BONWAG: The Blog

formerly: the BONWAG Diaries

The School was the first agricultural high school established in Australia and the first in NSW to accommodate boarders. The current site for the school was established in the 1926 and has been responsible for fostering and developing a unique and scientific approach to managing Australia's rural enterprises. Hurlstone Agricultural High School has been assessed as being of high local significance.

Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia in the Environmental Assessment for the (now-delayed) South West Rail Link in 2006

An independent view from the people the government listened to when setting up the SWRL project, which has been delayed by the mini-budget.

(re: Hurlstone)
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For all those (including myself) who need to know a little more about the land that is being discussed, I've put together a map that can be used in Google Maps (in your browser) or Google Earth (if you have installed the software).

It shows some detail of Hurlstone, and some of the other schools that are being mentioned in the media, on the web and in Parliament.

Click here for the maps: see it with your own eyes.

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Investment by governments and international partnerships in research and development is another key part of the productivity equation.
Today, we have improved technology; better farming practices, plant breeding and food distribution systems
But we are constrained by limited available agricultural land and shrinking water resources.
Governments must refocus on investment in agricultural research and development to boost productivity within the constraints of land and resource availability.

The Hon. Tony Burke MP - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, speaking to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Nov 19, 2008

Commentary from the Federal Government regarding the need to invest in agricultural R and D.

(re: Hurlstone)
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The follow quotes are from a meeting of the GENERAL PURPOSE STANDING COMMITTEE No. 2: "Examination of proposed expenditure for the portfolio area: EDUCATION AND TRAINING" of Wednesday 19 November 2008. The full transcript is available on the 'Save Hurlstone' FaceBook group.

They are attributed to Mr M. Coutts-Trotter, Director General, Department of Education and Training

...we are going to have a look to see whether some of that site, potentially up to 140 hectares of that site, could be sold, but that is a process that is going to take quite some planning and quite some consultation first and foremost with the school community.

...Obviously there is a history and tradition at Hurlstone that we have to consider and respect, but there are other students and other schools in the southwest of Sydney that are looking for other opportunities - Casula, James Meehan and other schools. If we can find a way that respects and supports the quality of what happens at Hurlstone Agricultural High School but we can also free up many millions of dollars for reinvestment in other public schools as a starting point, I think that is a fair and appropriate thing to do

Q: What if the community said they did not want to sell it, they want to keep it? Your consultation with the community almost presumes that you are going to sell it anyway.
Mr COUTTS-TROTTER: Consultation with the community starts from the starting point that we would like to sell some of the site because it is simply so enormous. It now sits on very valuable land.
Q: It is really about the value of the land?
Mr COUTTS-TROTTER: In part, of course. It is about the value of the land to generate money that can be reinvested in other schools in western and south-western Sydney and other parts of the State.

...I think the fact that the farm runs at a loss is a correct statement, but the indication that that is the reason why we are looking at Hurlstone Agricultural High School as a potential site for some asset sales would be wrong. The reason we are looking at it is we have a chance here to release money for reinvestment in public schools.

Q: Of the 160 hectares at Hurlstone Agricultural High School, how much land are you looking at selling, or have you not made a decision about that?
Mr COUTTS-TROTTER: We have not made a decision. We need to go through a very detailed process of consultation and planning. It is a 160-hectare site. I think the school buildings occupy more than 20 hectares. Obviously there is the issue that has arisen about the memorial forest. I understand the Premier has given a commitment that the memorial forest certainly would not be considered for sale. That just indicates that with a site of that size, we will have to go through a very detailed process of planning and consideration, and that will happen over the next two months.

My main takeaway-from this: during exams and marking, and over the holidays, the school community will be consulted not about if, but how much of the land will be sold.

(re: Hurlstone)
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Everyone loves a sequel :-) Now that the issue of the selling off of Hurlstone's Memorial Forest has been taken off the table, there's a need for a new group to fight the good fight against the original decision to sell off Hurlstone's Land.

The 'real world' group is meeting this weekend, and a website is coming soon, but if you're a supporter and would like to join the fight to save *all* of Hurlstone, join the new 'Save Hurlstone' Facebook group and check the 'Events' section.

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NSW's Premier, Nathan Rees, talking to Alan Jones on Radio 2GB on Nov 19:

Rees: The bit of land we're talking about, Hurlstone Agricultural High School, is the size of 10 ANZ stadiums put together, it's 160 hectares.
...
Jones: But how can you have an agricultural high school if you cut out most of the land that they need to service the school?
Rees: Well, we'll take advice from the department on that. The college remains an agricultural college and we'll make sure that that's accommodated.

Summary of Current Argument: Hurlstone is too big; it can be smaller and still teach agriculture.

