The

33 comments

Lorna Hempstead April 18th 2005

I'd like to congratulate Russell McCart of Meridien on taking an enormous amount of time and effort to research the "gem" car and import it. However, the reason that it's not an instant "hit buy" with Islanders is that the Dept of Transport is having problems with issuing a rego category for such vehicles, and Mr McCart's excellent vehicle has, sadly, only been licenced for use in Nelly Bay. It appears that they do not meet the design standards for "main roads" and it makes no difference that our roads would in comparision with Australia, all be "minor roads." I notice a recent advert for Hamilton Island displaying a similar vehicle in use there - as Hamilton is all private - there is no restriction on the type of vehicle they can use. I for one would love one - clean energy!

Harvey April 18th 2005

So what does PRD's Kylie think of the businesses in Picnic Bay that were smashed to bits by the "saviours" that would have us believe that as "locals" we have no entitlement to the lifestyle that we have enjoyed for, in some cases, up to 50 years. Does Kylie accept that but for a State Government injection of up to 20 million dollars her precious paradise would still be a beautiful beach and headland.

Peter April 18th 2005

George, As ever, the MT reportage is right on the button - or should one say money? - so congratulations. While doubtless Mr Goddard and Ms Chester are sincerely committed to the stellar environment they appear to so avidly pursue I suspect it to be not worth a cartload of cohones and will prove, like much else, illusory given the likes of say Yellowstone, or its ilk, regardless of that timeline. Well intentioned, developing souls, they may well be of course, extolling the wonders of what attracts in the first place, but to then seek to super-impose a sense of the preferred only to prematurely destroy what little may be left, before Nature's timeline, is somewhat ironic. History itself will attest and most likely, in less than two decades, what they currently espouse will prove what is already being declaimed, an unwanted legacy based upon an unjustifiable premise, namely development to what end. By any ethical yardstick it could not be value adding. Or perhaps they have yet to grasp the axiom inherent in defining the limits to growth?

V Jeffery April 18th 2005

I would be very interested in the answer to the question that remained unanswered: Are the developers utilising strategies which demonstrate best practice in energy efficient design and use of materials? Not sure how the answer so easily became confused with the use of a large vehicle that only ever seems to carry the driver - not very efficient.

Col Moore April 18th 2005

As our population grows we are always looking for the greener grass on the other side. This is the reason that people move to fantastic places like "maggie". I realise that the residents of the island are concerned about their little bit of paradise being destroyed by development and dare i say it progress. Well i really love the island, which i intend to relocate to with my familly very shortly. But dare i say it Magnetic island is in desperate need of a good dose of progress, the holiday houses are all starting to fall apart, the roads are an absolute disgrace, how nobody has been killed amazes me. What about the kids on the island, great if you are over 18, but what about the rest. Roaming the streets at night bored . We all know what that leads to ! Give the developers the opportunity to addrees these couple of small issues and i garantee the island will be a much more enjoyable place. Widen the dangerous mountain roads, and how about a pool hall or underage discos for the kids. Surely the developers could look at incorporating these things into the deveopments. I support the developers, without them we would all be still sitting in little fishing shacks. By the way , im sure that when you want to sell your propetry on the island you will be more than happpy to accept the increased price of your property, due largly to the deveopments already finished on the island. Namely the nelly bay terminal, how much have property prices in Nell Bay risen since the ferry terminal was finished. Just some food for thought> Speaking of food i guess you dont mind when you can shop at the IGA supermarket, that actually opens real time , not just what hours suits them. Thats progress and your using it and didnt even now it.

