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North West Weekly

The Kennedy Energy Park in Hughenden, Far North Queensland, serves as a striking example of the immense scale of resources required for wind turbine foundations. As Australia continues to invest in renewable energy projects, the sheer volume of materials and the long-term impact of these developments deserve closer attention.

Each wind turbine base at the Kennedy Energy Park requires a staggering amount of materials. To construct just one foundation, over 2,222 tonnes of concrete are needed. This equates to approximately 903 cubic meters, or around 143 concrete agitator truckloads, per turbine. Additionally, nearly 90 tonnes of reinforcing steel bars, commonly known as ‘reo,’ are used to strengthen the structure. The construction process also demands over 833 tonnes of sand to complete the foundation. These figures highlight the substantial resources necessary for each individual turbine, and it is important to note that some wind projects in Australia require even larger foundations.

A critical concern with these massive foundations is that they are apparently not reusable. Unlike other infrastructure projects where materials can be recycled or repurposed, wind turbine foundations may remain buried long after the turbines themselves have been decommissioned. This raises significant questions about the long-term sustainability of wind energy.

The lifespan of wind turbines is also a topic of debate. While manufacturers initially promised lifespans of 20 to 30 years, recent reports suggest a more realistic figure might be closer to 15 years. This discrepancy has serious implications for the future of these renewable energy projects. Once turbines reach the end of their service life, what happens next? Reports from both the USA and Australia estimate that decommissioning, removing, and disposing of wind turbines can cost between $400,000 and $1,000,000 per turbine. However, the costs and feasibility of removing the massive foundations, roadways, and restoring the landscape are rarely discussed.

Can the removal of these foundations even be achieved in a practical, environmentally friendly way? If not, are we simply trading one environmental impact for another? These are questions that warrant further scrutiny as Australia moves forward with its renewable energy transition. The notion of “clean and green” energy may need a more nuanced conversation to address the broader environmental and economic impacts of large-scale wind projects.

ED: From my inbox – Thanks Mike

This email attachment from a school friend may be of interest to some. For those not familiar with Angeles City, it was the “support” entertainment and RNR town close to the US Clark AFB in the Philippines north of Manilla and a well-used base during the Vietnam War along with Subic Bay US Naval base and its Olongopo City not too far away.  Cavite City near the Sangley Point US Naval base on Manila Harbour was another “watering hole“ and entertainment precinct in the 1960s/70s visits. I recall once missing the last ferry back from Manila to Sangley Point and having to get a taxi back which was quite something during the Marcos era with the police checkpoints and heavily armed dudes requiring some corruption funds before proceeding. Being young and bullet proof helped us through the ordeal and the belly full of booze might have contributed, no doubt.

But we survived to fly another day… and a few more thousand hours

Cheerz

Mike

Attached find RSL Philippines newsletter.

NEWSLETTER 186 November 2024 pdf

Frontline- Ray Payne OAM

Identifying youth on the wrong side of the law early and diverting them from a path of crime is essential to making Queensland communities safer. David Crisafulli’s recent proposal to introduce youth intervention camps holds promise, but if this initiative is to succeed, it must be carefully structured and comprehensive. In my view, there are three critical elements that policymakers need to consider: expanding eligibility, ensuring sufficient program duration, and providing practical, employable skills for participants.

Youth intervention camps can serve as a crucial tool to reset the behaviour of at-risk youth before they escalate to more serious criminal activity. By allowing parents, police, schools, or social workers to refer youths to these camps, the program can provide an effective early intervention mechanism. However, I believe that limiting these camps to youths who have not yet had contact with the criminal justice system would be a missed opportunity.

Judges and law enforcement officials need alternative sentencing options for low-level offenders who are not best served by incarceration. Currently, many low-level youth offenders avoid significant consequences due to the belief that prison will do more harm than good. Without alternative pathways, these youths often evade punishment entirely, perpetuating a cycle of criminal behaviour with no fear of legal repercussions.

A key element of these intervention camps should be the involvement of ex-service members in running and controlling the centres. Veterans possess the discipline, leadership, and life experience necessary to be effective mentors for troubled youth. Their structured approach to problem-solving, combined with a strong sense of duty and accountability, can help instill positive values in participants. Ex-service members can model resilience, perseverance, and respect, providing a steadying influence on youths who may lack stable role models in their lives.

Moreover, employing veterans in these roles would have the added benefit of providing meaningful employment opportunities for ex-service personnel, many of whom struggle with reintegration into civilian life. This dual-purpose initiative would not only help at-risk youth but also support the veteran community.

In my opinion, for youth intervention camps to have a lasting impact, the duration of the program must be adequate to address the underlying causes of offending behaviour. A one-to-three-week camp may be sufficient to offer a brief reset, but it is unlikely to produce lasting change. Policymakers should consider longer-term programs that provide consistent mentorship, counselling, and skill-building opportunities.

