Maybe this story - 'Gas price inflated, watchdog called in' - in todays Australian answers my question on the previous blog post about how much Woodside cares about the West Australian public?
The story goes like this:
"The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's enforcement branch is investigating whether the North West Shelf joint venture partners should be allowed to continue marketing gas as a single supplier, after a complaint by customers that the arrangement could be forcing them to pay higher prices".
"A spokesman for the Domgas Alliance of West Australian gas customers, Stuart Hohnen, told The Weekend Australian that customers had seen a rapid rise in prices as supply had become constrained and believed that was a result of the significant market power exercised by the North West Shelf partners, which made up 70 per cent of the West Australian market.
"Prices have risen from $2.50 a gigajoule to $8 in recent contracts and the expectation in requests for tender is that new gas will be sold in the $15 to $20 a gigajoule range," Mr Hohnen said".
We need Green Not Greed.
Saturday, 30 August 2008
Thursday, 28 August 2008
How much does Woodside care about the WA public?
Am I the only one that can see something horribly wrong with this story on the West today?
The story starts: "The feud between Woodside and the Federal Government intensified yesterday after the energy giant confirmed it would pass on all of a proposed $2.5 billion tax to WA gas consumers and slash expenditure on its massive Browse LNG development in the State’s north in response to plans to introduce an emissions trading scheme. In his most vehement attack yet on policies of the Rudd Government, Woodside Petroleum chief executive Don Voelte said the North-West Shelf partners would increase the price of gas for WA customers to recoup the excise imposed on light crude oil, known as condensate, which the Government unveiled in its first Budget in May".
And yet yesterday it was reported here (not on the West mind you) that Woodside Petroleum had recorded record profits: "Woodside Petroleum, Australia's second largest oil and gas producer, has achieved a significant jump in first half profit, driven by high oil prices and a stronger production performance.The Perth-based company posted a first half net profit of $1.016 billion, 67% higher than the $610.1 million reported in the corresponding period of 2007"
In my view it is obviously beyond time that our politicians got some backbone and stood up to multinational corporate giants like Woodside. Could this be a good indication of how much these multinational corporate giants actually care about the people of the State and Country they strip the recourses and make the profits from?
The story starts: "The feud between Woodside and the Federal Government intensified yesterday after the energy giant confirmed it would pass on all of a proposed $2.5 billion tax to WA gas consumers and slash expenditure on its massive Browse LNG development in the State’s north in response to plans to introduce an emissions trading scheme. In his most vehement attack yet on policies of the Rudd Government, Woodside Petroleum chief executive Don Voelte said the North-West Shelf partners would increase the price of gas for WA customers to recoup the excise imposed on light crude oil, known as condensate, which the Government unveiled in its first Budget in May".
And yet yesterday it was reported here (not on the West mind you) that Woodside Petroleum had recorded record profits: "Woodside Petroleum, Australia's second largest oil and gas producer, has achieved a significant jump in first half profit, driven by high oil prices and a stronger production performance.The Perth-based company posted a first half net profit of $1.016 billion, 67% higher than the $610.1 million reported in the corresponding period of 2007"
In my view it is obviously beyond time that our politicians got some backbone and stood up to multinational corporate giants like Woodside. Could this be a good indication of how much these multinational corporate giants actually care about the people of the State and Country they strip the recourses and make the profits from?
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Kwinana the Dumping Ground
Kwinana to be surround by stinking/polluting rubbish processing plants that no one else wants.
1. The Southern Metro Regional Council – SMRC plan building another recource recovery centre (composting facility) in Millard Road Rockingham on the South side of Kwinana. SMRC has a long history of poor odour management of its Canningvale facilitiy and of providing misleading information to the public over problems with its operations.
2. The South East Metro Regional Council - SEMRC plan on building a resource recovery centre (fancy wording for a rubbish composting facility) in McLaughlan Road on the North side of Kwinana a short distance from Orelia and 700 metres from homes in the suburb of Windsor Hills.
In 2005 the Kwinana Progress Association and Conservation of Rockingham Environment exposed the SMRC recycling scam where SMRC were burying recyclable material from domestic yellow top bins in various landfills including Rockingham (pictured). SMRC at first denied this but we exposed the scam by tracking trucks and photographing the recyclables being buried, SMRC then made more misleading claims on how much was being buried and why. This was exposed in the Sunday Times.