Robert April 19th 2005

Why is it that people want to come to a place & then change it. Most of what Col Moore says is reasonable enough but he doesn't quantify the level of development that he considers to be reasonable. What does Col consider to be a reasonable trade off with the developers to get the improvements that he is so sure that we need? Will Col still consider it progress in years to come when he compares the island now with a Magnetic Island that has most available land including the lower slopes being build on with a significant proportion of the developments being multilevel, wildlife virtually all gone, great roads that you can speed on and that get clogged every weekend and throughout the tourist season, 24 hour shopping, water shortages, garbage disposal issues, night clubs, flashing neon signs, beaches packed with people, destruction of the coral fringe and the destruction of the island 'community'. Progress has meant the demise of numerous paradise communities. If this is what Col wants what is he doing here? Maybe Col doesn't want the progress to go this far but guess what, the next round of Col Moores will...and it's no different to what's being done to the islanders now. Be careful Col or your dream of progress will become your nightmare (or will you just move on again and in search of another paradise). Not everyone is chasing real estate dollars and the convenience of having a shop open when you want. I'm sorry that people like Col can't see the beauty of the island from my eyes. It's not perfect but it's pretty close. Maybe if he lived here for a while before wanting to change things he might start to understand. Most islanders aren't against progress but it's a big leap from knocking down a few fishing shacks to what is being proposed and the consequences that those proposals and the other proposals that follow will bring. Maybe real progress is when we realise the value in what we've got and we are able to preserve it (and still knock down the fishing shacks if it'll keep Col happy).

chasmac April 19th 2005

Mr Moore says:"Give the developers the opportunity to address these couple of small issues (holiday houses falling apart, roads a disgrace, kids roaming the streets) and i garantee the island will be a much more enjoyable place." And bonus BBQ knives, no doubt. Please mate - Criticise your own kind if you like - today's 'falling apart' houses were built by yesterday's developers. Don't make developers responsible for roads unless you want toll roads. Looking at (the remains of) Bright Point or that hole near the ferry terminal or the concepts for Sea Temple, Radical Bay - I don't think we (ie. you and your developer culture) are addressing the question of Island youth. In fact, I prefer Island youth just as it is(indolent, insolent, ignorant - and so familiar) to all the glossy waterfront development you call progress. Bored they might be but never boring. Listen to yourself, read your own words and wonder why.

Margy Gaynor April 19th 2005

Many years ago, when the issue of overdevelopment and overpopulation first occurred to some of us more suspicious islanders, we contacted a professional planner. After a tour of the island I was told, "I'm sorry to put it this way, Margy, but it's a case of slow rape -- deliberate, premeditated and brutal." I did not go to the recent PRD meeting, because the 'sharing' point of view -- and the implied 'selfish islanders NOT wanting to share' -- were predictable outcomes. I regard my support of the island community's preferred population limit of about 5,000 to 6,000 persons (residents and tourists combined) as generous sharing -- especially considering that the top population was only about 3,000 persons, just a few years ago. I do NOT regard my aversion to lots and lots more persons as selfish and unsharing. People can still come and go, at will. Nothing stopped them in the past. Rather, I regard healthy limits to access (ie the aforementioned 5,000 to 6,000 persons, overwhelmingly supported in the 1996 community survey) as healthy avoidance of the planned gang rape -- slow or otherwise -- evident in the 19,000 to 23,000 person capacity currently enshrined in the Council's old zoning and new precincts. And hey, Maggie's wild intoxicating beauty has never been adequate excuse for dubious activity ('she made me do it!'), no matter how professionally planned or dressed up for the evening.

Cathy Wilson April 22nd 2005

Dear Margy, I would like to just stay that I am appalled that you would compare a "gang rape" to the debate. That is horrible and low especailly to those who have suffered soem type of sexual abuse. You make me sick

Cedric Rodrigues April 22nd 2005

Firstly, for all you island residents out there who are replying to these emails, how about you put your full name to what you have written so we can see some sort of authenticity and not some pathetic attempt to waste our time. Secondly, I have been living on the island for nearly eight years now and I believe that this island should welcome progress. This progress that has already been authorised has gone through stringent processes to ensure that this is the best course of action for this particular area. The decisions that have already been made have been governed by our current government not by Peter Pan or any other fairy tale person or organisation. At the end of the day, you choose to live here and like any other suburb in Australia there will be changes, Get over it or leave. Stop whinging about the increase in ferry tickets, developers, the foot paths, the rainy days, the strong winds and yes how hot the tropics get in summer, get on with your lives and enjoy what you are doing and where you are. Open your eyes and see how lucky we all are to live here.

