BEING LOCAL

The advertisement in The Shetland Times of 30 November 2012, was headed 'DA KILN Restaurant,' and told about a special deal. Strangely, there was no mention of the location of this restaurant, so a telephone call was made to ask the question.

"Da Kiln."

"Hello. There was no mention of the location of the restaurant in your advertisement in The Shetland Times. Can you please tell me where Da Kiln Restaurant is?"

"It's a cafe next to Da Kiln Bar."

"Where is the bar?"

"In Scalloway."

Not wanting to continue with the next question that might only get a similar, clipped response requiring ever more follow-up questions to achieve the desired result, I thanked the voice and hung up.

Surely I could find this bar in little Scalloway?

Scalloway, Shetland

It was clear that this person had no understanding of the circumstance of one's not knowing where this cafe/bar might be. Any question seeking some clarification on this location appeared strange, unnecessary. This must have been why no address was given in the newspaper too. It was just irrelevant. Local knowledge knew what it knew. There was no need for any further statement.

It reminded me of the time at a petrol station in country New South Wales in Australia. We had stopped for fuel. A young man came over to serve the petrol, an unusual occasion in our self-service world. As he was filling the tank, I thought I should chat to him. Sacks of potatoes were piled beside the browser with a price scribbled on a nearby card.

"Are these potatoes local?" I asked.

"No," he answered, "they're from over there."

He raised his arm and pointed to the other side of the road.

How local can one get?

The barman at Da Kiln seemed to hold a similar scale of operation and context, and an inability comprehend space and place beyond the local need not to have to explain such things.

Scalloway

This reminds me of the time a young boy was playing on the scaffold we were working on while cleaning slates. He gabbled on and on, unstoppable. He started talking about his visits to his grandfather's place in England. To show some interest in his constant chat, the question was asked:

"Where about in England does your grandfather live?"

"Near Tescos," was the response.

The barman at Da Kiln might have appreciated this answer, but it meant very little to me.

Not only is a broad understanding of relationships needed to be able to explain directions and locations precisely, but one also needs to think beyond things local. Envisaging things local in so limited a scope only makes one unable to understand the needs of others. Everything becomes parochially introverted. The stranger and his needs are just never understood.

On the larger scale of cultures and religions, it is this lazy and careless limitation in understanding that causes so much strife. It is not only polite to show some interest in another being, it is also essential to get a true understanding and appreciation of others if we are going to live together co-operatively and peacefully. The place to begin this strategy is at home - ironically locally, intimately. It requires the ability to respond appropriately. It is our responsibility.

See also:  http://voussoirs.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/what-is-local_12.html

ON DYING - THE ASTONISHING GLENN TOZER AND EX-MINISTER BATES

. . . who are apparently bringing dying Springbrook back to life!

see

http://www.glenntozer.com.au/general/bringing-springbrook-back-to-life/

Bringing Springbrook “back to life”

May 2, 2013 | Categories : General • Glenn Tozer • 0 Comments

Lately, there’s been some public dialogue about the challenges Springbrook Mountain has faced over the past years, reportedly plagued with decisions of previous state governments that has apparently stymied growth and created prohibitive regulations for tourism businesses to ply their potentially lucrative trade.

The last 12 months I’ve had the privilege of meeting many residents and businesses from Springbrook and without wanting to make comment on previous government decisions, I’ve been trying to apply a fresh set of eyes to the challenges Springbrook Mountain faces. One characteristic I’ve observed common to many on the Mountain is a fiery passion for “the best for Springbrook”, defined by whatever set of actions the individual determines can achieve that “best”. I’m convinced that harnessing that passion into some common goals could be productive although, granted, I’m relatively new to any advocacy objectives for our local World Heritage listed area, so I do tread carefully when attempting to lead some sort of charge for better outcomes.

In a recent Gold Coast Bulletin article, Ros Bates, State MP for Mudgeeraba, was quoted as saying Springbrook “is dying (and) it has been since 2005″.

Ros would know. She’s been an active commentator and committed community partner in our area for many years now. Ros and I meet regularly to address common challenges in our constituencies, including those in Springbrook. We’ve been talking most recently regarding improving safety and signage on Springbrook Rd, delivering better pathways and infrastructure, and optimising the use of community open space. Ros and I share a similar view about the “big hearts” and fighting spirit of the Springbrook residents. 

