Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Owning and using an MG ZS EV electric car

We have recently purchased our first electric car - a second-hand MG ZS EV 2022 Essence model. I have been keen to drive and EV for over a decade.  

MG ZS EV Essence
MG ZS EV Essence

MG ZS EV Essence
MG ZS EV Essence

We plan to use the EV for mostly city trips, replacing a 10 year old diesel  Opel Astra.

A wider variety of EVs are now available in 2024 (even in Australia!). 

Reasonably priced vehicles are available and there are numerous charging locations.

What I really like about the MG EV:

  • Its quiet and has good performance and handling
  • Regenerative braking saves energy
  • No carbon emissions pollution at tailpipe
  • Self folding mirrors when locking car
  • Type 2 charge connection (the most common)
  • 320km range is acceptable
  • Good design - speed and other information are on the dash in front of the driver like conventional cars
  • SUV style - good ground clearance and seating position. Good size rear seating.
  • The information display screen in the centre of the dash is well positioned and a good size (not too big!)
  • 20,000km service intervals! Services cost around $200.
  • Air-conditioning works well
  • Camera shows rear of car when reversing and front when going forward during parking
  • Its reasonably priced and some good second-hand vehicles are available.

    Excellent tech features:
    • 360 degree camera, and blind spot assistance (Essence model only)
    • Built in GPS navigation easy to use (without Android auto)
    • Android Auto support (to get wireless you need a wireless dongle such as AAWireless)
    • Vehicle to Load (VTL) support can provide a connection from the car battery to 240V sockets for running 240V appliances up to 2.2 kW(separate connecter cable is required for this).
    Some things I have discovered:
    • The supplied 240V charger takes up to 40 hours to fully charge a flat battery
    • A domestic AC wall charger can be installed for around $2500. Single phase provides 7-9kW, three phase unit provides up to 22kw. The MG allows a maximum AC charge of 11kw so we will install the single phase - either a Zappi 2.1 or a Wallbox Pulsar Max with solar integration
    • To fast charge the car at an Ampol service station I installed the AmpCharge app.  In 35 minutes 18.3 kWh charged about 40% of the battery for $12.91
    • Some Tesla chargers have been made available to other car brands, but not many.
    • The PlugShare app and website is great for locating charging points and seeing if they are available.
    • Chargers are either tethered (with lead and plug) or untethered (no lead or plug). You need to carry a Type 2 charge cable to use untethered chargers.  EVSE have reasonably priced cables.
    • The 2022 MG ZS EV model has a better lithium ion battery than earlier models and better range
    Problem with binding car to app/account
    • The MG iSMART app can be used to access car features, including its location.
    • However the vehicle can only be "bound" to one account.
    • The previous owner deleted his account before unbinding the car. I cannot bind to it.
    • The car has to go to an MG dealer to unbind it so I can access it via the app (quoted cost $120 but they did it for free).
    MG iSMART mobile app functions 
    • Remotely turn on the aircon
    • Lock/unlock the car
    • Check the battery and see charging status
    • Set a geofence with alerts and see the car's location. 
    Service intervals

    Service intervals are every 20,000km!  However, when visiting the dealer to get the unbinding done they said they need the car all day for a major software update, so I have booked that in.

    Features missing from Australian model
    • Car voice commands (but note that Android Auto voice commends work)
    • Electric tailgate
    • Rear seat centre armrests and cup holders

    Under the bonnet
    Under the bonnet

    Charging the MG ZS EV
    Charging the MG ZS EV

    Ampcharge app information while charging
    Ampcharge app information while charging


    Misinformation about EVs is rife at the moment

    This is presumably originating from 20C car makers and some fossil fuel companies worried about losing their markets for polluting fossil fuel vehicles and fuel. Some examples include:
    • "Embodied energy" - all vehicles have "embodied energy" - the energy consumed to produce them
    • "Battery life"- EVs have advanced battery management with the battery designed for 10+ years use
    • "Not suitable for long trips" - charging stops do need to be factored in, especially on busy routes (e.g. Melbourne to Sydney). Its recommended to stop every 2 hours on long trips.
    "Hydrogen powered cars will be better"
    • Rolling out hydrogen refuelling infrastructure will be very expensive and slow
    • Brown hydrogen is extracted from fossil fuels including coai, the process produces large quantities of carbon emissions 
    • Blue hydrogen uses steam to separate hydrogen from natural gas
    • Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, requiring significant amounts of electricity from renewable energy 
    • See Green, blue, brown: the colours of hydrogen explained, CSIRO and The colours of hydrogen explained, Swinburne 

    Friday, August 11, 2023

    NO to Seismic Blasting in the Otway Basin

    I am providing Public Comment regarding the Otway Basin 3D Multi-client Marine Seismic Survey proposal.

