An opportunity for Labor
Is there any chance the Kiama to Bomaderry rail line might be electrified instead of scrapped?
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As the deadline looms for its decommissioning, it is prudent to evaluate the far-reaching implications of such an egregious act.
Every day of the year hundreds of people linkup with southbound coaches at the Stewart Place bus terminus, Nowra, for destinations as far south as Eden.
Each person knows their departure depends on the precision timetable of the diesel service from Kiama, which is rarely late.
Altered train timetables in Sydney are presently proving a headache for the State Member for Bega and NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance. Thus, the Liberal Members of Parliament for Kiama, the South Coast and Bega, scrap the Kiama to Bomaderry rail service at their peril.
Every coach and rail user held up because a bus is caught in a traffic snarl, north of Nowra, might seriously consider whether to vote for this troika next year. The Opposition Labor Party has a real chance to show its mettle by pledging to electrify the service. Worth a thought?
H. Johnston, Cudmirrah
Time for change
Many people don’t appear to understand that Australia Day has evolved from one of acknowledging the historical events of January 26, 1788 to one of celebrating our Australianism (if that’s a word), whether we are First Nation People or the descendants of migrants from across the world that make up the multicultural nature of our nation.
Australia Day is a day we celebrate our achievements as a nation and recognise individuals and organisations that have made a positive contribution to their communities. Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders should be able to fully participate in Australia Day. This is not possible while the 26 January is the designated day to celebrate.
We cannot just ignore the wishes of the people who have occupied the country for over 65,000 years. How can they, as the original custodians of this country, fully embrace and enjoy Australia Day on a day they were dispossessed of their land and their culture torn apart. It’s Time for Change.
K. Bone, Conjola Park
Praiseworthy care
We hear of many horror stories about aged care and it is with trepidation that we entrust our loved ones to care when the time comes.
I wish to share my experiences of the professional love and care that was given to me and my husband, Keith, during his 18 months at Sarah Claydon Nursing Home. I have only the highest praise for this facility, where we were treated with dignity and respect, and any of my requests were listened to and followed through in a professional manner.
I have a nursing background so was able to observe the care given to Keith. It is a very demanding role – nursing the elderly – and I was inspired by the dedication and humanity of the nurses.
Catherine Stevens, Narrawallee
Up in arms over arms
I am very concerned about this news that Australia is to become a multi-billion dollar arms exporter.Who are they going to sell arms to? Apparently one of the countries is Saudi Arabia, a totalitarian country run by Islamic fundamentalists but now a newfound "ally" in the "war on terror", But the Saudis are committing atrocities against the people of Yemen. So are Australian arms going to be used to kill civilians in Yemen and other places?
Apparently the government intends to subsidise the industry by issuing contracts to them - so we close down the car industry by pulling out subsidies and start up an arms industry with subsidies instead.