The SMRC has a very long and very poor track record of managing odour problems at its Canning Vale composting facility and a long history of misleading the public over these odour issues. The local communities of Canning Vale and Leeming have been fighting SMRC over odour and possible health issues for many years. SMRC for over a year denied that it was responsible for the odour problems in that area, but all along the local community knew it was responsible. Eventually the DEC got involved and had the SMRC plant shutdown while some improvements were made. The local community claims the odour problems still exist but now SMRC attempts to mask the odour with chemicals.
Now SMRC want to build a composting plant on the South side of Kwinana to process the South Metro regions rubbish (ie: 7 Councils green bins contents) and SEMRC want to build a composting plant on the North side of Kwinana.
1. The Southern Metro Regional Council – SMRC plan building another recource recovery centre (composting facility) in Millard Road Rockingham on the South side of Kwinana. SMRC has a long history of poor odour management of its Canningvale facilitiy and of providing misleading information to the public over problems with its operations.
2. The South East Metro Regional Council - SEMRC plan on building a resource recovery centre (fancy wording for a rubbish composting facility) in McLaughlan Road on the North side of Kwinana a short distance from Orelia and 700 metres from homes in the suburb of Windsor Hills.
In 2005 the Kwinana Progress Association and Conservation of Rockingham Environment exposed the SMRC recycling scam where SMRC were burying recyclable material from domestic yellow top bins in various landfills including Rockingham (pictured). SMRC at first denied this but we exposed the scam by tracking trucks and photographing the recyclables being buried, SMRC then made more misleading claims on how much was being buried and why. This was exposed in the Sunday Times.
The SMRC has a very long and very poor track record of managing odour problems at its Canning Vale composting facility and a long history of misleading the public over these odour issues. The local communities of Canning Vale and Leeming have been fighting SMRC over odour and possible health issues for many years. SMRC for over a year denied that it was responsible for the odour problems in that area, but all along the local community knew it was responsible. Eventually the DEC got involved and had the SMRC plant shutdown while some improvements were made. The local community claims the odour problems still exist but now SMRC attempts to mask the odour with chemicals.
Now SMRC want to build a composting plant on the South side of Kwinana to process the South Metro regions rubbish (ie: 7 Councils green bins contents) and SEMRC want to build a composting plant on the North side of Kwinana.
We will be surrounded by stinking/polluting plants. I have no doubt that odour problems will occur in Kwinana, but probably the most concerning questions are:– can the local Government that is SMRC be trusted by the community? Why would SEMRC not build their plant in one of their own shires, why should the people of Kwinana suffer the effects of their waste problems, how much will SEMRC actually care about the effects on us?
Once again we found out about this through the grape vine, no consultation whatsoever, not even with those residents who live ~700 metres from the site and that will be exposed the most.
Another prime example that Environemntal and Social Justice does not exist in Kwinana. Why? Because we are in a safe Labor seat so no one in Politics cares.
Another fight ahead and fight we will.
See Canning Melville Odour Action Group web site here.
Update 22-08-08: Blog post modified and corrected to include both composting plants.
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Plans to Bulldoze Kwinana Industrial Buffer
Our Pollution Safety Buffer is there for a reason - To help protect people from the hazards of industry - Let's make sure it remains bushland.
It seems the Labor Government has secret plans to bulldoze our buffer.
It has recently come to light that the Labor Government plans to build a huge rail industrial project in the Buffer zone between Kwinana’s hazardous industries and residents. Few details are available but the project sounds extremely concerning to many of us in Kwinana.
The state Government has apparently been sitting on this for some time keeping Kwinana residents in the dark again. Apparently the proposal was to build the monstrosity in Minister Logan’s electorate of Cockburn, but because he can Minister Logan has apparently decided to dump it in the new seat of Kwinana instead.
(Note: This area was previously Fran Logan’s seat until electoral boundary changes. Roger Cook – former industrial lobbyist – is now the Labor candidate).
It is understood that the proposal is huge, said to take up much of the Kwinana industrial buffer zone land, between old Mandurah Road and Office Road from south of Thomas Road to as far down as the Rockingham-Kwinana cemetery.
