All the following letters to the editor were written by Michael Organ to the Illawarra Merucry, unless otherwise indicated. Some letters in response to the letters by Michael Organ are also included. This list only goes back to March 2005.
23 November 2009 - A local's lament
With all due respect to Jennie George and her years of hard work, I think it disgraceful that the ALP parachutes out-of-towners such as Stephen Jones into federal seats and does not give locals the chance to represent their community. How are we to encourage young people to enter Parliament when we have this abuse of safe seats? No wonder the standing of politicians is so low. Our parliamentary democracy is about local representation, and we should be grooming our best young people to take on those roles. What is needed is locals with local knowledge and local commitment. And who will Mr Jones answer to? ALP powerbrokers, that's who. Not the people of Throsby. Michael Organ, Bulli.
31 October 2009 - Meters last straw
The imposition of parking meters in Wollongong is the final straw - the three Council administrators must go. They answer to no one and are obviously out of touch with the local community. The city centre is dead, and parking meters are yet another nail in the coffin. Locals have no input and no power, though of course they have the expertise and solutions. The Labor Party is responsible for this sorry state of affairs in Wollongong - for taking our Council away from us and dragging out the period of administration. The administrators' work is long done - they should give us back our City before they do any more damage. Michael Organ, Bulli.
28 October 2009 - Curse you, Red Baron
Northern suburbs residents were rudely awoken early on Sunday morning to what sounded like an over-revving lawnmower, but instead proved to be a WWI-era biplane doing loops, free falls and mock strafing runs. For half an hour between 7am and 7.30am this Red Baron wannabe buzzed the skies about Bulli and Thirroul in his bright yellow and red machine, with nary a thought for those below hoping to enjoy a sleep-in. After he eventually scampered off in a westerly direction over the escarpment towards Camden airport, I was left thinking, "There must be a law against this sort of thing?" Michael Organ, Bulli.
18 August 2009 - Dogs again ....
On Saturday morning around 8am I was walking along the beach rock shelf between Thirroul and Austinmer beach and noticed a group of the rare and endangered Sooty Oyster Catcher feeding. I took some photos of these beautiful seabirds. I walked on and passed a woman and her dog, running about off leash chasing a ball. As I turned around I then noticed the dog scurry off onto the rock shelf at full pace and attack the Sooty Oyster Catchers, who luckily were able to fly off. This is the same rock shelf area that Council proposes to make off leash under its new traffic light system. On Sunday morning I was walking in the same area, around 7.30, and was deep in contemplation, when all of a sudden I found that same dog snapping at my heels and barking aggressively at me. The owner tried to call it off, initially to no avail. She had no leash and no real control over the animal. I stood there, glared at her, shook my head, and walked on. Should I have given her a lecture about the illegality of walking a dog off leash on this beach? Should I have told her about the rare and endangered Sooty Oyster Catcher and how they frequent the rock shelves of the Illawarra and are a protected species? Should I have complained that the peace and quiet of my morning walk was ruined by her vicious dog trying to attack me? Where were the Council rangers, enforcing the so-called 'zero tolerance' policy? This is the reality of our beaches, as more and more dogs frequent them. I suppose I will just have to just get use it, and say goodbye to the Sooty Oyster Catcher and its ilk. Thank you Council, and thank you to all those irresponsible dog owners out there. Michael Organ, Bulli.
30 July 2009 - Guards dogs instead of lifeguards?
Is Wollongong City Council's plan to expand dog off leash areas merely a budget-driven ploy to avert the expansion of lifeguard patrolled beaches? The ever increasing popularity of our beaches calls for an expansion of lifeguard services, especially in such heavily used areas as south Thirroul, south Coledale, Little Austi and Puckeys at Wollongong. Yet they are all current, or proposed, dog off leash areas. Unrestrained dogs will undoubtedly discourage families and tourists from using these beaches. It will also save Council money. With more dogs roaming free, and only 7 of our 17 beaches having the industry standard of 2 lifeguards per patrol, it seems Council is putting dollars before public safety. Michael Organ, Bulli.
23 July 2009 - Revamp restraints [Coastal aesthetics]
Council is to be congratulated on the revitalisation of Bellambi rock pool for it, like so many other such community assets, has been left to deteriorate in recent years. I only hope Council's current enthusiasm for revamping public facilities does not get out of hand, and result in an over abundance of seating, shelters, signs, tarred carparks and concrete boulevards lining our beautiful coastline. Afterall, it is the natural beach and foreshore which is the main attraction for locals and visitors alike. The provision of facilities should always take into account the aesthetics of the coastline and the natural environment. Michael Organ, Bulli.
16 July 2009 - Dogs plan barking mad
Wollongong City Council has a duty of care in regards to local residents, and that duty extends to the danger posed by dogs on beaches. Council knows that dogs attack people and native animals, and pollute the environment. In the past it has washed its hands of any responsibility for these actions and turned the blame over to the dog owner. However it can no longer use this defence. Council is fully aware that irresponsible dog owners exist, and that the law is disregarded. The failure of Council's present dogs on beaches policy to protect the community leads to the unalterable conclusion that that policy should be scrapped. Council has shown it cannot police the policy in a meaningful way, and that its claim to 'zero tolerance' of breaches is a sham. In the interest of public safety, dogs should therefore be banned from our beaches. For Council to consider further expanding off leash and dog access area and allowing them to swim in our rock pools is simply irresponsible. Ratepayers will ultimately foot the bill for the present folly, when a victim sues Council as the result of a vicious dog attack or infection arising from dog excrement polluting bathing waters. Michael Organ, Bulli.