    I am writing to you as a relevant person who is concerned about the impacts of the proposed seismic blasting.

    The impacts from the proposed project have not been reduced to Acceptable Levels. The Environment Plan (EP) submitted to NOPSEMA to conduct seismic blasting in the Otway Basin is lacking in sufficient detail on the impacts and measures to mitigate these impacts.

    This seismic blasting will cause direct harm to the ocean ecosystem. It is lethal for marine life, impacting all levels of the food chain from zooplankton (1) to whales (2). Krill and zooplankton are cornerstone species that are the main source of food for many larger animals. Their eradication would cause a catastrophic chain reaction that would affect the entire marine ecosystem.

    Seismic blasts impact the breeding, feeding, and migration of whales, making them vulnerable to errors in navigation and to predation. They can cause whales to experience temporary or permanent hearing loss, which impacts their navigation, communication, and search for food since they rely on echolocation.

    Impacts to our ocean environment and marine life have not been adequately considered, and the measures to mitigate these impacts are not sufficient. The use of a marine fauna spotter to spot whales and reduce the scale of seismic blasting frequency if they are spotted is ineffective as many of the affected species can dive for prolonged periods of time, and will not be sighted if in the area below water. This does not stop the impact of causing mortality in small fish and zooplankton.

    This EP will not protect local fishing industries. Seismic blasting is deadly for marine life and decimates seafood populations, causing mortality in small fish and reducing catch size (3). These stocks may take many years to recover. Seafood and fish stocks may take many years to recover, as has been the case in commercial scallop fisheries in Bass Strait (4).

    There is an unacceptable level of risk to the local tourism industry. Local seafood and wildlife and recreational activities such as fishing are a massive part of the local marine tourism industries that will be affected by this seismic blasting.

    The OA extends through whale Songline Country. Traditional owners, keepers of whale songlines, have stated that this and any other gas and oil projects within their traditional waters have no permission to proceed. The Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective’s Citizens Protection Declaration condemns all new and existing seismic testing and gas mining exploration approvals across the south west Victorian coastal waters covering Gunditjmara Sea Country.

    The proposed project contravenes the OPGGS Act, as it interferes with fishing, marine conservation, and activities of other marine based industry. It also contravenes the EPBC Act* protecting threatened and migratory species, natural ecosystems and marine areas, as well as Article 32, Item 2 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

    The proposal to conduct seismic blasting using Special Prospecting Authority (SPA) permits sidesteps the usual government bidding and decision-making process, facilitating hasty and highly damaging oil and gas exploration proposals to progress rapidly through the regulatory approvals process.

    A Senate Inquiry into the use of seismic blasting to locate and drill for oil and gas under the seabed found opposition from coastal communities, weak regulation, and outdated science. No more seismic blasting should be done until there is an understanding of the broader impacts of seismic testing on marine ecosystems. 

    This seismic blasting proposal should be refused due to the unacceptable impacts noted above.  

    I am a frequent visitor to the Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road. I consider the environmental, cultural and social impacts of seismic blasting in the Otway Basin unacceptable.

    (1) McCauley, R, Day, R, Swadling, K, Fitzgibbon, Q, Watson, R and Semmens, J, 2017, ‘Widely used marine seismic survey air gun operations negatively impact zooplankton’, Nature Ecology & Evolution, vol. 1(7), (accessed June 2021).

