. Then there are my friends, both local and abroad, who have also been behind me from the beginning. Simple things like quick txt message or a dodgy story from home were huge moral boosters and helped me to get through some tough times. There are my sponsors, who have faithfully supported me with both equipment and technical advice, not to mention many of them becoming extremely good friends. I back all of the gear and brands that I used simply because if I can’t break it, it must be good. There is everyone who I have met along the way. So many people invited me into their homes and their lives and offered me accommodation, a meal, or even just a cuppa and I have been completely humbled by people’s generosity. And finally there is everyone who I haven’t met. On a daily basis mum would read out messages of support that had come through my website and I can say that it truly blowed me away. There were literally thousands of messages from all over NZ and around the world so a huge thanks to all of you who offered encouragement, prayers, and continued inspiration. There is no way I’ll ever be able to pay you all back but I will never forget the generosity and support that I have received so far.  

From this point I really don’t know where things will be going. I have spent the past 18 months totally dedicated to this expedition and for once I don’t have all the answers. Practically all I know is kayaking and the ocean and I fear that may be a bit hard to adjust back to a normal life. Over the coming weeks I will be sitting down with friends, family, and sponsors to decide on future. Unfortunately I won’t be claiming any sort of record like I had hoped but there are many ways of doing things so I’ve just got to figure out a new one. 

Until then everyone, keep an eye on the website from time to time and I’ll let you know how things progress. "


Tim.


Read more of Tims Journey and his upcoming plans to finish of the coast here.

www.nzkayaker.com

And my Journey here

www.kayakdownundernz.blogspot.com

Protest camp at James Price Point – update day3

The lowloader with the Bulldozer on-board remains in one place on the road to Walmadan, campfires light the night sky and the Goolarabooloo people and their supporters remain steadfast. MURRANJI PHOTOGRAPHY 2011

June 9th, 2011 The protest camp at Waldaman near James Price Point is in positive and strong spirit. After holding up the bulldozer’s progress along the road for another five hours this morning thoughts are turning to the next efforts to protect Country and stop the pre-emptive land clearing. All the folks at the camp would like to thank everyone for all the support and the donations of food and supplies.
Still there has been no land cleared by Bulldozer on country and all involved  are determined that this will not happen.
If you can get there tomorrow  your presence will be very important.
If you are interested in traveling to the Kimberley to help out look at http://kimberleydirectaction.wordpress.com/
Want to help Save The Kimberley? http://www.givenow.com.au/savethekimberley
or look at what can I do to help and how to write a letter.

The roadblock vehicle is removed by Broome Shire workers. MURRANJI PHOTOGRAPHY 2011

The roadblock vehicle is removed by Broome Shire workers. MURRANJI PHOTOGRAPHY 2011

update day 2 Kimberley protest against James Price Point gas

Sourced from www.savethekimberley.com 

Latest: 10:14 pm Goolaraboolo family and supporters are currently sitting in front of the bulldozer. They will not move. They expect more police at dawn to move the dozer. Please – lots of people early to support please – Day 3 tomorrow is shaping up as another big one..
5:32 pm 8th June 2011: Both Shane and Shayne have just been cut off the bulldozer and car respectively. For local hero Shane that represents one of the longer ‘lock ons’ in protest history. This is not the end of the story, no matter where you are – if you can get out there soon. The Country needs you.
The protest is ongoing as of tonight:
“Protesters and police camped on the site of the blockade last night and are expected to remain in the position about 15km from James Price Point into tonight.
Broome Shire earthmoving equipment remains on site to clear the road but at this stage cannot make it down the road as two cars have broken down blocking a route to another derelict vehicle further down the track.” Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/9602243 accessed 6:03PM WA 08/06/11

Joseph Roe, Goolarabooloo Lawman and Traditional Owner of James Price Point (Walmadan) standing firm on the Manari Rd to James Price Point. MURRANJI PHOTOGRAPHY 2011

If you are interested in traveling to the Kimberley to help out look at http://kimberleydirectaction.wordpress.com/

Want to help Save The Kimberley? http://www.givenow.com.au/savethekimberley

or look at what can I do to help and how to write a letter.

There was broad coverage of the unfolding events on evening TV news.
Online articles:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/08/3238622.htm
And the incongruously headlined: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/9602243

Protests continue at James Price Point

sourced from http://www.savethekimberley.com/wp/2011/06/07/protests-continue-at-james-price-point/

Hero of the Country; Shane, locked on to the Bulldozer to halt it in its tracks!

