FLIGHT PATHS
Dear editor,
As a resident living directly under the new Sunshine Coast Airport flight path on the Marcoola end of the new runway, I feel I must comment on ‘Community update flight path forum’ published in the May 13-19 edition of the Advertiser. “Complaints of aircraft noise and the visual impacts of aircraft flying at low altitudes over homes,” – is truly clutching at straws.
I was compelled to visit the flight path forum web page and read all their concerns about consultation, numbers of aircraft movements per day, noise, and even trying to throw in a safety spin on things. However, people need to realise the airport corporation will do what they see best for both the airport and Sunshine Coast economy. The ludicrous notion of going back to, or incorporating the old runway is just that.
People seem to have very short memories. Was it really that long ago that countless people were baying at our Premier to remove ‘crippling border closures’? Having returned to some kind of normal, still people complain. Do they understand the fact that all these aircraft are the lifeline the Sunshine Coast so desperately needed? For every one of these big planes that goes over my house, I am not so selfish to understand that these planes are carrying air and cabin crew – whose careers were nearly lost like international crews, airport ground staff, taxi/hire car and other road transport, loved ones to be re-united with families, FIFO workers finally able to return to jobs, business people, sports people, musicians, but very importantly, tourists have returned to re-ignite our terrific tourism industry which was on its knees, along with so many others. Time to look at the bigger picture and stop complaining.
D. Roberts,
Marcoola.
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GREETINGS
Dear editor,
Is it just me, or is anyone else not enthused with the adaptation of what is surely an American influence, which is the programming of cashiers and other in-store service providers when they ask each customer presenting at the checkout “how are you today?” I am sure some people actually tell them and I feel sorry for any of those employees subjected to an inventory of health problems. Whenever not in my usual peak condition, my response is to say, “you don’t want to know!”
This condition came to mind after a brief encounter last week at our local Coles supermarket, when the cashier asked the usual question, I whipped off the washer covering my swollen lips and chin (thanks to an outbreak of my very own virus…Herpes Simplex) and said “guess!”. She was suitably mortified but the programming continued when she wished me to “have a good day”. My apologies dear lady but I did snap, “You must be joking!”.
It is a sad reflection on society that these people are programmed and can’t adapt to the human condition…not that I expect them to emphasise when confronted by a customer having “a bad hair day” but it would be preferable if they would just give the old fashioned “good morning/afternoon” and leave it at that!
Linese Norrish,
Coolum Beach.
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homelessness
Dear editor,
In Labor’s budget, Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese’s commitment to 20 000 new social housing constructions, is hugely insufficient to address the 400 000 social housing shortfall. With a historical pandemic budget deficit, where are the funds?
In our first world nation, one per cent of the population owns ninety per cent of wealth. The imbalance between rich and poor is exacerbated by the great wealth divide. A land of opportunity for some, who can access education and resources and prosper, does not apply to those living below the poverty line. It was Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke who boasted no Australian child will live in poverty by 1990. Yet here we are in 2021, with three million children living in poverty – in cars, on the streets, “couch surfing” or in “care”. Our homeless epidemic is a bridge too far, beyond the pale.
Poverty is not a career choice. Its victims are a result of internal and external forces impacting social and economic outcomes. Beyond the control of governments are family breakdown, critical unemployment and “demand” exceeding supply. Well meaning politicians are inept and condemned for their inadequacy to resolve insolvable historical inequality. Demographics most at risk are our three million children, indigenous and refugee residents.
The Great Divide, conquered in 1813 by Lawson, Blaxland and Wentworth, led to Australia’s pre-Federation wealth. This great divide analogy challenges our nation. Money alone isn’t enough to restore dignity and equality. This shameful national “homelessness” crisis is out of our depth and beyond the budget. It lacks commitment, sincerity and will.
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
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PET Ownership
Dear editor,
As a frequent visitor to Coolum and Noosa regions, the high number of dog owners who allow their dogs to sit on chairs in cafes and public seats is not only very unhygienic, but also very annoying. Our family has owned various dogs over the past fifty years and we love dogs, however those non- thinking owners who let their pets sit on public seats and even worse, feed them off the tables is absolutely disgusting.
Ken Germaine,
Coolum Beach.
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