Freedom Go? Superannuation under threat

As a Vietnam Veteran, I am expressing my right to the freedom of expression I fought to protect. 

With the budget looming and the government looking at ways to increase revenue, superannuation looks to take a big hit – the ‘vision’ is no further than ‘there’s lots of money out there’.   Forget that to get a decent return on investment, much of this super is invested in the share market providing finance for Australian projects, the Great Whites determining the budget see it only as the biggest and easiest lot of sardines to round up, then bite into - after first having convinced/scared us over the years to put as much into super as we can on the premise we’d be looking after ourselves.

Then there is the social contract which is along the lines of work hard while you are able & we’ll help you out in your old age.  It now appears pensioners are considered unfair in seeking the pension as an entitlement, a blatant breach of this contract.  It is not as if pensioners are now no longer useful in society, as many of them contribute substantially in unpaid volunteer work.   If as a group, they suddenly withdrew their services, hospitals, schools and many other essential services would be crippled.  Others, meanwhile, have saved their hard earned money to buy a unit to travel around the country, spreading their money in many out of the way pockets as they go, as well as many of them volunteering in rural communities that are reliant on such help:  Blaze Aid is one example that received invaluable support from such people. 

While there is certainly a projected blowout in future pension payments, a bit of creative thinking could help solve the problem.  Certainly there are tax loopholes that could be reined in.  Perhaps surpluses could be set aside, some public assets that are sold also be earmarked and the monies invested in projects benefiting all Australians – oh, hang on!  That’s already been done with The Future Fund, that $100 billion plus taken out of general revenue and set aside for Commonwealth unfunded super liabilities (The Future Fund was established by the Future Fund Act 2006. The object of the fund is to strengthen the Australian Government's long term financial position by making provision for unfunded Commonwealth superannuation liabilities) – if only these ‘geniuses’ could look after the country as well as they look after themselves.

Perth to Brisbane

0500 30^th March – left Perth.  A surprising amount of traffic at that hour in Perth – until I reached the airport turnoff.  Very good progress, followed the commentary on the radio about freedom of speech:  Some Western Australians don’t feel it should extend to the point of stopping legitimate enterprises at great expense, while those to whom it cost nothing feel they have the ‘freedom’ to act in an irresponsible manner.  That night I camped on the Nullarbor.  The following day the discussion in South Australia seemed to be some pollie who was flitting about trying to determine what time zone it was in; also a shipbuilding firm was trying to justify its high costs by saying they built good vessels (and could probably do better if they had the plans?).  That nite was spent at Kimba, a pleasant town  “Halfway Across Australia”.    

Sculptures at Kimba Lookout

Onward to NSW, where the discussion was about a newly elected government and its appointment of the first female treasurer, as well as initiating a portfolio to prevent abuse (of women & children I believe, an excellent initiative);  Cobar, was my stop that night, a much livelier town than I remembered from passing through four years ago.   I could have kept going the 4^th nite to arrive in Brisbane in the evening, but considered fatigue to big a risk, plus the thermal springs at Moree proved an indulgence not to be passed by; an excellent decision, shared by a Victorian couple traveling from the Gold Coast home – “We could have made it further but the thermal springs were too good to miss”!  1200 3^rd April (Good Friday) arrive Brisbane.  4,261 km and 754L petrol costing $1,076.  Long days for sure, but it was terrific to spend Easter with my son & his family!

While I didn’t camp as much as planned, I saw the main things I wanted to see, touched base again with my niece & her family and satisfied my yearning for the road – for now.

My intention for this blog is to air my opinion on contemporary issues and the bit of travel just completed was only added because it was convenient:  The spark that started me thinking was the  controversy on the issue of freedom camping (Freedom Come,) so there is a loose connection (yeah, I’m scratching a  bit here, but it saved me a separate blog for a few weeks’ travel).  I’ve travelled around Australia in a HiAce campervan, which gave me a good insight into the whole issue.