June 7th, protesters met Woodside contractors on the road to James Price Point north of Broome. A small group who got wind of the movement of bulldozers and other equipment formed a human chain across the road and delayed progress, and a protester chained himself to the bulldozer on it’s trailer.
Meanwhile a small car with no wheels appeared on the road further down the track and a steady stream of Broome locals joined Joe and Phillip Roe and Therasa, who are Traditional Owners, native title claimants and Law Boss for the area, in protecting Country from planned clearing.
Another protester replaced the first chained to the bulldozer and at time of writing was settling in for the night…

After herding off Woodside contractors on his camel this protester took a moment to enjoy the music. MURRANJI PHOTOGRAPHY 2011

A ‘back of the ute’ concert from Dave Mann and Will Thomas, juggling and singing accompanied the firm but non-violent protest message and strong cross-cultural community spirit as Greens MLC Robin Chapple and a diverse cross section of Broome business owners and residents supported the road blockade and bulldozer lock on.

Woodside want to start clearing bush in the area they propose for a huge Gas plant. Protesters point out that this development is NOT APPROVED by the WA EPA, the WA environment Minister, the Federal Environment Minister, Woodside’s joint venture partners and not even at final investment decision point for Woodside itself. Compulsory acquisition of the land from the native title claimants is still on the table and is currently the subject of a legal challenge.

This development is clearly not approved by the Broome community and they were there to show that and stop the pre-emptive clearing of bushland.

THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES – gas could be processed offshore like Shell is doing or processed in the Pilbara where there is already established infrastructure. A port and plant at James Price Point would be environmentally and culturally damaging.

Please Donate to the cause and help protect an area that is significant for the world

More info visit  www.savethekimberley.com 

Read articles in the press:

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/9594615/gas-protesters-block-woodside-vehicles/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/07/3237665.htm?section=justin

Photos:

this little car held up Woodside contractors all day..

Broome hero locked on under a bulldozer

"STOP" pleads Theresa Roe, mother of native title claimant Joseph Roe.

Hands Off Kimberley Coast Protest songs!

I was in Broome today when members of The Pigram Brothers performed a gig outside the local Woodside office with Wil Thomas, travelling musician Dave Mann and didgeridoo artist Paul Boon.
the musicians wanted Woodside to consider other locations for its proposed $30 billion gas processing plant at James Price Point and to not develop the untouched and special Kimberley Coast. This Protest Concert also coincided with three others, one in Perth, one in Melbourne and the other Sydney, with artist Jimmy Barnes and John Butler leading the fray with there big names!

see here for full story »


And for more info on the issue go here http://handsoffcountry.blogspot.com/

this development would be a true loss to the world not just Western Australia, this coast line leaves me breathless and needs to be preserved.

View From Price Point the Heart of the proposed Gas Plant location

A Little Bit of North West Australia

 

Sitting yet again on a plane, I am surrounded by people speaking in a very familiar fashion; yet with a slightly different stress on nouns and hint of raised tone at the end of words. I look from the window and the of Western Australia lies below me; arid, brown and ongoing. I am flying north from Perth to Broome, where I will spend 10 days with my Friend Kazz; who lives there.

A seven hour flight the day before; with a four hour time difference, had me landing in Perth at 6pm after leaving Auckland New Zealand at 2.45pm. I was shocked to find how strong the Aussie dollar was when I changed $50 USD into $42 AUD. I wont mention what my NZ$ turned into. Hoping a cab I headed to my friend Kazz’s friends place in Carlyle. Cos was home to great me, gave me a beer, a bed and shower, though I was in desperate need for sleep and retired at 9pm.

I was surprised how chilly it was in Perth until I looked on a map and saw that it was the same latitude as Auckland. I was expecting semi tropical, and was glad I had brought my jacket. I awoke this morning to a clear crisp morning, with the sun shining through the window. I lay for awhile and then realized, “ I am in Australia!”. I had never been to Australia in my adult life and never to this side, the cultural familiarities had me a blasé; however I now am excited. There is a pleather of Snakes, Birds, Lizards, Amphibians, Insects, geology and coast line I have yet to see and explore; right out the door!

going for  a quick walk before my cab ride to yet another plane flight to Broome, I was instantly enthralled by the birds everywhere. Even in the heart of suburban Australia, native species flourished, some very familiar; Pied Magpies, Crows and some not so. I walked to a nearby park and just watched rainbow lorikeets play in a eucalyptus tree, there loud excited squeals reminding me of the American tropics. Magpies tattled calls, reminded me of rural NZ, and the Crows croaking as they collected twigs, took my mind to the Pacific Northwest of Canada and USA. a number of interesting birds I watched and etched to memory in order to ID them later when I find a good book.

I instantly find Australia exciting and alive, Even in the 'Burbs’, the idea of all the creepy crawlies here brings a smile to my face; I cant wait to see what adventures come in the next few days, and Broome is wild and remote. Only memorable things can come from a romp in the outback of Oz, surely!