I found two definitions of 'rhetoric' and think the second one seems more applicable to our situation where the Queensland State Government relies on rhetoric to deflect any responsibility for what is happening on Keswick Island. The definition of 'rhetoric' is "language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect, but which is often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content."
I am almost hesitant to write down the content of the Queensland State Government's constant, go-to rhetoric with regards to any issues we raise with them because it reinforces their agenda to deflect responsibility. However, I know everyone will want to know what I am referring to so here it is:
“ ... is a private and commercial matter between the head lessee and sublessees,"
From here-on-in, I will refer to this rhetoric as "blah, blah, blah". The main reason neither party has applied for mediation is because the majority of issues are to do with the Head Lease (ie. between the Qld State Government and the Head Lessee, China Bloom c/o Greaton Australia).
Numerous press releases quote "blah. blah, blah" embedding the same message in reader's minds. If you hear something enough you eventually start to believe it, or even a part of it - even if you don't want to.
When it comes to lack of access, is it "blah, blah, blah"?
When we complain about the illegal bulldozing of a turtle-nesting habitat, is it "blah, blah, blah"?
When we report structures that have been built without approvals, is it "blah, blah, blah"?
When we point out that the island is not being used for tourism, is it "blah, blah, blah"?
When we point out that the island is not being used for aerodrome purposes, is it "blah, blah, blah"?
When we point out that the management is not sustainably managing the leased land, is it "blah, blah, blah"?
When we point out that development on the island does not conform to the Planning Scheme, Local Laws and requirements of Mackay Regional Council, is it "blah, blah, blah"?
When we point out the lack of access to National Parks, is it "blah, blah, blah"?
And I could go on ad infinitum, but I think you get the gist. The point is that all these things are the responsibility of the Queensland State Government at various levels.
What is most disappointing is that even after we have brought the multiple breaches to the attention of the Government Departments, we receive little or no feedback and little or no action. There seems to be a lack of recourse by Queenslanders to force the Government's hand into action since the breaches are between China Bloom (or Greaton Australia - the Australian management company) and the Department of Resources.
Perhaps there is someone out there who has some ideas about how to get some response from our Government departments. They need to take ownership of the lease and agreements that they have signed, they need to take a stand and insist that the terms of the lease are adhered to instead of putting it in the 'too hard' basket in the hope that it will go away.
Keswick Island is too valuable a resource to ignore and it has, unsurprisingly, worked its way into the hearts of Australians. Surely, there are some government officials who also have Australian hearts. I would love to ask those officials deflecting responsibility for the mismanagement of Keswick Island what they would do if in our shoes. It would be an interesting exercise but I think the answer would be a deafening silence.
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