Wendy Tubman April 25th 2005

Cedric, may I ask whether you wrote your letter to Magnetic Times as a private individual or as the employee of PRD that you are? That you used the plural, intimates that you are writing on behalf of PRD. What a shame you didn

Margy Gaynor April 25th 2005

In reply to Cathy Wilson, the analogy to rape was made in professional comment about the nature of new development on the island ie with little consideration for the environment and many local residents. I apologise unreservedly if this has added to anyone's truama. This was not my intention. In reply to Cedric Rodrigues, professional review of the island's planning processes has found stringency notably lacking, reflected in an astonishing rate of court appeals, probably not found anywhere else in Australia. Additionally, many submitters have found their valid concerns (ie based on legal town planning provisions) completely ignored in due legal process. One lawyer observed that it seems it's up to islanders to use the courts to uphold their own town plan - an impossible, brutal situation. And many locals would like to contest recent permits, but are understandably put off by expense, stress and uncertain outcome. Cedric may also be interested in current zoning, which allows a maximum 19,000 to 23,000 persons, vastly different from the population horizon of 5,000 to 6,000 persons presented by Council in PUBLIC PROCESSES. Is this really mere variation? Is comment about this extraordinary discrepency just a whinge? Re enjoying what we are and have -- I do both, and agree with paying for our island choice. However, 'eyes wide open' means not only seeing the here-and-now, but the future too. Many persons have their "eyes wide shut" re town planning, which, even if only partly fulfilled to Council's preferred 12,500 persons (twice+ the publicly stated population expectation), is entirely capable of overwhelming what we have now. As a professional environmental scientist, I can assure Cedric that many recent developments include worst case environmental practice, including destruction of water courses, native vegetation and landform. Such works are cumulatively destroying critical lowland habitat -- most of which is located outside the National Park. This has and will kill off our wildlife, and sadden our lives, especially if it continues as per the recent past. There are also profound impacts for the community. Commendations to the Magnetic Island Residents & Ratepayers Association for their recent open meeting with Council reps, focused on emerging traffic problems -- absolutely related to rising population! And rather than joining the pro-anti development media war, I suggest interested persons take the time, pay the ferry ride to town, visit Planning and Development (Council offices), and ask to see: (1) old zoning and/or new precincts, and (2) population information, contained in (a) Development Control Plan No. 6 -- Planning Study (Future Population, p. 51), and (b) the recent John Wilson and Partners/Citiwater Report, which details the possible 23,000 persons under the new town plan, City Plan. Please note this latter document is not public -- our Councillor, Jenny Hill, might assist, and Magnetic Island and Community Development Association have applied for it under Freedom of Information access. I believe that many islanders wanting their "eyes-wide-open" will find it fascinating and disturbing. Finally, I believe that islanders can distinguish critical comment about town planning from ignorant whinging. If we can't, we're not up the proverbial creek, because they won't be there. Rather, we're down the planned drain -- lots and lots of them.

chasmac April 26th 2005

Just in case you were not one of the 13 submitters or 2 late submitters to the application, Townsville City Council has approved, on 8 March 2005, (with conditions) the application by Indigo (Arcadia) P/L and BMD Properties P/L for a material change of use at Arcadia Resort (aka Arkies) and preliminary approval for a large unit development (54 x 1 bedroom, 110 x 2 bedroom and 54 x 3 bedroom - Total 218 units with 436 bedrooms) and redevelopment of the existing commercial premises. According to the February 2005 plans supplied with the notice, the four stage development will have nineteen (19) three storey buildings, a number of pools, "lakes" and internal roads, new retail kiosks at the existing retail area and a new reception area near the existing main car park. The whole thing is called "Arcadia Village" and clearly articulates the much touted Magnetic Island 'village-like atmosphere' by having provision for 120 wheelie bins and a condition that all buildings and structures "...shall be constructed from materials and painted an appropriate colour so as not to cause excessive glare." Whatever.

