Issue 727
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Letters to the EditorMayor Responds on Baths PlansThe letter (Echo, July 5) signed by the Councillors Irwin, Roberts and Tomlinson contained some misinformation that needs correcting. They claimed decisions were made relating to the rebuilding of the Memorial Baths without an agreed design or firm costing. In fact Thomson Adsett was commissioned to carry out concept design and costings in about April 2000. Four designs were considered by Council and one design adopted by Council with an estimate of cost. This was necessary to allow the RSL to put to their members, via a special vote, a concept design that would not block out the view from their bistro. Eventually the club members voted 556 to 182 to sell the bowling green to Council, taking note of the adopted design which would enhance the views from the bistro. Any major change from the adopted design may require another special meeting of members as maintaining the view from the bistro was an important issue raised at the meeting. With regard to the claim that Council cannot afford to proceed without a joint venture partner, Council has always indicated that it would consider a joint venture at the Memorial Baths site. Cr Irwin has consistently pushed for an indoor heated pool. Such facilities are costing in the vicinity of $10 million-plus and in our sub-tropical climate will require air-conditioning nearly 24 hours of the day. If Cr Irwin had been successful with this option, then Council would be heading for financial disaster. Council has yet to hold a workshop to consider the construction options for rebuilding the pool with additional water areas. The memorial baths site has the ability to stage the construction and options may still require Council to maintain the existing pool site until it can afford to rebuild it. The existing pool originally was a 30m pool and was lengthened in 1954 to 50 metres. Unfortunately the pool floated during the 1954 flood and did not settle back level, consequently the circulation via the gutters at water level is substandard. Also the changeover of water is below current standards. The existing 50m pool has at the most two or three years left without major repairs or modifications so Council has the responsibility to do something urgently to provide safe swimming facilities for the citizens of Lismore. Crs Irwin, Roberts and Tomlinson don't appear to have an alternative that is acceptable to a majority of councillors. The memorial pool was constructed between 1927-1930 by the local community to erect a utilitarian and fitting memorial to 200 soldiers of the district that died during World War I. It also serves as a memorial to the World War II diggers who paid the ultimate sacrifice with the cenotaph at the front of the pool and has now been classified by the National Trust. Until now the option of retaining the pool was not possible due to shortage of space. Now that the RSL Club has decided to sell some land to Council it is now possible to provide an adequate facility. Personally I believe it is unthinkable that we should now be considering forsaking the sacrifices paid by veterans of World Wars I and II. Cr Bob Gates Click here to comment on this letter.
Third VillageCan anyone guarantee me no more growth on the Plateau? If so, great. But if not, it is unreasonable to say ‘no growth' is a sound planning option for the future. I appreciate the frailty of local ecosystems too – so the last thing I want to see is ad hoc development. There was a lot of talk at the recent 3rd village meeting about other options to a 3rd village. Can somebody please tell me what these are? How many options do we have with space? We can either go up, out or somewhere else. I don't want medium/high density living in Alstonville/Wollongbar. I don't want unchecked sprawl into buffer zones. So that leaves planning an ecologically sound, sustainable 3rd village. I don't particularly want it on the plateau either but the rest of the shire will argue that our population is less than theirs. Isn't there also a State Government directive saying we have a plan for growth? Surely it is only realistic to plan for growth even though growth may not be our preferred option. Claire Melloy Click here to comment on this letter.
Birds not BoatsAfter hearing of Council's management plan and spending $660,000 towards Lismore Lake, I immediately felt saddened. Saddened because I knew that, that meant the end of my quiet and relaxing walks which I take after I finish work. This last fortnight I have enjoyed myself immensely, seeing the large number of birds that feed from the lake. One instance that stood out was watching two swans build a nest for their young, pulling and placing varied plant materials which formed a huge spectacular nest. My point to the Mayor and other Councillors who voted for these recreational practices with motor boats/skis is that no swan, nor blue or white heron or any other water bird will stay if their calm waters are disturbed. So what becomes of the swans nest? Do you deny the swan of its home? To say to bring in a motorised vehicle has priority over the exquisite beauty of a bird is absurd. Kate Scanlan Click here to comment on this letter.
