Bottle the rates genie
What world do our local councillors and senior council employees live in?
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The intention of council to submit an application to IPART for a massive increase in rates beggars belief. The advice to the councillors from senior management as to the present financial position must be questioned.
The award conditions under which senior council staff operate bears little resemblance to the conditions of the private sector. It would appear they are secure in their ivory towers while playing Monopoly with decisions that impact upon many less fortunate mortals.
When extra funding is required to fund services very little consideration is given to reducing expenditure but simply to hike up rates to meet the shortfall.
Shame on on the current councillors for not challenging the advice before meekly accepting same.
When was the last time any staff member had a reduction in their entitlements? They are so readily keen to participate in the action of reducing the living entitlements of so many ratepayers via excessive rate rises.
My request is that all of you should walk a bit in the shoes of those you affect with your unrealistic expectations of the level of suffering that can be absorbed by the less fortunate in the community.
I suggest you put the rate genie back in the bottle and start again.
B. Cumberland, North Nowra
Books and coffee delight
Thumbs up for the great coffee shop in the library foyer. It gives readers a great experience and coffee drinkers a great reading experience.
R.Carter, North Nowra
Core responsibility
As a ratepayer and as one who was forced to the installation of the pump out system some 18 years ago to replace a working absorption system, I find that for the council to try and abrogate its core service in providing a pump out service is reprehensible. Councils have few core service obligations but sewage and waste are two of them. They are core obligations that cannot be avoided. This essential service must be continued by the council as individual residents will not be in a position to have any leverage with a contractor for the cost of the pump out.
D. Franke, Bawley Point
Burning issue
The death from heat exhaustion of police dog Waco, who collapsed in Queensland while tracking a car thief, is a tragic reminder that the continuing heat wave can easily be lethal. Last year was the hottest year on record, and temperatures have soared again.
We all know not to leave dogs or children locked in cars, but this incident shows there are plenty of other deadly hazards to avoid. PETA suggests you do the following:
Keep animals indoors, with fans and/or air conditioning running. If animals must be left outside, ensure they have plenty of water in a tip-proof bucket and shade all day.
Don't take dogs jogging in hot weather. Walk dogs early in the morning or late at night, rest often and take plenty of water. Test pavement with your hand first.
Never leave animals in a parked car. On a 30-degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 54 degrees in just minutes. Animals can die of heatstroke – even if a car is parked in the shade and its windows are partially open.
Check on neighbours' animals. Make sure they have adequate water and shelter.
If you see a dog showing any symptoms of heatstroke – including restlessness, heavy panting, vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite or coordination – get the animal into the shade immediately. You can lower a dog's body temperature by providing the dog with water, by applying a cold towel to the dog's head and chest or by immersing the dog in tepid (not ice-cold) water. Then immediately call a veterinarian – every second counts.