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NSW's Premier, Nathan Rees, talking on Radio 2GB on Nov 19:

I spoke with Minister Firth yesterday, and the memorial forest will be staying with the school.

This should remove the Memorial Forest issue from the table so that debate can now focus on the selling of the farmland.

(re: Hurlstone)
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Hurlstone's local MP, Dr Andrew McDonald, quoted in the Macarthur Chronicle of Nov 18:

"Sydney is projected to have six million residents by 2020 and this is part of the urban sprawl in Sydney and especially the south west of the area.... The question for Glenfield residents will be how viable a 140ha dairy farm is in the middle of an urban area."

Has anyone asked Glenfield people their opinions on 'urban sprawl'?

(re: Hurlstone)
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Man, I'm seriously impressed with the way people can work together in a crisis. The joint efforts employed by passionate Hurlstonians from around the world have thrust the issue into the center of NSW's public debate today with a 'perfect storm' covering Online, TV, Radio and (tomorrow) Print. Professional media consultants couldn't have orchestrated it better given months. This was achieved within a week, almost entirely online.

Let's review the timeline:

• On Tuesday, 11 Nov, The NSW Government hands down its mini-budget
• That afternoon, Hurlstone administration is formally advised by the DET of the intention to sell off 140ha of Hurlstone land
• Wednesday, 12 Nov, 1pm - First article of the land grab appears on the Daily Telegraph Blog.
• Thursday, 13 Nov, 12pm - First protest emails sent between alumni
• Friday, 14 Nov, 2pm - Second article appears on the Daily Telegraph Blog concerning the memorial forest issue. FaceBook Group established to rally support.
• Saturday, 15 Nov, 10pm - Hurlstone Alumni site alerts Old Boys to the issue. By then, many comments and emails are being exchanged.
• Sunday, 16 Nov - Support assembled from local, state and federal government reps, old boys, military and academic contact. Pro-forma letter campaign established.
• Monday, 17 Nov - Media contacted, Protest steering committee established, FaceBook group membership exceeds 500 members.
• Tuesday, 18 Nov - Media coverage on 2GB and Channel 7, putting the government on notice that they will be on the receiving end of of a concerted fight to save the farm and the forest.

This has all been done in the spare (and retirement!) time of many dozens of passionate folk whose names you will either be learning about in coming days, or never.

Today marks the end of a mad flurry of activity for this campaign, as we move into a new phase that pulls together a team of people for a single purpose: to stop the Rees Government selling off a valuable, established educational and heritage asset for limited economic gain. The argument will be done with facts, figures, focus and logic.

Again, if you're interested in joining the fight, sign up to the Facebook group to pool your own expertise and resources with others (now over 600 members). A steering committee will be meeting this weekend to form strategy for next week's March on Parliament, and from there on it will require commitment and persistence. (Contact me and I can put you in touch with the steering committee)

Are you up for the fight?

(re: Hurlstone)
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Here is a run-down of the media outlets that are tracking the story of the Selling of Hurlstone

• The Daily Telegraph's Maralyn Parker deserves credit as the first major outlet to break the news on Nov 12 - regarding the selloff and on Nov 14 the memorial forest issue.
• Alan Jones' morning program on Nov 18 spoke with Old Boy David Moore about the issue: listen here
  
• Channel 7 Sydney featured the story in it's 6pm NSW Bulletin on Nov 18.
  
• The Macarthur Chronicle of Nov 19
  
• The SouthWestern Rural Advertiser of Nov 19
• Alan Jones discusses the issue with Premier Nathan Rees on Nov 19. listen here

Coming Soon: Watch these spaces:

• Sydney Daily Telegraph (the paper version)
• Sydney Morning Herald
• The Land
• Macarthur Advertiser

(re: )
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If you are planning to write (on paper!) to your local member, some suggested wording and advice is provided in the FaceBook group devoted to Saving Hurlstone's Memorial Forest (see the Bulletin Board)

But if you already know what you're doing, a clear and concise pro-forma letter - describing the issue for the benefit of your local representative - has been drafted by Old Boy and experienced campaigner Steven Nethery. Thanks, Steve!

Incidentally, that FaceBook Group - established by concerned Old Girl Angela White on Friday - has already signed up over 500 members in just 3 days!

(re: Hurlstone)
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Get your school blazers and ties out. We're calling Alan Jones and then marching on Parliament.

Sydneysiders might already be aware of a rally being promoted by Alan Jones against the 'incompetence' that culminated in the recent mini-budget (his comments on the topic are also here). Next Wednesday, everyone who feels passionately about the measures that the NSW Government is taking is being encouraged to be at State Parliament in person to request the resignation of the government. Jones says: "It'll be a real test of how fairding.com the public are to see how many people turn up in Macquarie Street' (my italics :-) )

I guess we're invited.