Bad DogmaI refer to your article of last Thursday's Echo (July 5) about how to 'Bonsai a kitten'. Never before have I ever come across a so-called newspaper telling the public how to do an act of cruelty to an animal as your paper has. Not only did you show a photo from the website, but you gave the details of the website address of where to find out how to do this form of cruelty. We have more than enough acts of cruelty to animals in the world now, and we don't want people like you encouraging people to be cruel. It wouldn't take much for some idiot around here to just try this out. You may think this is a joke, but believe me it's one of the sickest jokes I've seen come out of such a garbage of a newspaper as The Echo. You didn't tell the readers of your paper what the super glue is to be used for, but it would be the most cruelest (sic) thing to do to any animal, or even to a human being for that matter. Maybe you should stuff your 'Shaggy Dog' into a bottle under the same circumstances. It would be interesting to see the results, and I bet you wouldn't be laughing by thetime it was over. There should be an investigation from the Ombudsman Commission and the RSPCA into your article for I am sure it is an offence to print articles that 'support' acts of cruelty to animals in any form, or intends to (maybe my own solicitor will tell me). Charles Betteridge The correct body to complain to is the Press Council. – Ed Click here to comment on this letter.
Outa Town SportI'd like to comment on the letter 'Financial Disaster Looms for Council' (Echo, July 5) and comments by Cr David Tomlinson, in the Terania Shire Times. It seems the legal fraternity have profited regarding the 'Crozier Oval' issue. Having been in the employ of Lismore City Council for seven years, originally as a Jobskills/ Jobstart Employee, a program introduced by the previous Labor Government, and rising to the position of town Planning Draughtsperson/GIS Operator, I felt I had acquired a considerable amount of planning sense. I often felt that the placement of noisy sporting events should be placed somewhat out of the city, possibly past Lismore Lake with access available to the sites via a river ferry would give Lismore some distinct charm, making it an attractive alternative to other destinations. Surely it isn't too late? I would have to congratulate the Council on its recycling efforts. Frank Lucas Click here to comment on this letter.
Cat CareI find it hard to believe The Echo would even consider publishing that pathetic, unfunny Bonsai Kitten article (July 5). It makes no difference whether the website is real or not – you are either spreading a message of love/problem solving or hate/abuse. That little article did nothing to show that all animals deserve to be regarded with love and care. How about Bonsai-Kiddy instead. Show a photo of a toddler being forced into a small container. Just as funny. Why constantly depict animals as something we can abuse and make fun of? Animal abuse is horrific and unfortunately all too real on the North Coast. Do animal 'libbers' have a sense of humour? Yes, a much more developed, intelligent, and compassionate one – especially those of us who work daily in Animal Rescue and see first hand the results of this abuse, this article helped promote and make 'funny'. I know that the cat is particularly vilified. I've worked in the environment movement too. But solutions to the problems lie not in blaming the animal (who have much right to exist as those other major wildlife and environment destroyers – humans), but in educating cat owners to be responsible – ie. de-sexing and keeping cats indoors at night for a start. Leigh Saward Click here to comment on this letter.
Petrol PricesFor quite some time we have endured high petrol prices and have been given various reasons for this. Currently the price of petrol in Ballina 'Service Stations' is 94.9c per litre of ULP from all stations, while in small/town areas, for example Broadwater, Woodburn, Evans Head, all their stations are selling at 87.9c per litre. The total number of these stations is less than Ballina's. Can somebody tell me (honestly) why Ballina petrol prices are so much dearer? Don Harris Click here to comment on this letter.
Double StandardIn Larry Anthony's column published in The Echo (July 5), he enthusiastically discloses that fact that the Federal Government has deliberately forgone various tax revenues totalling $16 billion annually, whilst criticising the State Government for not yet committing the funds to construct the proposed Alstonville bypass. Frankly, I find this cynical attitude disgusting. Since 1996 the Coalition Government has denied adequate funding for all states to properly develop and maintain education, health, aged care, infrastructure; including roads etc. However Mr Anthony makes no mention of this situation. So in an attempt to reverse its popular electoral image, the Federal Government, of which he is a part, squanders all its potential revenue on poorly targeted tax cuts for purely political gain. Could not a substantial portion of these funds go towards addressing the current and future needs of Australia and it's community members? If Larry is so short-sighted in believing that image is more important than need, then perhaps he should do a Peter Reith and go sailing instead of trying to be re-elected to Parliament. Terry Harvey Click here to comment on this letter.
Role ModelMy young son and I just had the pleasure of attending the annual camp with Young and Powerful School, now based in Goonellabah. We were so impressed with the dedication and work of the teachers and volunteers, all striving to provide a stimulating and empowering experience for the students, not just at camp, but all through the school year. Independent schools like this deserve the full support of the community, as they offer rare opportunities for alternative learning, and the recent packed houses at the fundraising of the film 'Yolgnu Boy' must have gladdened the hearts of the Young and Powerful School staff. I just wanted to publicly say 'Thank you' to the teachers, parents and young people who shared their camp experience with my son Alby and myself; although he's only one year old, I already know what school Alby is going to attend! Keep up the good work, you are so valuable Young and Powerful school. Gabrielle Smith Click here to comment on this letter.
