Dowell to be congratulated

I refer to the article ‘Dowell grandstanding on CSG: Minister’ – Northern Star October 12.

I think Planning Minister Hazzard should put on his marching boots and keep marching – all the way back to Sydney then take a ticket to the Isle of No Return. I listened to this man (sorry, ‘minister’) do his patronising bit to the community at Casino RSM some months ago (in between pulling up his trousers and tightening his belt), and he is bad news. All he wants to do is force his will and the will of the Lib-Nats on the north coast community. The people have made it quite clear that they do not want coal-seam gas or any type of mining here which will interfere with the northern rivers lifestyle and our ability to produce food for the nation from our very fertile soil.

Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell has been like an angel to the community. She has got out there and has made every attempt to understand the issues and has even taken time out to read Sharyn Munro’s Book: Rich Land Wasteland – how coal is killing Australia, which is a ‘must-read’ for everyone. Only from reading this book will you understand how Australia is being destroyed by the politicians and sold to overseas countries.

No other local government councillor or mayor has attempted to understand the issues and then put up such an amazing fight for the people to keep our waters clean and our air fresh and pure.

It does not matter what walk of life you come from, it does not matter whether you are rich or poor, Jenny Dowell has become a friend to us all and the one we can turn to to keep our communities intact and CSG free. No wonder she was returned as mayor with 53 per cent preference vote.

These politicians, who give themselves the handle ‘the Honourable’ (and here I include Don Page and Thomas George), should take the same trip as I have recommended for Brad Hazzard.

If the minister wants to send in the head shrinkers, let him send them to Murwillumbah’s Rock the Gate – Northern Rivers so they can hear firsthand from the community what we want and don’t want in this region.

Hang in there, Jenny, and keep up the excellent work.

Margaret Howes
Empire Vale