Kylie Chester April 27th 2005

Wow, so much to read and respond to. No doubt I

George Hirst April 28th 2005

Nice Kylie that you are continuing the discussion. Sorry if I was "verbose" but I felt it necessary to remind all reading this that there is an historical context and specific information available that shows how Council have led us to understand that a far smaller population (5,000 - 6,000) was recommended for years then it all went out the window as the developers rolled in. I

chasmac April 28th 2005

Ms Chester, When you see me at the IGA I'm visiting the one place where the soldier crabs used to be in Nelly Bay, right where Bottiger built his hut and where people could pull a boat out of the water. Since I am forced (against my will and better judgment) to use the only island ferry terminal now compulsorily located there using taxpayer's money, and having no objection to ordinary investors (such as shopkeepers) doing what ordinary investors do every day, I shop where I like. There's nothing personal involved, although I can only speak for myself in that regard. Don't mistake that action for some sort of condoning of the unconscionable behaviour of all levels of government over Nelly Bay during the years 1986-2002. If you don't understand sustainable development go back to TEL and ask (they have a policy even if you never read it) or look in a dictionary. (Abridged Ed).

Joseph Stephens April 29th 2005

Without doubt you all need to get more things to do on Magnetic Island. You all seem to fight amoungst yourselfs all the time. I am in the middle of designing a house to build on Magnetic Island. A very nice house to use for holidays until I plan to retire there, in approx. 10 years. But, after reading this ongoing fighting I am now seriously not considering building at all. You all seem to hate each other and it nearly seems like if a new person was to move to the island the new 'victim' may find themselves have to 'choose a side', this is not somthing I want to have to do. Without question as an outsider looking in it appears that Magnetic Island is now the Byron Bay of the North. STOP THE HATE !!!

Margy Gaynor May 2nd 2005

Gosh! To Joseph Stevens, please note that what you have detected is NOT hate, but the distress that results from failed and distorted process. This distress is very real on the island, and does affect all of our lives. However, in spite of this, the island is a wonderful place to live, and hopefully we islanders will negotiate uplifting solutions that restore both the environment and the local community here. Some necessary background. Australia signed the Biological Diversity convention following the Rio summit, in 1992. This set the legal framework for Ecologically Sustainable Development within all planning law in Australia (and other countries too) . ESD is now a key aim in planning at all levels of government, and is based on the concept that development should include ecological, community AND economic considerations. Fundamental to this is an open development process, inclusion of good science, community considerations and opinion, and ensuring that planning results ie on the ground works do not destroy environmental or community integrity. Good stuff. Due to its status as part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (declared in 1981), Maggie has three layers of planning law -- federal, state and local. The local town plan dominates development on the island, and can theoretically be over-ridden by State and Federal law. With all of this ESD protection, you'd think the island would have state of the art planning. Not so, and this is where the results have been so deadly for the community and the natural environment -- particularly the lowlands, mainly urban and outside National Park, and which are critical habitat in the Dry Tropics. In the mid 90's Council took its own private legal advice that the island could technically be considered exempt from the World Heritage Area. They did not check with the federal govt (only a phonecall away), and town planning for a resort island rather than a world heritage island has resulted. The 1994 town plan was designed with zoning for massive foreshore development, and intense subdivision behind, without a single mention of World Heritage values or context. The updated town plan, City Plan (2004), is much the same. Town planning specifications (eg heights, setbacks, densities) and cumulative population capacities enshrined in these official plans (ultimately 19,000 to 23,000 persons)are a blueprint for the destruction of the natural lowland bush and waterways, and of our traditionally low key community. Astonishingly, very few islanders were aware of the island's town plan, until the little white boards started to pop up after the upgrade in sewerage infrastructue about 4 years ago. I can give professional assurance that even partial development based on the town plan will damage our Dry tropics ecology -- it already has. Many developments based on these plans -- and some illegal works that have never been remedied -- are demonstrably tenth rate, have been done with rampant disregard for the bush and the neighbours. Key to this failure is a failure by local government to define and uphold its own town planning provisions re the environment (eg significant vegetation, natural landscape features) and the community (eg village atmosphere). This has produced a gung-ho attitude by developers, and outrage in many cases from local residents. Added to this turmoil is the dubious presentation of population information by Council to the public. In 1996, following extensive and expensive review, there was a formally ratified revision of the island's population horizon from 12,225 persons to 5,000 persons. The lower figure has been included in ALL public processes, whilst simulaneously, Council has been actively pursuing infrastructure for the original 12,225 population, with capacity for additional expansion. The state has paritally funded this, seemingly without question, and is decidely disinterested in pursuing wider issues eg accumulating environmental damage. Federal legislation only deals with larger scale projects, so block-by-block destruction is not addressed at this level. Additionally, many illegal works have NOT been prosecuted by local government or state agencies. To sum, town planning on the island is proactively "world heritage free", demonstrably oversized and poorly administered. This failure in government and regulation has produced confusion and conflicting expectations, and is at the very heart of the distress that Joseph Stevens has mistakenly identified as hate. It will go on, as long as the local agenda aids development at the expense of our island environmental and community -- in conflict with due legal process. There ARE solutions -- far better outcomes. It's called Ecologically Sustainable Development, and it's not happening on our island...yet. Margy Gaynor