Residents to the East of this proposal already suffer the effects of heavy and hazardous industry with noise regularly exceeding legal levels for the residential area. This proposal can only make it much worse with increase transport such as rail and trucks and the risks associated with loading, storing and transporting of who know what dangerous goods.
Once again this Government demonstrates that environmental and social justice does not exist when it comes to Kwinana.
Another fight ahead and a big fight it will be, at least it seems we will have other high profile people like state election independent candidate and Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams also fighting this one.
Why do the people of this area continue to vote for Labour candidates that continue to treat them like this? Wake up people your vote can change the situation.
.It seems the Labor Government has secret plans to bulldoze our buffer.
It has recently come to light that the Labor Government plans to build a huge rail industrial project in the Buffer zone between Kwinana’s hazardous industries and residents. Few details are available but the project sounds extremely concerning to many of us in Kwinana.
The state Government has apparently been sitting on this for some time keeping Kwinana residents in the dark again. Apparently the proposal was to build the monstrosity in Minister Logan’s electorate of Cockburn, but because he can Minister Logan has apparently decided to dump it in the new seat of Kwinana instead.
(Note: This area was previously Fran Logan’s seat until electoral boundary changes. Roger Cook – former industrial lobbyist – is now the Labor candidate).
It is understood that the proposal is huge, said to take up much of the Kwinana industrial buffer zone land, between old Mandurah Road and Office Road from south of Thomas Road to as far down as the Rockingham-Kwinana cemetery.
Residents to the East of this proposal already suffer the effects of heavy and hazardous industry with noise regularly exceeding legal levels for the residential area. This proposal can only make it much worse with increase transport such as rail and trucks and the risks associated with loading, storing and transporting of who know what dangerous goods.
Once again this Government demonstrates that environmental and social justice does not exist when it comes to Kwinana.
Another fight ahead and a big fight it will be, at least it seems we will have other high profile people like state election independent candidate and Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams also fighting this one.
Why do the people of this area continue to vote for Labour candidates that continue to treat them like this? Wake up people your vote can change the situation.
Another reason I will be voting Greens or Independent. Let’s hope others also see the light, but I won't be holding my breath.
.
Update: Kwinana Industry is also opposed to this proposal.
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Does our Government Lie over industry problems?
Surprise - Surprise...
As the Australia reports here today: “THE world's most respected risk assessment firm last night directly contradicted West Australian government claims that it had vouched for the integrity of the gas pipeline that exploded in June, blowing a multi-billion-dollar hole in the state economy.
.
In an extraordinary statement out of Hong Kong, Lloyd's Register rebuffed Deputy Premier Eric Ripper's claim on Tuesday that the firm had "thoroughly tested and reviewed' equipment on Apache Energy's Varanus Island -- the site of the June 3 pipeline explosion that has already cost the state $2.4 billion.
.
Lloyd's unexpected statement strengthens allegations, backed by Freedom of Information documents, of departmental incompetence in dealing with longstanding concerns about the pipeline".
As I blogged here I am sure there is more info to come on this - probably another good reason for calling an early State election.
Now our Premier has called for calm. Still looks to me like just another cover-up job.
For more info see:
Premier full of hot air over gas crisis
Pipeline gas blast warnings ignored
Gas blast pipeline 'not thoroughly tested'
WA gas worker: Fark, we ran for our lives
As the Australia reports here today: “THE world's most respected risk assessment firm last night directly contradicted West Australian government claims that it had vouched for the integrity of the gas pipeline that exploded in June, blowing a multi-billion-dollar hole in the state economy.
.
In an extraordinary statement out of Hong Kong, Lloyd's Register rebuffed Deputy Premier Eric Ripper's claim on Tuesday that the firm had "thoroughly tested and reviewed' equipment on Apache Energy's Varanus Island -- the site of the June 3 pipeline explosion that has already cost the state $2.4 billion.
.
Lloyd's unexpected statement strengthens allegations, backed by Freedom of Information documents, of departmental incompetence in dealing with longstanding concerns about the pipeline".
As I blogged here I am sure there is more info to come on this - probably another good reason for calling an early State election.
Now our Premier has called for calm. Still looks to me like just another cover-up job.
