To whom it may concern, Three years ago I wrote a submission to the first Draft WAP. Nothing of substance in the policy proposals has changed since that submission. None of the issues I raised in that document have been answered, or even addressed. From my perspective, the consultative process is a complete sham, as is usually the case in our wide brown polity. I understand that the extent to which the Board can change the policy foundations is limited, but suggest that there are some ...
Firewood Facts
Even as we begin a new millennium, with our astounding rate of technological innovation, we still love the homely flicker of a wood fire to keep us warm. We share this with countless generations before us. As with most things the wood fire has its advantages and disadvantages. Some of these are canvassed below. The Benefits of wood fuelled heaters: Wood heaters are capable of providing very high heat outputs. Most wood heaters on the market today, if run at their maximum burn rate ...
Caring for Country with Farm Forestry
The environmental problems challenging most industrial economies concern the detritus of their industrial processes; i.e. pollution. Paradoxically, in Australia, one of the most urbanised societies in the world, the most serious environmental issues are those relating to non-urban land management. Pest plants, feral animals, inappropriate cultivation, and disruption of hydrological systems have wrought profound changes to our landscape. However, whilst acknowledging the oversimplification, ...
Digging a Little Deeper
I grow weary of feeling obliged to respond to the hysteria provoked by every proposed planning application for a globulus plantation. Am I the only member of the community that can see the benefits of such land use as well as the problems? I invite those of you who are not locked into a doctrinaire position, to consider the following: The economics of these plantations do not allow irrigation. They require a minimum of 600mls of rainfall and can intercept approximately 80-85% of runoff. ...