Autonomous Regions Coalition

Why ARC?

We have a flawed democracy, and politics and politicians give many in this country a bad taste in the mouth. We have become and have let ourselves become increasingly disempowered and disconnected but we could soon change this all around by actively supporting a re-localisation of our economy and greater regional community governance.

The mainland states of Australia are too big to service the regions effectively and provide political representation with its ear to the ground. The party politic thing is approaching its use by date - it’s become more about inter party bickering and preoccupation with egos than managing our country and it only locks in divisions in our society. Bring on the Independents and those who not only listen but respond to the people. We need to have a voice so that when our Federal government sends us to war or chooses to divest itself of another essential service we can speak out as a shire and as a region. Coffs Harbour Council has recently voiced its protest at the continued detention without trial of David Hicks. Hopefully other councils will follow suit. We should not have to wait on our Foreign Minister to voice their abhorrence of unjust war as we have just seen in Lebanon. We, the people, can speak through our local authorities. How quickly and extensively we could change things, for the better.

We need a new all inclusive non-partisan approach to problem solving and developing public policy and planning, on a regional basis.

This is perhaps our best defence against the negative impacts of economic globalisation and domination by global corporates and militaristic superpowers. It is also a way to slow the impacts of global warming and peak oil by reducing unnecessary long distance trade.

All we need to do is support our local councils and moves to have them work increasingly together as regional bodies, and develop a greater sense of our regionalism. We can connect across the area to develop more enterprise that is self reliant, sourcing essentials like food locally.

In time we can generate our own energy in this region, improve our public transport needs, provide more affordable housing and look at large scale bio-fuel production and hemp for construction. Think global, act local. It will mean more jobs, more money into the region and a greater chance of future for all. - If you would like to join, or add your comments or find out more please contact us on arc@nrg.com.au.

Garth Kindred

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