Joseph Stevens May 3rd 2005

In reply to The Dear Margy.....Weird response. You seem to have way too much time on your hands. ONCE a development is approved then let it be. Do you work?? Your points are the same over and over. Let the councils do what they do. You may be very surprised as to how professional,precise and hard to deal with the councils and governments now are when it comes to a new development proposal / application (especially a large project). Have you ever built or developed anything yourself? I personally think it is fantastic to see young people such as Kylie Chester to be so much into her job to get up and argue her point with some of you. I hope she makes millions, while she can. Because I am sure for many many years the good island real estate agents such as Ian Ivers made hardly any money, and all of them would have jumped at the chance of being now THE agent that represents the new developments happening on the island. In this regard good work Kylie and PRD. Magnetic Island needs more people like Kylie, young positive and sending a great message about the future of Magnetic Island. Instead of the \'it should not ever happen here\' group, actually, you as a group had better wake up; because it is going to happen and has started and you can do nothing about it, so instead of being sad, ENJOY. Enjoy the changes and for thouse not working, or a bit short of cash, then I would suggest that you get out and find jobs because your rates bills in the next few years and going to go through the roof (pension or disability benefits discounts included). I will say it again; \"the Byron Bay of the North\". Joseph Stephens

Harvey Swartz May 4th 2005

So Joe Stephens from Byron Bay wants to retire to Magnetic Island. I ask is it the "sustainable development" at Byron that is forcing him north or the emerging and ongoing battles between "locals" and "newbies", "residents" and "holiday makers", "surfies" and "backpackers", "dairy farmers" and "hippies". I can see it now, the 5 percents of unit owners in the new harbourside developments that actually live in their unit will be screaming to ban the 95 percent of owners from letting their units to holiday makers because of the noise and overloading taking place is disturbing the peace and quiet of the ferry terminal (lol). Mr. Stephens would know all about this for the Bryon council is entertaining just such a ban as we speak. I seem to recall that the council recently had to overturn a decision relating to CBD parking that emptied the shops and restuarants of tourists and locals alike. So Mr. Stephens, methinks its a bit of the pot calling the kettle black and I'm betting that Maggies residents will not be too upset by your threat of "not wanting to live here". Harvey Swartz