{Reply: 20 July 2009 - Target owners, not their dogs: Oh dear, there's another Michael Organ dog diatribe (Mercury, July 16). This time he suggests we sue the council if there is "a vicious dog attack or infection arising from dog excrement polluting bathing waters" in relation to the council's new dog off-leash proposals. And what about paragraph two, that "dogs attack people and native animals and pollute the environment"? Mankind does the same thing every day and is a much bigger problem for this city/country/planet than the allowance of a few more metres for the community to relax its canines. The real issue here is policing the irresponsible dog owners more effectively and providing more bins and bags. Saying "no" to the council's proposals increases the number of dogs being surrendered to shelters because owners don't walk them. This increases the euthanasing of dogs and also adds to the rise of "barking dog" syndrome, because the dogs are left to rot in backyards and go stir-crazy again because there are more dog restrictions than before. It would be better focus on the disgusting humans that do the wrong thing than further impede the council's strategy to offer better options for a sector of society (companion animals) which has proven its worth in increasing the quality of life for many people. Helgi Anderson, North Wollongong.
4 July 2009 - My children attacked [Dogs on beaches]
Dogs should not be allowed on our beautiful public beaches. The defecate, urinate, bark and fight. They bite and scratch people and chase away native animal life such as birds. My children were attacked on beaches near Bulli by dogs, both on leashes and off. In two cases I was blamed by the owners for allowing my children to run free. Perhaps Council will soon be asking us to put leashes on our children! Michael Organ, Bulli.
15 June 2009 - Expenses bill unjust
Dennis Rhodes' letter (Mercury, June 11) calling for Bob Brown to pay highlights the issue of members of the public going up against government and big corporations with almost unlimited funds. The case brought by Senator Brown was just. He won. For Forestry Tasmania and the court to then lump him with a bill for expenses, in the vicinity of $250,000, is outrageous and unfair. Sen Brown is not wealthy and is now threatened with bankruptcy and the loss of his seat in Parliament. Is the writer suggesting that members of the public not mount legitimate cases against government and corporations unless they are prepared to pay such exorbitant sums? The legal system is meant to be fair and equitable. It should not be simply a playground for the rich and powerful. Michael Organ, Bulli.
19 May 2009 - Mayor must be local
With all due respect to St. George coach Wayne Bennett, what this City needs in a lord mayor is a local. Someone who knows Wollongong, its people, places and problems. A person not bound to any group and not afraid to stand up for what is right. Someone who is not corrupt, or corruptible, does not serve a vested interest or look to line their pockets through kickbacks. What is needed is a person with a vision for the City who can deal with the big end of town, the local community group, an individual resident or bureaucrat. A person who loves the City and will work at all times as a servant of the people, open and accountable within a truly democratic framework. Ideally they will cherish the rich cultural heritage of this part of Australia, and seek to ensure the community is warm, welcoming and inclusive. They will stand proud in its promotion. But most of all, what this City needs is a lord mayor that can be trusted and is one of 'us'. And we need that person right now. Michael Organ, Bulli
Reply - 23 May 2009: New blood needed - Michael Organ's letter (Mercury, May 19) throws up many questions. At what point does one cease being a blow-in and is deemed a local? Since I moved to Wollongong 20 years ago, none of the people who have held the position of lord mayor - Arkell, Campbell, Harrison and Darling - have left what might be termed a positive impact on the city. The "outsiders" viewpoint of Wollongong hasn't changed since the original broadcasting of Aunty Jack in 1972, and we all remember the hissy-fit Arkell threw over a satiric, but also sadly correct image of a place that I now love! Why must a lord mayor be a local? I think all of those lord mayors I listed took the place very much for granted. Having a plaque with your name on it means not a jot if you leave a bitter aftertaste in people's mouths. Wollongong needs a lord mayor who has been around, had plenty of ups and downs, and is tough about getting rid of the riff-raff and corruption. So many people who grew up here have a myopic view of the place - the environmental types, the feral tree-huggers, the artsy crowd who congregate in the northern suburbs, the so-called movers and shakers - all of them have self-interest written all over their faces. Adrian Simpson, Wollongong.
2 May 2009 - Bulli's dirty pool
The Mercury story on Towradgi's "Pool with no water" (April 28) raises the issue of Bulli's pool with dirty water. For decades now locals and tourists alike have had to put up with swimming in the stinking, slimy water at Bulli tidal pool. This has come about due to the action of council over the years in building up the pool walls and removing its ability to flush and clean itself out with the tide. The erection of unsafe handrails on the pool walls in recent years has also decreased the amenity of this community asset. With millions being spent on kerbing and guttering and Wollongong's Blue Mile, how about some of that money coming north to restore Bulli pool to its original condition? We deserve to enjoy the clean water and safe walkways of old. Michael Organ, Bulli.
11 April 2009 - Chaotic court of Labor
Pity the poor people of Wollongong. For too long we were lumbered with a series of councils acting like Monty Python's chaotic Court of Camelot. And the director of this unholy mess? Labor NSW Inc. Which begs the question: how can three imposed bureaucrats possibly replace a full, energetic and democratically elected council supported by a network of neighbourhood committees and expert local panels? The short answer is they can't. So please, Premier Rees, give us back our council. Now. Michael Organ, Bulli.
4 December 2008 - Make stack an icon
Hey, how about painting the Port Kembla stack in Aboriginal colours and calling it the Big Didgeridoo! That would both recognise the Aboriginal significance of the area and also turn the stack into a tourist drawcard. Australians love their "bigs", whether they be banana, lobster, potato or tomato. Isn't it about time the Gong had one as well? Michael Organ, Bulli.
15 November 2008 - Scarred for life [Bulli Pass works]
When is the RTA going to repair the massive ugly scar they have created on the Illawarra Escarpment at Bulli Pass? Prior to the carrying out of recent drainage works Bulli Pass was invisible, hidden amongst the green vegetation. The exposed cliff face now greets northern Illawarra residents every morning and is nothing less then the desecration of one of our premier tourism icons. Will the removal of vegetation and trees give rise to landslip in the near future? And why was the work carried out without prior community consultation, and with no consideration of the atrocious visual impact? Shame on you RTA. Michael Organ, Bulli.
