Issue 733
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Letters To The EditorWhy councils need to amalgamateRos Irwin's call for Lismore Council to review the need for voluntary structural reform with neighbouring councils is commendable. In 1996, the Local Government Association entered into an agreement with the previous Minister to conduct a program of 'voluntary' reform of councils in NSW. This policy produced just four mergers over the next five years. Contrary to Dr Richard Gates ongoing, ill-founded criticism of the present minister, Harry Woods has steadfastly left the carriage of reform with the Association and with the individual councils, despite a clear lack of progress and a deterioration in the circumstances of this sector. Dr Gates assertion that there are no demonstrated social or economic benefits and no economies of scale achieved by creating larger jurisdictions is wrong. Empirical research shows that gross expenditure per capita per annum falls from almost $4,000 within the smallest jurisdiction in Australia to around $1,000 in councils of around 50,000 people, to less than $400 in larger councils. Some very small NSW towns continue to maintain two or even three council chambers and one small council serves just 369 constituents, each of whom are subsidised by the general taxpayer to the extent of $3,788. The reform of Victorian councils produced savings in the order of $500 million in the first year alone. Certainly, savings are achieved from a rationalisation of real and human resources, but also from operational efficiencies gained over time. The fact is that very small jurisdictions offer fewer social benefits and are little more than road repair authorities. Any such benefits are likely to decline further as many small councils are increasingly burdened by an alarming escalation in production costs, a drift of population which is predicted to reach up to 50 per cent over the next 15 years, and a looming funding crisis created by an accelerating deterioration of infrastructure. The Minister has foreshadowed the present policy of 'voluntary' reform will cease at the end of the current term of parliament. He is unlikely to allow councils to fall into crisis or for constituencies to lose confidence in the system of local government as we know it. Consequently, I believe the Minister will be compelled to extensively and compulsorily reform the structure and some processes of Local Government during the next parliamentary period, given that the right political environment presents itself to occur. Cr Ros Irwin's move is belated and unlikely to yield any meaningful outcome among Richmond Valley councils, but at least it demonstrates a will to preserve the institution of 'local' governance. Stephen Soul, Click here to comment on this letter.
Nurses wrongedMy wife, aged 80, is presently a patient in Lismore Base Hospital awaiting a bed in a nursing home. We have no children and thanks to Labor Party policy, my wife's washing will not, as usual, be carried out per the kind hospital system as a result of (quite rightly) the Nurses Unions work restrictions. Perhaps some day Labor Party personnel may also be old. Compromising elderly people's welfare does not win votes and it is more than time nurses were given the consideration which popular public opinion dictates. Name withheld on request, Crossing concernsI am deeply disappointed with the response of the Mayor Bob Gates in regards to the removal of the pedestrian crossing on Ballina road (Echo, Aug 16). Mr Gates said he "didn't appreciate the stunt" when last Monday Albert Park school children, their teachers and a group of parents attempted to get our children across busy Ballina road to attend an excursion into town. Cr Gates said that this so called stunt put our children in danger. How dare he suggest that we would put our own children in danger when it was not the school, parents or the community for that matter, which decided that Albert Park School children didn't need pedestrian access to their school. I would suggest it was the bureaucrat that decided to remove the crossing who is putting our children in danger. Cr Gates also said that it was the council's own Traffic Advisory Committee who recommended to remove the crossing. Who appoints these people? Why don't they consult with the community they are going to effect? It's obvious that they are a Traffic Advisory Committee and not a Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the result being that people take their lives into their own hands every time they try to cross a street in Lismore outside of the CBD. I would like to know if the Mayor will come down to Ballina road on Monday when the Kindy and Year one kids attempt to cross the road to attend an excursion to the local library. Will he claim that this is a stunt too? Or maybe our children aren't important enough to access the basic facilities that Lismore can offer them? Maralyn Schofield, Click here to comment on this letter.
Great festivalCongratulations to Louise Barry and everyone else involved in Lismore's Herb Festival. The variety of entertainment, the parade, the diversity of stalls and the food were all excellent and a credit to all who participated. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and see it as a great opportunity for the Northern Rivers to showcase the many services and products of this wonderful region. The Callaghans, Click here to comment on this letter.
