All the knobs and dials ... Tony Hancock in 'The Radio Ham'
By Neil Daly
IN 1984, a date synonymous with a novel about totalitarianism and technological surveillance, I ventured into the world of contemporary technology. The time had come to move on from aerogrammes and send a fax instead.
Back then I also had a friend who was a licensed ham radio operator. He introduced me to his “CQ friends” across the world. We freely discussed a range of topics and swapped ideas about the interests we shared.
It was not an easy or a cheap way of communicating, for you needed lots of equipment (much of it dependent on valves and transistors) and a rather large aerial in the backyard for transmission and reception. But it was fun and if you’d like to step back in time, you can find out if it’s “still raining in Tokyo”.
IN 1984, a date synonymous with a novel about totalitarianism and technological surveillance, I ventured into the world of contemporary technology. The time had come to move on from aerogrammes and send a fax instead.
Back then I also had a friend who was a licensed ham radio operator. He introduced me to his “CQ friends” across the world. We freely discussed a range of topics and swapped ideas about the interests we shared.
It was not an easy or a cheap way of communicating, for you needed lots of equipment (much of it dependent on valves and transistors) and a rather large aerial in the backyard for transmission and reception. But it was fun and if you’d like to step back in time, you can find out if it’s “still raining in Tokyo”.
Back then I also had a Commodore 64 computer. Coupled with the fledgling internet, this state-of-the-art technology with dial-up connection to my landline telephone was “awesome”, if you were happy with a download speed of 9.6 Kbps. This equates to 0.0096 Mbps in today’s terms.
In reminiscing, the common theme with these technologies was that they opened up new opportunities for the “ordinary person” to exchange ideas about issues affecting them, their community and beyond – a forerunner of what was to come.
In reminiscing, the common theme with these technologies was that they opened up new opportunities for the “ordinary person” to exchange ideas about issues affecting them, their community and beyond – a forerunner of what was to come.
| Come forward 36 years. Now almost everyone has access to hi-tech computers and smart phones with video streaming capabilities of up to 100 Mbps – now that’s “really awesome” and empowering. A case in point is that technology enabled the Crib Point Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) to conduct all sessions online. Thus 141 people took up the chance to each have a 10-minute face-to-face conversation with the IAC. In most cases speaking from their homes, they presented their objections to the AGL/APA proposal. But like any technology, cloud-based video conferencing can be problematic. In her closing comments, the IAC chair remarked on the complexity of conducting the public hearings online and with a smile, recalled some of the lighter moments of the inquiry including “You’re on mute, please turn your microphone on”. Nevertheless, ably handled by the chair and the IAC team, the minor hiccups and the occasional cat or dog wandering through the set and a toddler or two did not detract from the importance of the event. Earlier in 2020, COVID-19 had thrown up some enormous challenges for those wanting to participate in the inquiry. It seemed like many would miss out. However, through the efforts of the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, the Combined Environment Group and the local councils, the tyranny of social distancing was negated to some extent and the IAC accommodated all those wanting to have their say. In the past, for hearings such as these, you may have gone to Spring Street to present your case to the inquiry panel. If you had the time, perhaps you may have stayed on to observe the ongoing proceedings. Now thanks to technology and possibly COVID-19, the new inquiry format belongs to the people and ensures the whole process is transparent and accessible to all throughout the inquiry period. |  Crib Point inquiry timeline The 10-week IAC inquiry into the Crib Point Gas Import Jetty and Crib Point-Pakenham Pipeline Project finished on December 17, 2020. The proposal and all tabled documents, expert evidence statements, submissions and audio recordings of the Hearing are accessible on the Engage Victoria website. This information will be removed three months after the IAC has submitted its report. The IAC’s Report is scheduled to be handed down by February 22, 2021. As per AGL/APA, it says: “Following receipt of the IAC’s report, the Minister for Planning will assess all relevant information including the EES documents, public submissions and the inquiry report. The Minister will then issue a written assessment of the Project’s environmental effects, commonly known as the ‘Minister’s Assessment’. This assessment will make recommendations about whether the Project’s environmental effects are acceptable and set out any modifications or further management measures the Minister considers appropriate. The Minister’s Assessment must be considered by relevant Victorian statutory decision-makers responsible for determining key approvals for the Project. The Commonwealth Minister for the Environment must also consider the Victorian Minister’s assessment before deciding whether to grant approvals under the EPBC Act, and if so under what conditions.” The Minister’s Assessment of the IAC’s Report is due on March 25 2021. |
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Possibly not since George Bass sailed into Western Port has there been a more pivotal moment for the environment and the economic future of this region for, according to most of the 6058 submissions, Western Port’s future hangs in the balance.
Whichever way it goes, the unmuted voices are ready and waiting to praise or condemn the decision, for such are the freedoms and technologies they have.
I wonder what Big Brother will say …?
Whichever way it goes, the unmuted voices are ready and waiting to praise or condemn the decision, for such are the freedoms and technologies they have.
I wonder what Big Brother will say …?