Similiar things are happening over here in the U.S albeit for different
reasons. The Blue Water Sewage Treatment Facility near where i used to
live in the southern suburbs of Minneapolis, MN is closed to birders now
becuase of "tightened security" due to terrorism. This used to be one
of the best local spots to find ducks during the winter months when the
rest of the water around Minneapolis is frozen solid. I can't honestly
believe there is some Al-Qaeda operative out there thinking "I'm going
to blow up those sewage lagoons. I might kill a birder or two then!"
Caution is quickly turning into paranoia.
Chris Fagyal
Senior Software Engineer
United Defense, L.P.
Fridley, MN
(763) 572-5320
>>> "Bob & Sadhana Cook" <> 12/12/2003 00:40:04 AM
>>>
Re: [BIRDING-AUS] McGaths Hill Treatment PlantHi Andy
I actually got it a little wrong. Lower Murray have now set up an
induction program for anyone wanting to enter the plant. Only BOC
members so far have undertaken the induction. It is "on trial" as a
solution, with some fear that people may not respect it and Lower Murray
Water could still end up with a nasty situation.
To all others: I really understand the frustration at the illogicality
of these moves, but it is no different from many other areas affected by
legal liability issues, e.g. obstetricians, adventure tourism, etc. It
is a symptom of our slide into "litigate and sue and bleed them dry"
mentality as a community.
It is not black and white though, as we all know of situations where,
through accident/neglect/misadventure or poor maintenance by the
authority or organisation, the result is serious accident or injury to
the individual. Then who should cover the costs for that person?
It is all very well to say, "I take total responsibility for myself",
but what if I trip over a piece of wood, negligently left across a path
in the sewerage farm, fall into the lagoon and suffer horrible
consequences? Would I be happy to say it's all my own problem and I
will pay all the costs and bear the losses? Or would I want to say that
Lower Murray Water should have kept that path safe and therefore they
should pay?
Such "grey" situations are what our dear beloved legal profession are
so happily lining their pockets over. And our dearly beloved insurance
companies are charging so much to cover.
But - what should we do??? Not a simple question.
Bob Cook
|
