Yaroomba battle
Dear editor,
As reported in the Advertiser last week the Supreme Court hearing took place on Wednesday … and yes, the Sunshine Coast Council was indeed represented by barristers and solicitors using ratepayer funds to fight their own ratepayers in favour of Sekisui’s high-rise/high-population density development proposal at Yaroomba.
You have to wonder why council hasn’t abided by the precedent it set in April 2015 when it voted 10:1 to adhere to the town plan and not approve high-rise for the area. The decision to go against the purview of its own town plan has resulted in six years of lost opportunity for the area at high cost to the council … and hence, to all Sunshine Coast Council ratepayers. The alternative (high-rise), more akin to a mega city, pursued by the council would stand out like a sore thumb in Yaroomba without any supporting infrastructure.
Richard Payne,
Yaroomba Beach.
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VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
Dear editor,
The kidnap, rape and murder of British young woman, Sarah Everard, by a British policeman, again highlights the ever-present threat of violence towards females in every society.
This reinforces the perceived danger and risk of being female in male-dominated societies. It has again sparked global protests by women who feel unsafe in their third millennial communities. It is a male problem, which needs critical solutions by male leadership.
Women are warned of the dangers of being out at night, drunk and alone, while predators look for opportunities to exploit their vulnerability. This implies it’s her own fault. “Blame the victim” is no defence.
Education empowers females to take personal responsibility for preventive measures in relationship or stranger violence. Preventing opportunistic attacks by minimising risk factors – make women more street-smart. However, it is still a male problem, regardless of their profession or social standing.
How boys are socialised is failing females. Ignorance creates inequity between the sexes. Positive male role models need to address respect and equality issues, beginning from home and school.
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
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POLITICAL GAMES
Dear editor,
Are Team Australia’s proud policy announcements designed to emphasise its throwing and batting skills? Throw money at problems that pop up then continue to bat at them like a game of “Whack A Mole”? How good’s that?
Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
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Dear editor,
It has been a challenging year for many of us, and there’s never been a better time to prioritise our mental and physical health. That’s why I want to encourage people in our community to get moving this March, by taking part in The March Charge and setting themselves a walking, running or moving challenge for the month.
It’s not too late to sign up. You can Charge as an individual or join other Chargers and compete as a team, by setting a kilometre goal and fundraising for Cancer Council. It could be as simple as getting off the bus a couple of stops earlier, or walking for your coffee on a Saturday morning.
Nearly 1,900 Australian cancer cases each year are caused by a lack of exercise and we also know that a third of cancer cases are preventable by living a healthy lifestyle. By taking part in The March Charge, you will not only be supporting thousands diagnosed with cancer each year, but also reducing your own cancer risk by being active and building healthy habits.
Funds raised will support Cancer Council’s lifesaving cancer research, vital information and support services and cancer prevention programs to reduce cancer in the community.
Head online to sign up to Charge at www.themarchcharge.com.au and let’s tell cancer where to go!
Chris McMillan,
CEO Cancer Council Queensland