Lights in the Mud: it was a winner

Lights in the Mud (8th May 2021) attracted a sell out crowd for the World Migratory Bird event at GJ Walter Park. Commentary was overwhelmingly positive as the work of the Toondah Alliance came together in a powerful display of people power!

Media coverage on both social media and mainstream media told of the success, and a good flow of letters followed all with positive feedback.

With the public consultation on the Toondah EIS still uncertain Lights in the Mud was a good opportunity for the community to maintain the rage!

If you have a view about this event of any other matter concerning you please put pen to paper and write about your grievance or your opinion to the Editor Redlands2030 (100-150 words) and email it to thereporter@redlands2030.net

Not one person wants the Toondah Development

The lights in the Mud day of action was is the second protest I’ve attended at GJ Walter Park, and support from the community is growing!

Dozens of questions are demanding answers as more closed-door  details about the proposed development slowly come to light. I letterboxed 450 Lights in the Mud invitations, and asked several residents their opinions. Not one person wants this development- seriously not a person I spoke with, wants it.  

Saturday’s event is evidence of the growing support against this massive residential and commercial development. More voters are asking how this protected migratory bird habitat, that has international protection under Ramsar, can be destroyed for the profit of Walker Corporation.

People are questioning the logistics of construction, the level and duration of the disruption, the capacity of our transportation networks when 10,000 additional cars are on Cleveland’s roads. More people were demanding community over profits.  Continued actions will be taken by locals who want Toondah Wetlands protected.

One result of Saturday’s event was the feature stories in The Guardian and Brisbane Times. Media will continue as ABC, documentaries and national media investigate deeper into the “confidential” processes and decisions that Redlands  City Council as well as State and Federal politicians have made. Voters are watching and taking action. 

VS

Ormiston

Toondah will cause damage to our Bay

While attending the Lites in the Mud Migratory Bird supportive gathering last Saturday I met a gent named Bob who stated that there is a lot of living coral on the other side of Cassim Island. he was very concerned that it will be badly affected by dredge spoil. 

Bob worked back at the time when mining the coral in Moreton Bay and then transporting to Cemetco to be made into concrete was an industry. He stated that due to dredging and dumping practices at the time, he witnessed disastrous environmental damage to the bird feeding areas/mud flats, sea grass beds and marine plants and mammals.

Bob was very concerned about the proposed Walkers major development causing major damage to the marine environment. 

MW

Cleveland

Lights in the Mud was a great show

I was sceptical about attending another protest meeting about the Toondah PDA. But again, the presenters of Lights in the Mud exceeded my expectations. It was a fantastic and moving event and I went home recharged in my thinking that “people power” can make a difference.

The imagery of the giant Eastern Curlewis, the actions of many hundreds of people working together to create the rolling images of “Lights in the Mud” and, then, the spontaneous crowd singing of “We shall overcome” (led by the lady from Mt Nebo) topped it off all so well.

Few could argue it was an emotionally charged event and the message cannot have avoided the ears of local MPs (or even Federal candidates for next years election). The fact that the Member for Maiwar was there to speak about the concerns of our local community is an indictment of our local elected officials.

On a day when so much was made of a protest by 150 people outside Andrew Laming’s Office the ALP including ALP heavyweights including Penny Wong and their local candidate (Donisha Duff) why didn’t they bother to at least test for themselves the opinions hundreds of people showing their concern for the mega realestate scam at Toondah Harbour. Foolishly, no-one from the ALP was visible at Lights in the Mud. It makes me wonder if the ALP is really serious about getting Donisha Duff over the line in the seat of Bowman at the next election.

But, aside from the missed opportunity, the Lights in the Mud was a win for the protection of Toondah and it sent a clear message to Council, the State Government and the Feds that Toondah is not wanted no matter what the secret deal holds.

I look forward to standing with our community again when ever the organisers run a follow up event! (I for one hope we can all sing the same song next time?)

RM

Cleveland

More Letters To Redlands2030

Truck Driver Training, Trail Destruction And Koalas

Precious Coastline, The Environment And Where Have The Koalas Gone!

Redlanders Ask Questions About Coastal Protection And Open Space.

Redlands2030 – 20 May 2021