    (2) Weilgart, L. (2013). “A review of the impacts of seismic airgun surveys on marine life.” Submitted to the CBD Expert Workshop on Underwater Noise and its Impacts on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity, 25-27 February 2014, London, UK. Available at: http://www.cbd.int/doc/?meeting=MCBEM-2014-01 

    (3) ‘Seismic surveying reduces whiting catch rate by 99.5 per cent, research finds’, Rio Davis, https://amp.abc.net.au/article/12502930

    (4) Submission to the senate inquiry: Impact of seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment. 2019. IMAS Submission 34. Hobart: IMAS [online], https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Environment_and_Communications/SeismicTesting/Public_Hearings  (accessed June 2021)

    *Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999


    Yours sincerely,

    Peter Campbell

    Sunday, June 18, 2023

    The City of Boroondara should not open meetings with Christian prayers


    Local government is secular. There should be separation between the institutions of religion and the state.

    The Boroondara community is diverse and includes people of many different religions and non-religious people.

    A Christian prayer may alienate some elected councillors, staff members, and members of the public who do not belong to the officially favoured religion and make some feel unwelcome and excluded.

    Freedom of belief in our democracy does not extend to imposing specific beliefs on those they do not subscribe to them. 

    Religious and non-religious worldviews should be treated equally.

    I do not support the Rule 18A cause that meetings “may commence” with prayer “at the discretion of the chairperson”.

    An increasing number of councils across Victoria and Australia have removed prayer rituals from their meetings and the Victorian state government has pledged to remove prayers from the parliament.

    I call on Boroondara Council to abolish prayers in Council meetings.

    Links

    You can submit feedback on this issue here - closing date is 20 June 2023

    Public consultation gives Councillor Franco hope of ending long-running prayer battle | Rationalist Society of Australia 

    Friday, April 21, 2023

    Rider Report Peter Campbell Paris Brest Paris 1999

    Peter Campbell, 19 November 1999

    I did the Paris Brest Paris Audax ride held 23-26 August 1999

    Here is my report of the ride.

    The Ride

    The longest of rides starts with a click of the pedals. I set off at 8pm on the 1999 Paris Brest Paris audax ride with approximately 800 riders and cycled warily into the night. The first night was to be hell on wheels. I didn't get much sleep the night before.

    Peter Campbell. 1999 Paris Brest Paris

    The motorcycle escort we had for some distance slowed down the peloton, causing much variation of speed. I found the constant braking quite nerve-racking with so many riders around. The fear of an accident was ever present. Unhappily, my fears were confirmed when Oliver Portway fell just behind me after somebody took his front wheel out! Luckily, he was back on his bike immediately without suffering injury or significant damage.

    Not long after this, the peloton came to a screeching halt. Initially I thought there had been a huge crash. However, the lead riders had missed one of the "fleches" (arrows) marking a turn-off. The pace slowed briefly, but soon wound up again. Riders spread across the entire width of the road, with many seeking to push through to the front. 

     Occasionally, an escort motorcycle would force a clear path on the left of the road, causing more bunching up and braking along the huge group. Immediately after this, cyclists would again cover the road width. The occasional car coming the other way had the same effect.

    After a cracking hill climb through the streets of Montagne au Perche, I stopped for food and to regain my composure. This was a feed stop on the way out, but it was nice to have a short rest, and let the mad hordes diminish. Back on the bike, a small group formed which gradually grew in size and speed. 

    The first checkpoint at Villaines la Juhel (220km) took an eternity to reach. After this, we cycled into the "death zone" (3am to 6am), a period I always hate. After nearly dozing off on the bike I trailed off the group in a village, found an open garage, and had a lovely nap for 1 hour (sleep one).

    I awoke refreshed, and rode in welcome daylight, feeling good. I passed many riders, then eventually teamed up with a Frenchman to arrive at Fougeres, the second checkpoint. After Fougeres, a peleton formed which travelled at a reasonable speed. I was enjoying the international flavour of the ride by now, as there were no other English speakers in our group, but I was able to converse a little with my limited French.

    After Tinteniac, a smaller group consisting of Bernard (French), Harry (Rumanian), Paul (English) and myself teamed up. We worked well together and chatted a lot. Paul was as strong as an ox. As the day progressed, the temperature increased. Our road speed decreased a little, as overheating became a real possibility. A secret control provided a quick rest. The endless aggregations of locals of all ages yelling encouragement along the route kept our spirits up.