Good neighboursIf the residents of Lismore are to fully appreciate the reasons why Council did not accede to fast track the Library move to the Old School Site I feel they are entitled to more information on the subject. The press so far has created the impression that Council refused to fast track the Library shift. That is false. Council changed the resolution to make it conditional on the Centre indicating it will temporarily relocate to temporary accommodation within six weeks or longer if necessary so that the expansion of Lismore Square can commence. Councillor Tomlinson motion advocating fast tracking relied on receiving the funds for the sale of the Council owned existing neighbourhood centre. He had been informed it would take a minimum of 40 weeks before the centre could relocate to the Old School Site. The problem for the Lismore Square expansion is 40 weeks would make it impossible to comply with the existing Development Application. Consequently Council would not be in receipt of funding from the sale of the Neighbourhood Centre, which Cr Tomlinson's motion depended on. In short he wanted to spend $41,000 securing all the approvals and specifications without having the necessary finance to commence refurbishment. For someone who claims to be a financial adviser I cannot understand how he missed that point. Council arranged for alternative temporary accommodation giving them twice the area they occupy, fully air conditioned however the Neighbourhood Centre claimed it was not suitable even though it was close to public transport and there was adequate parking. The expansion of Lismore Square is vital to Lismore's future if it is to aspire to the role of the Regional Centre. The development application was approved about 4 years ago and sanctioned by the Chamber of Commerce. The expansion could lead to the provision of other facilities and economic advancement. I am of the opinion the Lismore Neighbourhood Centre should put the welfare of the city above their own welfare and work with Council to find suitable, temporary accommodation so that our city can move forward. Cr I R Gates, Click here to comment on this letter.
Good ideasI would like to reply to the letter, Lismore Ideas by Gabrielle Rose (Echo, Aug 9). Congratulations, you have some wonderful ideas. The Lismore Home Garden and Education club has been running a very successful garden competition been running since 1931. It is the oldest club in this area to be still involved with the beautification of Lismore through their gardens. The Lismore City Council, Northern Star, local plant nurseries, business people and not forgetting our own club members' have given their full support for many years to conduct this competition. We have been known as the "Garden City of The North" for years. In fact we got that name when Lismore used to have a floral carnival, around the block with decorated floats etc. We have many tourist buses from different parts of the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast come to Lismore to see these beautiful gardens during the public viewing which is on again from September 8-16. Visitors come from many areas, in fact we have had visitors from many parts of Australia and overseas. There is no charge for entry into the gardens, and we invite everyone to come and see for themselves the wonderful work which has been done by the club members in their promotion of Lismore. Mary Betteridge, Soup kitchenI feel very compelled to write about the Soup Kitchen. I have been going to "the soupie" for more than a year. When I started going to the the soupie I had no idea that I would need that place both emotionally and spiritually, but this what has happened to me. The Lismore Soup Kitchen is so much more than just a place to get meals to eat. We have a Doctor who comes once a week, we have drug and alcohol counsellors available. We have people to assist us with housing, not to mention day bus trips each fortnight, plus prayer groups and church services each Sunday morning at 10.15am. For some of us the soupie is a place where we feel accepted for who we are, when society doesn't want to. I feel I am speaking for myself, amongst others in that statement. People go there to chat and also for company. This place is my spiritual home and like many others, I was devastated when it was destroyed by fire. Now we know God is revealing something wonderful in the community. Helen Coyle, Click here to comment on this letter.
