Celebrations For Our Farmers
On a sombre note, the passing within a week of three lifelong locals, John Lean, Ivan Rose, and col McLellen. Life is not eternal but that doesn’t reduce the sadness. The history and local knowledge is irreplaceable, plus the contribution this generation leaves behind, that provide so much, for so many, often accepted these days as their god given right.
Claimed the standard of living currently the lowest for 60 years, yet last year the new cars sold in Australia a historic high little wonder plus all that other rubbish now regarded as (must have) is given priority before the basics such as food on the table. Recalling the fifties and sixties when priority was given to respect and appreciation, that roast chook and plum pudding on Christmas day. Welfare a pittance and that community where no one was moaning and grumbling (help me help me), just working hard for a roof over their heads and enough tucker in the cupboard for that rainy day. Always a neighbour to toss in if in need, and the freedom we enjoyed compared to the current mad mad world.
A recent letter from just another, spruiking their academic qualifications in support of the G.K.N.P., with little grass roots knowledge. But when, if gazetted at a huge economic and social loss to claim a huge economic boom for our part of the world is just staggering, (dream time stuff). Imagine having picked it up via the media overseas, at a huge cost flying over, walk up into this magnificent forest to witness all those koalas hanging from the treetops to realise they have been conned. The stinging trees, ticks,spiders, snakes and prickly vines, not for the faint hearted, and not see one of our furry mates. Due to reafforestation from once cleared farmland the increase in so called koala habitat is increasing at an alarming rate in our region, plus the long-held demand that plantations replace native forest logging, now classified as koala habitat and a no go for those horrible loggers.
Also, must again seek an update from Council regards the Connell Park sports field. If there has been a blunder, someone should be held to account.
But finally, some fantastic news for our farmers, with unions, and (surprise surprise ) a large percentage of our work force plugging for a four-day working week. Imagine come Monday morning those dairy cows fronting up after a three-day reprieve, those huge udders with milk squirting all over the place. For all my cocky mates enjoy those extra three days of leisure.
Darcey Browning
When Was America Great?
I tend to agree with President Trump we need to “make America Great Again”.
The question is now “when was it GREAT?”
Was it when USA ran away from its allies in Afghanistan and left the country to the Taliban using American weapons to remove its opposition?
Remember the support the USA providing to Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge in the genocide and the systematic persecution and killing of Cambodian citizens? Not something a Great Nation does.
And then we have Vietnam: War crimes, genocide, persecution, the blanket bombing of cities, chemical warfare using Agent Orange, Napalm. Etc. The list goes on. Great?
Korea is another example of USA’s Greatness! Leaving behind a split nation and thousands of illegitimate children fathered by USA soldiers.
USA might be able to justify the atom bomb dropped on civilians in Hiroshima. But in my opinion, knowing the effect of the bomb it was a war-crime to drop the second bomb on Nagasaki killing a further thousands of civilians.
The USA was heavily involved is the Slave Trade, badly treating the many Africans kidnaped and forced to work in America cotton fields, etc. Not a thing a Great Nation does.
Surrounded by friendly nations such as PNG, New Zealand, Indonesia and the many Pacific Island nations, Australia has nothing to fear but fear itself. We have great economic relationships with India, China, Vietnam and Japan.
Australia would be better served by moving away from military alliances with USA and England which in the past has cost us dearly.
Leif Lemke
Darkwood Rd. Thora
SISTER CITY FOR BELLINGEN
The Coffs Harbour Mayor proudly proclaims that we have a sister city called Sasebo in Japan, and she is currently hosting visitors from Sasebo.
However, I don’t know if your readers are aware, Bellingen too has a sister city, aptly named Bellingen, in Germany! Therefore, next time you visit Europe, you might like to take a side trip and say Hi to the friendly Buergers in Bellingen.
If you remember the wonderful movie European Vacation, you too could have an experience similar to Chevy Chase!
Z.KOENIGSEDER
Misleading Vaccine Circular Targets Mailboxes
Readers may have found the same circular in their mailbox that was left in mine in recent days.
Headed in bold capitals ‘Urgent New Government Covid Vaccine Information’, it goes on … ‘It is now not recommended to vaccinate your children with the covid vaccine’.
A half-truth would be the kindest way to describe this; disinformation would be another. This is because the Department of Health and Aged Care makes it clear that this advice applies to normally healthy children. Those aged 6 months to less than 17 years with medical conditions that may increase their risk of severe disease or death from covid should still be vaccinated, the health department advises.
Among those medical conditions are congenitall heart disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis, leukemia, diabetes, obesity, and several others. For such children, catching covid can have very serious consequences––go to the website immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au for full details.
Before urging people to contact their doctor, pharmacist or councillor for the answers, the circular asks why it’s not safe for 17 year olds to have the vaccine, but it is safe for 18 year olds. It’s because when you become 18 you are deemed to be an adult and therefore capable of making knowledgeable and considered decisions. It’s a good idea when such decisions are based on the best impartial expert advice, rather than the sort of biased oversimplification contained in this circular, which, of course, does not carry the name of those pushing it through your mailbox.
Neil Thomson
Housing Group Defends Land Trust Plan
Peter Dingle (Letters July 3rd) describes the actions of Waterfall Way CLT in relation to Council owned land on Ferry St, Urunga, as “arrogant and high-handed in the extreme”, and elsewhere has claimed that the block is to be cleared in “an act of vandalism”.
The Waterfall Way Community Land Trust is a not-for-profit company established by the Housing Matters Action Group. Our purpose is simple: to ensure homes remain affordable for locals forever. This is premised on the belief that local solutions are best suited to address local issues and to allow essential workers to remain in the area. In the UK, USA and elsewhere, CLTs have shown that they can help priced-out locals purchase a stake in their community.
This model requires land to be available at low or no cost. Last year WWCLT audited government and not-for-profit land in the Shire. The Ferry Street site emerged as a suitable option that is Council-owned and close to town. We asked Council to consider transferring it for a small affordable housing project.
Any decision by Council to transfer the land will likely be subject to public consultation. We don’t yet have a masterplan or draft development proposal specifying the number and layout of dwellings. Any future Development Application will be subject to the normal process of public exhibition, planning and environmental approvals. Claims made in recent notices and letters concerning destruction of environmental values are premature and exaggerated.
Understanding that some near neighbours have concerns, we commissioned a preliminary environmental assessment to identify risks and possible options. If the site is transferred, we will ensure homes are delivered while protecting and, where possible, improving environmental outcomes.
More than 150 local residents attended three public meetings in June, including in Urunga, CLT progress to date was outlined, and Registrations of Interest from prospective residents were invited. We remain committed to open communication as more information becomes available. You can contact us at clt@housingmatters.org.au or visit the WWCLT page at www.housingmatters.org.au. Dr Michael Darcy