For more info see:
Premier full of hot air over gas crisis
Pipeline gas blast warnings ignored
Gas blast pipeline 'not thoroughly tested'
WA gas worker: Fark, we ran for our lives
Monday, 4 August 2008
Sticks and Stones
While I was crook – I received anonymous comments on the blog, I don’t intend publishing these comments in full because they are basically abusive, and defamantory, but to give you an idea of what one has to put up with when speaking out against injustice in Kwinana, here is a run down:
“Without industry you would not have the fuel for your car, the plastic for your computer and the paint for everything amoungst some basic things. I find it deplorable that you need to cast so much dispersion on the industries that provide you with everything you use on a daily basis, especially when you DO NOT have the information, or do not quote any scientific data to make these assumptions.”
“As i have said, every one, include you Stevo, are dependant on the industires to provide basic materials for daily life. I am sure if you succedd in closing or causing immense pain to one of these industires and it results in price rise for items, you would be the first to winge to the government about how they should of stopped it from happening and how people can now not afford things because we have to get it from somewhere else and it now costs double.”
“Your blog is full of half truths that justify your complaints and do not in any way aid the environmental movement in any way what so ever”
“I deliberately searched out your blog as your name is prominant in the enviromental area, but i have since discovered that you appear to be, in my opinion, an lifeless man who wants to winge about every damn thing you can think of yet still depend on the thing industry provides you.”
“Oh Stevo, I do care, I am all for abiding by rules, but i am finding that your blog is full of assumptions and winges. You can live in a residential area without illegal noise. Didn't you realise that the industry was allready in your back yard when you were growing up? Kwinana was build to house the builders of the strip and now you complain about it? Move if you do not like the noise. No one is forcing you to stay.”
“Steve, you need to post my replies. Where are they??”
“Steve, where are my replies? Proof you only print what proofs your point.Round one to me, even though you are too scared to show it to all of your loyal followers. How does it go....NOT... “
“Steve you are a biased greeny. Why do you not print my replies?? “
“You spinless fuck. Your blog is full of lies and biased bullshit. You are too spinless to even post retorts. No one appears to read your blog based on the number of comments, and it seems you lied about cancer rates in Kwinana”
Normally I would ignore this, but decided to post these comments to give readers an idea of what anyone who speaks out against environmental injustice in Kwinana is up against. I won’t even waste my time and energy responding to some of the acusations because I am sure that most readers out there realise what is going on.
“Without industry you would not have the fuel for your car, the plastic for your computer and the paint for everything amoungst some basic things. I find it deplorable that you need to cast so much dispersion on the industries that provide you with everything you use on a daily basis, especially when you DO NOT have the information, or do not quote any scientific data to make these assumptions.”
“As i have said, every one, include you Stevo, are dependant on the industires to provide basic materials for daily life. I am sure if you succedd in closing or causing immense pain to one of these industires and it results in price rise for items, you would be the first to winge to the government about how they should of stopped it from happening and how people can now not afford things because we have to get it from somewhere else and it now costs double.”
“Your blog is full of half truths that justify your complaints and do not in any way aid the environmental movement in any way what so ever”
“I deliberately searched out your blog as your name is prominant in the enviromental area, but i have since discovered that you appear to be, in my opinion, an lifeless man who wants to winge about every damn thing you can think of yet still depend on the thing industry provides you.”
“Oh Stevo, I do care, I am all for abiding by rules, but i am finding that your blog is full of assumptions and winges. You can live in a residential area without illegal noise. Didn't you realise that the industry was allready in your back yard when you were growing up? Kwinana was build to house the builders of the strip and now you complain about it? Move if you do not like the noise. No one is forcing you to stay.”
“Steve, you need to post my replies. Where are they??”
“Steve, where are my replies? Proof you only print what proofs your point.Round one to me, even though you are too scared to show it to all of your loyal followers. How does it go....NOT... “
“Steve you are a biased greeny. Why do you not print my replies?? “
“You spinless fuck. Your blog is full of lies and biased bullshit. You are too spinless to even post retorts. No one appears to read your blog based on the number of comments, and it seems you lied about cancer rates in Kwinana”
Normally I would ignore this, but decided to post these comments to give readers an idea of what anyone who speaks out against environmental injustice in Kwinana is up against. I won’t even waste my time and energy responding to some of the acusations because I am sure that most readers out there realise what is going on.
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