A power plant need not be an unsightly structure obstructing views or casting shadows on its surroundings. In fact, it can serve as the focal point of a city’s most popular park. The Amager Bakke power plant, which he refers to, stands out as one of the world’s cleanest waste-to-energy facilities, thanks to cutting-edge technology that effectively filters its emissions.

Activated in 2017, Amager Bakke is a testament to innovation and sustainability. This eco-friendly power plant, located in Copenhagen, Denmark, is set to redefine perceptions of industrial structures. The facility, which cost €550 million ($600 million; £490 million) to construct, has been a nearly decade-long project. Remarkably, it seamlessly integrates functionality with public recreation, as evidenced by the opening of a ski area to the public on Fridays. The plant’s multi-faceted design not only addresses energy needs but also contributes to the community’s leisure and recreational spaces.

ED: Be sure to clink on the links at the bottom of the page.

I am a subscriber to Frontline and also on the committee of the above project. (ex 6RAR SVN 66/67 – Sec of Runaway Bay RSL SB) I have not seen any reference to this in your regular missives, so here it is.  I ask if you could please include in a future issue.

Briefly:  the existing memorial was built in 2000 within the confines of the Canungra Army base.  Access now is almost impossible due to entry conditions. The CO suggested Kokoda Youth Foundation relocate it to the main gate area where it would be accessible to everyone.

Our Runaway Bay RSL SB was invited to assist, and the project is now at completion.

Dedication Date:  Friday 01 December 1100h on site, Kokoda Barracks, Canungra.

Dedicated by:  Rev Maj Richard Brown MM, a Battle of Long Tan Veteran plus other dignitaries.

Would appreciate you including so that our Vietnam Vets within Australia will be aware.

Many thanks

Graham Gordon

Graham & Jan Gordon

607 Aqua 300 Marine Parade

Labrador Qld 4215 Australia

G.0417 631 941   J. 0418 918 815

[email protected]

CLICK LINK

Canungra Vietnam Memorial Relocation Project information (004)Media Release –

CLICK LINK

Canungra Vietnam Memorial 251123

In contemporary Australian society, it’s evident that the younger generation, encompassing Millennials and Zoomers, is experiencing a waning sense of patriotism and connection to their nation. This sentiment, mirrored in Western societies at large, manifests in various ways – from economic concerns and housing market struggles to scepticism about the future. This disconnection poses a significant threat to traditional notions of national security and defence, as younger generations seem less inclined to protect a system they feel alienated from.

Older generations, particularly those who came of age in the post-war era, often dismiss these concerns, attributing them to perceived entitlement and a reluctance to put in effort. This intergenerational divide exacerbates the situation, with the expectation that younger individuals should be willing to defend a system in which they have little trust or investment.

A recent study by the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) aligns with the notion of a decline in patriotism among younger Australians. Recruitment and retention challenges in various sectors, observed globally, are now more pronounced, impacting force generation and deployed capability.

In the Australian context, economic challenges, declining opportunities, and societal changes contribute to a perception that the system has failed young Australians. Factors such as limited access to housing, economic shifts towards a knowledge-based economy, and concerns about job security further reinforce this sentiment.

The impact of these challenges is reflected in public sentiment. According to Daniel Wild, director of research at IPA, cultural and media influences have fostered a sense of shame among young Australians, making them hesitant to defend their country. The IPA’s report reveals that a significant percentage of young Australians, when faced with the hypothetical need to defend their nation, express a preference to leave rather than stay and fight.

The article suggests that the traditional approach of valuing duty, honour, and country might be more effective than contemporary emphasis on individualism and diversity. The success of certain recruitment programs is highlighted as a testament to this approach.

The underlying theme is a growing disconnection, apathy, and helplessness felt by many Australians, especially the younger generation, amid global uncertainties and socio-economic challenges. This poses a considerable threat to national security, demanding immediate attention and remedial action.

As Australia navigates a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, characterized by the rise of powers in the Indo-Pacific region, it is imperative for policymakers and the public alike to adopt a more strategic and forward-thinking approach. The article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive analysis and response to these challenges, urging a collective effort to secure Australia’s role in an era of increasing global competition.

On Wednesday this week, the appeals process for my judgement against the ABC closed. With this, the ABC has by default accepted that they and two of their journalists were guilty of irresponsibly defaming me and my soldiers, and in doing so have caused serious harm.

