THE PAIN IN MACLEAN

[Jeff Thorpe]

Reading David Campbell's poem "When a Tree Falls" in the December/January ABPA Magazine reminded me of two poems I wrote in October and November about the protest in Maclean over the proposed removal of four Camphor Laurel trees beside the Clarence River that had been planted there in 1890. Despite the spirited opposition, the Clarence Valley Council, in a 50/50 split decision, decided by the Mayor's casting vote to give the trees "the chop".

Whilst I'd not class myself a Greenie and acknowledging that Camphor Laurels are graded as noxious in northern NSW, I couldn't help but feel much of the town's history will be eradicated by the loss of these apparently healthy trees.

My two poems telling the story follow.


THE PAIN IN MACLEAN

Maclean, the nation’s Scottish town has protest taking place
and I sense that William Wallace is stirring in his grave.
Clarence Valley Council stands as Longshanks in this case
with the battle o’er long standing heritage to save.

It seems the tyrant Council wants removal of four trees,
majestic camphor laurels, beside the Clarence River.
Such plan has many local folk feeling ill at ease,
not a time for any with objection to just dither.

The trees are huge, in good health, one twenty-four years old,
no doubt of some significance in the town and district’s history.
One can understand why there is protest to behold,
in fact, if there weren’t, t’would be a mystery.

Camphor laurels are shown as noxious under Council regulations
and under this decree the trees must go.
Doesn’t seem to matter they’ve been there six generations,
not much stands in way of “progress” as many of us know.

“Progress” sees the trees removed and ground opened for a park
with more suitable “endemic” trees planted on the site.
Surely, this plan does raise a question mark,
explaining why some quarters are spoiling for a fight.

As a passing tourist and non Greenie one at that,
my sympathies extend to those protesting.
Democracy allows them right to partake in a spat
with officialdom on a subject with no room for jesting.

Strains of “Rip Rip Woodchip” echo through my brain,
“Gotta draw the line without delay – ancient life will fade away”.
Patently the camphors deserve sequel to their reign,
with people power possibly the means to save the day.

Otherwise, Maclean will go the way of many a place
where heritage value carries little weight.
History destroyed and gone with hardly any trace
and future generations none the wiser of its fate.



Jeff Thorpe © 11 October, 2014


LONGSHANKS WINS BY A NOSE

It seems that “progress” has won out in Maclean,
Council voting for the trees to get the chop.
In a 50/50 split, the Mayor’s casting vote has slain
all efforts by opponents, the concept plan to drop.

“This is the Community’s plan”, the Mayor was heard to say,
though hardly could result be called unanimous.
Controversy would certainly best describe the fray
and many would view the decision as calamitous.

So, one twenty-four years of history cast aside,
traded for a boardwalk and bus stop.
One can understand why Macleanites weren’t allied,
judging Council’s concept plan a flop.

Remember the ‘60s hit song, “Tar and Cement”,
I’ll think of it each time Maclean is mentioned.
“Where are the meadows – Tar and Cement”,
heritage conveniently pensioned.

Four Camphor Laurels, all tagged a noxious weed,
sentenced for to face the Guillotine
by a Council some would classify an obnoxious breed,
whose actions could be called far from pristine.


Jeff Thorpe © 25 November 2013

[alongtimegone]

Personally, I think that councils, everywhere, should go the way of those Camphor Laurels. Enjoyed the poems Jeff.
Wazza

[Jeff Thorpe]

Quite true Wazza. Be careful how you vote. Thanks for your interest.

Regards, Jeff

[David Campbell]

Great to see poetry being used in this way, Jeff. It can sometimes get a message across where prose can't. Good on you!

Cheers
David

[Jeff Thorpe]

Thanks David. The situation at Maclean stuck in my craw and I had to put my feelings in print.

Regards, Jeff

[Shelley Hansen]

Well said Jeff - good for those who think Aussie bush poetry belongs to the past, and who credit it with historical value only!

And congratulations to you David, for your Open Section 1st prize in the CJ Dennis competition with "When a Tree Falls" - outstanding as always!

Cheers, Shelley

[Jeff Thorpe]

Hi Shelley

Thanks for your interest. Maybe we should all take up verse on controversial issues.

David's poem "When a Tree Falls" is brilliant isn't it? One can easily understand it winning the Toolangi competition.

Cheers, Jeff

[Shelley Hansen]

Yes indeed Jeff - David's standard of excellence, diversity and creativity gives us all something to aspire to!

[Glenny Palmer]

Well done Jeff. Here's hoping 'the pen is mightier than the sword' gets to ultimately rule.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Good on you Jeff - very well said