Kangaroo Island Lorax project

Today, a guest contribution from Kathie Stove, a resident of Kangaroo Island:

The late writer Douglas Adams notably gave the answer to the meaning of life as 42. Those of us who got excited about the possibilities for an Australian Labor government could be excused for thinking that there was something in that number when the first listing of ministers and parliamentary secretaries came to the same total.

On Kangaroo Island, where the environment is relatively untouched, at least 42 of us – almost one per cent of the Island’s population of 4500 – thought so. Each of us sent the same letter to each of the 42 notables in the new Rudd parliament, along with a copy of The Lorax, Dr Seuss’s insightful and incisive declaration on capitalist destruction. The letter read:

“Maybe you read The Lorax when you were young; maybe you have read it to children. Please read and consider it now as you begin your ministerial work in the new Australian Government. Its message is perhaps more relevant and urgent now than when it was written in 1971.

I live on Kangaroo Island because of its natural beauty and biodiversity. Yes, I am very fortunate but I am also concerned that the expanses of habitat on the island are being nibbled away by development and gobbled up by greed.

My concern, though, is not just for my island home. I see an urgent need for a wider understanding of the natural world and its preservation across the country and the planet.

This gift is a way of suggesting that you consider a genuine triple bottom line in all your decisions and actions as a Minister and a person.

I ask you to consider not just climate change. I ask you to consider what brings people true happiness. It is not buying more unnecessary objects of passing use and momentary elation. It is appreciating and accepting what we have. And what we have is a beautiful planet – at least for the time being.

This is a time of renewal for Kangaroo Island after the recent bushfires. It can also be a time of renewal in Australia with a new Government that can encourage young people to hope again, restore a sense of community and care for others, and instill a healthy respect for the natural world.”

Not much to read is it? Pretty clear what it says, isn’t it? Not so apparently.

We hear stories of Kevin Rudd’s personal replies to old women who are in a bit of strife. He didn’t reply to us. Neither did Wayne Swann, Stephen Smith, Julia Gillard nor, horror of horrors, Penny Wong and Peter Garrett, though the vanishingly tall man did pay us a visit early this year for a bit of a holiday.

Most letters that were answered, and that was only ten, came from staffers. Most of them didn’t get it.

Top marks to Chris Evans: ‘It is a powerful story, one that I sympathise with, and I will do all that I can to support the message portrayed in this story. It is a great read for human beings of all ages.’ Pity for the environment that his portfolio is Immigration and Citizenship.

Stephen Conroy’s adviser Sophie Mitchell headed her letter ‘The preservation of Kangaroo Island’. Jenny Macklin’s staffer sort of got it. Tania Plibersek’s hand-written note was encouraging but non-committal on the substance of our letter and Martin Ferguson took the opportunity to say what he would be doing about sustainable tourism. Joel Fitzgibbon, Simon Crean and Robert McClelland all replied with thanks.

K Sperring of Ursula Stephens Parliamentary Team wrote ‘as the matter raised falls within the portfolio responsibilities of The Hon Peter Garrett MP, Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, I have referred your letter to Mr Garrett for his attention’.

Mary Meaney, on behalf of Anthony Albanese, wrote almost the same thing but thought that the responsibilities were Penny Wong’s and forwarded the letter to her.

Two letters each for Peter and Penny (no mention of the books) and still no replies. In the interests of full disclosure, I must report that in reply to my sending a mass-generated email to Penny, I did receive a hard copy 2-page ‘explanation’ of policies. That’s two separate sheets, each printed on one side, from the Minister who’s supposed to be reducing emissions.

Still, with an emissions reduction target of 5% from 2000 levels, why should any of us bother to clamp down on wasteful practices? That target, I suppose, is the answer to our letters, finally. The other answer, the Caring for our Country Business Plan 2009–10, and its targets which will guide the government’s investment in our rapidly disappearing environment for up to five years, is equally grim and ignores vast swathes of the continent and all of its marine waters. Apparently Kangaroo Island is good for a holiday but you wouldn’t want to preserve the rich biodiversity that lives there.

For those of you who haven’t read The Lorax, please take 20 minutes out of your day and have a quiet read. You are sure to get it; and perhaps you could try and pass the message on to someone in the government.