14 November 2008 - Leave Keelong alone
The closure of Keelong Juvenile Justice Centre shows just how heartless and out of touch Labor has become. On top of the removal of free school bus travel, it is a kick in the guts by Premier Rees for the most vulnerable in our society - our kids. Some of those troubled young people, who found support and protection in Keelong, could end up in the adult prison system and be exposed to rape, drugs and the ways of criminals. Leave Keelong alone. Michael Organ, Bulli.
8 May 2008 - Don't forget women [Winter swimming]
Women swim too. Anyone reading the Mercury's recent articles on winter swimming (May 3) would be left with the impression that it is the domain of elderly men. The reality is that women swim during winter as well. In fact, my experience at pools such as Bulli and Austinmer would suggest that they comprise half of those who brave the elements all year round. And there is no doubt that women are in the majority when it comes to early morning walking along the city's coastal bike tracks. Perhaps the winter swimming clubs could more actively encourage female membership, so as to better reflect the reality of the situation in the water. Michael Organ, Bulli.
5 April 2008 - Deprived of democracy
The move by Minister Paul Lynch to hold a public inquiry into Shellharbour council (Mercury, April 4) is Wollongong's ICAC scandal revisited. It is clear that Premier Morris Iemma is again working towards depriving ratepayers of the Illawarra a chance to participate in the Local Government elections this September. Are we again to see a public inquiry followed by the minister sacking the whole council and replacing the democratically elected representatives with bureaucrats answerable only to the government? Mr Iemma's contempt for Australian democracy and the community's role in Local Government is again revealed. Shame, Mr Iemma, shame. Michael Organ, Bulli.
24 March 2008 - ICAC just tip of iceberg
Wollongong City Council general manager David Farmer needs to pull his head out of the sand if he thinks that the ICAC revelations are all there is to worry about (Mercury, 19 March). Convicted criminal Ray Younan is right - they are the tip of the iceberg. Many in the community have known about council corruption for years but their concerns have been largely ignored by the council, politicians and authorities such as the NSW Ombudsman's office and ICAC. I contacted Mr Farmer as soon as he arrived on the job, offering to provide a briefing with regard to some of the community's concerns and examples of abuses by council officers and councillors in recent times, with suggestions for action to restore community confidence. I never received a response to my offer. Corruption of process has been rife throughout council for decades now, most especially in the area of planning. Bad management has supported this, and the offenders have reacted to criticism by "circling the wagons" and covering up or denying there were any problems. There has been a decided lack of vision, aside from Mr Oxley's "fait accompli" development imperative. A culture of bullying has allowed abuse of individuals and the environment to occur. For example, there is no coastal protection plan, the development of the escarpment management plan was drawn out far too long and only implemented after the horse had bolted, while heritage protection instruments have been ignored or watered down. My door is still open to Mr Farmer if he wants to talk to me and other members of the community who have had incredibly bad experiences with councillors and council officers over many, many years. For someone such as myself who loves Wollongong, what we have seen during the Oxley years has often been heartbreaking. As it now stands, the community has been disenfranchised and the bean counters are in control. The new general manager has yet to show that he has the vision or commitment to community engagement that the city sorely needs at this time. Perhaps he is just an Oxley clone ... I hope not. Michael Organ, Bulli.
Reply: 31 March 2008 - Organ previously quiet - The recent letter from Michael Organ, written apparently as a vehicle for puerile sniping at Wollongong council's David Farmer, raises significant concern about his own actions. He claims to have been aware of corruption of process within Wollongong City Council for decades and yet I am unable to find any public record of action on his part beyond currently offering to keep his door open. Mr Organ was the MHR for this area prior to Ms Bird and therefore uniquely placed tor those three years to expose and pursue the eradication of such corruption. He could have used the avenues properly made available to our national parliamentarians and backed by the authority of that parliament. Despite the contrived nature of his election, the brevity of his stewardship and the Gilbertian nature of his performance he was the Federal Member and as such should have done what he is now encouraging others to do. Peter Wolfe, Thirroul.
28 February 2008 - Little change expected to decades old regime
Will anything really change in the City of Wollongong as a result of the ICAC revelations? I suspect not. For decades we have known about payments from developers to councillors and to members of the ALP. The community has seen its submissions and legitimate protests ignored, because deals had been stitched up and money had changed hands. I cannot see anything changing unless we get decent management in council, focused on public service and serving the community, and the ALP loses its control of the city. Until then, the money will continue to change hands, the community will be ignored, and the city will suffer. Michael Organ, Bulli.
15 October 2007 - MRI licence result of hard work by many
Giles Pickford's reference to Sharon Bird's five years of work to obtain a Medicare licence for Wollongong Hospital's MRI machine (Mercury, October 3) fails to adequately highlight the important efforts of many people in the local community over recent years. The machine was installed during early 2004 and as Federal Member for Cunningham between 2002-2004, I was one of those fighting hard for the granting of a licence. In May 2004, I asked Tony Abbott, on the floor of the Parliament, for such a commitment. I also delivered a number of speeches in Parliament on the issue at the time, presented submissions on behalf of the local community, and brought to the attention of the Government, and individual government members, the urgent need for the licence so that Wollongong Hospital could make full use of the facility. The recent announcement by Senator Fierravanti-Wells that a licence would be granted is welcome and undeserving of Mr Pickford's snide remarks. We all know that the announcement was made in the context of a forthcoming Federal election, but moreover it is the culmination of a long campaign and the work of many people, parliamentarians past and present, but most especially members of the local community, including doctors, nurses and local health care workers. Congratulations to every one of them. Michael Organ, Thirroul.
