Censorship rears its ugly head

The Wyee markets used to be the champion of democracy for the community. Now they appear to be the gatekeeper for the power stations according to Future Sooner spokesperson Gary Blaschke, OAM.

29 May 2024

 

FUTURE Sooner have now been denied their regular information stall at the Wyee Markets, for no other reason it would appear than a community group, who informs the community on the health problems associated with the operation of the nearby power stations. A undeniable worldwide problem that is pursued by the United Nations - coal ash dams and airborne coal dust particulates are a health problem.

 

“After weeks of attempting to get a response from the markets we finally received an email from the ‘Wyee Markets Team’.

 

“They apologised for their delayed response, appreciated our interest but said: Unfortunately, after careful consideration, we no longer offer space for political party or activist group stalls at our markets. We strive to maintain a neutral and inclusive environment for all attendees, focusing on showcasing local produce, crafts, and community businesses.

 

“For years the Coal Ash community had a stall at the markets. Suddenly when Future Sooner becomes involved a stall is no longer approved.,” said Mr Blaschke.

 

“Surely alerting the community to a Citizen’s Inquiry and the health issues associated with coal-fired power stations and asking for people to tell their stories, constitutes what the Wyee Markets Team terms ‘community business?

 

“Have the markets been pressured now that the government has approved extending the life of Eraring by two years and possibly renewing the exemption licence for Vales Point?

 

“Both decisions will allow these power stations to add even more pollution and health problems to the Coast and Lake Macquarie residents.

 

“Will the Wyee Markets Team refuse the Liberal and Labor parties from having a stall prior to the coming elections and ban the community from talking to their MPs?

 

“Will Joanne Giles, who runs the Wyee markets through her company Browse, also censor the markets at Terrigal Beach, Long Jetty, Gosford Waterfront, The Entrance Twilight, and at the special events she runs in in tandem with the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie Councils?

 

“The markets were traditionally a source of information for the community. Now it seems they’re the community censors.

 

“Is this 1984, brave new world or simply fear of what Future Sooner might reveal about the power stations?”

 

Censorship of free-speech is what democracy is all about. People have the right to be informed by members of the community in a non political way, particularly about nearby power stations and the coal and airborne coal dust particulates that can impact injuriously on human health. The Wyee Markets reason for denying Future Sooner the right to have an information stall is not a valid one but a feeble excuse. Censorship is a denial of democracy!

 

Future Sooner will be holding a Citizens Inquiry into the health impacts of pollution caused by coal-fired power stations on August 25. We are calling for Central Coast and Lake Macquarie residents who think they have health conditions – asthma, respiratory conditions, cancers, learning difficulties – associated with coal pollution to contact us with their stories.

 

Central Coast have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses in numbers that are way above the national average.

 

“We have the evidence1 that proves that the closer you live to a coal-fired power station, like Vales Point or Eraring and their ash dams, the more likely you are to have chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, even cancers and learning disabilities.” said Future Sooner spokesperson Gary Blaschke.

 

“Are you, your family, or neighbours one of the 16.9% of people on the Central Coast suffering with three or more chronic health diseases? Does your child have asthma? Do you have a family member with cancer?

 

“If so, we need you to tell your story at our Citizens Inquiry.

 

“I’ve been diagnosed with three cancers. I was a surfer, never smoked or drank but I live close to a power station and its ash dam. Where do you live?

 

“We’ve presented evidence that has never been challenged to the United Nations, the EPA, MPs, and NSW and Regional Health units. What has our government done? Told us that they have only been in power a year and are now very busy with elections.

 

“The Australian Cancer Atlas2 alone shows the Central Coast has incidents of cancers way above the rest of the country. Budgewoi has lung cancer at 109% above the national average.

 

“Our Citizens Inquiry will take a blow torch to the decades of successive government neglect and cover up of the damage done to the health of Central Coast residents from coal-fired power stations.

 

“But we need the real-life accounts from everyone living on the Central Coast and at Lake Macquarie who are suffering from a life-threatening health problem.

 

“Be part of the Citizens Inquiry. Tell your story. Appear at the Inquiry in person. Email your submission. We can also video you anonymously.

 

“With your stories and our facts, we can make the NSW government take action.”

 

Citizens Inquiry:  Sunday 25 August 2024, 1pm-5pm

 

Venue: Halekulani Bowling Club Budgewoi

 

Write a submission and/or let us know if you would like to present in person or be videoed: Email futuresoonernsw@gmail.com or contact Gary Blaschke OAM, Future Sooner spokesperson - 0424 890 455.