Health cuts spin
What next, bring your own toilet paper? Really, Mr Hamer, I think you can do better than cut toothpaste, toothbrushes and shampoo from the budget. How about looking at administration costs before attacking supplies to patients. Too much spin in the excuses.
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P. David, Greenwell Point
Keep staffing levels up
It would appear Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has earned much praise for her stance on the closure of the mental health unit over the Xmas period.
Not so much praise for the non efforts of the Member for South Coast, Shelley Hancock, the Shoalhaven Mayor, Chamber of Commerce, Emergency Services and Tourism NSW.
Given the large increase of tourist visitations to the Shoalhaven during this time, it would be of the highest priority for all front line services to be fully manned during this time of need.
It would be hypocritical to enjoy the financial benefits of increased visitor numbers while undermanning vital essential services. The maximum staffing level should be the minimum level available.
We all ask that all relevant stakeholders named, combine and present a united request to government for the increase in the provision of all front line services in the Shoalhaven over the Christmas period as a matter of urgency.
B. Cumberland, North Nowra
Stop clear-felling
Consideration should be given by council to planning proposals for new housing estates as to what kind of community we are hoping for in the future. I refer to new housing estates which at the moment consist of clear felling the area and allowing the building of low density housing, with new roads too narrow for two vehicles to pass. After the new estate has been approved, development applications sometimes appear for medium density housing. I oppose such applications where there has been no allowance for the required infrastructure such as wider roads and parking.
In Sanctuary Point where I live on a new estate it is disheartening to see a virtual sea of Colorbond roofs and hardly any trees. In the warmer months the streets are littered with boats, trailers and caravans and while most low density properties have the space to accommodate such traffic it is difficult to see how medium density housing could.
An attempt must be made to prevent wholesale clear-felling and if deemed necessary, the developer should make a genuine effort to replace what is gone. The so called 45-degree Rule must be reviewed as far too often we have seen it as an excuse for clear-felling.
Council should bear in mind that we want to build happy communities not housing estates with no trees, amenities or infrastructure.
D. Shapira, Sanctuary Point
Quoll dividends
Great to see this project covered by the Register. The total number of 51 individuals identified is an increase on the number reported last year. I understand that they can identify individuals from the distinct pattern of spots on their coats. Great this this area has a good population of these endangered predators. It encourages me to continue being involved in fox baiting and trapping.
G. Thompson, Berry
Kept in the dark
New York Times columnist, David Leonhardt in his post, October 7, had this revelation about wealthy Americans: "Last year, for the first time on record, the 400 wealthiest American households paid a lower total tax rate than any other income group."
Who knows, we may have a worse situation in Australia; government censorship will prevent us from learning the true facts-we will be kept in the dark.