In the midst of what appears to be doom and gloom, I thought it appropriate to outline some of the steps the City of Gold Coast has been taking over the past 12-18 months or so to enable businesses on Springbrook Mountain and supplement the State Government’s initiative to improve the economy.

• Implement Springbrook Visioning Plan 2011
• identify key management areas and implement recommendations to improve Springbrook’s tourism in accordance with carrying capacity and in turn, economic sustainability
• Complete and implement recommendations Springbrook Signage Audit 2012
• identify ways to improve visitor way-finding
• Springbrook Business Mentoring Program (Jan-June 2013)
• 6 companies are receiving one-on-one mentoring to develop and/or update marketing and business plans
• Assistance to develop the Springbrook Chamber of Commerce social media and other websites
• Springbrook Tourism Destination Action Plan (2012)
• included a community workshop to identify issues, target markets and visitor statistics, audit on product/services available, SWOT analysis and identified priority actions
• Encourage Springbrook businesses to engage with Gold Coast Tourism for promotional opportunities and align with initiatives such as Tourism Australia’s ‘Australia’s Green Cauldron’ National Landscape program.
• Currently undertaking a study to determine the most suitable site for a visitor information gateway
• Springbrook Tourism Working Group formed to progress issues and tourism projects
• (membership includes the Chamber of Commerce, Springbrook Mountain Community Association, GECKO, Communities for Sustainable Futures (CSF) and Springbrook Wilderness Appreciation Group (SWAG))

Council is very committed to play our role working with Springbrook Mountain to identify ways it can assist the development of tourism, while protecting the natural environment and preserving the lifestyle in order to provide long-term economic sustainability and certainty for businesses.

I am very much encouraged by the work of Springbrook groups lately, taking matters into their own hands to drive three particular events which I’m very proud to promote. Firstly, Springbrook Chamber of Commerce invited Jazz singer Vince Jones to the Mountain last month for a “Jazz in the Rainforest” concert. I’m told the event was sold out and a phenomenal success. Kudos to Anastasia for her work as the brainchild of this event.

ANZAC Day on the Mountain this year was a privilege to be a part of. Over 70 made the dawn service and several hundred attended the morning service celebrating the service  and sacrifice of Australians in conflicts of the past 100 years. John, Jeff and Colin did a great job.

Finally, Mfest (A Celebration of Motherhood) is being held on the 11^th May and this unique event fills an important niche for many mothers in the area around Mothers Day. Maryan is doing some excellent work raising the profile of the event in the Gold Coast community.

I want to encourage you to drive on up and check Springbrook Mountain out for yourself. Beautiful views, challenging and interesting bushwalks, great cafes and accommodation, the best fudge in the world (in my opinion), and a wonderful friendly community well worth the visit.

It seems that Mr. Tozer knows, apparently like ex-Minister Bates, that ‘Springbrook is dying (and) has been since 2005.’ Just what criteria he uses for his agreeing with this statement is unknown. Exactly what is dying? What is meant by this? It is extremely serious. If Springbrook is dying, what is Mr. Tozer intending to do about it? Just agree? Springbrook is after all a World Heritage-listed region. Governments have responsibilities to maintain this region that has been listed because of its bio-diversity. Now this has nothing to do with any picturesque, tourist prettiness or the services offered in the area. The listing has everything to do with life itself, its miscellany, complexity and its care. New species of flora and fauna are still being found at Springbrook. We need to protect it. So, if the area is ‘dying,’ as is so clearly declared and supported by Mr. Tozer in the article on his web site, then specific action is needed. It could be critical.

Mr. Tozer does spell out just what he has been doing and what he intends to do:

'improving safety and signage on Springbrook Rd, delivering better pathways and infrastructure, and optimising the use of community open space. Ros and I share a similar view about the “big hearts” and fighting spirit of the Springbrook residents.'

But Springbrook has far too many signs now: see SIGNS OF THE TIMES http://springbrooklocale.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/signs-of-times.html ; and Mr. Tozer only mocked the idea to slow traffic down: see CONSULTATION  http://springbrooklocale.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/consultation.html  What does he intend? What community space? What pathways? How does this relate to World Heritage? How does this enhance it; enrich it; protect it?

He continues with more detail:

'In the midst of what appears to be doom and gloom, I thought it appropriate to outline some of the steps the City of Gold Coast has been taking over the past 12-18 months or so to enable businesses on Springbrook Mountain and supplement the State Government’s initiative to improve the economy.