14 August 2007 - Pastoral care part of Catholic education
J Pezzutto's claim (Mercury, August 9) that all private schools have the luxury of choosing their students and therefore there is little pastoral care in Catholic schools for children with behavioural issues is, in my view, simply wrong. My children attend a comprehensive Catholic school because they are Catholic, as I did when I was young, and not because of any view that it will inherently deliver them a better educational outcome than if they were to attend a public school. A typical range of children attends the school, from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and with the normal range of physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs. Just because you are Catholic does not mean that your children will not suffer behavioural issues such as ADHD, defiance disorders and depression, as J Pezzutto suggests, and that the Catholic system will not provide services to deal with these issues. My experience in the system since the early 1960s tells me otherwise. While undoubtedly some children leave the Catholic system to obtain access to services available in the public system, I know that many (the majority?) stay within the Catholic system and are assisted accordingly. I do agree with J Pezzutto that we have a terrific school system in Australia, with the public schools at its core. I also agree that taxpayer funding for the education sector must prioritise the public system to ensure that it is adequately funded to maintain the highest possible educational standard for the children of Australia. It would be a disaster for our nation if the public education system were to fall behind. The public and non-public school systems have co-existed in Australia since the convict era, and both systems deliver terrific results. We should not confuse the issue of public funding of schools with that of pastoral care and welfare within the various systems. Michael Organ, Thirroul.
11 August 2007 - Let Games begin only after China stops abuses
Democratic nations and free-thinking individuals should boycott the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Why? Because, as we speak, the Chinese Government is the perpetrator of the worst human rights abuses upon its citizens. Thousands of people are incarcerated, tortured and executed each year because of their religious and political beliefs and ethnic origins. Tibetans, Mongolians, Falun Gong practitioners, Christians and Muslims rot in Chinese prisons, having committed no crime apart from not adhering to the hardline, atheistic, communist world view of the Chinese political leadership. Corruption is rife and people live in fear as friends, family and neighbours report their every move lest they themselves are reported and imprisoned. The International Olympic Committee granted China the 2008 Games on the understanding there would be an improvement in human rights and a move towards democracy. Unfortunately, the opposite has occurred as one of the most powerful and militarised nations in the world cracks down on its population to ensure a squeaky-clean, sanitised image of China is presented when the Games begin. But it is not too late. China can still do a lot to earn the right to hold its head high as it hosts the Games. It could invite His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Opening Ceremony. It could free all political and religious prisoners in the lead-up to the Games. It could stop the trade in human organs, most of which are sourced from those executed in prison, with no permission from the victims or their families. It could lift its internet ban. It could remove media censorship, and it could get rid of the internal security goon squads responsible for torture, intimidation and imprisonment of law-abiding Chinese citizens. Only then can the 2008 Olympic Games be run in a spirit of open, free competition. Adolf Hitler tried to hijack the Games in 1936 and failed. China will also fail if it does not clean up its act. The Olympics and China's continuing human rights abuses cannot go hand in hand. Michael Organ, Thirroul.
Reply: 27 August 2007 - China has well and truly cleaned up its act - I wonder if Michael Organ (Mercury, August 11) in his tirade against China is speaking from his own personal experiences or what he had read from that quasi-religious/political organisation Falun Gong. It would be interesting to know where he gets his misinformation from. I concede that there could be thousands of people in jail in China for various reasons but with a population of over 1.3 billion, even with a minuscule rate of 1 per cent of the population, the criminal dissenters etc, would be over 10 million persons. With over 50 different ethnic groups, it would be a diverse prison population. I will repeat what I saw with my own eyes, churches of various denominations being patronised. Yes, religious freedom. I visited schools and hospitals and slums being torn down and homes built. The mighty Yangtze has been tamed, no more do hundreds of thousands drown when it floods and with large hydro-electric plants producing clean energy, the environment is rapidly improving. Three million trees in one province have been planted. No more dying in famines. As for China being one of the most powerful and militaristic nations, for over 200 years China has been carved up and plundered by European and Japanese nations. I'm sure they have taken care that it never happens again. I have no qualms in using human organs from executed prisoners. I have organ donor stamped on my driver's licence. To argue that they did not get the organs of the convicted without permission - did the criminals ask their victims before murdering and raping them if it was OK to kill them? The Chinese dragon is setting an example to the world. Go and see for yourself. Mick Pilton, Barrack Heights.
21 July 2007 - Green attacks signal election in the wings
There must be an election in the offing. How do I know? Well, the letters page is once again featuring attacks on the Greens. For example, the headline "Time for the Greens to stop personal attacks" (Mercury, July 16) and statements such as, "The Greens continue to attack all development, whether good or bad, on ideological grounds." Of course, this is utter nonsense. The Greens support a vibrant, modern economy and see ecologically sustainable development as an important driver in regards to job creation. The community has deemed that development should be planned, well thought through, and should take into consideration environmental, economic and social factors. Developers are required by law to follow the rules set down by government. Members of the community need to be able to express their open support, or opposition, to such developments, for who amongst us does not want to leave the planet in a fit state for future generations? So beware, readers of the unchallenged, unsupportable statements which may appear on these pages over the coming months as supporters of the government and opposition parties jostle for a bit a space. Michael Organ, Thirroul.
18 July 2007 - Free speech is a wonderful thing
Adrian Simpson's call (Your Say, July 14) for a ban on all environmental issues in the letters page, to be replaced by a focus on "sex, religion, politics and ... Perkins Paste", is in fact an argument against any such ban. His tirade against Greenies reveals just how important it is that a broad spectrum of issues are covered, and that individuals are provided with an opportunity to air their views. I am sure Mr Simpson would agree that free speech is a wonderful thing. Michael Organ, Thirroul.
23 March 2007 - Greens' drug policy misunderstood
At each and every election the Greens' drug policy is dragged out and subjected to all manner of distortion and misreading, leaving the public with the impression that the Greens promote drug use. Nothing could be further from the truth. The policy is simply explained. Ask yourself this: If a member of your family, or a friend, was a drug addict, how would you like them to be dealt with? Lock them in jail, or treat them for an illness and provide support to kick their habit? It you answered "give them support", then you agree with the Greens' drug policy, which is about harm minimisation, decriminalisation and effective treatment. The policy aims to save lives and turn them around, while targeting drug dealers and suppliers for prosecution. It is not about promoting drug use. Michael Organ, Bulli.
