SaveRalphs Bay
“As an exercise in spin, this display is certainly better than the last one”, commented one visitor. She went on to say, “I’d give Walker 10 out of 10 for the spin, and I work in marketing. But there’s no substance to it – it’s so disgusting.”
MEDIA RELEASE

POWERFUL EMOTIONS AS COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO WALKER CORPORATION’S LATEST “VISION”

November 19 2008

“PLEASE DON’T DO THIS. IT IS A HIDEOUS DEVELOPMENT!! IT WILL ALL END IN TEARS!”
“So much worse than I ever imagined.”
“Destroyers not developers.”

These are just a few of the many responses written in the Save Ralphs Bay Inc comments book during Sunday and Monday. Save Ralphs Bay volunteers maintained a presence in wind, rain and sun outside the gates of the Lauderdale football club while the Walker Corporation’s information display inside the clubrooms was open. Many members of the community walked across the carpark and outside the gates to visit the Save Ralphs Bay stall after viewing the Walker display.

“As an exercise in spin, this display is certainly better than the last one”, commented one visitor. She went on to say, “I’d give Walker 10 out of 10 for the spin, and I work in marketing. But there’s no substance to it – it’s so disgusting.”

People came from near and far. Many visitors to the Walker Corporation’s display were visibly shaken, and some were in tears when they walked out of the carpark to visit the Save Ralphs Bay stall.

A selection of other comments in the book included:

“I was unable to stay in the Walker display venue for long as I felt physically sick.”
“We will stand together against this toxic proposal and we WILL save this
beautiful bay!”
“This is a disaster, both environmentally and aesthetically.”
“A protected wildlife sanctuary should not be treated as free real estate.”
“Hands off Ralphs Bay Mr. Walker. Go away!!!”
“This is very scary!!! Please don’t rape our beautiful bay. Let the birds and wildlife keep their homes.”
“Ugly and stupid.”
“Can’t see any improvement from the last proposal, inappropriate to the area, not wanted by locals, have seen first hand how developments wrecked the Gold Coast, NOT FOR LAUDERDALE!”
“Not appropriate!!!”
“DISGUSTING!”
“Feel sick. Disgusting, all talk. Do not feel they have really addressed the issues.”
“It is absolutely grotesque and hideous.”
“So very distressing.”
“I just think it’s an inappropriate development for Tasmania.”
“Not in Tassie.”

On a brighter note, the Walker Corporation’s display provided an excellent opportunity for Save Ralphs Bay to promote the beautiful 2009 Ralphs Bay calendar, which celebrates the bay as it is now, and depicts the wildlife peacefully unaware of the devastation proposed for their marine and coastal
habitats.

Generous donations and offers of help flooded in over the two days, creating an emotional rollercoaster for the Save Ralphs Bay volunteers , who heard warm expressions of gratitude for their long fight against the proposed development, combined with anger and sadness at the potential for destruction of the beautiful Bay by Walker Corporation’s proposal.

It was also an excellent opportunity to promote the RALPHS BAY FAIR, to be held at the Lauderdale Hall from 10 – 2 on Sunday November 30, with free sausage sizzle, face painting and information from Save Ralphs Bay and Birds Tasmania. Fundraising merchandise including mugs, tea towels, t-shirts, cards, posters and 2009 calendars will be on sale.

Save Ralphs Bay volunteers extend heartfelt thanks to all our generous supporters.

www.saveralphsbay.org