• Implement Springbrook Visioning Plan 2011
• identify key management areas and implement recommendations to improve Springbrook’s tourism in accordance with carrying capacity and in turn, economic sustainability
• Complete and implement recommendations Springbrook Signage Audit 2012
• identify ways to improve visitor way-finding
• Springbrook Business Mentoring Program (Jan-June 2013)
• 6 companies are receiving one-on-one mentoring to develop and/or update marketing and business plans
• Assistance to develop the Springbrook Chamber of Commerce social media and other websites
• Springbrook Tourism Destination Action Plan (2012)
• included a community workshop to identify issues, target markets and visitor statistics, audit on product/services available, SWOT analysis and identified priority actions
• Encourage Springbrook businesses to engage with Gold Coast Tourism for promotional opportunities and align with initiatives such as Tourism Australia’s ‘Australia’s Green Cauldron’ National Landscape program.
• Currently undertaking a study to determine the most suitable site for a visitor information gateway
• Springbrook Tourism Working Group formed to progress issues and tourism projects
• (membership includes the Chamber of Commerce, Springbrook Mountain Community Association, GECKO, Communities for Sustainable Futures (CSF) and Springbrook Wilderness Appreciation Group (SWAG))

Council is very committed to play our role working with Springbrook Mountain to identify ways it can assist the development of tourism, while protecting the natural environment and preserving the lifestyle in order to provide long-term economic sustainability and certainty for businesses.'

To summarise, the subject matters include:

• Tourism
• Tourism
• Business
• Business
• Tourism
• Business/Tourism
• Tourism
• Tourism

Only at the very end is there the statement about ‘protecting natural environment’ in this World Heritage region. It reads almost as an aside:

'Council is very committed to play our role working with Springbrook Mountain to identify ways it can assist the development of tourism, while protecting the natural environment and preserving the lifestyle in order to provide long-term economic sustainability and certainty for businesses.'

Just what precisely is the astonishing Glenn Tozer actually doing for the environment, for the maintenance of this World Heritage region? If one can gauge his intention through his statements - this is always dangerous with a politician, see: REMEMBER - http://springbrooklocale.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/remember.html - then one might assume he is doing nothing, not one thing! Everything seems to be based on business and tourism - increasing or ‘growing,’ as the jargon goes, these activities. How does this relate to World Heritage?

The great danger with this approach has been analysed in WHO OR WHAT IS A TOURIST? - see: http://springbrooklocale.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/who-or-what-is-tourist.html  Catering for tourism does not protect World Heritage interests. Tourism becomes an indulgent game in its own right that needs to be carefully managed - away from Springbrook if World Heritage is to be taken seriously. Biodiversity is critical. Tourist crowds and biodiversity do not mix well. If tourist activity on Springbrook is allowed to blossom out of control without any reference to World Heritage values, then the situation is very serious. Springbrook may indeed ‘die’ - but will the politicians care? Who knows?

Running a business on Springbrook is something that also needs to be carefully managed in relation to World Heritage matters. Killing the thing most loved is just too easy. The history of business activity on Springbrook needs to be looked at closely too. Much can be and needs to be learned. Having a Councillor apparently concentrating only on tourism and business when the core matter is World Heritage is a serious concern. That ex-Minister Bates should seemingly be happy to stand by and do nothing but attend to tourism and business issues, like Mr. Tozer, while nothing appears to be done for the environment but the blurting out of platitudes by both, is a sad case indeed. Is this the way a politician should act? World Heritage needs to be the core reference for everything that happens on Springbrook. Anything less is inadequate. Just why Springbrook as a whole should be managed to suit business and tourist activity alone remains a puzzle. Are our politicians so ignorant on matters of World Heritage that they just don’t care? Mr. Tozer has been told of this position - this need for World Heritage priority. One can only assume that perhaps he is careless, or maybe just not interested?

If our politicians mean that businesses, and tourism that uses these businesses on Springbrook, are ‘dying’ - Is this what they mean? What’s the evidence? Heresay? Self-interested business assessments? - then this is a silly statement to generalise to make it sound as though Springbrook itself is dying. Are businesses the essence of Springbrook? How many folk go to Springbrook just to enjoy the place, its World Heritage values, as compared to those who come for some distracting entertainment? People don’t go to Springbrook to go shopping. Gosh, they cannot even purchase fuel - petrol or diesel - on the mountain. Perhaps these folk who are interested in the World Heritage experience are not interested in using businesses as presently set up at Springbrook. They may have other ambitions and intentions that might be as simple as a BYO picnic. Why not? Why diminish the activity of these visitors? Why evaluate everything about Springbrook on business visitations alone? Maybe those interested in World Heritage matters choose to keep well away from tourist-supporting businesses? Gosh, even some locals do! In any case, why should folk coming to Springbrook have to use any service offered by any business? Why should anyone? Is it just because the individuals running the businesses would like more custom - greater profits - and they, perhaps, nag the politicians? Are these profits needed just to make businesses more attractive for their sale? What has this to do with Wolrd Heritage? With Springbrook? What custom is going to be enough? Is there a limit to desired profits? What are the limits of visitation on Springbrook if World Heritage values are to be maintained? What is expected? Does anyone know - or care?

