Monday, October 17, 2011

Winston Treehugger Speaks

The awful ruin of Laman street, with all its vanished glories, and of large parts of Newcastle glares us in the eyes. When the designs of wicked men or the aggressive urge of mighty Newcastle council dissolve over large areas the frame of civilized society, humble folk are confronted with difficulties with which they cannot cope. For them is all distorted, all is broken, all is even ground to pulp.

From Darby Street to Dawson and in Civic Park an iron curtain has descended across the town. I have, however, felt bound to portray the shadow which, alike in the west and in the east, falls upon Newcastle. For that reason the old doctrine of a balance of power is unsound. We cannot afford, if we can help it, to work on narrow margins, offering temptations to a trial of strength. If the community stands together in strict adherence to the principles they will be immense and no one is likely to molest them. If however they become divided of falter in their duty and if these all-important trees are allowed to slip away then indeed catastrophe may overwhelm us all.

If we adhere faithfully to conservation and walk forward in sedate and sober strength seeking no one's land or treasure, seeking to lay no arbitrary control upon the thoughts of humankind; if all green moral and material forces and convictions are joined with your own in fraternal association, the highroads of the future will be clear, not only for our time, but for a century to come. (Apologies to Winston Churchill)



Thursday, August 4, 2011

Stay of Execution for Laman Street Figs


International Tree Day at Civic Park last Sunday was a great success and a timely reminder of what Newie has to lose. Congratulations to the organisers of the day and to supporters for gaining another successful recission motion to stop council from destroying our town's figs.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Behind the Iron Curtain

Citizens of Newcastle are separated from their civic fountain, cultural centre, galleries and fig trees by an iron curtain installed by the town's administrators in a scene reminiscent of the division of Berlin after World War 2.

V is for Victory! Kids attending International Tree Day at Civic Park in Newcastle want their town back. As Churchill would say: "We will fight them on the beaches, on the shores ...we will never surrender!". More info at http://saveourfigs.wordpress.com/

Thursday, March 10, 2011

The Kids Are Alright


Success at last for kids needing a new skate park! Now relocated to Empire Park opposite Bar Beach its not as accessible by public transport as the one at Newcastle Beach but design-wise its a hit with stunt bikes, skaters and learners alike. Newcastle Council got it right on this one in terms of popularity among users and free street ballet for spectators. What next for our town's budget priorities - better public facilities for the age-impaired and those with disabilities perhaps?