REZZIE See our specials Page 15
854 Hunter Street, Newcastle West 55 Years Of LOCAL News
in your POST Warnings heeded arnings heeded WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2011 By MICHAEL BLAXLAND
AS national support for the federal government’s carbon dioxide tax continues to languish, there’s been a rise in support in the Hunter for action on climate change.
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In a reversal of the past downward trend, the Hunter Valley Research Foundation’s (HVRF) latest survey of environment attitudes has found a rise in the number of people who believe in the future impact of climate change and in human responsibility. One national opinion poll last month found nearly three-quarters of people were opposed or uncommitted to a carbon tax and the same number thought they would be worse off fi nancially.
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Despite this opposition, Hunter people are warming to the need to take action. Over the past seven years, Hunter residents have been asked by the HVRF about the effect they think climate change would have on their lives, their willingness to do something about it and its impact on the region’s economy. In 2006, 80 per cent of people surveyed believed that climate change would have a direct impact on their lives in the next 20 years. By last year’s survey, that number had dropped to 61 per cent.
But the latest survey, full details of which are expected to be released later this month, indicated the decline had been halted and 63 per cent of people surveyed believed there would be an impact.
Senior research fellow Caroline Veldhuizen said the HVRF survey data suggested that, in the Hunter and the Central Coast, there continued to be strong concern about climate change and its implications.
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“The proportion of Hunter residents agreeing or strongly agreeing that human activities are causing signifi cant changes to the earth’s climate has increased over the past two years from 62.6 per cent to 70.2 per cent,” she said. “The degree of urgency that people feel about the issue is also clear, with over half of Hunter residents (56.7 per cent, up from 48.8 per cent in 2009) ‘most agreeing’ with the statement ‘climate change is a problem and we need to take action now’ in preference to other statements either stating that climate change was not a problem or advocating no action, or less immediate action.”
MORE OPPOSITION: Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant accident has turned more people against nuclear power. Greenpeace activists protest outside the Tokyo Electric Power Company shareholder’s meeting in Tokyo last week. Photo: MASAYA NODA/GREENPEACE
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Although the percentage of people aged 65 and over who want immediate action on climate change has remained at only about 40 per cent over the past two years, there’s been growing recognition of the need for action in other age groups.
In 2009, only about 48 per cent of people aged 50 to 64 wanted immediate action, but now it’s around 58 per cent.
The call for immediate action is strongest among 18 to 24 year olds (nearly 80 per cent) and 25 to 34 year olds (just over 60 per cent). Ms Veldhuizen said data supported a belief that people responded to clear and immediate threats far more certainly than they did to vaguer, future problems.
“For example, in December 2010, Hunter residents were more likely to agree with the statement ‘the benefi ts of the coal industry for our region outweigh the negative impacts’, than residents in the Upper Hunter, where the impacts of coal mining are more tangible and immediate.
“In a survey conducted in March 2011 after the earthquake, tsunami and ensuing nuclear disaster in Japan, the proportion of Central Coast residents strongly disagreeing that nuclear energy was an acceptable alternative to coal- based energy in Australia increased sharply. “The HVRF survey data suggests that in the Hunter there continues to be strong concern about climate change and its implications.”
If you've separated or you're planning to, here's how you find out what you’re entitled to...
Alan Wright, a Law Society Accredited Family Law Specialist at Turnbull Hill Lawyers, will be conducting a free information night on Thursday, 14 July 2011 from 6pm to 7.30pm, to explain to you “who gets what” property when you separate from your partner. Because of his experience in Family
Law, Alan understands the pressures of breaking up and will point out some of the common problems in Family Law property disputes and how to avoid them. He’ll give you tips to help you take control so you can get on with your life, and he’ll discuss how your entitlement is worked out.
1885-87
Alan will also talk about: superannuation is now treated as
property;
children are living with you;
in your own name before your marriage;
business, etc.
He’ll give you guidance on how to avoid costly court disputes and will also explain the different steps involved when cases proceed through the Family Court (in situations where there is no choice but to go to court)...
Upcoming free information nights...
On Tuesday, 5 July from 6pm to 7.30pm Lou Pirona will present "What
an Executor or an Administrator needs to know and do when administering a deceased's estate."
On Tuesday, 12 July from 6pm to 7.30pm Barbara Murphy will present a free information session on "Help for first home
buyers...key things you need to know."
On Wednesday, 13 July from 6pm to 7.30pm Adrian Corbould will present a free information session on "Have you been
left out of a Will, or not properly provided for? Or are you an Executor needing to defend a claim?"
On Tuesday, 19 July from 6pm to 7.30pm Lou Pirona will present "All you need to know about Wills, Powers of Attorney and Enduring Guardians."
On Thursday, 21 July
from 6pm to 7.30pm Lisa Roberts will present a free information session on Estate Planning... with easy to understand real life scenarios which will show you the potential benefits for you and your family...
All FREE information sessions will be held at the offices of Turnbull Hill Lawyers, 29 Smith Street, Charlestown... So, to reserve your place phone Jackie Doyle now on 4904 8000 or visit
www.turnbullhill.com.au
Family Law Specialist Alan Wright It’s LOCAL life! SEE PAGE 5
www.newcastlepost.com.au 49 610 310
LOMBARD
The Paper People Packaging Party Events
Lou Pirona
Wills & Estates Lawyer
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