It seems to me that Mr. Tozer and what appears to be ‘his mate,’ the ex-Minister Bates, need to read more on World Heritage issues, and try to understand precisely what World Heritage actually means, and then make a commitment to it. Mr. Tozer seems to think Springbrook is all about:

'Beautiful views, challenging and interesting bushwalks, great cafes and accommodation, the best fudge in the world (in my opinion), and a wonderful friendly community well worth the visit.'

The World Heritage declaration is not just another tourism slogan. It is a serious acknowledgement of the unique biodiversity in the region: truly ‘world class’ if you can overcome the cliché. To make it clearer, Springbrook sits beside Uluru, Sydney Opera House, Chartres Cathedral and the Taj Mahal on the World Heritage schedule. The listing has primary and necessary requirements that are far more critical than maintaining the health and profits of any business or having fun and fudge in the bush. This is why World Heritage issues must be the priority. One wonders just what matters are reviewed for compatibility when businesses are given free Council advice? Are there any? Businesses are not listed as World Heritage.

Left unmanaged, World Heritage matters quickly and very easily get out of control. If World Heritage values are to be sustained and enriched, then they need to be carefully considered as the prime starting point for everything that happens on the plateau. To do otherwise simply seems to be negligent. But there is no necessary need for World Heritage, tourism and business to be different. The dissimilar ambition and intent of these activities cause the problems. That either tourism or business might choose to insist on a strategy that ignores World Heritage issues, will only end up as a serous problem for all activity. Why do the astonishing Glenn Tozer and ex-Minister Bates not realise this? Why do businesses not realise this? Why are tourist operators blind to this circumstance? They appear to be, ‘eco’ or not. Only with a commitment to World Heritage will business and tourism truly thrive; but it might be a different sense of thriving to that envisaged only as desired profits and, maybe, future property sales.

P.S.  ON DYING

Was it Mr. Tozer who appeared to offer his support for vertical burials in a ‘green’ cemetery: see http://springbrooklocale.blogspot.com.au/2012/06/green-cemetery.html  ? It was interesting to hear in one television documentary - it might have been Who’s Been Sleeping in My House? - that folk in one region, I think it was in Bowral, New South Wales, were once condemned to be buried vertically as an eternal punishment, so that they might not ever be able to rest, even in death. …. MMM! How else might the "back to life" skils be exercised? Well, I suppose he might be ‘green’ in one area? It is a shame that it is at the dead end rather than the living World Heritage.

For details on Springbrook see www.springbrookrescue.org.au 

CABLEWAY FARCE - CHARTRES

These farcical pieces have been inspired by the threat that has risen yet again, after two failures, to have a cableway built to World Heritage-listed Springbrook in the Hinterland of southeast Queensland, Australia. The senselessness of this concept can be best highlighted by considering a similar proposal for other World Heritage-listed sites that have a more tangible presence than the natural bio-diversity for which Springbrook is listed. Australians are blasé about ‘bush,’ seeing it as a no-man’s-land zone, a location appropriate for dumping trash and burning; or for the more sensitive, as a pretty retreat to use and enjoy - to develop. The outrage of this cableway proposal and its gross insensitivity may be better comprehended when transposed to other World Heritage contexts where it would never be contemplated.

For details on Springbrook see www.springbrookrescue.org.au 

WORLD HERITAGE TO GET CABLEWAY - CHARTRES

The French Minister for Culture and Ancient Monuments, Vie Travallottes, today announced that a new cableway was to be constructed at the World Heritage site of Chartres.

"This will be the most significant improvement at Chartres for centuries," he boasted. "The cableway will allow visitors to see the cathedral as it has never been seen by tourists before."

"It will become a part of the wonder of this marvellous place."

He opened a display that illustrates the concept.