15 March 2007 - Hill 60 'development' must be minimal
Many of those involved in the recent fight to save the Department of Defence land at Hill 60 from development would be concerned at the comments by Phil Bowden of the Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce calling for the construction of a function centre there "as soon as the site is cleared" (Mercury, March 13). This land is of immense significance to the local Aboriginal people and has important environmental values making it a major addition to the state heritage listed Hill 60 Park. All the parties involved to date in the fight to save the land recognise the need to ensure its ongoing preservation as public open space, with in-built protection for Aboriginal and cultural heritage values. Minimal impact walkways, removal of contamination and weeds and revegetation with native species, and the possible construction of monuments to heritage items would, I suggest, be the only appropriate forms of "development" on the site. The land should not, in my opinion, become a high impact tourist zone as this would only serve to destroy important elements of its natural and Aboriginal heritage. Michael Organ, Bulli.
30 November 2006 - Sick world needs help but some don't get it
Rabid anti-environmentalists such as K Gordon of Bawley Point (Mercury, November 27) just don't get it. Since Europeans arrived in 1788 we have destroyed some two-thirds of eastern Australia's forests and our forested woodlands have been turned into deserts as a result of unsustainable farming practices. Yet Mr Gordon is critical of farmland being "reclaimed" for environmental regeneration. Scientists tell us that there is a real likelihood we will fish out the waters off the east coast in coming decades. Yet Mr Gordon complains about a few areas being set aside for reserves. Dieback, deforestation and man-made bushfires continue to decimate our indigenous wildlife such as the koala, which was once abundant in the region but is now rare. Yet Mr Gordon sees all this as a political issue and attacks the Greens. Forget about politics. Our planet is sick and if we don't start taking care of our own backyard then our future will be bleak. Michael Organ, Thirroul.
The Australian, 30 November 2006 - Dalton and the ABC
It seems the Government's hatchet man, Kim Dalton, is doing to the ABC what he did to the National Film and Sound Archive in 2002: ripping it to shreds (Media, November 23). Dalton's lack of appreciation for the "past glories of a self-sufficient ABC" reflects an earlier failure to understand the role of the archive in protecting and promoting Australia's film and sound heritage. Change is fine, but what the ABC needs is experience and respect for the corporate memory and skills base. Or should we feel sorry for Dalton in the knowledge that, as Bob Dylan once told us, perhaps he's only a pawn in their game? Michael Organ, Thirroul, NSW
24 November 2006 - New gallery plan an 'outrageous proposal'
The report to go to Wollongong City Council on November 27 recommends the demolition of the heritage-listed Wollongong City Gallery and its replacement by a single storey "modern" box-like facility, topped by 17 storeys of commercial development. Councillors should reject such an outrageous proposal. Not only does the gallery appear to lose out by the loss of huge amounts of space, but the city will also lose a wonderful building. The gallery has a lot of character and serves the city well. Surely it can be retained and expanded as part of this latest plan to "revitalise" the city's heart. This seems to be yet another plan to appease developers and trash our heritage. Why am I not surprised? Michael Organ, Bulli.
13 November 2006 - History warns us about climate change woes
In 1845, Polish Count PE Strzelecki bemoaned the widespread deforestation of south-eastern Australia and the negative impact it was having on climate. He predicted widespread droughts, impacts on water catchments, species extinction and loss of soil fertility. Strzelecki, the first European to climb and name Mt Kosciuszko, visited Wollongong and walked overland from Sydney to Melbourne in 1840. He was not the first to comment on climate change, though his pleas were largely ignored. In order to combat it we need to replant some of the more than two-thirds of our native forest which has been destroyed since the arrival of Europeans in 1788. Staving off the effects of climate change is more than just about decreasing carbon emissions. It is also about revitalising the lungs of the planet and making sure they continue to give us clean air into the future. Otherwise we will all die like the dodo. Michael Organ, Thirroul
News story by Paul McInerney: 9 November 2006 - Keeping our four-legged friends under control
While dog owners are celebrating the decision by Wollongong City Council to create seven additional off-leash areas between Helensburgh and Windang, some believe the council is barking up the wrong tree. One who is highly critical of the decision to open McCauley's Beach at Bulli to canine capers is former federal Green MP Michael Organ. Now Michael could be expected to oppose dogs on beaches on environmental grounds but an email to the interpreter reveals he has greater concerns - the safety of his kids. He says he has watched helplessly on three occasions as his three and four-year-old children have been attacked by dogs on beaches in the Bulli area. On each occasion his children were playing on the beach and the attacks were unprovoked. Michael also tells us he has been attacked while jogging along the beaches in the area. To add insult to injury, he claims the owners of the dogs actually blamed him or his children for their pets' bad behaviour. With summer on our doorstep and 38,000 dogs in the council's area waiting for walkies, there will be no room for irresponsible owners. For the record: The interpreter is a life member of RSPCA NSW, has been a dog owner for most of his adult life and regularly uses his neighbourhood off-leash area.
Reply: 16 November 2006 - New off-leash areas put vulnerable birds at risk. I would like to add my voice of concern to that of Michael Organ (Mercury, November 9) regarding off-leash areas for dogs. Wollongong City Council adopted Little Austinmer Beach, Austinmer, and Perkins Beach, Windang, as off-leash areas. Little Austinmer Beach is an important habitat for the sooty oyster catcher, which is listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act as a vulnerable species. Perkins Beach, Windang, is one of 18 breeding sites in NSW for the little tern, listed as an endangered species. How serious is council about protecting our coastal environment where they declare the breeding habit of vulnerable and endangered species as an off-leash area for dogs, which are a known predator? The interests of dog owners and their companions cannot be placed above the interests of Australia's native flora and fauna. Council must, therefore, remove these areas as off-leash areas immediately to ensure the survival of these unique yet vulnerable species. Stephen Allen, Austinmer.
