How Environmentalism Contributed to the Bushfires
Under the influence of the philosophy of environmentalism, as well as political pressure from environmentalist groups and an "environmentally conscious" electorate, local councils have refused for years to clear the vegetation that has now served as fuel for lethal infernos. The modus operandi of these bureaucrats and their ecosupporters has been to insist on "rigorous" environmental assessments, which in envirospeak means, assessments that continue until reasons have been found to prevent any interference with the natural state of public land. In addition to perpetually stalling any clearing of trees or vegetation, government councils have also prohibited people from clearing trees and vegetation from their own property, aggressively pursuing those who break environmental-protection laws that place the "welfare" of trees above the property rights and safety of people.
In 2002, Liam Sheahan, a resident of Reedy Creek in Victoria, was prosecuted for disregarding local laws and bulldozing approximately 250 trees on his own property to make a fire break next to his home.[7] Council laws prohibited Mr. Sheahan from clearing trees further than six meters away from his house, but he went ahead with his decision to create a 100 meter fire break. During the resulting prosecution, bushfire expert Dr. Kevin Tolhurst testified on Mr. Sheahan's behalf, telling the court that the clearing had reduced the fire risk to Mr. Sheahan's home from extreme to moderate. According to Mr. Sheahan, "The council stood up in court and made us to look like the worst, wanton environmental vandals on the earth. We've got thousands of trees on our property. We cleared about 247." Mr. Sheahan's prosecution cost him $100,000 in fines and legal fees, but when the bushfires swept through his town in February 2009, his actions were vindicated — his home was the only property left standing in a two-kilometer area, while neighboring properties were destroyed. His disregard for environmental laws saved his home and the lives of his family.
Warwick Spooner was not so lucky. His mother and brother were killed as the bushfires consumed their home in Strathewen in Victoria.
He was in no doubt as to why the tragedy had occurred, telling the Nillumbik council, "We've lost two people in my family because you [epithet] won't cut trees down.… We wanted trees cut down on the side of the road, … and you can't even cut the grass for God's sake."[9] He was not the only one to express such frustrations, with another resident complaining to the council that her repeated requests to reduce vegetation growth on public land had been ignored.
^^^^^^^^
Buster HulloOOOO, so what have we learnt from the Vic bush fires, with same stupid regulations. NUTHIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who's the actual council ... yep the rate payers, its "their" council. Like most and I am no exception, we allow so called do gooders to run "our"shires. Only way to fix it is, those like minded get an action group, run for council, get enough support and like minded to have the new team elected and then the change the bloody idiotic regs they have enforced.
I know of one council in North West which actually did that.
Got rid of a whole bunch of idiot's, and their bloody minded crap they were trying to enforce. 
Dear All,
As some of you may know, I won a TV at a recent kiting fundraiser for Red Kite - a charity which supports children and adolescents with cancer and their families.
But as I'm not much of a TV watching guy, TV has been sold to a fellow Seabreezer for $2000 - thank you!!
All money donated (receipts below):
$1000 Margaret River Lions Club Bushfire Appeal
$800 Princess Margaret Foundation
$200 Clown Doctors
I know someone whose son has cancer and spent about 7 months in Princess Margaret Hospital - saw them walking the dog out at the park on Monday 
. They were grateful for the assistance that Red Kite provided.
Had a great Chrissy down in Gnarabup with fam and friends - surfed / kited and fooded out! Hope yours was great too and all the best for 2012! Shan.
If anyone would like to help:
www.redkite.org.au/
MR Lions: lionsdistrict201w2.mysouthwest.com.au/News/Article?news_id=4856
Call NAB (13 2265) to get details on the MR Lions fundraising account at the branch in town.
PMH Foundation: www.pmhfoundation.com/
Clown Doctors: clowndoctors.org.au/our-work/clown-doctors-blog-from-the-wards.html
