June has been a rollercoaster month for our community! We’ve shared so many wins together, like the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) refusing new iron ore mines and Environment Minister Stephen Dawson committing to a statewide ban on plastic bags. And we’ve also shared setbacks, like the Labor Government announcing that four uranium mines will go ahead.
And through these wins and setbacks, we have become a stronger community. Here are some of your highlights narrated by us here at CCWA, as well as a taste of what’s to come!
A message from Piers about our end of financial year appeal:
“As we finish this financial year, I would like to thank everyone in the CCWA community who has donated recently. It's so inspiring to know that with each donation we can achieve more for our environment, wildlife, climate, and communities. If you have donated, thank you so much for your support!
If you have not donated yet, today is your last chance to make a tax-deductible contribution before the end of the financial year. Please support us to be the powerful and independent voice our environment and communities need!”
A message from Sarah about Plastic Free WA:
“On 8 June, World Oceans Day, we launched Plastic Free WA in partnership with Sea Shepherd Australia’s Marine Debris Campaign, Plastic Free July, and Boomerang Alliance. And in that short time, we’ve already seen so much progress.
Our citizen science microplastics project was featured on Today Tonight, several councils have committed to take action on plastic bags, and this week Environment Minister Stephen Dawson committed to ban single use plastic bags across WA!
No matter where you look, you can see that we’re on our way to winning the war on plastic. Let’s continue building the momentum towards a Plastic Free WA - please sign and share the petition, and sign up for your own plastic free challenge. I’ll be taking my challenge throughout July - more on that next week!”
A message from KA about Nuclear Free WA:
“Last week the Labor Government announced that they would introduce a ban on uranium mining in WA - but allow four uranium mines to go ahead - Yeelirrie, Wiluna, Kintyre and Mulga Rock. None of these projects have final approval, none of the companies have made a final investment decision, and none should be allowed to proceed under this Government. So yesterday morning Nuclear Free WA held a snap rally to tell Labor not to backflip on their promise to keep WA uranium free!
You’re also invited to our screening of Rez Nez’s “Walking for Country” on Tue 4 July from 5pm at City West Lotteries House, where we’ll discuss the campaign and strategies to build the nuclear free movement here in Perth. All are welcome and hope that we have lots of energy, enthusiasm and ideas to keep it in the ground once and for all!”
A message from Kat about Frack Free Future:
“Our Rockingham community presented a letter to Premier Mark McGowan’s office in mid June. The letter called for an independent and robust inquiry - not led by the Department of Mines and Petroleum - into the consequences of fracking, especially to our water supply. Frack Free Future, Lock the Gate WA, The Wilderness Society, and Environs Kimberley also delivered a joint letter to Premier Mark McGowan.
Frack Free Future communities have also organised two film and information nights in Rockingham on Monday 3 July and Cannington on Sunday 13 August.
One last thing - please ask your MP to support a statewide ban on fracking and unconventional gas in Western Australia, and ask your friends to do the same. Thank you to all those who already have!”
And a taste of what’s to come… Plastic Free July starts tomorrow!
If we don’t act now, it’s estimated that plastic will outweigh our fish in the ocean by 2050. I’m going to take the plastic free challenge and keep a daily blog on what I find surprising or challenging - you can too!
Thank you for everything you do for our wildlife and environment - we’re so glad you’re in our community.
See you soon!
Sarah and the team at CCWA
