BLI BLI ELDERLY
Dear editor,
Considering there are many aged care facilities and retirement villages in Bli Bli, why are the Bli Bli River Markets, including a medical practice, the post office, supermarket and smaller shops, inaccessible by public transport? Unless seniors have private transport, the River Markets are not convenient.
Buses do not drive past these new River Market facilities. The new section, including the doctors’ surgeries, are on a steep slope which is difficult for anyone to access. The elderly with walkers cannot hope to access this new section on foot. The only public transport bus, the 612, travels only along the Nambour-Bli Bli Road from David Low Way past the Castle stop, straight through the round-about, missing the shopping centre and facilities completely. The pathway from the shops to the top road bus access, has been blocked by work on the new tavern.
The elderly have no access to these crucial amenities, apart from by car. Their only public transport option, is to travel by bus into Maroochydore or Nambour for services. The limited Bli Bli road infrastructure along with even more residential developments adding to road congestion, seriously impact upon lifestyle and stress for all residents.
The previous solution to the dilemma, was access by Translink bus 622, which travelled from Maroochydore along David Low Way, to the River Markets, then continued to the Airport, onto Coolum, Peregian Springs along David Low Way and onto Tewantin. This opened the access to River Markets and the Airport, for all Bli Bli residents.
Translink has discontinued this 622 run through Bli Bli. The new Bli Bli Tavern is precariously built on the Nambour-Bli Bli Road/ David Low Way corner, up the hill from the River Markets There are no traffic lights or zebra crossings provided for safe crossing from the one 612 bus. The elderly have been totally forgotten in planning.
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
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GOLDEN GLOW?
Dear editor,
In the glaring light of the Sunshine State, the LNP sitting member for Wide Bay has given his second preference to the UAP. Is he intent on bestowing a warm glow on his constituents? Just asking.
Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
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CORRUPTION
Dear editor,
I was interested in reading Robyn Deane’s letter when she mentioned Transparency International’s downgrading of our Corruption Perception Index. I do not know of TI nor the CPI and why is it that our media, so engaged in “Gotcha” moments, has not investigated and informed us of their existence and hammered the point of the reluctance of the current Federal government to establish the anti-corruption agency they had promised in 2018.
I think we can understand their reasoning and trust that an elected Labor government will “take the bull by the horns” and establish an anti-corruption watchdog, or watchbull, pronto, should they win office.
In my quest to learn more of what I perceive as the corrupt and fraudulent actions of our current PM, I purchased at considerable expense The Jerilderie Letter, an expose of Australia’s corrupt Prime Ministers…both Labor and Liberal. Quite sobering reading and more than a glass or two of the good grape is necessary to calm the reader when digesting much food for thought!
When another acquaintance has finished reading the book I will lend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about past and present occupants of the PM role. I offered donating it to our library, but they have declined. If Robyn Deane would be interested, it won’t be available before May 21, but I would be glad to meet with another female who is open to an exchange of political views if that is the case. Though from reading her letters I think we may agree more than disagree on the state of current affairs!
Linese Norrish,
Coolum Beach.
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LACK OF HOUSING
Dear editor,
The Australian Human Rights Commission has declared that everyone has a fundamental right to adequate housing. Safe, secure housing enables people to live with dignity and enjoy an adequate standard of living.
Sue Ferguson, the Labor candidate for Fairfax commented (Coolum Advertiser May 4) “I have been meeting with many members of the community whose housing situation is precarious. We don’t often consider the plight of people who whilst they have a roof over their heads, are seen to be safe.”
However, many face the unenviable choice of paying the rent or putting food on the table as rents keep rising and wages stagnate.
What about the “invisible people”? Those who don’t even have a roof over their heads and are sleeping rough or those who are “lucky” enough to be able to couch surf at friends while desperately looking for a permanent affordable home?
This is a grim reflection on how we are faring as a supposedly wealthy nation with a supposedly strong economy. The next government must urgently address homelessness and housing affordability. It is a fundamental human right.
Robyn Deane,
Bli Bli.
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| HELPING DV VICTIMS Dear editor, It seems the unprecedented times don’t end – just as we start to recover from one hard-hitting event, another strikes. However, it’s not just the direct economic and physical impacts of fires, floods, and pandemics that communities are left facing but the flow-on effects – one of those sadly being the ‘shadow pandemic’, the increase in family and domestic violence that’s destroying lives. Occasions of family and domestic violence have increased in the past 12 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic on family life. Reportedly one in four women in Australia will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, with family and domestic violence being the largest cause of women and children becoming homeless in Australia. Family and domestic violence can happen to all people from all walks of life. We want to take this moment to remind people that there is hope and help available. The Salvation Army is committed and passionate about meeting people in their time of need. We care deeply for the welfare of Australians and want people to know that they do not have to suffer in silence. The Salvation Army offers a holistic, multi-service approach that includes essentials like food and accommodation, as well as key financial and employment services – and that’s why our Red Shield Appeal is so vital this year. We don’t want anyone to be left in need, trapped or alone, so we’re asking for the support of the Australian community as we launch our Red Shield Appeal to fund crucial services, including our family and domestic violence services. If there is one thing for certain, whether we’re in unprecedented times or not, it’s that Aussies are there for each other in times of need. We’ve seen it time and time again – and we hope this year will be no different. To receive support, volunteer, or donate, visit www.salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Please note: there is a ‘quick exit’ button available for information on our family and domestic violence services. Together, let’s leave no one in need. Major Bruce Harmer, The Salvation Army Australia National Public Relations Secretary. ## |