Controversial NSW Premier, Jack Lang, cautioned all politicians to “never complain, never explain and never resign!”
Seems our local newspaper editor comes from a similar mould. A fortnight ago she was labelling anyone caught using the internet to be a misinformer or a defamer or a political cannibal or, at least, an enabler of such dastardly tactics; and therefore only fit to be assigned to the nearest political gutter.
Now with no hint of where exactly on the road to Hervey Bay, she had her Damascus experience, this morning, she has given her editorial blessing to our new councillors using the internet; provided “they know the difference” between fair and unfair debate. Too bad that a fortnight ago she did not manage to differentiate between candidates who were being fair and reasonable on the net and any who were not. I guess it is hard to remember such subtleties when you are busy laying out photographs on a page to optimise the guilt by association.
Anyway, let’s not dwell on the bad old days. Let’s hope that like most good babyboomers, she is ready to take yet another cultural change in her stride and factor the internet into our other modes of community discussion; after all, a collection of websites sure beats giving candidates one whole minute to introduce their policies at a public meeting. I believe it is possible to achieve a productive symbiosis between the grassroots chaos of the internet and the professional journalism of the newspaper. The result could be an interesting column called “from the blogs”, which draws together particular themes by referencing various posts which can be read on the net. Hopefully, the topics we discuss will evolve beyond the “mine is better than yours” type of argie-bargie and we will tackle some interesting projects of real benefit to our region. For instance, Cy’s concern about polution seems to be stalling because of our collective lack of scientific knowledge.
I would be very interested to learn how our local scientists are managing any potentially negative side effects of their interventions into our environment. Do we have base level readings of the pollutants to which Cy has referred? Are there any longitudinal studies of the impact of spreading treated waste on our soils. These are things with which, as citizens, we should be routinely familiar, so that we can avoid simpistic debates like “it’s either green or technological.” If we stop accusing them, without any fair trial, of cover up and scientific fraud, perhaps these scientists will contribute something to our shared understanding of the issue.
Brian Canute
Tittletat corner:
Before the dust on the Fraser Coast Regional Council elections
has had time to settle. The regions self appointed king maker is
issuing decrees! Thou shalt not be “taking part in, and giving
credibility to, malicious websites” and so she goes on. Her anointed
one has “promised a code of ethics”! This I assume is to take the
place of “The Code of Conduct” constantly ignored by recently
passed councils?
She goes on, thou shalt not “curry favour and assist re-election
chances”. Who’s I wonder?
At the start of a brave new era for the Fraser Coast, one can only
hope our newly elected read Nancy Says and do as they are told.
John A Neve.. who came back for another beaut swipe today (26/03)…
I must admit to finding it hard at times to follow the logic of our
local prophet, today was one such time. We are told of the “heavy
costs” due to “childish parochialism”. Of councillors “digging into
their bunkers ever deeper” and having an “imperious disregard for
compatibility” with other councils. Are these the same councillors
who with “experience” and a “safe pair of hands” are going to guide
our new $100 million plus council into the future?
But worry not, our Mayor/King “I’ll make us best”, will bring down
the gavel on those who pursue the old ways.
Regardless of which way you look at our local apology for a newspaper and it’s Editor, it seems the word “pathetic” comes to mind along with the question “what’s the underlying motive behind this sudden change of heart?”
Then you discover that the Hervey Bay Independent advertised in last Saturdays Courier Mail, for of all things, an “Editor.” To me, given the lack of one now, suggests we may be thinking “news” Editor.
A quick look at the aforesaid paper shows Scott Rowe is shown at the front as “Manager” but not Editor, so could it be that as a result of the dogs breakfast we had thrown up at us by the Comical in the lead up to the election, that perhaps the powers that be at the Indy have decided that as the Comical rates somewhere below Martin Bryant and Ivan Milat on the popularity scale, that now is the time to consider another daily newspaper particularly as we are supposed to be embarking on a brand new regional future?
Perhaps the latest ramblings and change of attitude from the Comical suggest that I may not be the only one thinking this way.
Wonder if “you know who” is going to apply for the job as this is the year she was supposed to be leaving them….doesn’t bear thinking about really, does it?
Having been away for some time I am interested to see this site have stayed alive and progressed to discussing relevant issues after the election.
I too, like Brian Canute, do not profess to be an expert scientist. However I do believe in assessing a lot of facts available before making decisions. There is an interesting link below on Biosolid research from the CSIRO and further links from there. I am neither supporting nor condemning the use of biosolids merely trying to add some constructive debate.
I believe that some of the relevant facts are that there are some good trace elements etc (eg zinc and copper) in biosolids as as well as some elements that can be a problem (eg cadmium) if in high concentrations. Yes there are concerns about repeated application to the same soil if no monitoring is done. I have not spoken to the farmer to know if he/she is fully informed about application of biosolids. Perhaps Strewth or someone else could ask for their opinion?
In general terms I believe the CSIRO is a reasonably well qualified body without a great vested interest to do the research and I, for one, will place some faith in their research.
http://www.csiro.au/science/ps2kx.html
I was interested to read what Bayzeyes had to say about the local newspaper looking for an ‘editor’.
We currently have 3 local newspapers (2 are free) and a glossy weekly magazine being bandied about where I live. I find all of them hardly worth reading, not because of the qual;ity, just the loack of meaningful substence and content.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all this fragmented effort was avoided and we had just one really informative and objective daily/weekly paper like they seem to enjoy in most places I visit like the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Cairns, etc. I did try contacting the main Bundy rag as a substitute, but I couldn’t even get a response from them, so I guess that’s no alternative source?
Friutfly, if I am right there are only two alternative newspapers in the area, the Independent and those owned by APN. If the Independent were to be expanded to a daily professionally produced newspaper, in stark contrast to APN’s biased propaganda sheets, it would fill a desperate need and be certain to succeed. One can only hope that this is the reason for the paper enlarging its structure. I will certainly be happy to subscribe if so
Fruitfly, the areas you mention have independent news sources. In a word APN buying up every daily from Townsville down the Queensland coast and into northern NSW has dumbed down the news we are fed. I wouldn’t wait too long for a reponse from the Bundy paper, it is also owned by APN. That said the Sunshine Coast Daily is an excellent newspaper despite being owned by APN. Its reputation is down to its editor and the standard of journalists he employs. The ABC’s Media Watch has a site for regional and rural people to post comments and tip-offs about our news services. The address is http://www.abc.net.au/mediawatch/regional/