MP3 audio files of speeches from yesterday’s “Rally for the Coast 2” are available for download.

Download the speech from Cassy O’Connor (4.8MB mp3)

Download the speech from Duncan Kerr (5.1MB mp3)

Download the speech from Dr. Peter Hay (3.2MB mp3)

SRB Inc. will be adding audio for all speeches as soon as it is possible.

Just like to lend my support to the Save Ralphs Bay Group. As a former resident of Hobart currently living in the UK I keep up with all the local news. I am absolutely disgusted at the Labour Government . . .

Save Ralphs Bay Inc. today refuted absolutely claims made by Planning Minister, Steve Kons, that the group is engaged in a scare campaign.

SRB Inc. Communications coordinator, Cassy O’Connor, said while many Tasmanians are genuinely scared at the prospect of canal estates, SRB Inc. has always sought to present the known facts, while highlighting the values of Ralphs Bay, and raising questions posed by the Walker plan.

“Rather patronisingly, the Minister tells us to have faith in the planning process, and assures us our views will be heard.

Tasmanians from all parts of the island, interstate and overseas, have already contacted SRB Inc. wanting to know how they can help stop this shocking act of environmental vandalism. Shortly after the bank opens tomorrow, the SRB Inc. Treasurer will deposit a $1000 cheque sent in by a concerned Western shore resident.  Donations can be made to the Save Ralphs Bay Inc. account at any branch of the National Australia Bank.

TOMORROW, Monday 24 July, Save Ralphs Bay Inc. holds its Rally for the Coast II at City Hall from 12.30 - 1.30 pm. The speakers are Senator Bob Brown, Duncan Kerr MP, Cassy O’Connor, Danielle Wood and Dr Pete Hay. Bill Edmunds will be MC.

Ten months and three days was the time it took for a stinking fish to mysteriously vanish from the Ralphs Bay sandflats, then abruptly reappear in a new, even smellier guise.  This time, the stakes are so much higher.  This time, Lennon Labor has abandoned all pretence of community consultation before deciding whether to approve the project, knowing full well the passions it stirs and the rich vein of public, scientific and political opposition to canal estates in Tasmania.

Walker Corporation has the full and unequivocal support of the Lennon Cabinet.  The Premier has told us this himself.  Those concerned, coastal-loving Tasmanian voters who in good faith put the ALP high on their ballot papers on March 18 this year must feel particularly betrayed.

Premier Paul Lennon has, in one fell swoop, renamed the Ralphs Bay sandflats, ‘Lauderdale Quay’.  The Premier’s Media Release of last Thursday clearly states that there has been a new application for a ‘development AT Lauderdale Quay.’ Perhaps next Mr Lennon will approach the Nomenclature Board, if that’s the appropriate mechanism for dealing with an inconveniently sensitive and publicly owned piece of coastline ...?

When will he instruct Environment and Planning bureaucrats to again redraw the maps, eliminating once and for all the Ralphs Bay Conservation Area and replacing it with ‘Lauderdale Quay?’ This is part of a very deliberate effort to make the general public believe Ralphs Bay - as an internationally significant bird habitat and vital to the River Derwent’s health - has ceased to exist.

And in the Premier’s mind, is that indeed the case?

EXCERPT from Thursday 6 July 2006 - Part 1 - Pages 1 - 29

“LAUDERDALE QUAY DEVELOPMENT

[10.36 a.m.]

Mr McKIM (Question) - My question is to the Premier. Premier, you have just stated that Walker Corporation’s odious and unpopular proposal to trash the Ralphs Bay conservation area, close off public open space in the area and devastate the ecosystem at Ralphs Bay has been hauled out of the coffin where it belongs. Can you confirm that this is an identical proposal to the one which was shelved in order to save a Labor seat in Franklin at the last State election? Has your Government or any of your ministers made any deal or agreement with Walker to sell any crown land or part of the Ralphs Bay conservation area in the event that Walker can get this proposal through the planning system? If so, has any price been agreed in relation to the sale of the Ralphs Bay conservation area or any crown land associated with this proposal, and what processes will be gone through as a result of the agreement or any sale?

Mrs Napier - And was it signed on 15 February?

Members laughing.”