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Our new Councillor, Dick Newman (taking over from Cr Pauline Clayton by a small margin of preferences), has his work cut out for him. There's the ongoing saga over the former saleyards site and surrounds bordering Obi Obi Creek, home to 27 endangered and at-risk fauna and flora species. Supermarket developer Cornerstone finally made its application to the federal Environment Minister under the EPBC Act on 27 February – unbeknown to the community until late in the third week of March when it was almost too late to object. The last-minute submission by zoologist Dr Les Hall and activist Margie Cronin was dismissed in late March by the Minister, who in his wisdom saw no need for an environmental impact study, though he had the power to order it under the Act. As we go to press, Maleny residents are preparing to defend the site. The Minister similarly failed in his duty of care by approving the irradiation plant at Deception Bay, north of Brisbane, without an EPBC Act EIS. Then there's the Community Precinct housing estate and golf course scenario. This edition, Co-op Manager Alan Harrington, a reformed golfer, presents his analysis on the financial viability of the proposed golf course. Surely it would be better all round for our community to have a showcase botanic gardens than a subsidised arena for a few golfing enthusiasts hitting little white balls? Again, we live in interesting times, as reflected in many items within these pages. Meantime, may the Easter Bilby be kind to you – and vice versa. Ruth [From "Maple Street Co-op News", April/May 2004;
published by The Maple Street Co-operative Society Ltd, 37 Maple Street,
Maleny, Qld 4552, Australia, tel (07) 5494 2088, email maplest.co-op@serv.net.au, |
| Address:
37 Maple Street, Maleny Qld 4552, Australia Telephone: (07) 5494 2088 (int'l +61 7 5494 2088) Fax: (07) 5499 9246 (int'l +61 7 5499 9246) Email: info@maplestreetco-op.com.au, or maplest.coop@serv.net.au Website: www.maplestreetco-op.com.au |