8 November 2006 - Killing Saddam won't achieve anything
Don't kill Saddam. To do so now would be to deprive his hundreds of thousands of victims, such as the Kurds, and their families of the opportunity to have their day in court and to make Saddam face up to his barbaric actions. Saddam is a butcher. However his execution speaks of revenge, rather than of the dispensation of justice. Incarceration, public trials, facing his accusers and victims, living with what he has done for the rest of his life, deprivation of liberty - this should be the fate of Saddam Hussein. Most Australians are opposed to capital punishment, and for good reason. It is barbaric and inhumane, and sometimes it is handed out to the innocent. It is not the way we do things in Australia. The recent statements by Sheikh Hilali that perpetrators of rape should be executed I found disturbing. What sort of country do we want Australia to be? One where life is cheaply taken? I hope not. Michael Organ, Thirroul.
12 September 2006 - ALP arrogance
WILL they never learn? The arrogance of senior ALP figures in Sydney never ceases to amaze. They appear to have learnt nothing from the 2002 Cunningham defeat. The imposition of BlueScope Steel executive Lylea McMahon as candidate for the state seat of Shellharbour (Mercury, 6 September) ignores the views of local members. Where is the open preselection process? This appears to be another case of "jobs for the boys", with Premier (Morris) Iemma calling the shots. In my view, the best politicians are those born and raised in the region. They know the local issues and are committed to the local community. They do not owe allegiances to political masters in far-off Sydney. If the ALP is unable to find a suitable local candidate through an open preselection process, then I am sure the Greens or independents will provide the voters with a suitable choice. Michael Organ, Thirroul.
25 August 2006 - Over the Hill
Many thanks to our local Liberal Senator Fierravanti-Wells for supporting the campaign to save Hill 60. Her recent announcement concerning the failure of the tender process opens the door for a possible handing back of the Defence Department land to the local community. Hill 60 is one of the most spectacular areas of our coastline and combined with its Aboriginal significance, military heritage and environmental values, is a prime candidate for public ownership. Let's hope that future generations can continue to enjoy the area and that some form of recognition of its indigenous heritage can also be put in place. Michael Organ, Bulli.
18 August 2006 - PM still at sea
Once again O'Farrell nails it with a cartoon (Mercury, August 15) of our tired Prime Minister adrift on a sea of moral indifference in relation to refugees. Welcome back! Michael Organ, Bulli.
12 August 2006 - Aborigines should be given land
Hill 60 at Port Kembla is of immense cultural significance to the local Aboriginal people. The Department of Defence has built structures on and within it since the early 1900s. It has also kicked Aboriginal people off the land, while promising the land would be handed back once the department had finished with it. So why is the land being offered to developers on tender? It must be returned to the community so it can be incorporated within the land at Hill 60, which is already subject to state heritage listing. The Aboriginal heritage values of this part of Wollongong must be protected and preserved. Michael Organ, Bulli.
1 August 2006 - Nuclear confusion
So ALP leader Kim Beazley supports more local uranium mines, while in the same breath announces a "new diplomatic initiative against nuclear proliferation to be led by Australia". This is crazy stuff. We cannot halt proliferation by selling more uranium to the world. Doesn't Beazley realise that there is no clean, safe way of disposing of radioactive waste? Beazley's backflip represents a real threat to world peace. By selling the unrefined uranium we, as a nation, will be partially responsible for its misuse, whether we like it or not. Michael Organ, Bulli.
20 July 2006 - A stupid war
Israel's war against Lebanon is a horror, as are the terrorist acts of Hamas. To hear an Israel commentator condone the death of innocent civilians in the pursuit of Hamas is nothing less then sickening. One civilian death is one too many. "An eye for an eye" just does not work. You do not defeat terrorism by becoming terrorists yourself. And just because you have the firepower to blow the crap out of Lebanon, does not mean you should. The path to peace is through talk and compromise, not by destroying the lives of innocent civilians. Hamas and the Israel government are both going down the wrong path. They need to pull back before the number of innocent lives lost reaches the thousands and the rest of the world - including Australia - is dragged into yet another stupid war. Michael Organ, Bulli.
15 July 2006 - Name not the first
It was a wonderful gesture by the Wu family to name their child Wu Lun Gong after our fair city (Mercury, July 8). However, he is obviously not the first child to bear the name, as was suggested. Aboriginal people had names before the coming of Europeans to Australia. A census taken at Wollongong in 1836 recorded a 50-year-old man named Wollongong. It also included Coromal (Corrimal) and Tullinba (Tullimbar), whilst a census the following year at Nowra recorded a 20-year-old-woman by the name of Illawoora (Illawarra). The name Wollongong may have been common amongst the Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Michael Organ, Bulli.
1 July 2006 - Don't get personal
My in-principle support for marine parks has seen me associated with so-called Green "extremist cohorts" (Mercury, June 26). In this post 9/11 era the use of such terms is inflammatory and personally offensive. If certain sections of our marine environment are identified as biodiversity sanctuaries, or are so degraded and damaged that the authorities - based on scientific studies over many decades - have deemed it necessary to quarantine them for a period so that they can rejuvenate and replenish, then so be it. Is the NSW Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or the Iemma Labor Government, part of this so-called extremist cohort? I should think not. Personal attacks never win arguments. Neither does labelling an individual or group "extremist" simply because they do not share your point of view. Michael Organ BSc, Bulli.
21 June 2006 - Give it a go, Macca
Queasy landlubber and Mercury scribe Paul McInerney's suggestion (June 17) that the Sydney to Hobart sea voyage aboard the Spirit of Tasmania III would be one long chunderous encounter with the cabin toilet bowl is, dear readers, not the case at all. Having taken the trip last year, I can confirm that the passage about this ocean-going liner was smooth, smooth, smooth. Forget those images of capsizing racing yachts and being tossed about in a boiling Bass Strait. With good food, entertainment and great views from the observation deck - especially during the return trip when the ship hugs the coast all the way from Cape Howe to Five Islands - it is, overall, a wonderful tourist experience. The only heaving I did was in throwing my bag on the bunk after having parked my motorbike below deck. So give it a go, Macca - forget about green gills and go the green jelly and ice cream before the final 27 August voyage - you know you want to. Michael Organ, Bulli.