Spaghetti LogicFunny as Barry Jones's flow chart for the proposed Knowledge Nation may seem, this is a most visionary concept that has particular relevance for our region. As regards the communication systems, not only will we be able to ring Aunty Flo in Perth for unlimited time and at the same cost as ringing our next door neighbour, but we also will have the same access to a broadband internet connection and at the same price as down town Sydney. This will enable us to have fast on-all the-time internet connection for our own use for research and access to information. E-commerce will not only be affordable but our inexpensive and nice-place-to-live region will have the potential to attract new business and jobs will be created. With a greater commitment to universities, having our own regional university will bring many benefits including more funding for R&D, education, education on line, education for the third age etc. Research and action on environmental and health issues will also receive enhanced levels of funding. This ambitious 10 year plan has the potential to break down the city-country divide. Funding will always be a challenge but at least we now have something other than the economy and the GST to focus on in the lead up to the Federal election. Countries much smaller than ours (eg Finland and Sweden) have clearly demonstrated the economic and social benefits of investing in new economy infrastructure to complement their solid old economy and it is now timely that we take up the challenge and use the not forgotten 2000 Olympics spirit and creative strategies to make our way in the world. Andrew Binns Click here to comment on this letter.
Blushing BrideOn Sunday I went to a wedding and it was spectacular! Not because thousands and thousands of dollars were spent on it. I knew that this was not the case. Traditionally at weddings it is usually just the bride who looks radiant, and this bride certainly did. But not only did the bride look radiant, the groom did also! And not only the groom but the matrons of honour and the best man also looked radiant. So did the bridesmaids and the young man who proudly gave his mother away at the altar- in fact, so did the entire bridal party! As well, the pastor and his wife were glowing. And, would you believe the whole congregation was radiant? It was awesome! Do you know what I believe it was? I believe it was the love of Jesus shining from everyone, radiating out and making the event so refreshingly joyful. Congratulations Kevin and Glenda for becoming man and wife, and thank you Jesus for turning their lives around and filling them and everyone with such joy! Madeleine Bambrick Click here to comment on this letter.
PNG ConcernsThis week I have had the amazing – and shocking – experience of meeting several university students from Papua New Guinea who have been involved in a peaceful stand against the privatisation of their local bank in Port Morrsby. This is what happened to them. Upon finding out that privatisation was to be forced on their nationally owned bank through the international debt process, a group of women students began to raise awareness in their local community. When people learnt what the privatisation of their bank would mean to local community life, a peaceful Gandhi-style sit began in front of the bank. On the fifth day of sitting and sleeping in the street (and lying down when threatened with violence from police), the group was forcibly dispersed by police. Many of the students returned to their university campus dormitories for rest. At 2am military police (illegally) entered the university campus dormitories and began firing on students as they slept. After a period of chaos, the students told the military police that they would walk out of the university peacefully, in single file, with their hands above their heads. As they did this, they were mowed down by police fire. Four students died instantly, and another 17 were badly injured and some have since died, or are dying, in hospital. The other students are now trapped at the university, too afraid to leave. The process where by this situation arose is equally horrifying. The forced privatisation of the bank is part of a much larger ‘structural adjustment program' forced on the PNG by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Because the PNG has a large World Bank Debt – often for projects which have been shown not to benefit the country as a whole – the IMF can impose economic requirements on the PNG government. This includes making them open up their markets to multi-national corporations and free trade, reducing spending on health and education, exploiting the environment for cash exports, and of course privatising a range of government services such as local banks. These ‘economic reforms' are supported by the Australian government, who has failed to condemn the massacre of the students, and has stated that PNG must press on with the ‘reforms' regardless. The Australian government has even provided financial support for the imposition of this process on the PNG people. Today students around Australia have gathered in Sydney to protest the Australian government's complicity to this corruption. I ask that we recognise this situation as sympomatic of what is happening all over the world to many largely ‘undeveloped' nations who are rich in resources that the global economy would like to exploit. For us to see that this process destroys peoples' lives, as well as their sustainable livelihoods, their communities and their environment. And to support our local students in demanding that the Australian government represents us by taking a stand against these atrocities. Valerie Thompson Click here to comment on this letter.