David Moore - a Hurlstone Old Boy with some weighty military, legal and political connections - will be talking with Alan Jones on Tuesday morning - should be an interesting listen. Ring up and have your say on talkback afterward - (suggestion: be clear and direct, decide your ONE angle and sell it in the first 10 seconds. You won't get to make two points)

A team of organisers is being assembled and will be meeting to plan Hurlstone's presence at the rally soon. (I wish I could be there in person, but distance precludes...) Let me know if you are interested and I can pass on your contact details to Adrian Alexander (1957-1961 Old Boy), who has taken on a leading role in this effort.

• Remember that this is a peaceful march. (You can't scream the government is out of control while waving a pitchfork in your hand. At least, not with any credibility.)
  
• Wear your blazer and, if possible, your Centenary tie. It'll help our people stand out if there is a big crowd, and help us recognise each other.
• You could also try wearing one of these, if you get the joke. Or even if you don't.
  
• Bring a banner (maybe make some suggestions in the comments here) - 'Don't Desecrate Our War Memorial', 'Hurlstone is NOT for Sale', 'Please allow Hurlstone it's second Centenary, Mr Rees' - you know what's in your heart...
• The protest is focused on requesting the government to resign. You might want to enter into the spirit by drafting your own letter, in your own words, to hand over.
• Senior students, it may be exam time, but you're welcome and encouraged to be there and make your voices heard. What better way of leaving your legacy!
  

The team is also looking at other, grander ideas of getting the message across that Hurlstone is serious in its objection. (For example, not all of the people affected by the decision are people, if you catch my meaning. If you share a grand vision, sign up to the steering committee!)

Stay tuned for more information about when and where to meet up.

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(re: Hurlstone)
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1. The land is valuable real estate and will command a premium at auction.
   The proceeds will allow other schools and frontline services to
   continue to provide education and essential services.
2. The Hurlstone land is surplus to current educational needs.
3. Agriculture can be effectively taught in just half of Hurlstone's future allocation.
4. There is no need for an agricultural college to be based in what is (now) suburban Sydney, so far away from where real agriculture happens.
5. The demand for agricultural qualifications is falling, even within the schools own intake. Most students don't go to Hurlstone so they can acquire knowledge from the farm.
6. Hurlstone is producing fewer and fewer true farmers and has lost its original primary focus on agricultural study.
7. The Hurlstone farm is being mismanaged and is running at a loss.
8. Hurlstone doesn't have enough resources to maintain the farm properly.
9. There are few avenues of real agricultural study actually being taken at Hurlstone - the extra land is mostly for helping students look out the window and think they are in the country.
10. Hurlstone administration is elitist and feels it is entitled to stake its claim on a huge property asset while other schools and services suffer the brunt of the current economic tightening.

(re: Hurlstone)
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The Hurlstone War Cry will be echoing in Macquarie Street in coming weeks/months. At this rate, it'll need to be entered into Hansard.

A number of campaigns - both public and personal - have been launched up to head off the NSW Government's mini-budget attempt to sell off Hurlstone's farm: stay tuned for

• Local, State and Federal politicians to voice their support
• Prominent Educators and Servicemen to weigh in on the significance of the decision
• Of course, current, former (and future) students will have more to say.

Won't they?

(re: Hurlstone)
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My inbox runneth over with inquiries and suggestions from people - Hurlstonians and others - who share my concerns about the future of the Hurlstone Memorial Forest. There have been groups and pages and articles and comments popping up around the interwebs, which is good, but what is the best way for you to actually DO something about it?

1. Make your concerns known. (If there isn't a petition box showing below, sign it here (LINK REMOVED: SEE BELOW). It will establish to the government, and all of us, that the issue is worth shouting about. Each signature is public and verified by email. For those reasons, it should be taken seriously by The Powers That Be, so your signature will be worth something.
2. Share this petition by clicking on the button in the petition below, and/or forward this link to the petition to other people: (LINK REMOVED: SEE BELOW)
   • 'Other People' includes current and former staff and students (esp. the cadets), current and former servicemen (and their families) and RSL members without Hurlstone attachments: anyone attached to Hurlstone or Australia's military.
3. Advocate, by writing to your local government member or RSL to alert them to this potential tragedy. Please join the FaceBook group devoted to this issue, or join the HAHS Alumni Forums. You'll learn where and when your support will have the most effect.
4. If you're in a position to clarify or alter this decision, please do it soon. There is plenty of media discussion about whether Hurlstone is entitled to retain its large farmland allocation. The Memorial Forest deserves special attention, over and above the separate issue of the Selling Of The Farm.