20 June 2006 - Mishaps not funny
It looks like Lemony Snicket has been up to no good at the Lucas Heights nuclear reactor, with a series of "extremely unusual" events resulting in four accidents/leaks over the past week. The news that krypton gas was also released into the atmosphere should also set off warning bells for any burgeoning Clark Kents out there. If it wasn't so serious, it would be hilarious. I, for one, am not laughing. Michael Organ, Bulli.
17 June 2006 - Greens targeted
The tagging of the Greens as "extremists" by Mr O'Brien (Mercury, June 13) is nothing less than ridiculous. Or is he just baiting us? Wanting a fair deal for workers is not extremist. Nor is calling for better funding of schools and hospitals. And wanting to protect the environment - the escarpment, coastline and our fisheries - is that extremist? No. So keep dangling the verbal berley - while the silent majority enjoys the fruits of our marine parks. Michael Organ, Bulli.
26 May 2006 - Nuclear danger
John Howard is wrong - nuclear power is not clean and green - it is dirty and dangerous. We should send a clear message to the Government, and the rest of the world, that we as a nation want nothing to do with it. No matter how much money is thrown at us. Nuclear bombs, weapons, munitions and reactors are polluting the world, killing thousands of innocent people, and adversely affecting the health of millions. We would be stupid to follow John Howard down the nuclear proliferation path. Greenhouse is bad. Nuclear is so much worse. Michael Organ, Bulli.
25 May 2006 - Pity our poor lake
B Payne (March 18) rightly highlights Lake Illawarra's declining water quality and biodiversity over the last decade, and the fact water levels have dropped significantly. The writer's call for the Lake Illawarra Authority (LIA) to "get the lake open immediately" would, I presume, result in a continuation of these low water levels, with presumably adverse environmental effects. What is actually needed is an end to all the rubbish and pollutants flowing each and every day into the lake. As long as we continue to treat the lake like a sewer and push ahead with development along its edges and within the catchment, the problem will not go away. Forget about the entrance, the problem lies upstream, to the west. The West Dapto development can only make things worse, and our councils don't seem to have the gumption to deal with the problem, let alone the LIA. Pity our poor lake. Micheal Organ, Bulli.
23 May 2006 - Green light
P D Payne (Mercury, March 18) reckons Greens policies are "dangerous". What about the Liberal Party policy to sell uranium to China, at a time when it is engaged in an unprecedented military build-up? And their turning a blind eye to the AWB's donations to the Saddam Hussein war machine? What about the NSW Labor Party continuing to support more and more polluting freeways, instead of healthier public transport alternatives? Or both major parties increasingly supporting "user pays" in the areas of health, education and welfare? Now that's dangerous, if not downright scary. The fact is, the policies of the Greens are the least dangerous of any political party on this planet. Michael Organ, Bulli.
11 March 2006 - Designer drivel
Trevor Holt's rejection of the Greens' criticism of the teaching of intelligent design in schools (Mercury, March 8) fails to get to the point. Intelligent design is a rehash of creationism, which long ago was cast in the bin by the world's scientific community as a load of fundamentalist quackery. As a trained geologist I am very concerned that our young children should be taught such an unscientific load of twaddle. I totally support the Greens in their labelling of intelligent design as fundamentalist propaganda. Michael Organ BSc(Hons) Bulli.
10 January 2006 - Compulsory community service?
The decision by NSW Young Labor to press the introduction of compulsory national service for high school students (Mercury, January 6) shows just how close are the policies of the John Howard let's go to war Liberal Party and bomber Beazley's ALP. There is no need for compulsory military or community service. The Government is already using work for the dole to force community service upon individuals. And our military forces should be strategically developed on a needs basis, not via compulsion. The costs of such a scheme would be substantial, and the money could be better used in improving health, education and welfare services. Forcing young Australians to defer education and career in pursuit of some hair-brained 1950s scheme must cause many to wonder how the Labor Party became so out of touch. Young Labor would better spend its time coming up with policies which promote peace, both internally and regionally, rather then seeking an expansion of Australia's military might. And a return to the philosophy of eight hours work, eight hours play, eight hours rest would enable more young Australians to engage in community service, though in this instance without compulsion. Michael Organ, Bulli.
30 September 2005 - Suggested itinerary for PM's visit
SO the Prime Minister is coming to town? Terrific! Perhaps the following itinerary will give him a good overview of the aspirations and concerns of the people of the Illawarra in 2005: 1. Sandon Point - a visit to the picket and Aboriginal tent embassy - here he can see where federal Aboriginal cultural heritage and environmental protection legislation has dismally failed the community. 2. Escarpment, Bellambi - here he can see a monstrous house on the side of the escarpment, proof federal environmental heritage legislation hasn't protected this icon from inappropriate development. 3. Emergency ward, Wollongong Hospital - here, among the queuing trolleys, lined up ambulances, stressed-out staff and overflowing wards he can see how the Federal Government's increasing financial assistance to private hospitals is impacting on the increasingly poor public sector. 4. Greenacres workshop - here he can see the impact of Federal Government cutbacks to some of the most needy in our society. 5. Port Kembla harbour - here, among the trucks and traffic, he can see how his Government's failure to support infrastructure development has impacted on the port's ability to operate and create jobs. 6. A public school - here he can see the kids standing outside for assembly, because they do not have a proper hall, while money is diverted to the private sector. Prime Minister, you are very welcome in Wollongong. However, while here, I hope you take the time to meet with, and listen to, some locals, and not just those who happen to be members of the business community or the Liberal Party, for you are the Prime Minister of all of Australia, not just part of it. Michael Organ, Bulli.