The plan is to incorporate the cableway into the fabric of the cathedral space and its precinct. To emphasize the dramatic scale and character of the cathedral, the cableway will begin in a small square away from the cathedral.

"This will allow for a better management of the crowds and for property to be purchased for the visitor cenre and the control rooms," the Minister added.

Towers will be constructed at ever increasing heights over the thoroughfare leading to the cathedral, allowing the cable cars to rise as they move along the narrow lane into the cathedral square that will be entered on the western side.

Here the cableway will traverse the western doors famous for their grand sculptures at the height of the main door so that visitors will be at eye level with the central figure of Christ.

 An automatically sequenced Wi-Fi audio commentary will be coordinated with the movement of the cable car to progressively explain the whole cathedral and its intimate detail.

"This will make the cathedral accessible to many more people," the Minister pointed out.

From this dramatic beginning, the cableway will sweep out and around to the north, rising in height to display the wonder of the flying buttresses.

It was hoped that the cableway might be able to pass below these structures, but the technical problems have yet to be overcome.

The cableway will however pass directly through the centre of the two famous rose windows on the north and the south transept.

 

"This will expose these artworks to the visitors in the most dramatic manner possible," said Vie. "For years these windows have had to be looked at with an awkwardly cranked neck from below the central tower at floor level. It is impossible to see the detail without using any magnification, and then the whole is broken into unintelligible fragments. The cableway will solve this problem and provide a wonderful photo opportunity for visitors."

The plan is to remove the central panel of lead light in both rose windows so that the cableway can pass through and across the full width of the transept. The visitors will be able to be close to the vaulting and experience the full length of the nave as never before seen, as well as enjoy the glass detailing and its colours.

There has been some controversy about the removal of the lead lights. The Minister said that these panels were to be erected on permanent display in a nearby tourist information centre.

"Here they will be able to be studied in intimate detail rather than being distant dots."

It is planned to make these centre pieces the symbols for the promotion of Chartres.

"We will be making tee shirts, tee towels, tea cups, coasters, and the like with these images printed on them. These souvenirs will be sold to help the funding of the cableway, all for the glory of God."

"It will be a win-win situation," Vie said. "The full beauty of the rose windows will be able to be revealed to all for the very first time. Only with the cable way will tourists be able to come face to face with the full set of images in these great works of art and also enjoy the high details of this sacred place."

The Minister said that the mediaeval masons spent a lot of time in decorating the higher parts of this Gothic structure.

"It is all really just a waste of time if it cannot be seen clearly."

The cableway will exit through the centre of the southern rose window and then continue by dropping in height slowly as it passes along in front of the nearby homes and businesses in the adjacent lane.

"This will exhibit the unique context of this cathedral," said the Minister.

The terminus will be the visitor centre that will front both lanes and the nearby commercial square, and become the beginning and the end of this cableway.

Meals and drinks will be available as well as a complete restaurant service along with an interpretative display that will recreate the cathedral in part.

The cableway shop will also be in this terminal building that will be lined completely with an accurate three-dimensional photographic reproduction of the cathedral's interior.

The local heritage group said that its members were concerned.

"It will certainly spell the end of this cathedral as we know it"

The Minister noted that inventive projects like this one have always had their detractors, noting that "time will prove everyone but me wrong."

"We must continue to move forward rather than stagnate."

"Total care and attention will be given to every aspect of this construction project. It will use the latest technology to overcome some of the most challenging technical concerns. The cathedral will be better than ever. There will be no impacts. The world’s best practice will be used."

"Even the cableway towers will fit into the Gothic theme of this place," he noted.

Apparently these are to be designed by a leading architectural firm using the flying buttress as the model. Each will have a stone base with decorations carved to match those on the cathedral.

"It's a matter of showing some sensitivity to this place," he added.

"Context is important," said Vie.

see also:

http://springbrooklocale.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/cableway-farce-uluru.html
This piece too has been inspired by the language our politicians like to use to justify even the worst of decisions: see http://m.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/burke-approves-resort-on-keppel/story-fn59niix-1226591119298 

CABLEWAY FARCE - ULURU

These farcical pieces have been inspired by the threat that has risen yet again, after two failures, to have a cableway built to World Heritage-listed Springbrook in the Hinterland of southeast Queensland, Australia. The senselessness of this concept can be best highlighted by considering a similar proposal for other World Heritage-listed sites that have a more tangible presence than the natural bio-diversity for which Springbrook is listed. Australians are blasé about ‘bush,’ seeing it as a no-man’s-land zone, a location appropriate for dumping trash and burning; or for the more sensitive, as a pretty retreat to use and enjoy - to develop. The outrage of this cableway proposal and its gross insensitivity may be better comprehended when transposed to other World Heritage contexts where it would never be contemplated.
For details on Springbrook see www.springbrookrescue.org.au 

 MEDIA RELEASE

WORLD HERITAGE GETS CABLEWAY - AYER'S ROCK : ULURU

The World Heritage site of Uluru is to get a cableway. The spokesperson for the local elders, Cumon Koonjawarti, said that the proposal had the full support of the indigenous community.