The failure of the previous Newman government’s boot camp trial in 2015 highlights the dangers of underestimating the time required to effect meaningful behavioural change. To avoid repeating past mistakes, intervention camps must offer sustained engagement with at-risk youth, giving them the time and tools they need to make positive life changes.

One of the most effective ways to reduce recidivism is to equip youth with the skills they need to become productive members of society. Intervention camps should not only focus on outdoor activities like canoeing and abseiling but also offer vocational training in areas such as automotive technology, building trades, agriculture, and hospitality.

Programs like California’s Rancho Cielo rehabilitation ranch have demonstrated the value of this approach. By providing at-risk youth with practical, employable skills, Rancho Cielo has reduced recidivism rates from 40% to 15% over two decades. Participants leave the program with the qualifications and confidence needed to secure employment, reducing their likelihood of reoffending.

Intervention camps that focus on practical skill-building and mentorship are not only effective but also cost-efficient. The average cost of detaining one person in a Queensland youth detention centre for a year is approximately $669,000. In contrast, rehabilitation programs like Rancho Cielo operate at a fraction of this cost and produce far better outcomes.

Reducing recidivism rates through early intervention will save taxpayers millions of dollars in the long term while improving community safety. The social and economic benefits of keeping youth out of the criminal justice system cannot be overstated.

Research shows that violent offending is often linked to factors such as substance abuse, poor parental supervision, and negative peer influences. Intervention camps must address these root causes through comprehensive support services, including substance abuse counselling, family engagement programs, and social skills training.

Preventing escalation to more serious crime requires a proactive approach to tackling anti-social behaviour early. By intervening at the right time and providing youth with the tools they need to succeed, policymakers can break the cycle of crime and give young offenders a second chance.

In my opinion, the introduction of youth intervention camps is a welcome step toward improving community safety in Queensland. However, to be truly effective, the program must be designed with long-term impact in mind. Expanding the scope of eligible participants, extending the duration of the camps, and providing practical, employable skills will ensure that these camps achieve their intended purpose.

Furthermore, involving ex-service members in running these camps will bring valuable discipline and mentorship to the program while providing meaningful employment opportunities for veterans. This comprehensive approach will not only divert youth from a path of crime but also equip them with the tools to become productive members of society.

Queensland’s policymakers must seize this opportunity to implement a robust and effective intervention program that addresses the root causes of youth crime and helps build safer communities for all.

The Krakow Post

For the second time in two weeks, Ukrainian forces have dealt a significant blow to the Russian 810th Naval Infantry Brigade. The latest precision raid targeted the brigade’s headquarters in Belaya on Tuesday, according to reports from the Ukrainian general staff in Kyiv. The extent of the damage and the casualties inflicted remain unclear, but the attack underscores the vulnerability of Russian forces operating in the region.

Belaya, located just 20 miles east of Sudzha, is strategically significant. The area forms part of the 250-square-mile salient that Ukrainian troops carved out of Kursk Oblast in August. The proximity to the front lines makes it likely that Ukrainian forces used one of their numerous long-range weapon systems to carry out the strike. However, it is still unknown which specific munitions were employed.

Ukraine now possesses a wide array of deep-strike capabilities, thanks to Western military support. U.S.-made High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) can fire guided rockets and Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) ballistic missiles, both of which are capable of precision strikes at long range. Additionally, Ukrainian warplanes could have used American or French glide bombs, or French and British cruise missiles, to hit the target. Heavy attack drones are another viable option for such operations.

The repeated targeting of the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade highlights the precision and effectiveness of Ukraine’s deep-strike weaponry. It also emphasizes Ukraine’s strategy of targeting high-value command-and-control nodes to disrupt Russian military operations.

The 810th Naval Infantry Brigade has suffered disproportionately from Ukrainian strikes in recent months. On Christmas Day, Ukrainian forces hit another of the brigade’s headquarters in Lgov, located 25 miles north of Sudzha. The Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communications described that strike as creating a “fiery impression.”

Following the Christmas Day raid, the 810th Brigade was rotated off the front line on the northwest edge of the Kursk salient. The unit relocated to Plekhove, just east of the salient, for a brief period of rest. However, it appears that their respite was short-lived.

The brigade, which once numbered around 2,500 personnel, has been heavily depleted. Alongside its sister unit, the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, the 810th has borne the brunt of Russia’s counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast. Both units have been involved in a series of costly and mostly unsuccessful assaults on the Ukrainian-held salient.

Despite their recent setbacks, the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade continues to be thrown into action. Today, Ukrainian troops reportedly repelled another assault by the brigade around Pogrebki. The Ukrainian Centre for Defence Strategies noted that Russian forces have launched repeated attacks on Pogrebki, deploying at least two 400-person battalions since November. However, these efforts have yielded little more than mounting casualties.

The continued failures of the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade illustrate the growing challenges facing Russian forces in Ukraine. As Kyiv’s forces demonstrate their ability to strike deep into Russian-held territory, the effectiveness of Russia’s counteroffensive operations remains in serious doubt. The repeated destruction of brigade headquarters also raises questions about the morale and operational readiness of Russian units tasked with holding the line in Kursk Oblast.