The issue is complex, from perceived rights on public land to ‘camping’ in cities to lobbying for more/less available areas by diverse interest groups.  In my experience, the more remote areas provide ample opportunity for free camping, some council areas allow free camping (but in some areas they are starting to charge what I consider a fair bit, but fail to provide any facilities beyond a basic toilet and open area to park) but my favourite is National Parks, which aren’t free but quite affordable and well serviced; they are also in the more spectacular areas!   National Parks in the Northern Territory and Western Australia are tops, in my opinion, with New South Wales and Victoria also excellent from my limited experience.  Queensland has a great variety of camping, although apparently in more popular coastal areas there are conflicts and generally I avoided them, as there are plenty of suitable options in interesting remote areas.   

I needed to stop at caravan parks every so often and found many of them very reasonable, friendly and well serviced, so I can’t agree with some of the blanket statements that they are all rip-offs:  The ones that are tend to make it a bit rough for the good ones out there. 

There are plenty of RV Friendly towns that support campers/caravans.  This provides benefits for all concerned and gives valuable options for travellers.

Most travellers are conscientious but unfortunately a few are not and thus tend to give all a bad name.  Many of the good travellers will pick up rubbish that is not theirs but balk – naturally – at cleaning up after those disgusting creatures who think the great outdoors is their own personal privy. 

I appreciate the freedom to travel this big, broad beautiful country.  I get the feeling, though, that there is a slowly closing net to limit/exploit the growing numbers of travellers (Freedom Go).  With the current mix of free camping, RV Friendly towns, reasonable charges at National Parks and the services provided by caravan parks allow a mix of options to make it a reasonable – in my case, possible - venture.  I do love the National Parks and can only give them the highest praise for providing cost effective camping facilities.   

Perth, Western Australia

Lots of traffic!  Terrific weather and beautiful streets where I am staying.  We went to the Botanical Gardens for a relaxing stroll and coffee and also went on a dinner cruise from Perth to Fremantle & back, a lovely relaxing way to spend an afternoon!  As the most remote capital city in the world, Perth is a long way from everywhere, Tassie included, so it is always good to catch up with the rellies residing here. 

View from Botanical Gardens

Canning River

 An afternoon stroll around the Canning River Eco Reserve was amazing – in the middle of a Capital City such a reserve is priceless!  Not to mention the Botanical Gardens, virtually in the heart of the city.  A beautiful city indeed!

Western Australia's SW Forests

Giant Tingle Tree

Traveling west from Albany my next stop was the Giant Tingle Tree.  This tree (so I have been informed)  is the largest living eucalypt and is one of the ten largest living things in the world.  It is around 400 years old and has a girth of 24 metres.  The Tingle Trees are the earliest eucalypts and now are found in only a small pocket in SW Western Australia, where the higher rainfall they require still exists, unlike the subsequent eucalypts that evolved from them adapting to much drier conditions.  A truly amazing tree and an amazing species.

My next stop was to be Shannon National Park but the 25km of burnt forest on either side of the road on the way there hinted a contingency may be called for.  So it was.  The campground was closed, the once beautiful kauri & jarrah forest sadly blackened and so I continued on to Pemberton to stay the night. 

 Pemberton is a quiet, pretty

 town supported by sawmilling, thus many of the houses are quaint older timber cottages.  Many small vineyards, art outlets and such give it a cultured ambience, thus a very pleasant place to visit.

Nightmare in Greenyville

Goblin Swamp!

The following morning on the way to Perth I visited Snottygobble Loop and Goblin Swamp. Snottygobble Loop is the name of the nearby campsite and – while a good campsite – is unspectacular other than in its fascinating name.  Goblin Swamp, however, is as intriguing bit of forest as I have ever seen!  I have no idea what forces have so sculpted these venerable tea- trees;  fire seems to be a factor but not the only one.   The Swamp is quite small, less than ½ hectare, but so totally unique!  It, unlike nearby Shannon NP, was fortunately untouched by the recent bushfires and was unchanged from when I first saw it two years ago.  From this primeval setting to the bustling city of Perth four hours later – quite a contrast.