    Arriving at Loudeac later in the afternoon, I was greeting by the Audax Australia contingent who were rendering excellent assistance and moral support. After getting the brevet signed and eating, I lay back on the grass and shut my eyes for a moment. I woke an hour later (sleep 2). My companions had departed; I felt a bit miffed, but much better after the nap. I teamed up with Phillip - a fellow Australian now resident in Germany. As we rode into the night we passed Paul who had punctured, so my nap did not end up costing me much time.

    At Carhaix-Plouguer, the welcome was quite overwhelming; the whole town seemed to be out clapping and cheering. After another good meal, Phillip and I got back on our bikes and rode off into the darkness. At one point I stopped with Phillip for a quick break to overcome a bout of his drowsiness. I noticed a glimmer in the bushes. I shone my headlamp and saw numerous cyclists snoozing in the forest; their reflective vests glittered in my beam.

    A sadist must have mapped out the route to Brest; we kept turning away from the Brest signposts, down long gullies and up more climbs. At one point, some local lads had changed the direction of the route marking arrows. We duelled with two Norwegians on a small climb. At last we were rewarded by the glittering lights of Brest and a welcome 3-hour sleep (sleep 3). It was a great psychological boost to reach halfway.

    Paul, Phillip & I left Brest cycling into light drizzle early in the morning. The route climbed slowly, thankfully avoiding the heinous gullies of the previous night. Small peletons formed around our nucleus, but we tended to drop most riders on the hills. 

    We chose a pretty town and stopped at a nice café for coffee and ice-cream. The locals were lunching en masse and relaxing nearby and asked if we would be back in 4 years. I replied "probably not, I prefer a holiday at the beach".

    Bernard Bobillier-Kennot, Peter Campbell & Paul Crib, 1999 Paris Brest Paris
     
    It was a long day, but a pleasurable one, as we chatted to riders en route, and kept up a good pace. At one point we careered along with a tandem that was really moving. We were hoping to get to Villaines la Juhel for the next sleep, but as the night dragged on fatigue and soreness set in, so we elected to stop at Fougeres for another 3-hour sleep (sleep 4).

    This time, Paul & awoke in the dark, but there were no sign of Phillip, and we couldn't locate him among the masses of slumbering bodies. We found out later that the helpers did not wake him. Refreshed after the sleep, Paul and I slotted in with a predominantly French peleton. I chatted amiably with the riders. They were keen to stop and avail themselves of free coffee on offer by friendly locals, so eventually we left them.

    Daylight again, then through Villaines la Juhel and Mortagne au Perche checkpoints, with the scenery now forming a blur. I was amazed by some of the descents, as I had no recollection of climbing them on the way out. 

    At one stage we chased down a large peleton in the distance, hoping for a good sit with them, but Paul rocketed past the group like they were standing still, with me hanging on his wheel. We then teamed up with Jardi, a colourful Spaniard, for a fast run across the plateau leading to Nogent le Roi, with the end of the ride fast becoming a reality.

    The final leg had a few sharp climbs, but the scenery was nice. We cranked up the speed a couple of notches when some cyclists coming the other way said (in French) "quick, quick, you might get under 70 hours". Passing the San Quentin en Yvelines sign gave us false hope, as the 70-hour mark ticked over while we continued on what seemed like interminable circuits of the district.
     
    Near the end, we met a motorcycle escort, who led us the final distance through the traffic in fine style. Arriving at the roundabout was a sensational feeling. Paul & I dismounted and shook hands warmly. 

    After handing in our brevets, we sat on the grass outside for an unforgettable rest. It was a great to tear off the gloves and rub my hands, knowing I was not going to get on the bike again in a hurry. The grass was wonderful. 

    I had taken 70.5 hours, 45 hours on the bike, 8 hours sleeping and the rest eating.

    Peter Campbell & Paul Crib, 1999 Paris Brest Paris

    Three years of preparation and a solid year of training had culminated in a great ride with great companions. The support, encouragement and advice of numerous fellow Audax riders, family and friends made it all possible. Memories of the adventure, camaraderie, and scenery will stay with me for the rest of my life.