Networking PromiseTelecommunications services are crucial in regional and rural Australia, particularly in the Northern Rivers. Prior to the 1998 election the Labor Party promised to take all the remaining money out of the successful Networking the Nation (NtN) program and return it to the budget. That is, take away this important funding for regional and rural telecommunications. Fortunately Labor did not win that election and NtN has gone on to fund some 500 community projects. Since 1998 the Coalition Government has built on the success of Networking the Nation. We have provided a further $671 million from the Telstra Social Bonus for things such as improved mobile phone coverage on highways, additional rural networks and untimed calls in extended zones. Most recently the Government announced a package involving an additional $163 million in funding for mobile phone networks, improved internet speeds, health and education networks and tougher requirements on phone companies to install and fix phones or provide temporary services. However, it seems the Labor Party is up to its old tricks. On May 20, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Simon Crean, indicated that Labor is reviewing all Coalition programs and that some programs face being junked to pay for Labor promises. The Government's important telecommunications for rural and regional Australia are under a huge threat. I call on the Labor candidates for Page and Richmond to reject the proposition put forward by Mr Crean and support these important initiatives put in place by the Coalition Government. Ian Causley, MP Click here to comment on this letter.
Bank FeesRecent media and research finding by the ACCC and the Reserve Bank on bank fees identify that Australians are right to believe that they aren't getting a fair go. The headlines show that Australian bank customers are paying the second highest fees in the world, second only to Canada. The Canadian Government is reportedly establishing a Memorandum of Understanding, requiring its banks to offer low cost accounts with minimum service standards to all customers. Our Government, on the other hand, has offered the Australian community nothing to reassure them that our fees will drop. Consumers have faced a huge escalation of bank fees of recent times. For example, between March 1996 and December 2000, the average of cost of an over the counter cash withdrawal from a major bank rose 175 percent from $1 to $2.75. Since 1996, one in four major bank branches have closed in Australia. Many closures have been in rural areas. A survey by the Australian Consumers Association revealed that 43 percent of customers felt that they were now being treated worse than five years ago. In the Democrats' own survey of residents in NSW, almost 80 percent of respondents said Banks do have a social responsibility, and this should override their financial responsibilities to shareholders. Last year the major banks reported more than $8.5 billion in profits – another record year. Executives are richly rewarded, yet staffing positions have been slashed. Meanwhile the banks increase fees and close branches. The Democrats believe this is another example of this sneaky and tricky Government protecting its banking mates and big business. We believe that the Government must take responsibility for our banking laws, and implement the necessary changes to the self-regulation of the industry. Senator Aden Ridgeway Click here to comment on this letter.
Vote CannabisLast year 56,000 Australians were arrested for cannabis offences. Cannabis arrests make up nearly three-quarters of all arrests for drug offences in Australia and of all cannabis arrests, 80 per cent are for personal use. The War on Drugs is a war on cannabis users in particular. These statistics mask so much suffering. So much needless suffering. Life is stressful these days and it is the nature of humans, and in fact all mammals, to seek relief. The people using the illegal drugs that the police are chasing, do so trying to feel better. Trying to ease their pain, lighten up their life and release the pressure. Similar to people who enjoy a beer or a whisky after work, or go jogging, or do yoga, or pop little white prescription pills. When you think about it, the opium poppy, the cannabis and coca plants are Nature's wonder herbal medicines, the stress relievers that our ancestors used for centuries. Anyone can grow plants but only global pharmaceutical companies can make little white pills, under licence. What a rort! How shameful it is that we allow police to persecute users of natures best herbs, 'As if there was something feloniously wrong with nature,' as Justice Jim Staples wrote years ago. I reckon the biggest sinners of all are the Christian churches and the individual Christians who support prohibition. What a cruel and alienating judgement they make against their neighbours. What troubles they bring to people already in pain. As if God made a mistake with these herbs! If these herbs had never been prohibited we wouldn't have the law and order and drug abuse problems we have now. As it is, the black market in illegal drugs is, after the armaments, the biggest business on the planet. Fed up with this class based persecution, the HEMP Party is contesting the Aston by-election in Melbourne next month to put cannabis law reform on the federal agenda with some guerilla theatre. Campaigns cost money and we need help to mount a credible contest. We are appealing both to the friends of cannabis and to those who want to see, in this generation, an end to the suffering and social dysfunctions created by cannabis prohibition. We meet so many parents who are worried for their children, not so much about their experimenting with pot, but the troubles that tangling with the law will bring. Please, help us change these laws. You can donate directly to the HEMP Party by depositing at any Commonwealth Bank of Australia or Post Office to the HEMP Party Account # 5109 10040597 Michael Balderstone Click here to comment on this letter.
|
|
|
|
