[Ts-07] PC Bulletin - July

[Peace Convergence]

Dear Friends

The Chamoru visit was highly successful. It was a privilege to hear Dr Lisa
Natividad and Julian Aguon, two Chamoru activists from Guam, during their
tour of Australia. Thank you to all those who helped make it possible.
Hopefully it has inspired us to start planning for Talisman Sabre 2009 and
really join the dots re: our role in the Pacific and US military plans. It
was especially great to have Auntie Janette and Auntie Olive (Darumbal
elders from Shoalwater) in Brisbane to welcome Lisa and Julian.

Dr Lisa Natividad and Julian Aguon from Guam.

Queensland¹s Premier Anna Bligh has announced a proposal for a new coal port
at Shoalwater Bay!! Read the news report on ABC online
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/16/2304971.htm
See our press release below.

Plans are underway in various cities for Hiroshima Day (August 6) ­ a
reminder of the harsh realities of war and particularly the horror of
nuclear weapons. Find out what¹s happening near you.

Also coming up is the Asia Pacific Defence & Security Exhibition (November
11-13). A new website with lots of information about the event and why you
should get involved can be found at http://www.apdsexhibition.org/
Sign up for updates. Organise a bus to Adelaide!

Read below for updates of the ANZAC Ploughshares from New Zealand and the
Brisbane Raytheon Action.

Regards

The Peace Convergence Team

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What YOU can do!
Read our joint press release below and write a letter to the editor:

18 July, 2008

Coal port proposal another insult to Queensland's biggest wilderness region

Friends of the Earth Brisbane and the Peace Convergence are concerned at a
proposal to build a new coal port on Australian Defence Force land at
Shoalwater Bay in central Queensland.  The port puts at risk Queensland's
largest coastal wilderness area and increases the states contribution to
climate change.

The Shoalwater Bay region, with RAMSAR listed wetlands and subject to two
migratory bird treaties feeds into the seagrass meadows that fed
Queensland's endangered dugong population.  It has been the focus of
community opposition to military activities in recent years.

Environmental spokesperson for the Peace Convergence, Kim Stewart,
says,"This area is already at risk of toxic pollution and structural damage
from the activities of the military.  A coal port will lead to the further
destruction of this unique area.  The Shoalwater region should be returned
to it's traditional owners to be managed."

Pat O'Brien, spokesperson for the Wildlife Protection Association of
Australia says, "As Premier Bligh says, this development is of
significance to the state, but for other reasons than profit of the coal
industry.  If we lose Shoalwater Bay to industry and development, we risk
losing a significant site of natural heritage and contribute to the
extinction of dugong and green sea turtles and the endemic species of flora
found there."

Climate Justice spokesperson for Friends of the Earth Brisbane, Emma
Brindal, says, "It's climate insanity to be further opening up the coal
industry and doubly so because of the unfortunate choice of location for a
port at Shoalwater.  Premier Bligh has a duty to stop this development and
set Queensland on the sustainable energy path.

"An opportunity exists for Premier Bligh to protect this important area from
further development and enhance it's protection as a national treasure and
for future generations."

Media:
Wildlife Protection Association of Australia: Pat O'Brien 0408 711 344
Peace Convergence & Friends of the Earth: Kim Stewart 0413 397839

http://www.wildlifeprotectaust.org.au
http://www.peaceconvergence.com
http://www.brisbane.foe.org.au

Action Updates
ANZAC Ploughshares
Members of the ANZAC Waihopai Ploughshares met up this month for their first
reunion since the action on 30 April where they deflated a US spy dome. A
deposition hearing court date has not yet been confirmed but will probably
be in Wellington sometime in October or November at the earliest. 
Metro magazine (http://www.metrolive.co.nz) has published a 4,000 word story
on Peter (one of the Ploughshare activists ­ from Bris!) and the issues
highlighted by the action.
For more info visit their website http://ploughshares.org.nz/


Raytheon Exorcism in Brisbane