NUCLEAR MATHS
Dear editor,
Did the Federal Opposition’s policy say that nuclear power will triple in Australia? If nuclear power at present is zero, then how will they explain this mathematical conundrum of three times zero equals……? Just asking for the mathematicians.
Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
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PRICE OF LAND
Dear editor,
It’s good to see that common sense has finally prevailed and 120 hectares of flood-affected, rural-zoned, ex-cane land outside the Planning Scheme development footprint will no longer be touted for urban development under the guise of a “wave park” and resort (Advertiser 14 December 2023). The land was purchased via government funds led by Sunshine Coast Council, for $6million, to add to the Blue Heart conservation precinct. That’s $50,000 per hectare.
Yet recently it was also reported via other local media, that Sunshine Coast Council purchased a 14-hectare rural parcel of native bushland, habitat for Koalas, Glossy Black Cockatoos and Richmond Birdwing Butterflies, to add to the East Mount Mellum Nature Refuge, for $330,000. That’s about $23,500 per hectare.
How is it that clapped-out, underdeveloped cane land in a non-urban area that has to be “rejuvenated”, worth over twice as much as good quality conservation land close to Beerwah?
Just asking for Margaret’s friends!
Estelle Blair,
Yaroomba.
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CHARITY THEFT
Dear editor,
Charities are crying out for volunteers and donations, at a time when the cost of living and threat of a recession impacts households, families, and individuals. Everyone is under stress, finding survival a challenge, even for the most fiscally intelligent. Charity stores depend on volunteer labour, with donations recycled to provide low-priced goods to sell, to help the homeless, the Australian poor, low-income families, and children at risk in developing countries. Charity stores rely on customer honesty, integrity, and generosity for survival.
But when charities, depending on volunteer labour, suffer loss through theft, it is an indictment upon those who feel the need to exploit the lack of supervision and dependence upon the honesty of clients. Taking advantage of stores lacking sufficient staff to monitor change rooms and checking bags brought into the store, provides more opportunities for theft. Clothing change rooms are areas where shop items can easily be exchanged, replacing with one’s old clothes on hangers undetected. Sliding into shop shoes, leaving old pairs of shoes in place, is often the modus operandi of thieves. Expensive items in packages or boxes are often removed, leaving the empty packages and boxes in place, without challenge, with a loss of income for charities depending on financial support.
Those with extra time to volunteer for work with charities, find it a satisfying experience, giving back to our communities and assisting the world’s poorest people in developing nations. But the prevalence of theft from businesses and in our communities, be it stealing cars, technical equipment from big stores, groceries from supermarkets and donated items from charity shops, displays a deficit of morals and conscience in our society and culture. It is an indictment upon the whole nation when we have such low-lifes, thoughtlessly stealing from those committed to making a difference in a selfish world.
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
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DIV 8 CANDIDATE
Dear editor,
I recently had a lovely young man drop by the house informing me he was running as a candidate for Division 8.
He immediately impressed me with his candour, diplomacy, and good manners, and just the fact that he was walking around on a hot day meeting locals.
I then realised I knew this young man – Taylor Bunnag, from the surf! Being a long-time Coolum surfer myself, I have seen Taylor and his dad surfing over the years.
His dad is a decent, top bloke and Taylor has the same qualities – respectful in and out of the water.
I haven’t seen them for a while and Taylor told me he had been busy studying for his degree.
I am just so happy he is running for local council. We need more people in council who have seen the area develop and who understand the needs of locals, and yet who comprehend all the new technologies coming through. We need young, fresh people to negotiate the coming technological shifts!
I just felt compelled to write to the paper because it’s always a hit-and-miss come election time.
It’s just great to know a really good human I can vote for.
Lizette Morrison,
Coolum Beach.
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