Poor planning ruined lake
The Lake Conjola debacle is indeed one caused by self-interested human activity and poor community and regulatory planning and decision making. Short term decisions have long term consequences, some of which are now evident. The very fact that many dwellings were allowed in the past to be constructed in low lying flood prone areas of Conjola is testament to this fact. Unfortunately, this short term vision seems to be continuing with the calls by some groups for a permanent opening of the Lake to the sea waters. A review of the Australian Government funded CoastAdapt findings would indicate that the Conjola community would perhaps do better to agitate for a permanent sea water barrier to keep the sea water out, as it is now clear that large parts of the current low lying inhabited areas will be impacted by sea water at high tides in the decades ahead. Storm surge and related actions will worsen these impacts. (CoastAdapt contains information and guidance to help people from all walks of life understand climate change and the responses available to manage the impacts). Their specific projections for Conjola can be found at https://coastadapt.com.au/about-coastadapt
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Barry Tomkinson, Little Forest
I will back Sudmalis
If the Liberal Party sees fit to endorse Ann Sudmalis I, for one, will be out their campaigning for her. Ann has been diligent in undertaking her duties as the Member for Gilmore over the past six years. While I concede this election given national trends will be hard to retain Ann Sudmalis remains the Liberals best chance.
The party has selected a strong senate candidate with Hollie Hughes leading the ticket. Gilmore needs to provide for the best candidate for the national interest over self and local interest.
Good riddance to those who may exit the party. I am sure with these people gone the party will see a prosperous time of increased membership with many flocking back to the cause.
J. Willmott, Ulladulla
Go for the top of the tree
Labor candidate Fiona Phillips has fired the first salvo in the election campaign.
The opening of her campaign office and the attendance of the Shadow Treasurer flanked by a small army of red shirt supporters has set the scene for an intriguing battle.
Sadly her comments about taxation in a letter to the editor requires this critique.
When likening the current taxation system to a tree then her comments on franking credits, negative gearing and superannuation, all targets for Labor if they get elected, is simply the taking of the lowest hanging fruit – easy to reach and those affected have little political clout to respond.
If Labor was fair dinkum about tax reform they would concentrate on corporate tax minimisation, over-generous union concessions and the really big one – family trusts.
So, what’s it to be, Mrs Phillips?
Pick the lowest hanging fruit or get a ladder and pick fruit at the top of the tree in an effort to share the load?
B. Cumberland, North Nowra
NOT FAIR THAT KIDS PAY
As a self-funded retiree I have taken a close interest in the dividend imputation debate. It is clear if Labor wins government and removes the refundable franking credits I will have less income. Like many baby boomers my share investments pay for my comfortable lifestyle. Unlike Mr Kolomeitz, however, I will happy to forgo franking credit income. That is because I am not comfortable asking my kids to pay for the infrastructure, security, health care and government services I enjoy. I own shares in big Australian companies. They pay tax to the government. The government gives that tax to me. I do not pay tax on my super. Therefore the government forgoes tax on company profits. Who pays for all the services I enjoy? My kids. That does not seem fair.
C. Lonergan, Lake Tabourie