    Ride stats



    The first riders in were Christophe BOCQUET & Philippe DEPLAIX with a ride time 44:22


    Peter Campbell 1999 Paris Brest Paris ranking. Source: https://www.pbpresults.com/1999


    Post script

    2 weeks after the PBP, Lena & I started our official honeymoon, and cycle toured through Burgundy, the Dauphine and Provence. We covered 1300km in 4 weeks, but that is another story.

    Gear & Clothing

    I took a full set of clothing, but no spares or changes. I used my lightweight Gamex Audax top once and leg warmers twice. I did not use my long gloves, my rain jacket or my warm headband.

    I saved 500g by taking a compact Ultimate bladder/backpack, over a pack rack and rack bag. This gave me the option of carrying water on my back and reserving my two water bottles for Coke, Orangina, sports drink and the like. The backpack was very comfortable and did not bother me during the ride. It also had the advantage of keeping my stuff with me at checkpoints.

    I chose to avoid the added logistics of arranging a bag drop for additional clothing and/or equipment.

    Repairs

    I was assisted with a couple of minor running repairs and adjustments at checkpoints; the workshops were well equipped and staffed for all hours. I left a small tip. I did not end up using my small kit of tyre levers, patches and Allen keys. If your bike is in good shape, you should have no problems.

    Lights

    After seemingly endless consideration and discussion of options and calculation of battery life, I elected to take 2 Cateye Micros and a homemade battery pack of 4C and 4D cells (hot swappable via plugs). While this weighed a lot, it did guarantee me getting through the night. I also used a 10W Niterider Headlamp with a lightweight NiMh cell which proved to invaluable for fast descents and spotting route markers. Its 2.5 hour burn time got me through both nights as I used it sparingly. I carried spare AAs for the Cateye lights.

     

    Food

    Tasty and nutritious food with good energy value was available at all checkpoints.  Soup, pasta, salads, meat dishes, fruit and deserts were all available.  I carried 20 Leppins and finished the ride with 2 left.  You really only need to carry food and drink to get you between checkpoints and avoid "cracking".  Food bars were sparingly available, but bananas were common.  Sports drink was hard to get, and tasted foul.


    Hygiene & Health

    I adopted the "irrigation by constant application" technique, as advocated by Malcolm Rogers, to maintain comfort for the nether region. I kept applying small quantities of anti fungal and silicon creams to chafing and pressure points. This worked well for me; I did not suffer much discomfort. Mind you, Avocet O2 saddles are wonderful. I also used silicone cream on my hands to prevent softening due to sweat.

    If you feel the need for a rear end overhaul, there are chemist shops and supermarkets en route and the Red Cross can assist at checkpoints with ointments such as nappy cream. Some fellow riders bought lignocaine cream to deaden the pain, but this should be a last resort as more damage to numb areas is likely.

    I had blocked sweat glands (red spots) on my feet, armpits and chamois region; these cleared up quickly after the ride.

    The biggest problem I had was numbness in some toes of my left foot, which 3 months after the ride has not completely gone yet. This was a new problem, and there was little I could do to prevent it.  My Time pedals and shoes were high quality.


    Some Do's

    • Take your own energy food supplements (e.g. Leppins), there are limited options available in France.
    • Use a good headlamp; they are excellent for descents. The brighter the better.
    • Aim for redundancy with your lights so you can swap parts if something fails.
    • Sleep or stop when you are really tired; falling asleep and crashing might be the end of your ride, or you.
    • Aim to build up a time buffer so that you have some contingency if things go wrong.
    • Do your own ride, if you ride faster than you are comfortable with you risk blowing up. Riding slower than your optimum can be frustrating. There are plenty of people to ride with.
    • Stand out of the saddle frequently to relieve pressure points and vary muscle groups.
    • Use a light rain jacket (rather than a heavier Goretex one); they are good for both shower proofing and for added warmth at night.
    • A layer of foam under the handlebar cork wrap helps prevent pressure points (or use double cork).