Now sending you this today, there is still not a word, let alone acknowledgement or an apology from anyone at the ABC. The same journalists are still working and receiving their full income (paid for by you, me and every other Australian taxpayer). Zero responsibility, zero accountability. This from the same media who are the first to profess their self-appointed position as a ‘fourth-pillar’ in our democracy and seek to hold others accountable. This absolute hypocrisy goes against our core Australian values and sets a disgusting example for all young Australians to learn from, and for our country to be seen with internationally.

At the start of this month, I sent a request to both the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and the Defence Minister, Richard Marles, to meet with them next week in Canberra during the Parliamentary sitting week. My request was to discuss this and the Veterans’ Protection Act we propose to better protect our Veterans from this irresponsible trial by media back home in Australia after serving on operations for our Nation. Yesterday, Richard Marles’ staff member replied and said I should meet with the Veterans’ Affairs Minister instead. I am still yet to receive any response from the Prime Minister. It’s fascinating to realise how quick Albo was to jump in next to me when I campaigned for the Royal Commission (below) and be unwilling to even respond now even after the Federal Court ruling, let alone the devastating impacts we have seen these ongoing media attacks cause our Veteran community and families.

I find myself standing in a position where I see so clearly how those in government, elected by us, for us – are not with us. How they are not willing to support those who fight for all freedoms, including free media, when it is a choice between only allowing members of the media to report on war crimes once they are proven in a court to the criminal standard (beyond reasonable doubt). As a 5th Generation Veteran who has been proved to be targeted and having serious harm caused by our government funded media, I am so dejected by this rejection.

I need your support – because only through strength in numbers and making enough noise to get their attention, can we collectively achieve what is needed for our current and future Veteran community.

Please take the time to contact the Prime Minister directly via his online form – Click here. – Please ask him to meet with me to at least discuss these issues.

Please also take the time to contact the Defence Minister (and Deputy Prime-Minister) Richard Marles directly via his online form: Click here. – Please ask him to meet with me to at least discuss these issues – and not to push me off to the Veterans’ Affairs Minister.

Please ask them why they have not made any statement or even comment after the ABC have been found to have defamed me and my soldiers – calling us war criminals for an incident they claimed happened when we weren’t even in Afghanistan at the time.

I need your support to please flood these two elected officials with letters that will require their unavoidable action. Albo & Marles have the power to ensure that this devastation to our Veteran community ends. With your support we can make this happen.

Please forward this far and wide to anyone and everyone. The power of the people must again be released. Word of mouth and individual action are the weapons we have in this fight. Can I please call on your support to help win this fight for the freedoms of our Veterans.

If you haven’t already – please also sign the survey calling for the Veterans Protections Act – again, our strength in numbers must compel these politicians into action.

VETERANS’ PROTECTION ACT – CLICK HERE.

Photo: Nafanua III is the 18th Guardian-class Patrol Boat to be delivered to Samoa – Photo provided by Austral.

The Australian government has formally presented a patrol boat known as Nafanua III to Samoa in a designated ceremony this week. The Minister of Police and Prisons for Samoa, along with the Commissioner of Police, accepted Nafanua III on behalf of the Samoan government from a representative of the federal government. This representative, acting on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, handed over the boat.

Nafanua III marks the 18th vessel delivered under a program initiated by the Australian government, namely the Pacific Maritime Security Program. This program, with a commitment lasting 30 years, aims to sustain continuous engagement with Pacific partners. The objective is to enhance the capabilities of these partners in achieving their security objectives, contributing to a stable, prosperous, and secure region.

The latest addition to the Guardian Class fleet will contribute to Samoa’s efforts in safeguarding its maritime sovereignty. It is designed to improve surveillance capabilities and facilitate rapid responses for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief when necessary.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence expressed satisfaction with the ongoing partnership between the Defence sector and the Samoa Police Service. The acquisition of Nafanua III is seen as a crucial step in supporting regional maritime security efforts.

Austal Australia, responsible for designing, constructing, and sustaining Nafanua III, has demonstrated sovereign capability in naval vessel development. The Guardian Class patrol boat, equipped with an integrated launch and recovery system, enhances the naval assets available to Pacific partners for various operations.