Albany - Anzac History

Before leaving Albany I visited Mt. Clarence, where the Cenotaph and the Princess Royal Fortress are located, overlooking the harbour.  2015 is a special year for Albany, as in 100 years ago in 1915 the first Anzacs set off for The Great War.

The Cenotaph is majestic, sitting on top of the hill, thus wonderful views.  You approach the Cenotaph from below, walking up a series of steps lined by heavy railings – quite a powerful approach, with the Cenotaph in full view above you. 

You drive around to another part of the hill to get to the Princess Royal Fortress & Museum.   There is a walk up to the Flag Pole & Signal Mast with a panoramic view over the harbour from which the fleet set sail in 1915.  The museum is comprehensive (I toured it on my previous visit two years ago) and a day could be easily spent to see it all; as I was very early it wasn't fully open, but visitors can wander about the grounds.  A worthwhile start to the day.

Cape Arid, Western Australia

From Melbourne to Esperance – three days.  Onward to Cape Arid on day four;  on arrival it was a brilliant sunny day.  The tent was set up, solar panels out, and then off to be overwhelmed by the view!  We sometimes return to a place and are a bit disappointed.  Cape Arid, however, is more spectacular as in any memory or photo.  Being there, you are presented with a view of a magnificent large bay with waves rolling onto the white sandy beach  giving it a dynamic that I cannot capture with a camera.  The movement, the sound, the smell;  you have to be there to fully appreciate this treasure!  Thus ending my concern, “Would the trip be worthwhile?” with a happy “Oh YES!”.

Setting up camp was a bit more involved than rolling up & popping the top up on the van.  My things were packed more to fit than in a proper order.  Thus, my rattle gun was in one place while my box of security bits was somewhere else; this proved to be the rule rather than the exception.  The rattle gun (cordless impact driver) proved essential to drive long screws used as tent pegs into firmly packed gravel with extreme ease!  The tent, table, chair, camp bed, mattress and sleeping bag were then set up and made a comfortable camp indeed.  The camp kitchen was next door, proving convenient for a qwik coffee and cooking a meal: It also proved handy for folding up tent & mattress in the wet when I left.

Rain fell through the night with showers continuing in the early morning.  While a bit damp from the high humidity the tent didn’t leak, or get blown away in one of the many wind gusts – further endorsement of the rattle gun & screws!   Packing up was done between showers, using the cover of the camp kitchen as previously mentioned.  On my way back west, I stopped by Wharton Bay, another beautiful spot, but photos were a bit gloomy as it was overcast.  Continuing west toward Shannon NP, I made it as far as Albany where I will spend the night. 

The Travel Bug, Wanderlust… call it what you will but it has infected me.  To some, a drive from Tasmania to Brisbane (involving a ferry crossing of Bass Strait)would be enough travel for quite a spell.  My journey from Tasmania to Brisbane this year will take the scenic route, through southern Western Australia, a visit to my niece& her family in Perth and then to Brisbane.  Some of the beaches along the south coast of WA are as fine a scene as I have ever viewed.  Having sold my campervan, I have packed my trusty 1998 Camry with a whole lot of gear that probably won’t be used.  However, I am sure that my 4-person tent, super comfy self-inflating air mattress,  12V fridge - running from a deep cycle AGM battery & solar panel - camp table, stove and other standard essentials will be! 

On my way out of Tasmania I stopped by my daughter’s farm at Roland for a few days.  It is very pleasant to help out with her four cows, two horses, eight ducks, three chooks and – of course – her lively & friendly German shorthaired pointer/chocolate lab cross.  

The Sheffield Steam Fest was on, a very well run festival with fascinating restored & working steam machines (grandchildren now realise how the steam shovel and steam roller got their names!).  They had other exhibits as well, one super interesting one being C Squadron Tasmanian Lighthorse Brigade.  A couple of days in Launceston with my son and his family, then off to Devonport to catch the Spirit of Tasmania ferry to Melbourne.

This first post doubles as a learning exercise as I want to include photos in the blog and also separate major segments by using pages, so off to learn and to travel!

NB  OK, still some learning to do on photo placement, if I can learn how to place them where I want I'll edit this post.