As the war enters its 35th month, Ukraine’s strategy of targeting critical infrastructure and command centres appears to be paying off. The latest strike on the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade’s headquarters in Belaya is yet another example of Kyiv’s ability to disrupt and degrade Russian military operations through precise and well-coordinated attacks.

Picture: H-20 Stealth Bomber. Image Credit: Artist Rendering Chinese Internet.

China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is developing the H-20 stealth bomber to bolster its nuclear triad and project power across the Indo-Pacific. Resembling the U.S. B-2 Spirit, the H-20 reportedly has a range of 8,000 miles and a 40-ton payload, capable of striking key U.S. and allied targets, including Taiwan and Guam.

This flying-wing bomber may carry nuclear weapons, cruise missiles, and anti-ship ordnance, posing a serious challenge to U.S. air defences. As China edges closer to operational readiness, the H-20 symbolizes its ambition to rival U.S. air power.

Critics point out China’s tendency to “borrow” foreign designs, with the H-20 mirroring America’s B-2 and the upcoming B-21 Raider. While the PLAAF boasts its stealth capabilities, significant details remain unknown, keeping global military analysts on alert.

China’s newest

Why New Chinese AIRCRAFT CARRIER is A Complete DISASTER

, is often hyped as a rival to the USS Gerald R. Ford. But despite its massive size and advanced design, the reality is far less impressive. Critical flaws undermine its potential, making it a disappointment compared to its U.S. counterpart. In this video, we’ll break down the key reasons why the Fujian falls short, despite China’s ambitions to challenge American naval supremacy. From design issues to operational shortcomings, let’s explore why the Fujian might be one of China’s biggest naval disaster yet!

Business Insider – Thibault Spirlet and Sinéad Baker 

Photo: Ukraine said one of its F-16 pilots took out six Russian cruise missiles in one flight in December. Facebook/@Air Force Command of UA Armed Forces

Ukraine said one of its F-16 pilots achieved a feat nobody flying the jet had managed before.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Ukraine’s air force command said a pilot flying an F-16 took out six Russian cruise missiles during a single flight, using air-to-air missiles and an aircraft cannon.

This occurred during a “mass” missile and drone attack in December, it said.

On December 13, Russia fired almost 200 drones, Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles, and 94 cruise missiles at Ukraine.

The pilot’s main target was the cruise missiles, the post said.

He used all four air-to-air missiles on board the F-16, two of which were short range, which forced the jet to fly closer to the missiles — an “extremely dangerous” task, it said.

The pilot then struck two other missiles flying close to each other using an air cannon, it added.

Business Insider was not able to verify the report, but air warfare experts described the scenario as plausible, as well as deeply impressive.

Tim Robinson, a military aviation specialist at the UK’s Royal Aeronautical Society, described it as something that could definitely have happened with a pilot in the right place and the right time, and with the right training and enough missiles.

“It still is an incredible achievement because a cruise missile is a quite small target, and it’s also flying quite low,” he said.

The alleged takedowns show “that this pilot has mastered the F16 weapons systems,” Mark Cancian, a senior adviser on the International Security Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, added.

Since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has frequently launched large missile attacks at Ukraine, aimed at overwhelming Ukraine’s air defence systems and hitting targets behind the front lines.

Col. Yuriy Ihnat, the head of the Ukrainian air force command’s public relations service, said that intercepting “such important targets is not an easy task for a pilot, but who, if not Ukrainian pilots, has the most experience in the world of winged missiles?”

The pilot, who had recently undergone retraining for F-16s in the US, said in the Facebook post that Ukrainian F-16 pilots had never used an aviation cannon to shoot down targets.

However, he said he applied the lessons he learned in the US.

“I must have set a record that day,” he said, adding: “I am convinced that this experience will be useful to colleagues.”

Ihnat described it as the first documented case.

“Based on objective control, we have one hundred percent confirmation that for the first time in history in anti-air combat, an American fighter F-16 shoots down six winged missiles,” he said.

Air warfare experts also said they believed six missiles in a single mission would be a record for the F-16.

“Shooting down six cruise missiles in a single sortie is at the physical limits of the aircraft, so this would be a record if true,” Cancian said.

He added it was something that was possible because there are so many missiles in the skies over Ukraine.

“An experienced Western pilot would be expected to do this, but none have demonstrated the ability since none have faced the numbers of simultaneous incoming missiles that the Ukrainians have,” he said. “US and Western pilots have faced one or two incoming missiles at a time.”

Cancian also said it shows what Ukraine could do if it was given more of the jets. “More F-16s would mean a more robust air defence for Ukraine.”

A Western Sydney councillor who promised to ban Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement to Country ceremonies has vowed to also remove the Indigenous flag from council properties. Cumberland City Councillor Steve Christou has proposed only the Australian flag be flown. Mr Christou sat down with Sky News host Danica De Giorgio to discuss the issue.