The 39.5-meter patrol boat, based on previous classes, adds to the list of vessels delivered by Austal Australia since November 2018. The company has successfully delivered a total of 29 ships, including Guardians, Evolved Capes, Capes, and high-speed ferries.

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, recently took a stand against what he deemed as misleading information circulating in the media regarding the national Defence budget and spending. Breaking from his usual composed demeanour, Marles expressed his frustration with the media’s perceived lack of truthfulness during a press conference at the Indo Pacific Sea Power Conference, where he was accompanied by Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond.

The Minister’s response was triggered by ongoing scepticism directed at the federal government throughout the year, questioning Australia’s commitment to funding the Australian Defence Force and surpassing the 2 percent GDP allocation for defence. Despite the government’s earlier announcement of achieving the first federal budget surplus in 15 years, coupled with funding commitments to the AUKUS agreement and recommendations from the recently released Defence Strategic Review, doubts persisted.

Marles vehemently refuted the media claims, stating, “The comments that we see in the media today are just not true. They’re not true. And they really, they’re a pretty scant relationship to the truth.” He emphasized the government’s dedication to maintaining and, in fact, increasing Defence spending. According to Marles, since coming to power, there has been a 10 percent increase in Defence spending.

Addressing concerns about the Defence budget’s state when the current government took office, Marles highlighted the challenges inherited, including a quarter of expected Defence procurements lacking funding. He attributed this to the former government’s practice of announcing substantial programs without allocating sufficient funds, leading to overruns in projects like the Hunter program and offshore patrol vessels.

Marles defended the government’s decisions, emphasizing the commitment to rectify past deficiencies. He cited the focus on acquiring nuclear-powered submarines, doubling funding for guided weapons, and ensuring long-range strike capabilities. Despite acknowledging difficult decisions, Marles asserted that prioritizing a focused and impactful Defence Force was necessary.

The Minister also refuted claims regarding the reduction of infantry fighting vehicles in the LAND 400 project, explaining that the decision was driven by strategic intent and the impracticality of deploying many vehicles beyond Australia’s shores. He further justified the choices made by highlighting the establishment of a long-range strike brigade, enhancing the Australian Army’s lethality and potency.

In response to criticism about the Canberra Class landing helicopter dock’s deck upgrades for F-35 joint strike fighter aircraft deployment, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond officially ruled out such modifications during the same press conference, stating, “It’s not something I’m looking at.”

North Korea announced on Thursday its intention to deploy new military equipment along the military demarcation line separating it from South Korea. This decision comes in response to Seoul’s partial withdrawal from a 2018 agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the border, as reported by state-run media.

Seoul’s move to enhance intelligence and surveillance along the demilitarized zone (DMZ) follows North Korea’s launch of its first spy satellite on Tuesday. Analysts speculate that the satellite could provide valuable information for targeting adversaries’ forces.

This action by Seoul signifies a partial retreat from the Inter-Korean Military Agreement, signed in 2018 by then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The agreement, part of joint efforts with the US to mitigate the threat of war on the Korean Peninsula, aimed to widen the buffer zone between the two Koreas. However, goodwill generated by the agreement has dissipated over the years.

Kim, dissatisfied with the lack of concessions from the US and South Korea in subsequent talks, escalated North Korea’s ballistic missile program, expressing the intent to develop a nuclear deterrent comparable to that of Washington. In response to North Korea’s military buildup, the US, South Korea, and Japan have increased their military cooperation through exercises and deployments, perceived as a threat by Pyongyang.

Earlier in the week, North Korea criticized the US for potential sales of advanced missiles to Japan and military equipment to South Korea, labelling it a “dangerous act.” North Korea asserted that the offensive military equipment would inevitably be directed against them.

The North Korean Defence Ministry, on Thursday, declared that it would not be bound by the military agreement, pledging to deploy more potent armed forces and new military hardware along the Military Demarcation Line. The ministry claimed that South Korea’s intentional and provocative actions reduced the agreement to a mere “scrap of paper” and warned of severe consequences for its irresponsible provocations.

Pyongyang held South Korea “wholly accountable” for any clashes that might occur between the two Koreas. The situation along the military demarcation line, described as the world’s most acute military confrontation zone, was deemed irreversibly uncontrollable due to what North Korea termed as serious mistakes by the political and military authorities of the Republic of Korea (ROK).