margy gaynor May 4th 2005

In reply to Mr Stevens. 1. I work as an environmental scientist, specialising in landscape ecology and environmental planning. Sometimes I get paid. In Townsville there's not a big call for this. 2. In my former life in Melbourne, I was managing director of a private property development and investment company, for nearly a decade. We specialised in quality restoration of older homes in inner Melbourne, ensuring that renovations maintained architectural integrity. We avoided maximum density box buildings (unfortunately featured in many new developments here), yet still managed contented tenants, strong selling and good profits. 3. After extensive field-based work in remote and urban areas (fresh water ecology, landscape ecology and vegetation management), I'm moving on to post graduate studies. In practical and academic analyses, Magnetic Island can be documented as worst case planning and management from several perspectives (environmental assessment, planning process, respect for community etc). No joy to anyone, least of all the existing community and the wildlife. 4. Repetition seems necessary when essential factual material is consistently ignored. What DO you think of the interim 12,500 persons and an ultimate possible 23,000 persons on the island, or even the approx. 4,000 new beds now in the planning pipeline, and how will traffic be managed, wildlife survive etc? What are YOUR solutions? 5. Have you personally taken the time and care to visit the Council, to see for yourself the blueprint for the future (precinct plans, City Plan etc), and read the publically available information about the island (try the Magnetic Island Management Plan 1990 (3 volumes), the magnetic Island Development Control Plans (both volumes), the engineering proposal for the upgrade of the Horseshoe Bay Sewerage Treatment Plant (2003), the Magnetic Island Wastewater Strategy Planning Report (1996) etc.? Well, what do YOU think about the numerous tourist surveys that tell us our visitors come for the amazing scenery, secluded beaches and low key village atmosphere? And what about the vast majority of islanders who when surveyed actively selected reduction of the planned horizon of 12,500 persons to be reduced to 5,000 persons? 6. Do you really think those with a large portfolio and prospects of making lots of money out of new development on the island should be afforded MORE respect for their views? We ENJOY many unemployed persons here -- many retired and other unemployed persons (all sorts), who WILL find the rising ferry fares and rates hard to manage. And hey, we don't want our neighbours to go, even if they do borrow now and again. 7. Congratulations! You've picked up on a rich tradition, remarkably quickly: Play the Person! I suggest you adopt the following opening phrase when addressing non-investors ie many islanders who just happen to LIVE here:"Selfish, Johnny-come-lately, mangrove hugging, weed-smoking, university-educated, left-over hippy layabouts." Feels like old times!

Joseph Stephens May 4th 2005

I am from San Francisco.

chasmac May 5th 2005

Hey Joe, Back in your first comment(when you were wasting your precious time just contributing something for nothing) you said "...But, after reading this ongoing fighting I am now seriously not considering building at all (sic)." Does this mean you'll just sit on your arse on your bare block - to keep a lower profile? Sounds fine - you won't have to choose sides after all.

Margy Gaynor May 5th 2005

Wilfull ignorance has no geographic constraints.

chasmac May 9th 2005

Arrested development knows no bounds.

Rolfb May 9th 2005

URGENT -- URGENT George You might have noticed the Samoan Navy is currently anchored just offshore in mid Geoffrey Bay. Would this not be an ideal opportunity to organise a deputation of Islanders to plead for them to land a joint Police/Defence Forces deployment to counter rampant corruption in our Island government???

margy.gaynor May 9th 2005

Joseph Steven's last contribution was absolutely in line with an observation made by a specialist lawyer handling one of the many recent town planning appeals:"What you locals have to realise is that you live on one of the best bits of real estate in Australia, and the boys club don't think you deserve to. You're in the way." And another comment, made a couple of years ago by one of the pro-development lobby here: "We'll rate you bastards off the island."

chasmac May 9th 2005

Rates are 'capped' for Townsville ratepayers who already own. For them rate payments are related to the valuation at the time they purchased and only rise at the CPI (roughly) regardless of changes in valuation (and my, how they've rocketed up lately). New buyers pay rates based on the latest full valuation (which are then capped). It's an irony that the newcomers become the bastards rated off the Island - just after they arrive. Someone once said Americans don't get irony.

Joseph Stephens May 10th 2005

There is nothing wrong with huge rates....it gives us (the workers) a greater annual tax deduction. Develop, develop, develop !!! Lets make Magnetic Island one of the greatest most modern islands in Nth Qld. CHASMAC I think you need a reality check with your last entry. Come on Kylie, lets get these beautiful new units up and happening. I personally would like to see more developments happen on the island than what is currently planned. This could only be good for the new restaurants and tourist related businesses planned to start on the island. In the perfect world I would like to see Magnetic Island join to the mainland by a bridge (this would stop all the poor people always complaining about the cost per ticket of a ferry ride). Develop, develop, develop !!!

chasmac May 11th 2005

At last we agree on something....while ever I'm in this world it won't be perfect. Ho hum.