19 August 2005 - Trip into mystery [China and Tibet]
It is good to see ties between Wollongong and China are being improved with upcoming visitations there by our Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor. China remains a mystery to many Australians, having been closed off for generations. Apart from improving trade relations, our representatives will be able to gauge first-hand the moves towards a more democratic, open and free society, somewhat along the lines of what we enjoy in Australia. Whilst human rights will not be a focus of the visit, I hope that some of the economic positives will flow on to this area of concern. And I hope the Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor are aware the picture of Chinese life they will be presented by their hosts will only be a snapshot. Issues such as freedom for Tibet, the rights of the Falun Gong to practise, the 700 missiles aimed at Taiwan, ethnic tensions in the western Mongolia area, and continuing border clashes with India and Pakistan, not forgetting the ever-increasing pro-democracy movement within China itself, will continue to bubble away as our representatives are welcomed by the ruling Chinese Communist Party officials. I wish them an enjoyable and fruitful visit, and a safe return. Michael Organ, Bulli.
Reply: 27 August 2005 - Organ off tune. I doubt if Michael Organ has ever been to China when he writes such tripe, (Mercury, August 18). I have been to China four times including Tibet (which, incidentally, was part of China before Wales became part of Britain). I was not restricted on any occasion that I was there, wandering around Beijing and other cities. I spoke to all classes of people from academics to working class discussing many topics and no time did I encounter any adverse comments of their government. If China remains a mystery as Mr Organ suggests, I think that it is the likes of M Organ's mind that is closed and that he should visit and see China for himself. I saw churches of many denominations open to the Chinese people. In fact, open to anyone to enter and worship as they please. As for the Falun Gong, where do they get their finances from and why do their spokespersons speak with American accents? Mick Pilton, Barrack Hts.
13 August 2005 - Sense of dread [Rod Oxley and Planning matters]
The announcement by the general manager of Wollongong City Council that he will take on the role of manager of planning in order to "move along" development fills me with a sense of dread. How on earth can the GM of one of the largest councils in Australia find the time to take on such an important role, in addition to his already considerable responsibilities? And what is so wrong with Wollongong council that a qualified and experienced planning manager cannot be found in the whole of Australia? There are many in the community who have lost faith with the planning department of WCC under the present leadership, and not just those thousands involved in public stoushes such as Sandon Point. In recent years we have seen budget blow-outs. We have seen planning staff jump ship. We have seen the escarpment protection process move along at a snail's pace, and inappropriate development occur all the while. There has been no vision, apart from the vision of a pro-development stance. Heritage protection and promotion has been killed off. Community involvement in the planning process has been severely downgraded. There is no coastal protection strategy, no commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly planning and development. Spot rezonings proliferate, and planning rules are continually ignored. If Mr Oxley wants the job of planning manager, he should resign as GM and submit an application as part of an open public process. Does he have the right qualifications? Is he the best person for the job? The Lord Mayor and councillors must ensure that this city has the best, most experienced and independent management team possible. Doubling up, Mr Oxley, is not prudent. Michael Organ, Bullli.
30 July 2005 - Political donations
According to the Australian Electoral Commission (www.aec.gov.au) during 2003-04 the Village Building Company donated $38,000 to the ALP NSW. Village is the developer behind the Edgewood estate at Woonona and the proposed 550 dwelling subdivision with high rise apartment blocks on the escarpment at Bulli. Why do property developers donate money to political parties? What do they expect in return for such payments? What impact does such a payment have on ALP councillors on Wollongong City Council? Should those same councillors excuse themselves from voting on any rezoning or development applications associated with the Bulli Brickworks site because of a perceived or actual conflict of interest? Michael Organ, Bulli.
20 May 2005 - Carr's 'concept'
Premier Carr's new fait accompli measures to facilitate development within the state mark the end of community initiated environmental and heritage protection. His announcement included "the introduction of a 'concept approval', where a proposal can obtain up-front, bankable statutory approval, minimising risk and cost without compromising the environment ... This creates certainty, not just for the developer, but for the local community." The only certainty for the community is that the development will go ahead, despite any and every environmental, social and heritage-related constraint. And of course the environment will be compromised. Just as it was at Sandon Point, and just as it is at present up and down our magnificent escarpment and coastline. Once again Carr and Labor have sold out to the development lobby. Money talks, and the ALP listens. Michael Organ, Bulli.
7 May 2005 - Uppercut for MP
Regarding the Corrimal High School gaffe by the local ABC announcer and former vice-captain at the school. Why did the Minister for the Illawarra blurt it out to the whole world on the floor of parliament? Rather than a few hundred early morning local ABC listeners being aware of the statement, now the whole region and the whole state knows. Mr Campbell has increased the level of embarrassment for the school and its students, past and present. Why would such an experienced politician make such a blue? Michael Organ, Bulli.
19 March 2005 - Dunes are a part of the charm
Dunes are an important part of the Illawarra's precious natural coastal environment. High-rise developments are not. More of our coastline should be populated with indigenous vegetation and restored dunes, both to protect the coastline from erosion, and also to encourage the presence of native wildlife. Protection of the environment must come before the creation of million-dollar ocean views. Micheal Organ, Bulli.
The Australian - 16 March 2005 - 'One China' Policy
The "One China" policy was responsible for the invasion of Tibet in 1951, the subsequent death by torture, murder and starvation of millions of Tibetans, destruction of some 6000 Buddhist temples and monasteries, and ongoing cultural genocide by the Chinese regime. Is Taiwan now to suffer the same fate? Will the world sit idly by as China's Communist Party declares that its bullying and threatening of Taiwan is merely "an internal matter"? Torture, murder, invasion and abuses of basic human rights are never merely "internal matters", though recent events at Guantanamo Bay would suggest that the United States and John Howard's Liberal Government are not much different to the Chinese in this view. What is this world coming to? Michael Organ, Bulli NSW.
12 March 2005 - Heritage loses
Wollongong Council's decision to allow the demolition of the heritage-listed Harrigan house - Charcoal Tavern is nothing less than disgraceful. It is the council's obligation to protect and preserve the heritage of this city. Once again council has let us down. When will the Lord Mayor and councillors have the guts to stand up to developers in defence of our local heritage? Probably never! Michael Organ, Bulli.
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