Troy Robbins
Local artist and environmental defender Troy Robbins wrote this song in response to proposals for a massive residential development at Toondah Harbour.
The first performance of this song was before 250 people gathered at the Welcome Back Shorebirds event on 9th December 2017.
Poignant poetry, emotions and more…
Ramsar Sell-out – by Troy Robbins
Eastern curlew at Oyster Point near Toondah Harbour
I hear the forlorn Eastern Curlew baying
As the mangrove blossom from Cassim scents the air
For me hope springs eternal
From the dreamtime through Toondah’s plight
Grey tailed Tatler’s ascend in flight
Chorus
Views across the Bay from G.J. Walter Park
RAMSAR sell out, the rooftop penthouse
With views across the Bay
Define the line between cash and crimes….
Against Mother Nature – Today!
Verse
Pied oystercatcher on Cleveland foreshore rocks
Cumulus storm cells wild and foreboding
Pyrotechnics rouse the Bar-tailed Godwit’s flock
The avarious schemers ensconced in boardrooms
Leave Oystercatchers on the rocks
And “Green believers” taking stock
Repeat Chorus
Royal spoonbill feeding on the Toondal tidal flats
Sun drenched light rays caress the spoil grounds
As Herons, Spoonbills and Egrets greet the day
Commerce cowboys and suitors from the shadows
Plot to trade their feeding grounds away
Repeat Chorus
Osprey viewed from G.J. Walter Park
Politicians peruse five star menus
The economic rationalists, they feast away
On principles, ethics and moral standpoints
As Ospreys circle their unwitting prey
Repeat Chorus
Brahminy kite over Toondah Harbour
Bramaniy Kites ride the temperate thermals
Will their habitat be entombed under dredging spoil?
White-breasted Sea-eagles soar above casuarinas
While Nandeebi’s ancient gums stand sentinel
To the ecological Apocalypse on the shoreline
Will our community stand undivided?
And oppose this corporate nightmare
Repeat Chorus
Toondah Mangroves in the Moreton Bay Ramsar Site
I heard the forlorn Curlew crying
Endangered by vested interest who serve?
Toondah’s pristine riparian wonders
Should remain an untouched treasure for this world
Repeat Chorus
Lyrics by Troy Robins
Photos by Chris Walker
Published by Redlands2030 – 18 December 2017
Please note: Offensive or off-topic comments will be deleted. If offended by any published comment please email thereporter@redlands2030.net
4 Comments
For those of you in local government who think that the hundreds of residents who oppose the commercial development at Toondah Harbour are just a bunch of greenies, please think again. We are not against sustainable development where there is a balance between lifestyle, environment and increasing population but where commercial development destroys a wetland ecosystem in an area where infrastructure is already lacking we need clear heads and people who are working to enhance the lifestyle in the Redlands, not the opposite. Commercial development has its place but it does not over-ride our lifestyle and our wildlife.
Beautiful song, Troy.
I certainly hope that hope will continue to spring eternal and RAMSAR is not sold out. It’s sad that some people don’t realise that if the environment is ruined they will be too ill to spend their money!
Fantastic well done all!!
Too bad so many decision makers are so tone deaf!!!!