Kuranda Skyrail
Proposal for an Advanced Workshop at an Action Site

A private developer has secured permits from the Queensland and Commonwealth
governments to build and operate a seven kilometre cableway from Smithfield
to Kuranda, near Cairns in far north Queensland.  The 'Skyrail' will traverse
the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and associated National Parks.  It will
cause major destruction of the forest, and visual pollution of the area's
best views.  It will undermine the existing (and more efficient/friendly)
train service.
 
Construction (largely by helicopter) is due to begin after the wet season -
in April or May 1994.  The development has little popular (but lots of
government, media, and commercial) support.  There is a strong local group
(People Against Kuranda Skyrail) who are organising opposition.  This group
will be undertaking nonviolence training with Kevin Thomasson and myself,
(from the Australian Nonviolence Network) starting in January.
 
When the actions start, there will be the full range of 'characters' and
'problems' we've experienced elsewhere.  I've been thinking about an
appropriate role for the national network, and have discussed it with friends
and other activists.
 
Proposal: Advanced Training and Guided Affinity Groups
I would like people to consider is a fifteen to eighteen day national
workshop adjacent to relevant sites during the programme of actions.  A
timetable would look something like this:

First Trimester
(Participation restricted to network members, plus any locals with
significant NvDA experience and commitment)
* Familiarisation with issues, terrain, local operating conditions
* Workshops on leadership, strategy & tactics, group building and
facilitation
* Group bonding

Second Trimester
(Inexperienced or "new" activists who would like to try an organised action
are invited to participate and form intentional affinity groups.  Two or
three network participants to facilitate each affinity group.  Advance notice
of this opportunity will be given through local groups and camps)
* Formation and bonding of affinity groups
* Affinity groups plan and prepare for actions of their own design
* Workshop basic principles of nonviolence for beginners
* Network participants meet regularly for support, feedback, and
co-ordination
 
Third Trimester (Affinity Groups)
* Carry out actions
* Evaluation and debriefing
* Organise follow-through as required
* Conduct workshops in NvDA for other activists/interested parties
 
Goals
It's early days yet, and the proposal can be refined and clarified, but I can
see the following benefits:
1. provide advanced training, education, learning for workshop participants -
particularly on leadership and associated issues.
2. provide a structured and supportive action context for young/new forest
activists - as distinct from the urgency/despair syndrome which so often
dominates such proceedings.
3. assist local group by taking some weight and empowering people for a time.
4. provide a case study for the power of nonviolence in an action with
national profile.
 
If there is enough interest, the proposal may be discussed and further
refined during the Nonviolence Gathering at Commonground.  If you are
interested, please contact me on (070) 968-320 to discuss before the end of
January 1994.
Bryan Law