UPDATE: On Nov 19, Premier Nathan Rees told Alan Jones that 'the memorial forest will be staying with the school' - based on that statement, there is no longer the need for a petition on the topic. Thanks to all who signed.

(re: Hurlstone)
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How truly ironic that the NSW DET chose November 11 as the day to effectively announce the selling off of Hurlstone's beloved Memorial Forest.

Hurlstone Agricultural High School will be, literally, in the shadow of its former self within the next few years. It has been confirmed to staff that Hurlstone's 'parcel' is the 'surplus land' referenced in media reports of the last few days. According to an email from Director General Coutts-Trotter to DET principals dated Nov 11:

• 'Up to 140' hectares of land at Hurlstone is considered surplus and will be sold in 2011. The School will retain 20 hectares.
• A policy change - made as a result of this decision - will not allow Hurlstone to keep the 'lion's share' of the money. It will be reinvested in schools, police and nursing.

A 20ha land allocation is too small to allow the Memorial Forest to remain part of Hurlstone.

This last point is probably the most galling, and the reason why this decision will become a prominent and contentious issue beyond the school's (current) boundaries.

As part of the centenary celebrations last year, Old Boy and former Deputy Peter Marsh spearheaded an effort to replant and restore the Memorial Forest - now recognised as Australia's first 'living' war memorial. It was established in 1950 as a memorial of 600 Hurlstonians who served in both World Wars.

(More information about the Memorial Forest, and its place in the life and history of Hurlstone is at the Alumni site.)

The exclusion of the Memorial Forest from Hurlstone's new land allocation has been described as a 'slight on not only the school but all Hurlstonians/Servicemen whom the forest represents'.

The Government hopes that by selling HAHS land and the old Seaforth TAFE they will raise just under $240M: half will go to local school capital works and half to 'front line services' like policing and nursing. (see the budget papers here, refer page A-5).

The DET points out that the new Hurlstone allocation will be twice the size of James Ruse (10ha) and more than three times the standard school size of 6ha.

Money and real estate speculation aside, the Memorial Forest must be saved. If it goes, so does a good, rich chunk of Hurlstone's history and Australia's wartime legacy. It is a longstanding memorial for a school with such pride in its contribution to Australia's wartime history that it's school motto is Pro Patria.

It would, figuratively, tear Hurlstone's heart out.

If the local RSL isn't up in arms about this, then it should be. If ex-Hurlstonians aren't outraged, then they need an email. Hey, maybe the HAHS Old Boy in charge of DET's 'asset management' might have something to say.

Is the decision young enough to be influenced? Is the forest worth saving?

We've observed a minute's silence. Now, let's make some noise.

---

* UPDATE: Here is a graphic that shows where the Memorial Forest sits in relation to what I have guessed is the 20ha 2011 allocation (revised 14 Nov based on new information). By my quick-hack calculations, it would require as little as a 2ha extension to save the memorial.

** UPDATE 2: In response to some questions: no official boundary for the 2011 allocation is yet public, making it all the more important to act now, before DET releases a map that will require a revision. The Memorial Forest has not been mentioned (or considered?) by the DET at this time. There is still time for the DET to include the forest and say it was never intended for it to be sold off.

However, any 20ha versions of HAHS that include all the playing fields must exclude the Memorial forest. Try it yourself.

The best indicator of current thinking is the security fence that was erected about a decade ago, which extends along Roy Watts Road to just past the old principal's residence and down Dairy Lane.

** UPDATE 3: The Daily Telegraph's Maralyn Parker has joined the fray, following up her prior article about the land sale with news of our own 'Save the Memorial Forest' campaign.

*** UPDATE 4: You can now join a FaceBook group to show your support.

(re: Hurlstone)
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Spotted at Challenge Stadium Perth. Love it.

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Today, we dip into the mailbag to answer this query from Jodie:

On checking out Scrobel [sic], I was amused and enjoyed a giggle of the years that have passed since I played the game. I'm a little disappointed the the spelling is wrong of the game title. As I don't know who provided you with the info, and as you too claim friendship with Darryl and Gary, I would be happy to hear from you if you desire the correct spelling. Jodie.

Yes, Jodie - although we've had the page up for many years, and have actually had the inventors contribute, we've never questioned the spelling, which is kinda ironic. I too recall seeing this spelling somewhere, and am happy to update the pages.

It's probably just as well, too. Other meanings for the original spelling have cropped up over the years, not all of them are family-friendly.

Thanks for setting us straight!

(re: Geek)
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I'm just posting a link to this graph - showing the extent of sea ice in the Arctic over the past 6 years - without comment. Just sayin', is all.

• Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

I think I'll add it to my other favourite just-the-facts-ma'am graphs:

• Western Australia Dam Storage Levels

(re: Life)
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