Emboldened by the Bentley Blockade

  It’s been ten days since the text arrived announcing the suspension of Metgasco’s license to drill for oil at Bentley.   Only ten days — and life has changed dramatically for many of us.   I search for a word for this new feeling and find an old one:   Embolden: “To give someone… Continue reading Emboldened by the Bentley Blockade

Bentley CSG Blockade: You Can’t Just Take My Dreams Away

  Nimbin, 28 April 2014   It was bucketing rain at dawn at the Bentley Blockade this morning. The blockade against unconventional gas mining. No guitars or drums because of the rain. There were lots of people there but not a lot were singing.   Then, magically, about 5 am, a woman with a strong,… Continue reading Bentley CSG Blockade: You Can’t Just Take My Dreams Away

Activism in Planning in Australia: A Delicate Balancing Act

I’m celebrating: 2013 was a great year for community activism in planning.   In New South Wales, concerted action by many forces, including the Better Planning Network (https://betterplanningnetwork.good.do/nsw/fund-the-better-planning-network-in-2014/), resulted in the State Government withdrawing the contentious and flawed proposed state planning legislation.   The Better Planning Network has more than 430 community groups and many… Continue reading Activism in Planning in Australia: A Delicate Balancing Act

Banging on about Bang the Table

A couple of times recently, I’ve heard Australians complain about the Australian online engagement firm, Bang the Table (BTT) (see https://bangthetable.com/).   I’ve done their training and greatly admire their work, which I see as directly complementary to my more “hands-on” approaches.   I decided it was time to sort things out in my own… Continue reading Banging on about Bang the Table