"We are looking forward to saving the rock," said Cumon. "For years, tourists have been able to walk over and around our sacred heritage as if it was a curiosity. Now we can manage this insulting outrage."

The proposal is to construct a 'no-go' zone with a one-kilometre radius around the rock and control all access within this perimeter fence with the cableway.

"This will keep all access off the ground," said Cumon, "allowing the cable way to touch the ground lightly and respect the rock and its sacred surroundings."

"Our people want the land and its songlines valued. The rock has special meaning for us. The cableway will allow this to happen. Only our people will be allowed into the sacred zone to carry out their secret traditional business."

The development company, the Finnish giant Hugivesafuk Inc., that has reached this agreement with the local indigenous peoples, said that it has worked hard to achieve this outcome.

"We care about the rock. We plan to erect a twenty-metre tower only every two hundred metres using the latest environmental technology that we have developed. All efforts will be made to ensure the very best outcome for all."

Mr. Wecarenotatall, project manager, said that the footings for the towers needed careful environmental resolution in the desert sands so as to protect flora and fauna and the cultural stories. These will have deep piles to maintain a narrow footprint. The towers on the rock would be fixed with six metre long titanium rock anchors so as to minimise impact."

"Safety will be one of our foremost matters of concern," he added.

"We will be able to remove these structures without any impact," said the developer. "We have planned to future-proof this place."

 "The cableway will start at the tourist accommodation centre just outside of the 'no-go' zone and follow a path that avoids all songlines, sacred areas, stones and stories on its way to the rock while following these. There will be an audio to explain the cultural context. The cableway will then rise over the rock following the original walking path, without touching it, with towers only at every one hundred and fifty metres, and as required to suit the curvature, descending to complete the circuit back to the accommodation zone, arriving at the sunset viewing platform."

"Everything of importance will be avoided. All towers will be environmentally detailed in recycled steel to ensure a World Class minimal impact, and will be painted in desert colours to match the environment."

"We care" said the developer. "All impacts will be kept to a minimum. Our project will only improve Uluru and protect it for future generations while allowing easy access for the masses.”

The elders said that they were pleased to have a project that could respect their heritage so completely.

"This cableway will provide exceptional access to the rock for all, including white people, while respecting its sacred values," said Koonjarwartie. "It is very democratic. We support this unique opportunity to ensure access to the rock is sensitively controlled."

"The experience will be unique. The cable way will give access to the rock without compromising our sacred places."

The project manager noted that this special development was a win-win-win-win situation:

"The local tribes win; the tourists win; the environment wins; and the developer wins. No one can complain. Everyone will profit."

"Tourists will be able to travel unimpeded along native lands following ancient and secret songlines and rise over the rock without fear of insulting any heritage or indigenous concerns."

"It will be like riding the Rainbow Serpent," said Cumon. "We are thinking of calling it the Rainbow Serpent, or RS ride."

The local Greenpiece representative suggested that this might be so.

"Totally RS," he said.

The manager of the tourist shop at the new resort said that she was having commemorative paperweights made in the form of the rock ready for the opening of the cableway in 2018.

"It will truly be a landmark event," she said.

NOTE:
This piece has been inspired by the language our politicians like to use to justify even the worst of decisions: see http://m.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/burke-approves-resort-on-keppel/story-fn59niix-1226591119298
 This article reports on the federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke's approval of a major development on Great Keppel Island. The report notes:
The planned eco-tourism resort -- which will include a 250-room hotel, 750 villas, 600 apartments, a 250-berth marina and a Greg Norman-designed golf course -- is a scaled-down version of two earlier proposals, rejected first by the Labor state government in 2006, and by the federal government in 2009.
. . . .
"The conditions I have imposed will ensure that the outstanding universal value of the Great Barrier Reef is not diminished by this development"
The original development included three hotels with 700 rooms.