Kuranda Sky-Rail Locals in Training for NvDA The Kuranda Sky-Rail is a 7.5 km cableway which is proposed to run from Smithfield to Kuranda, just north of Cairns in Far North Queensland (FNQ), Australia. The cableway would carry 300 people an hour up the "scenic backdrop" ranges, over the rainforest canopy, through the Barron Gorge National Park and Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. There is strong local opposition to the scheme, led by a citizens' group People Against Kuranda Sky-Rail (PAKS). Different sections of the community oppose the scheme for different reasons. The 'Regional' Community People generally in FNQ are fairly environmentally conscious - in large part because of the fabulous array of wilderness and natural wonders in the area (Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropical Rainforests, Beaches and Wetlands, and Cape York Peninsula). People are proud to live in such a place, and want to keep it intact and healthy. At the same time, they are witness to its accelerating deterioration under the impacts of mass tourism, and rapid growth in residential population. Of these, tourism is the most potent form of attack (two million tourist visits in 1992). There is a significant and growing mood of "anti-development" throughout the region. Particularly awful developments are opposed, and opposed successfully, by conservation organisations and single-issue citizens' groups. In 1989, 6,000 people (out of a Cairns pop of 40,000) demonstrated against the proposed Trinity Point development near the centre of town. The Goss Labor government in Queensland withdrew consent for this development shortly after it was elected in late 1989. Since then, however, that same government has approved similar or even larger projects (Rainbow Harbour, Royal Reef, Port Hinchinbrook) against the opposition of local citizens' and conservation groups. These approvals have been the work of a "fast-tracking" office inside the Premier's Department. Opposition has not diminished after approval, and all of the above projects are bogged down in financial and political difficulties, due in large part to the determination and diligence of these local groups. In this sense, Sky-Rail is first cab off the rank for the attempted construction of a fast-tracked, strongly-opposed development. It has a high profile in the region and, if it can be stopped, will inspire and assist other local groups to take control of their own environmental agendas. Aboriginal People (Djabugay) The traditional custodians of the affected area are the Djabugay (Tjapukai) people. During the times of segregation, many Djabugay were forced to live at Mona-Mona Mission. They now own that land, and some other settlements and farms in the area. They have a continuing association with the whole area, and Djabugay Lands Council is seeking avenues of recognition and involvement in the management of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. The whole Wet Tropics Area encompasses lands of sixteen Aboriginal tribal groups, which formed the Rainforest Aboriginal Network in 1992 - partly to negotiate with the Queensland government over "co-management" of the World Heritage Area. They have been continually frustrated (and lied to) by the Goss Labor government in this regard. The Network, and its member groups individually, are now considering Mabo style claims over the World Heritage Area. If such claims are made, they will find majority support from conservation organisations in the region. Djabugay are considering such a claim. Djabugay people oppose the Sky-Rail because it will cause further deterioration of their traditional lands. Kuranda People Twenty years ago, Kuranda was a sleepy mountain village 'discovered' and settled by hippies. It developed a strong arts and crafts industry, and became a major tourist attraction because of its scenic location, train ride, and craft markets. Significantly, the Tjapukai Dance Theatre, and Djabugay cultural revival, has emerged as one of the town's nationally and internationally acclaimed features. However, the peaceful and idyllic Kuranda life-style has been damaged by mass tourism. Residents want a limit on visitor numbers. Many would like it to be less than now. There has been no government or industry recognition of this, but growing community organisation. More than 80% of Kuranda residents are opposed to Sky-Rail, and the village provides the key area of organisation and support for nonviolent direct action. Conservation Organisations The two major conservation organisations are Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) and the Cairns Branch of The Wilderness Society (TWS). Both organisations are opposed to Sky-Rail. The project is the first commercial development in the World Heritage Area, and in a National Park. There has never been adequate community consultation, Environmental Impact Assessment, Social Impact Assessment, or even a due process of decision-making. For instance, the Wet Tropics Ministerial Council (Two Queensland plus two Commonwealth Ministers) directed the Board of the Management Authority to approve Sky-Rail, and to participate only in damage minimisation and project supervision. The process has been top-down all the way, and the project has been pushed through all approvals by the Office of the Coordinator-General (a "fast-tracking section of the Queensland Premier's Department). This precedent is universally opposed by conservation organisations throughout Queensland. The campaign against Sky-Rail will also attract support from national conservation organisations, given that four states out of six are currently considering commercial exploitation of National Parks (Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and West Australia for tourism, logging and mining). TWS and CAFNEC/QCC/ACF will coordinate this wider involvement. PAKS People Against Kuranda Sky-Rail formed in September 1993 after an approach to CAFNEC by one of its members. CAFNEC made its office facilities, and part of a staff member's time available to form and "launch" PAKS. The subsequent five months' activities have concentrated on spreading information, networking, researching, lobbying politicians, conducting public meetings and media events, and using all means to build awareness of the issues. This work has been a considerable success. PAKS meetings (weekly) now run between thirty and forty participants. There is a lively public and media debate. The issue has received national media attention (particularly the declared intent to run a blockade). NvDA Workshops PAKS is preparing for NvDA if necessary. Kevin Tomasson and I have recently completed a three day introductory workshop for eleven to fifteen PAKS members. The workshop concentrated on preparation and planning for interventionary action. It was a great success, with eleven people attending all three days, gaining skills and vision, and coming together to form a core organising group should NvDA prove necessary. We did stuff on power, assertiveness/listening, conflict and needs, quick consensus decision-making, role playing possible actions, principles of nonviolence, tactics and strategy, and planning (the Agenda for these workshops is available through the Centre for Nonviolence if anyone is interested). Broad decisions reached by the group about a potential action campaign were: * Use a Code of Ethics and signed agreements as a basis for including people in NvDA * Use a programme of training both before and during NvDA as a way of integrating people * Use affinity groups for ongoing actions, and have a range of support roles which can be rotated * Provide a range of activities (arrestable actions, non-arrestable support actions, and support roles) for new and continuing participants. The organising core for NvDA comprises about 75% of the organising core for PAKS. I am confident that NvDA, if it comes about, will be well integrated with the rest of the campaign. There are extensive networks of local and broader support in place, and the role of NvDA has time to be considered and prepared for by all parties. There is a clear issue, and the activists will have support from a majority of the local population. I will keep readers of NvT informed as events unfold, but at this stage I think Sky-Rail can provide a great case-study of a successful campaign using nonviolence and NvDA. Bryan Law