    Some Don'ts

    • Don't use SPD pedals; use a flatter road pedal/shoe combination such as the Look or Time systems.  The flatter pressure surface is less likely to cause nerve problems with the soles of your feet.
    • Don't do the 80 hour start unless you are either brave or foolish.
    • Don't carry nappy wipes. I read somewhere they were recommended, but they are bulky, heavy and unnecessary. If you really need some (you probably won't) then buy them en route.
    • Don't carry too many heavy batteries; you can buy them at checkpoints.
    • Don't avoid the Red Cross and medical assistance on the ride if you have a serious medical problem, you risk permanent injury if you do so.
    • Don’t carry a full medical or tool kit or too much clothing; too much stuff will weigh you down and make injuries and/or mechanical problems more likely, and make the ride much harder.

    Monday, April 10, 2023

    The Voice to Parliament will help Australia's First Nations People

    The Voice to Parliament will help Australia's First Nations People.

    I and many others attended the Voice to Parliament information night in Kooyong to learn more about why it is so important. 




    Bart Willoughby, A Pitjantjatjara man of the Mirning dreaming played didgeridoo and acknowledged the Wurundjeri people to open the event . 

    The speakers were: 

    Dr Monique Ryan, independent MP for Kooyong

    Thomas Mayo, Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. 

    Marcus Stewart, Nira illim bulluk man of the Taungurung Nation


    You can watch the event here:


    Some key points were made by the speakers.

    Thomas Mayo:  "The Voice will provide recognition to and consultation with First Nations people. Have conversations with your family and friends about this."

    Many decades of struggle, heartbreak and hard work have led up to the Voice. The Voice is logical, its strategic for closing the gap, and its key for hearing indigenous people.  The dialogues that led to the Voice considered lessons learnt. 

    Voices have been established many times before. Anytime they made the parliament uncomfortable they have been silenced. Petitions and statements have been ignored. A treaty was promised by Bob Hawke, but its failed to date.

    Howard destroyed ATSIC. Governments have failed. The NT Intervention then happened.

    The Voice To Parliament can advise the Australian government to take action on black deaths in custody and closing the gap.

    Consensus was reached on Uluru Statement give it great power, dialogues across Australia were heard in safe places. The outcome was Voice, Treaty, Truth.  The priority now is the Voice.

    Australia is one of the very few like nations that don't have a Treaty or constitutional recognition of indigenous peoples.

    Without a Voice, First Nations People go backwards.

    The Voice To Parliament can provide advice to the parliament about any future attempts to suspend the Racial Discrimination Act (as Howard did during the racist NT Intervention).

    The Voice to Parliament must be in the Constitution to stop future governments destroying it when they don't like what they hear and don't want to listen.

    Its up to the Parliament to determine how the Voice will function and how it will be formed.  This may change over time as lessons are learned - this detail must NOT be in the Constitution as then it cannot be altered when needed. 

    Marcus Stewart: "the Voice (now) is essential for getting to Treaty, which could take 20+ years."

    Sovereignty has not been ceded and will never be ceded. 

    We are We are a strong people, but in this nation we don't have a political agency to make decisions that affect our lives. We watch other people decide whether our rights are respected and our voices heard.

    Voice, Treaty and Truth will benefit the soul of this nation.

    We are all lucky to walk on Aboriginal Land.  We came to this place through different paths. 

    We have a once in a generation opportunity ahead of us at referendum.

    What is on offer is over 60,000 years of history and culture, wisdom and knowledge, traditions and celebrations, strength and resilience, something we can all celebrate.

    We will lose nothing but stand to gain so much. We love our culture and want to share it and have it respected and everyone able to celebrate it. All we ask in return is for the freedom and power to make decisions that impact our communities, our culture and our lands.

    We want the freedom to choose our own paths in life. For too long Aboriginal people have had policies made to us, for us, but never by us. 

    Every aspects of our lives have been controlled by policies ... made by politicians who didn't understand us and didn't respect us.

    Having a Voice is the first step in having a meaningful say in the decisions that affect our lives. Its not about assigning blame or guilt. 

    The alternative is waking up to a country post referendum that told our people and our communities that we don't belong and that our voice should be silent.

    I urge everyone to not let the perfect get in the way of the good. Don't let the search for detail leave us without a seat at the table.

