Freeway opposed
@9point = ADELAIDE — Despite wet and windy conditions, more than 150 protesters gathered on July 30 to show their anger at the Brown Liberal government's decision to construct a freeway from Adelaide's south to the city. Speakers told of increased health risks such as bronchitis and asthma due to the 7000 extra cars per day that will use the freeway. Dubbed the "chokeway" by local residents, the freeway will cut through land of significant value to the indigenous Kaurna people.
@9point = Alternatives such as light rail and public transport have been slashed severely in recent months, although they would provide a more efficient and cost effective service to a larger number of people.
Shackleton in Brisbane
@9point = BRISBANE — Two hundred people attended a public meeting here on July 28 to protest against the Kangaroo '95 military exercises. Shirley Shackleton told the meeting, organised by the Catholic Worker Community, of the courage of East Timorese who continue to struggle after 20 years of brutal occupation by the Indonesian regime.
@9point = Ciaron O'Reilly spoke about Kangaroo '95 including not only Indonesian troops but also troops from Papua New Guinea, which is waging Australia's proxy war against the people of Bougainville, and French troops. The speak-out included the exhibition of Community Aid Abroad's photo exhibition, "East Timor 1942-1992", and a cultural performance by some of Brisbane's East Timorese community.
@9point = Shackleton also addressed Green It Up, a fundraiser for Â鶹´«Ã½ Weekly and the East Timor campaign, and the official opening of the residence of the Greg Shackleton Catholic Worker Community, named after her husband Greg, one of five Australian journalists killed at Balibo in East Timor in 1975 during Indonesia's invasion.
CISLAC fiesta
@9point = BRISBANE — Around 250 people packed into the Ukrainian Hall here on July 29 for the annual July Fiesta, organised by the Committee in Solidarity with Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society. The audience danced to the exciting sounds of Tunari, a Melbourne-based group, and the well-known local band Jumping Fences.
@9point = More than $2000 was raised for aid projects sponsored by CISLAC, including, for the first time, an environmental project in Cuba.
Kangaroo '95 demonstration
@9point = MELBOURNE — Fifty people gathered at Nunawading railway station on July 29 to protest against the Kangaroo '95 joint military exercises between Australia and Indonesia. Members of the Timorese community performed street theatre which portrayed the history of East Timor since its invasion by Indonesia. The rally then marched to the nearby office of defence minister Robert Ray. Another rally is planned for August 17 at the Indonesian consulate.
Anti-nuclear groups form
@9point = MELBOURNE — Several new student organisations have formed to campaign against nuclear tests and uranium mining. More than 20 high school students on July 28 formed the Anti-Nuclear Secondary Students group, which meets every Saturday at noon at the Resistance Centre, 14 Anthony St, Melbourne.
@9point = On Melbourne University, Students Against Nuclear Testing have been holding regular stalls, and a group called Students Against Nuclear Development has been organising on TAFE colleges. At the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, students have formed RMIT Students Against the Bomb.
Cleary questions freeways
@9point = MELBOURNE — Independent MP Phil Cleary released a statement on August 1 stating that the Liberals' City Link tollway project would be nothing short of a nightmare for the north-western suburbs. He questioned the wisdom of building more freeways rather than improving public transport, and attacked the state ALP for supporting the widening of the Tullamarine freeway.
Tarkine picket
@9point = SYDNEY — Forty environmental activists picketed the Tasmanian Tourist Bureau on August 5 to protest against the construction of the Smithton-Zeehan link road through the Tarkine in north-west Tasmania. One third of Australia's remaining rainforest is in Tasmania, and two thirds of that is in the Tarkine. Work on the road is due to be resumed in spring. The demonstration, organised by the Wilderness Society, raised banners, built a tripod and chanted "Stop the road to nowhere! Save the Tarkine now".