|
||||||||||
Community NEWS & EVENTsNO TO MEDIA CENSORSHIP BY GOVERNMENTS- TARGET 10,000 SUPPORTERS Late last year I began an online petition against the implementation of this policy, and we require 10,000 signatures to halt Mr Rudds attempt at state censorship. To put your name on this online list, click on the following link; http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=223466559704&v=info } Both the Coalition and I are strongly opposed to the introduction of this system, as it represents an attack on the individual liberty of everyday Australians. We are an open democracy and a country that cherishes liberal thought and freedom of speech, which the internet represents. The Coalition fully supports guarding our children from being exposed to inappropriate internet content, and is of the firm belief that appropriate adult supervision and guidance should be front and centre of all online safety efforts. However, this Labor Government’s policy is neither policy genuine nor does it make a real difference. It is in short state censorship and a means by which the national government can intrude and control the private actions of Australian citizens who are breaking no law. The arguments against Labor’s ISP filtering censorship plan are compelling. I believe there are many arguments to support my position: 2. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) already has the responsibility for issuing take-down notices for black-listed content hosted in Australia. This Service Provider Responsibility List can be accessed at: 3. There are already tools available for parents in commercial form which are just as foolproof as this ISP filtering plan, but don’t equate to censorship. These come in the forms of personal internet filters, parental control software and remote monitoring. 4. Parents should be providing their children with the educational resources and know how to support the disciplinary responsibilities not only they, but their children, must be aware of when using the internet. 5. Even with the ISP filtering plan in action, it will not protect your child from online chat rooms, peer to peer connections or emails. If you would like to support the online petition, visit http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=223466559704&v=info } or alternatively, please feel free to email your feedback and comments to Michael.johnson.mp@aph.gov.au
THE GAP COMMUNITY READINESS FORUMThe first anniversary of last November's devastating storm has just passed us. It is my strong view that we should learn from the experiences of this storm so next time the force of nature strikes, we are better prepared to deal with its human and physical impact. As a result of my previous Survey asking for expressions of interest in attending and supporting a "Community Readiness Forum", I was inundated with support and goodwill. In fact, residents from Keperra and Ferny Grove also contacted me with interest in attending given their suburbs were not spared either. Therefore, it is now my intention to "up-scale" the community forum I had in mind to coincide with the one year anniversary, to a substantial event in next year's calendar. This will allow me to plan a full day's programme of speakers and experts from all the relevant stakeholders. These stakeholders include all tiers of government, emergency services, the Defence Force personnel, charities and the churches. As it is my considered view that the local community should have an input into the format and structure of such a critical event, I will be inviting expressions of interest from local residents. If you feel you have expertise or experience and would like to make a contribution, please do feel free to email me at this early stage. The force of nature can never be controlled, and we all live at its mercy. Surely however, we can all work together so that we know we have done all we can to deal with the human impact of storms, floods and fires when they strike? Surely governments with the full might of their resources can have locked in plans and procedures that will minimise grief and suffering when the wrath of nature does strike? The Community Readiness Forum is my vision to address some of these fundamental questions. Further details regarding the 2010 Community Readiness Forum will be posted here when confirmed. TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE TOWER AT GERLER ST, BARDONSince Telstra’s interest in locating a low impact mobile phone tower at Gerler St, Bardon, it has been my absolute priority to find a long term solution to the problem of where telecommunication companies could install their low impact facilities. The solution I have come up with is a clear, direct, simple and workable. The solution is also workable and effective. The solution I have come up with is a simple technical legislative amendment to the Telecommunications Act that regulates the conduct of telecommunication carriers, such as Telstra, that would protect children and local communities. The basis of my action has been to act on the side of caution and prudence in relation to the potential health risks associated with mobile phone towers. To embrace the so called “precautionary principle” because there has not been sufficient research done on the potential health hazards. My proposal was offered in a spirit of bipartisanship that showed both parties could working together in the interests of the local community. I have put this concrete and workable proposal to the Federal Labor Member for Brisbane, Mr Arch Bevis MP, however have not had any response. Specifically, my proposed amendments seek to:
Having asked the Federal Parliamentary Clerk’s Office to draft this legislative amendment, I now ask for your feedback and opinion. Please click here for a copy of the proposed amendments 2009 Ryan Rocks Music Competition
Thomas & Friends Family Fun Day!
SOLAR Symposium
The Ryan Renewable & Alternative Energy Symposium was hosted by Michael Johnson MP and was held on Sunday, 27th September 2009 at the Mt Coot-tha Lakeside Gardens Café, Mt Coot-tha. For a full program of events including guest speaker bios, please click here. GUEST SPEAKER PRESENTATIONS A number of guest speakers made powerpoint presentations at the Sunday Symposium. For a copy of the presentation, please click on the guest speaker’s name below. TIDAL & WIND: Facts, Fiction & the Future SUN POWER! ENERGY OPTIONS: Being Bold with Algae & Being Innovative with Green Roofs! ETHANOL BIO-DIESEL HELICOPTERS -An Export Bonanza Solar September
“Solar September” is an exciting local initiative that aims to highlight the critical importance of renewable energy especially solar energy! Solar September’s activities will include a Ryan Community Symposium on Renewable, Sustainable and alternative energy sources with a focus on solar, tidal, wind and biofuels including (sugar based) ethanol. Solar September is also a great opportunity for local residents to learn about grants available to install a solar hot water or photovoltaic system at your place! SOLAR HOT WATER REBATEThe Federal Government is providing a rebate of $1,600 to help eligible home-owners, landlords or tenants replace their electric storage hot water systems with solar or heat pump hot water systems. The $1,600 Solar Hot Water Rebate will help people save money on their power bills and reduce their household's greenhouse gas emissions. Water heating is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions from the average Australian home, accounting for around 28 per cent of home energy use (excluding the family car). Installing a climate friendly hot water system can save a family up to $700 off their energy bills each year. For further information including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit: http://www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/solarhotwater/index.html RENEWABLE ENERGY CERTIFICATES (RECs)Under the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) - a scheme set up under Commonwealth law to promote the development of renewable energy - installation of solar and heat pump hot water heaters may be eligible to create Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). While households can create and trade these certificates on their own, Registered Agents may create and trade RECs on behalf of households. Registered Agents will generally pay the household for the right to create RECs, meaning the cost of the hot water system to the household is reduced. This will provide additional cost reductions to eligible hot water systems. To be eligible for the Solar Hot Water Rebate, a hot water system must be eligible for at least 20 RECs at the time of purchase at the installation address. A list of eligible systems is available in the Register of Solar Water Heaters. Hot water system retailers can also advise you on the number of RECs assigned to a system. More information about RECs is available on the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator website:
Energy Efficient Homes Package Call Centre: 1800 808 571 |
