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Peaceniks decry city’s push for defence jobs By NOEL MURPHY ANTI-WAR activists have slammed Geelong leaders for pursuing a $20 billion army contract instead of opportunities in alternative energy, food and medical research. Swan Island Peace Group accused Geelong Defence Alliance of pursuing the business of death in its push for the Land 400 project. Group spokesman Greg Rolles said Geelong’s bid to refashion its economy as traditional manufacturing declined should focus on pursuits that help “people live and thrive rather than killing them�. “Geelong has lots of qualified people who could be involved in peaceful, sustainable alternatives,� he said. “I’m aware Geelong is facing hard
times and needs to find jobs but in the long run any focus on so-called defence and military research is ultimately unsustainable. “We should be focussing on alternative energy, medical research, food production, anything that helps people.� The peace group, which will next week target Queenscliff’s Swan Island defence facility and the role of its trainees in US-led military conflicts, also attacked next February’s Avalon International Airshow as a trade show of death. “One of the major companies there will be Lockheed Martin, which Australia has pledged $14 billion to for a joint strike fighter that’s a lemon made in the US,� Mr Rolles said. “The government is asking us to
spend $7 every time we go to the doctor. Avalon represents the theft from Australia of social services by companies in the business of death.� The defence alliance members include Winchester Australia, Committee for Geelong, Avalon Airport and representatives from City Hall, Geelong’s manufacturing council and its tourism board. Geelong is vying with South Australia to win work building the Land 400 armoured combat vehicle. The world’s largest armoured vehicle project would create hundreds of direct manufacturing jobs for its host city. Geelong Mayor Darryn Lyons said earlier this year he was committed to securing the project. “Our city needs this now,� he said. “We are in a rebuilding stage in
Geelong and this is the future for our great city. “We are prepared to take on this new industry, are capable and have the best location. I want to build and service the Australian Defence Force’s new military vehicle and create jobs for the future.� Premier Denis Napthine has invited Cr Lyons to attend next week’s Land Forces Expo in Brisbane where he will promote the Geelong campaign. “I have been advocating the capability of Geelong and pushing for greater Australian content in the delivery of the Land 400 vehicle and I am delighted to accept the Premier’s invitation to the launch of the Victorian State Government strategy on land defence activities,� he said.
Friday, 19 September, 2014 Page 3
In brief Officer assaulted ASSAULTING a fisheries officer at Airey’s Inlet has led to $3000 in fines and one-year bans from recreational fishing for a Melbourne father and son. A magistrate imposed the penalties on the pair, aged 51 and 27, for fishing without licences, giving false details and for one of them launching the assault.
Death unsuspicious POLICE have ruled out foul play in the death of a man found with knife wounds at Clifton Springs on Monday. Police said a report was being prepared for the coroner after investigators deemed the death unsuspicious.
TAC action INDUSTRIAL action has embroiled Geelong’s TAC head office as unionists seek an improved enterprise bargaining agreement for staff. A union spokesperson said the arrival of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Geelong had increased the TAC’s “staff retention issues�, so it should comply with EBA demands to be “seen as an employer of choice�.
Drums disappear THE loss of two chemical drums from the back of a vehicle near Meredith has prompted a police call for witnesses. Police said one of the 200-litre drums of dairycleaning sanitisers disappeared 2km south of Meredith and the other 1.5km from Elaine.
Funding cycle CYCLISTS’ safety needs a $10 million infrastructure boost at this year’s state election, according to a bicyclists lobby group, Bike Safe said half the money would begin “fixing up what we have�, while “at least� another $5 million was required to start work on proposed cycling infrastructure.
WACKED OUT: A procession of crazy Cats turn up for their Geelong Football’s Club Wacky Wednesday, including, clockwise from above left: Jimmy Bartel in his new “role�; Josh Walker and Gorge Burbury as Mayor Darryn Lyons and fiance Elissa Friday; James Toohey in a finger-lickin’ good outfit; Corey ‘Barney’ Enright as Fred Pictures: REG RYAN Flintstone; and Joel Selwood as Jake King, who carried the Cats skipper to the event on the back of his motorbike. 127522
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