NOW HERE THIS.
Senator Ray was reported on radio this morning as saying that
Jervis Bay was the preferred location for the Navy's armaments
depot.
He described the proposed location as being 'clapped out pine
plantation'. (Now that has a familiar ring.) This remark displays
Senator Ray's contempt for the country. He should be looking to
restore the area, not use the history of past abuse as an excuse
for further abuse.
Jervis Bay was in pristine condition, in the Minister's opinion,
due to the present of the Navy. This is something of an insult to
local Koories who could claim that Jervis Bay was in pristine
condition due to their loving magagement for 40,000 plus years
"since the beginning."
Koories might also dispute the Minister's statement on the basis
of the impacts of Anglo-Australia military forces on the Jervis
Bay area. The living country has been used by the military for
'training exercises' which decalre war on the land.
People have actively protested against these war-games in the
recent past. They have risked their lives by hiding in the bush to
frustrate the bombing runs.
The social regime which will accompany the location of a major
armamants facility will further inhibit the enjoyment of the area
by all Australians.
It would be more constructive, during this decade of
reconciliation, for the Federal Government to acknowledge the
Aboriginal ownership of the whole area and to make a mutually
acceptable leaseback arrangement as a Commonwealth National Park
for the enjoyment of all Australians - present and future.
Senator Ray said that a decison would be made by the end of the
year. It was obvious from his attitude that his mind was already
made up.
If you have all rested from the rescue of that 'clapped out
buffalo country' - the Kakadu campaign - it is time to get
cracking on defending Jervis Bay.
Let Senator Ray know he Wrong Way.