Council mergersSome people, including local counillors tend towards the authoritarian approach to local council amalgamations. Earlier this year Stephen Soul who is doing research on local councils at SCU, he said "The state must intervene to compulsorarily, split or amalgamate those jurisdictions that have failed to substantially comply with the Minister's reform proposals". Who said aggressive takeovers were confined to big business? Local Government Minister Harry Woods is probably too scared to speak out because it could hurt one of his staff trying for a spot in parliament at the elections later this year. Everyone knows Mr Woods is a cut and slash promoter of the centralised control of every aspect of our lives. Other MPs also try to stay silent or stick with ordinary issues that get their photos in the paper and keep them away from taking a stand on the the tough issues. "All that really counts is being nice and getting votes for the party". Is that what they all say behind closed doors? Many people in the jurisdiction of what was the Richmond River Council are still gnashing their teeth because they were opposed to the amalgamation with Casino Council and consider they were treated with disregard, some would say contempt. "Eat your hearts out you country hicks". Is that what the Sydney centric NSW government says behind closed doors? I think it is incumbent upon our local MPs and councillors to show to the general public what, if any, reform proposals have not been met by local councils. It was reported that one Lismore City councillor recently said that council amalgamations are a matter of "economic reality". Thank you indeed Councillor Tomlinson, but there are lots of people in the community who would not agree with you and your supporters pushing that the bottom line should always be about money. There are millions of dollars pouring into the coffers of the NSW government since the introduction of the GST and no way can the state and federal government preach that they are so great at managing fiscal matters. Discerning citizens would agree with Kyogle Mayor Ross Brown who remarked ?arlier this year: "There is a huge and unnecessary replication between state and federal governments in matters that relate to health and education". People who are not members of the IOC (Indifferent or Compliant) should poste haste contact their local MPs and local councillors. We all need to become informed about what we, as north coast citizens, have to win or loose by becoming part of 'super councils'. Recent attempts to merge six inner Sydney councils were stopped point blank by large numbers of vocal and well informed citizens saying loud and clear that they are opposed to amalgamations. They rallied and protested and councillors voted against amalgamating because they believe that big is not necessarily in the best interests of sustaining and developing the best possible services for their local communities. Kathryn Pollard-O'Hara, Click here to comment on this letter.
Labor unrestFortunately for democracy Doug Myler (Echo, Aug 16) is not the person who decides which letters will be published in The Echo. The impertinence and arrogance of Doug is beyond belief, he replies to letters and insults us with his arrogance and narrowness of mind. I am not the only person who is fed up with the union bully boys of the ALP pushing their union candidate by unlawful means on the ordinary members of the Richmond ALP electorate. Georgie Jeston, Secretary,of the Byron Bay branch of the ALP has resigned because of what transpired in Richmond. Jack Hallam, former Leader of the ALP in the NSW Upper House admits he along with 24 others signed the January 15 letter to Beazley complaining about unions forcing their candidate upon Richmond voters by inducing voters to vote for Jenny McAllister by false statements.He now supports the Greens. Julie Nathan, President of Mullumbimby branch and President, of the Richmond Federal Electorate Council, wrote a scathing letter to the Byron Echo (July 24) stating among other things that she was outraged that the democratic will of the rank and file in Richmond was violated by factional power brokers from outside Richmond in the preselection contest. For your information, I receive lots of letters from readers advising me that as a result of my letters they will be not voting ALP at the next elections. I will send you a copy of Julie Nathan`s letter, it will not change your mind, but at least you will be better informed. James Baker, Click here to comment on this letter.
Party pointsI think Nick Fredman (Echo, Aug 16) is missing the point in his response to my previous letter. Had he taken the time to read and reflect on the books that I suggested, he should have at least come to these conclusions:
As for economic rationalism I suggest Nick review the content of Australian universities economic courses, to see how these policies were brought about. The purpose of my letter was to get people to read more than just the daily "penny terribles" or watch the commercial TV news to form an opinion on an issue. By expanding their information sources, I believe people will become more aware of the issue, the underlying causes, the consequences and appreciate that others are free to think and act, according to their personal beliefs within a social democracy. Perhaps a truism told to me by my mother would be relevant, she said that a person with a "closed" mind is more dangerous than one with a "foolish" mind. As a person with a closed mind refuses to learn and the person with the foolish mind does not want to learn. This results in people becoming ignorant, intolerant, racist and bigoted which causes further social disintegration. Terry Harvey, Click here to comment on this letter.
