Steve Strevens
AFTER a weekend of discussions the Bega Valley Festival committee has agreed to re-invite the South East Fibre Exports to the Clean Energy for Eternity Expo.
Earlier last week, pressure from some areas of the community saw the company refused entry to the Expo, even though it had been invoiced for its stand.
However, after Bega District News highlighted the problem and after talks between all groups, SEFE will now attend.
Clean Energy for Eternity spokesman Dr Matthew Nott said over the weekend he had “extensive and productive” talks with Vince Phillips, SEFE corporate affairs manager.
“I think both sides understand each other’s point of view but CEFE was never disturbed at having SEFE at the Expo,” he said.
“I also spoke to the Festival committee and asked them to invite SEFE back to the Expo, which was done.”
Dr Nott said while he didn’t necessarily agree with SEFE’s projects “we do agree that we need to be talking about all these issues”.
“We need to all be having the discussion and trying to find answers to all the problems,” he said.
“At CEFE we have never been afraid of having the debate and no one should shirk away from that debate.
“It’s good that this has been sorted out.”
Mr Phillips said all SEFE ever wanted was to put its case forward.
“I had several good discussions over the weekend,” he said.
“We were invited back and our initial reaction was to decline but after further consideration we agreed.”
Mr Phillips said it was a great opportunity for the company to speak directly with the public without anyone putting out incorrect information.
“We want to tell people exactly what we propose and that we are only going to build one plant, not 19 as some have said, and that we are not going to log any more wood to power it.”
Mr Phillips said he was happy with the outcome and that it “proved that free speech and free information is still alive and well in the Bega Valley.”
The Bega Chamber of Commerce was concerned at being associated with the banning of SEFE and the issue of free speech, according to president Robert Hayson.
“We were very concerned that we would be seen as part of the decision to ban SEFE but we were not,” he said.
“Everything the Chamber does at any time is inclusive of everyone and we believe strongly that people are entitled to hear from all sides of any debate.”
Mr Hayson said the outcome was “good for everybody” and encouraged people to attend the Expo and “make up their own minds.”
Festival organiser Geoffrey Grigg said he had been involved in all the weekend’s discussions and during them the over-riding feeling was one of allowing free speech.
“Things changed from a feeling of exclusion to a feeling of ‘let’s talk’,” he said.
“In order to face the daunting challenges of the future we need to be able to speak freely with each other and we need to do that openly and honestly.
Mr Grigg said the change of heart was not only good for the Festival, it was good for the Valley as a whole.
“I hope this issue means we can all have more discussions in the future,” he said.
“And I look forward to everyone coming along to the Festival, learning about the issues and having a wonderful time.”
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