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Friday, 19 September, 2014 Page 7
Fuel boss ‘gagged’ on fracking By John Van Klaveren STATE government is gagging debate on fracking, Frack Free Geelong claims. Spokesperson Chris Johnson said the group invited Lakes Oil chief Rob Annells to speak at a public meeting but he declined citing advice from the Government. The incident suggested the Government was “pulling strings” to protect the gas industry, Ms Johnson said. “The Victorian Government
Government ‘pulling strings’, claim activists vets where onshore gas miners can speak and has alerted them not to speak at a public event in Geelong. “We find it extremely disappointing that a community group that wants to show and discuss both sides of the fracking story hasn’t been able to do so. “We felt it important that the community got both sides of this very controversial issue. Accordingly, we invited Lakes Oil CEO
Mr Rob Annells to address our information evening. “Lakes Oil holds Petroleum Exploration Permit 163 to drill for gas in this region, an area which stretches from Highton to the Surf Coast. “In an email, Mr Annells’ secretary declined the invitation, explaining: “We have been alerted by the Victorian Government’s Primary Agency to speak at events that are only run by ap-
proved government bodies that provide controlled, open and impartial dialogue.” Ms Johnson questioned the explanation. “Who is protecting who in this onshore gas game and what is it they are afraid of?” Ms Johnson said the meeting, with “well-respected” Diversitat chief Michael Martinez as moderator, would encourage openness and impartiality.”
Mr Annells denied being gagged. “That’s not terribly accurate. We could have chosen to attend if we wanted to,” he said. “We were advised by the government to leave the public consultation process to them, so we have.” Primary Agency facilitator Mick Maguire said the Government had gagged nobody.
“I’m not sure why that email has gone out but I think there’s been something lost in translation here,” Mr McGuire said. “We’ve been running a series of open days around the state and meeting with key stakeholders including Friends of the Earth and Lock the Gate. “Rob Annells offered to come to the open days to present but I suggested to him that we were more about gathering information than presenting it. “All the key stakeholders have supported the process.”
Kev’s fare effort at family fun day set to support needy TAFE students By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
KEV’S REVS: Kev Boland with a 1971 XY GT Falcon set to feature at this weekend’s family fun day. 127356
Picture: REG RYAN
THERE could well be a bit of reminiscing at Kev’s Family Day at St Albans footy ground on Sunday. After all, Kev is Kevin Boland, who ran the fondly remembered and sadly missed Kev’s Caravan, saviour of many a late-night reveller by provisioning hamburgers and other hot treats. While Kev’s cafe de wheels has been supplanted by 24-hour takeaway chains, the man himself still gets a kick out of supplying good hearty fare at basic prices. This time the money all goes to good causes. Kev’s Family Fun Day is a joint fundraising event for Gordon Student Support Fund and St Albans Football Club. The student fund receives the day’s gate takings – a gold coin donation or $5 dollars per car – while the footy club gets the canteen and bar receipts. Kev reckons the place should be packed on Sunday, being the start of the school holidays.
“All the attractions are free,” Kev emphasised. “There’s a giant slide, jumping castle, face painting, free lollipops and balloons for the kids, a puppeteer and music by Sorry Nation. “We also do a show ‘n’ shine for best car and best bike, which is a people’s choice vote. “The beauty of this day is all the food and drinks are at football club prices and excellent value for the whole family and the raffle has prizes donated by generous sponsors.” Kev and the late Ernie Speight established the student support fund after they, along with hundreds of others, were made redundant when International Harvester closed down in 1987. They used the $1600 left over in a union shop steward account to set up the fund, which now helps financially struggling students through their TAFE educations. The family day kicks off around 10am.
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