Aussie valuesThe recent concern of the Anglican leaders and their loss of congregations opens a new line of thought. The days of the Australians of British born ancestors are coming to an end. Politics and churches are changing. The Labor Party has reneged on a deal with the Muslim candidate in the Auburn district. The Muslim leader Shiekh Hilaly has accused Labor of betraying the local community. The Shiekh who has allegedly been in Australia for 20 years prefers not to speak English. He wants a Muslim politician. The Labor Party wanted a candidate with Lebanese parents and a Maromite Catholic. Labor tricked him. The Auburn Mayor is from Vietnam. The Northern Rivers has not seen Multiculturalism at this level. Our concern is the old style Communist Trade unionist who hates Democracy. They also hate Larry Anthony. We are fortunate to have politicians like Ian Causley and Larry Anthony who represent the Australian way of life. The best in the world. If Communism and Socialism was so good the Boat People would be heading for China. We must hold onto our Aussie values. We should consider our vote very carefully. Bob English, Click here to comment on this letter.
Rainforest wrecksRainforest charities working in Ecuador are warning that significant acreages of Ecuadorian rainforest have recently been illegally destroyed for the establishment of palm oil plantations, with a far greater area now under threat. This devastation is driven by the world consumer demand for palm oil, which is usually labelled in food products as 'vegetable oil' or 'vegetable fat'. While 'vegetable oil' indicates one or more of a number of oils, 'vegetable fat' usually signifies the use of palm. Palm is a major oil/fat ingredient in a number of foods including baby formula, biscuits, chips, chocolate, corn chips, gravy mix, ice cream, peanut butter, and taco shells. Emulsifiers 471 and 475, glycerine, lactic acid, and shortening may also be palm oil derivatives. Where there is any doubt, most large companies have freecall 1800 numbers. As well as it being a saturated fat linked to obesity and heart disease, most palm oil is bleached, refined and deodorised and heated to a high temperature. Another major use of palm oil derivatives is in soap. Chemical compounds with 'palm' in their name are common ingredients. the fate of the world's spectacular remaining rainforests may largely be in the hands of the world's consumers, and given this precious responsibility, the least we can do is make informed choices with integrity. Martin Oliver, Click here to comment on this letter.
Refugee challengeFrosty Grego berates Al Andrews for not doing "some research before writing" (Echo, July 19). Pity Frosty didn't follow his own advice. There are 23 million refugees in this world, Frosty your open door policy (or "building bridges" as you call it) would be ecologically, economically and socially unsustainable. In fact Australia is the third most generous of only nine countries that resettle refugees - if it is a global problem as these figures suggest, isn't it time other countries contributed something towards this problem. Frosty goes on to state that the majority of illegal immigrants in Australia are mainly English speaking people who have found jobs here after coming here to visit and decided to stay. Did you make up these figures Frosty? The immigration department estimates 1,100 people have arrived this year on tourist visas and failed to go home, whereas 3,800 have arrived on boats this year, not counting the 4,100 that arrived last financial year nor the latest Christmas Island arrivals. Most arrive without documents or with forged papers making it difficult to verify their stories. Whilst I have sympathy for genuine refugees, many have fled persecution in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, but have lived safely in places like Iran, Syria and Jordan (which diminishes their refugee status). The Department of Immigration suspects some of committing atrocities abroad, some have military training, and who knows what diseases these people have. This is precisely why we need detention centres. These detention centres have air conditioning, libraries, classrooms, Maytag washing machines, TV's, computers, separate, rooms for prayers (one for Sunnis and one for Shiites), fed culturally appropriate meals (like halal) and given free medical and dental care (no waiting lists) and access to legal advice. During the Olympics they were even provided with two large screen TVs valued at $8,000 each (they were later trashed in one of their riots). Doesn't sound too inhumane to me. 80 per cent of illegal immigrants have their refugee applications decided within 15 weeks. If denied, they are free to appeal to the Refugee Review Tribunal, which takes another 15 weeks. If unsuccessful there, they can appeal to the Federal Court, which could take another year, and if they lose there they can appeal to the High Court (which might take a further 2 years). We pay all their legal expenses and each arrival costs over $100 per day, every single day that they are here. During the past 18 months $250 million has been spent upgrading detention centres. As an Australian taxpayer, I'm sick of my taxes going towards these violent demanding groups who destroy the buildings that we provide for them, and they assaulted detention centre workers. I would rather my taxes went towards pensioner, or our public health and education systems which are starved of funds. I'm sure they would appreciate the extra funding. David Estreich, Click here to comment on this letter.
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