Mining, logging etc create short term, dirty, dangerous, low-paid jobs for a relatively small number of people considering the amount of money being invested and the value of the resources involved. The job creation argument is pure corporate propoganda - a smokescreen that obscures the way the Coast is being treated like the 'developing economies' overseas - its resources appropriated for negligable return to the local communities.

What should Coasters do for a living? Surely that question is ultimately up to Coasters to answer. But I don't think it hurts for us to help out with suggestions. To be realistic these suggestions need to understand the culture and infrastructure of the Coast.

What about growing organic hemp, flax and other fibre, food and biofuel crops and setting up clean processing industries locally? Trial crops of hemp have already been grown in some parts of the country but a conservative community showing support would help overcome the perception that it's only mad greenies who see the benefits.

I think Scott's comments on eco-tourism are mostly fair but the same sorts of jobs that tourism creates in hospitality, entertainment etc are also created by communities with more disposable income from a strengthened local economy.

Is there a LETS exchange on the Coast? Surely there are heaps of people there who would sell surplus stuff or provide services for green dollars if they understood the way this helps circulate resources in their communities.

In my experience many younger Coasters do care about environmental issues but they are nervous of sticking their necks out and copping flack from the older generation who are willfully ignorant about energy depletion, climate change and sustainability. In order to defeat the mine the campaign needs to connect with these people and help them find the confidence to speak up and act.