    A Yes Vote is confirmation that you want all First Nations communities to thrive again, for our unique connection to this place to be recognised, respected and celebrated. 

    Opponents

    The Liberal, National and One Nation parties all oppose the Voice to Parliament. Their reasons are unclear. There is no logic, evidence or  facts supporting their positions. They are telling lies about the Voice.

    Their political tactic is to spread fear, uncertainty and doubt to kill the Voice. They tried this during the unnecessary marriage plebiscite but it didn't work.

    It also appears there is some racism behind this, which is very disappointing.

    Some answers to questions

    I can't understand how we would be able to progress Treaty without a Voice.  One risk that a Treaty might be signed then torn up by government.

    A good agreement never comes before you form a representative body. We have federal government. Its really important to setup a national body.

    Treaty will take decades and will be an ongoing struggle, so a national body is going to be so important to ensure outcomes are achieved.

    We can work towards a Treaty and have a Voice, work can proceed in tandem.

    The Voice is just recognition and consultation. Have conversations with friends and colleagues about the Voice. 

    The Voice will be one mechanism to improve lives of First Nations People, better policies will result.

    The Voice has an advisory to it can be ignored by government, but it would a brave government to do that.  Parliament will remains responsible for making decisions.  They should listen to what we have to say.

    The Voice will not have a power of veto.

    The parliament and the government will seek advice from First Nations people. For example, the lifting of alcohol bans. 

    Local, regional and national layers of representation will represent all groups across Australia.

    The Voice will represent the community it serves. Out people will have a democratic say in who their representative are.

    Why I will vote Yes

    I will vote yes to the Voice To Parliament referendum. I respect the Uluru Statement and the wishes of First Nations people.

    Australia's First Nation's people deserve to have a voice to parliament and government about policies and legislation that affect them.


    Solicitor-general Stephen Donaghue advice on the Voice

    On 21 April 2023 the government’s top lawyer stated the proposed Indigenous Voice to Parliament would "enhance" Australia's system of government, and does not believe it would "pose any threat" to the nation's parliamentary democracy.

    Tuesday, January 17, 2023

    Wednesday, September 14, 2022

    Save Falls Creek cross country skiing area

    The proposal to clear the road during winter from Windy Corner to the ANARE shed at Rocky Valley will destroy cross country skiing access and amenity. The existing snow-covered road provides access to cross country skiers and snow shoe users free of wheeled vehicles. 

    This access route provides a quiet, scenic and sheltered route for cross country skiers and snow shoe users to access and use the XC trail network including the Nordic Bowl. The route is wide enough to accommodate many skiers.

    The road that Falls Creek resort wants to keep cleared all Winter.

    Current users of this area are cross country skiers of all ages and abilities, snow shoe users and XC racers who train there regularly and compete in events such as the Kangaroo Hoppet.

    Clearing the road to create additional carparks will prevent current users from skiing on it and put spoil down the slopes above and below it. Road traffic would destroy the serenity of the current XC ski area including the Nordic bowl. This will ruin the cross country ski experience and amenity at Falls Creek, which is the main reason our family visits the resort. 

    On our last visit our daughter skied on the lifts for 4 days, I skied on the lifts for one day and cross country for 4 days. We used the Windy Corner shelter and cafe every day.

    The proposal to provide new XC facilities close to or next to Rocky Valley dam is ill-considered. This area gets significantly more adverse weather than the sheltered Nordic Bowl, XC trails and currently uncleared road. Frequent adverse weather at or close to the dam includes very strong winds, a much higher chill factor and poor visibility.

    If this proposal proceeds we will be unlikely to visit Falls Creek again in winter.  Windy Corner and the existing XC trails are the main reason our family visits Falls Creek.

    I recommend improving bus services to Falls Creek as an alternative to providing more parking for private cars. This would provide increased access for more visitors without further damaging the alpine environment and experience that people come to Falls Creek for.

    You can provide your feedback on this proposal (closing Sunday 18 Sep 2022) here.


    The section of road they want to keep cleared in Winter

    Sking down to Nordic Bowl

    Nordic Bowl

    ANARE shed




    Windy Corner car park, the road stops here in Winter

    Additional information