Trees belong to all
I rang the council when yet another perfectly healthy street tree was being removed and was told that even street trees were able to be removed if the resident was willing to pay for it. So money buys influence. Street trees are the property of the whole rate-paying community, not a cashed up resident who simply doesn't like a tree for whatever reason. A new owner of a property on the waterfront recently dropped a huge swamp mahogany across the reserve without notifying the council. And no consideration for public safety.This tree had a sea eagle nest in it for several years. Apparently a register exists for significant trees in the area and not one example exists on this list. In my street alone, along a 500m length, I can think of six that have disappeared in 10 years. These are habitat trees which the council pretends to protect. It's a disgrace and science is being ignored.
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D. Galvin, Sanctuary Point
Time to crack down
Emergency departments are for emergencies only and not an alternative for a GP visit as is indicated by the many non urgent presentations at emergency.
Drug addicts being denied welfare benefits, a great initiative. When convicted give offenders much longer sentences and demand compulsory attendances at drug and alcohol programs while inside. We all know their drug addiction practically ceases while inside. Offend again when out then a much longer sentence is received .
Finally, Gilmore should evaluate their decision to elect Labor at the last election because having our member in opposition is as handy as an ash tray on a motor bike.
B. Cumberland, North Nowra
Economic fakery
According to intermittent sources, the rules that allow pensioners/retirees on low or zero tax rates to receive franking credit refunds, will cost the feds $6 billion a year; $60 billion over the coming decade.
Why do these Australians receive billions in government support? The reason: these people conform to government investment policies of making money out of thin air.
Our economy is run on a backdrop of investment dividends and a turnover in the sale of houses.
Earning a living is a fantasy. The economy is fake, a giant Ponzi scheme, where companies survive by hundreds, thousands and in some instances millions of investors pouring money into businesses. These enterprises do not have to make or do anything, except pay minimal tax, or declare tax before deductions. We have an economy where corporates are rewarded and the rest of us are abandoned and left behind. The economy is unsustainable. Dividing a nation into "haves" and "have nots" will see a return to poverty not unlike the turn of last century, an era of private railroads and shipping lines and the population divided into first, second and maybe third class.
J. Macleod, Berry
Swift exit understandable
So Taylor Swift has pulled out of her appearance at the Melbourne Cup. I hope her fans get refunds. For anyone else thinking of going, there really is no point now, unless you like watching horses whipped and made to run so fast they are regularly left with bleeding in the lungs or broken bones.
Most horses are raced as two and three-year-olds, although some will race as young as one year and nine months, despite the fact they are still physically immature and prone to injury. Many horses disappear altogether from racing early in their career as injuries render them worthless. Some will have their injuries masked by drugs that enable the horse to keep racing, until the injuries worsen and the horse breaks down and is sent to slaughter.
Help phase out this exploitative "sport" by refusing to patronise existing tracks, lobbying against the construction of new tracks and educating your friends and family about the tragic lives that racehorses lead.