Peter (pirate) Dowdall July 2nd 2005

Joseph and The Amazing Raincheck Joseph,Oh Joseph,your ideas are for island development are great fantastic almost unbelievable ..develop... develop... develop! Well guess what! there are plenty of Islands))) just like your Fantasy Island right on the GOLD)) Coast,so why wait 10 years to develop your ideas of what an island parasite should be like? Maggie is Maggie and until you feel her comforting warmth , enjoy her winters soft caress ,take comfort in her whispers of silence,or even the the sound of breaking waves in the distance of a still night ,alone to think "Ah it`s good to be alive to live !" then i`m afraid that "you`ve missed the point",or lets hope "the boat" in your case! Learn to love Maggie "for what she is" and try not to mould her into your fantasy! Then ,AND ONLY THEN WILL YOU UNDERSTAND true passion and concern true Maggie Islanders feel. Take a sunrise stroll down to Hoseshoe Bay through "Gerry Kearns Park" and find his epitaph & TRY TO UNDERSTAND "what it means to be on THE island",that is, if you realy want to live on our beloved island ?? The late "Mayor of Maggie" Gerry Kearns had the foresight(and foreshore) as one of our earliest developers to .........well Joseph ,(and anyone else who cannot understand what makes up our island community what it is)you will have to sit there on his final resting place ,after reading his epipath to find out......... if you are meant to be one of the island community or on the island atol. ? Rearguards Peter(Pirate) Dowdall

mark preece September 29th 2005

Well it is a while since I have visited the Times and so thankful we have it! An excellent publication. Debate is healthy. Thank you to all. We have purchased at Bright Point being a Melb based family. I think there is far too much development planned on this island. The lowlands and lagoons cannot possibly take what is planned. It appears to me to be struggling with what is there now. Radical Bay in my opinion is not needed and I loved those Mango Farm trees. Does that make me a hypocrite? I saw BP as a good solution to a previous error and still support it strongly. Along with Nobby's it is one of the best developments on the island. Can we pls harness all this energy above in a positive way (we must all be able to agree on some things eh!) ..for example, based on expert recommendations can we save the curlew? In Melb we have Phillip Island with the treasured fairy penguins...at Maggie from what I have seen we ignorantly feed curlews greasy chips and have little regard for their habitat. It is a local treasure like many things on this island. I hope we never hear a night of silence where there is no wailing from these beautiful creatures. It is at great risk. I honour Tania Schuett in the tireless work that she does. If we can agree on just one thing and work together on that, then future differences will begin to find a way through I promise you....there is a difference in marching for peace than there is marching against war. Pls consider! I am willing to "march" FOR the curlew...anyone coming? cheers!

Peter Kerr March 13th 2009

I too have just purchased land on Maggie and am living overseas, but not SF (sounds like TCC as been learning lessons from Marin County!) Thanks Margy, and yes I've read Gerry's epitaph. My parents knew him and when I was a child with them, they taught me to understand the definition of World Heritage well before GBR became one. I too, now teach my child the same lesson. Sorry Kylie, you're doing your job well, it's just the wrong job. It's obvious non-ESD is extincting the tangable wildlife, is it not obvious that it is also extincting the intangable lifestyle? Mark, I admire your direction, I'll march with you, you can march to my place where the Curlews have a place to live. Then we can march to TCC and ask them why they don't respect Maggie as being World Heritage. If we want the Curlews (and other wildlife) to thrive, we need to buy the acreage and not develop. Can you buy acreage as well as your BP "condo"? It was no accident the sewerage system was built to handle such a large capacity. TCC may firmly believe it is right in what it is doing, but then previous governments have firmly believed that taking children from their parents was right. I hope developers don't leave us with the legacy of a "stolen environment". Our children will suffer again.