MY wife's mother had a wonderful home on The Boulevarde at Hawks Nest (Jimmys beach) from the mid 1980s for approximately 35 years.
Near the start of The Boulevarde it was an absolutely beautiful place to be. There was not much view to the beach, across from the roadway as there were many metres of native bush land with trees and shrubs of all heights. Beyond that there were many more metres of sand dunes before you got to the waters of Jimmys beach. Under the water it was an untouched natural aquarium. There were diamond pythons, goannas, bandicoots etc in the bush and koalas in the reserve behind the house. Only a two-storey house had glimpses across to Nelson Bay.
All the houses were somewhat protected from the southerlies by this natural barrier, and only severe east coast lows would blow sand all over Winda Woppa. Every year we would notice that trees and shrubs were being removed by other residents and new unofficial paths made through the bush to access the beach. The daytrippers would park on the beach side of the road against the rules and continuously damage the bush with their cars. It was becoming clear to us that the writing was on the wall for this place as every year it became harder and harder to enjoy due to the selfishness of people who had given the ocean the strong hold that it has now.
In the early 2000s the council started pumping sand all over what was left of the bush barrier, I believe smothering it including all the sea life and creating a submerged desert. In my opinion this was the kiss of death for Winda Woppa.
My mother-in-law sold up in 2018. It was too upsetting to see the demise of this wonderful natural asset that we had. I believe only a large concrete sea wall similar to Collaroy beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches will stop Winda Woppa from becoming an island. Stop wasting money on the inevitable.
Wal Buhlmann, Garden Suburb
Schools deserve green space
IT has been said that the only people who don't want a new basketball stadium in New Lambton are local residents who are worried about the parking. This is not true.
My children attend New Lambton Public School where there is zero grass. The school has done its best with fake grass and trips to the local park. I don't want this to be my kids' high school experience, along with the corresponding broken bones, grazes and balls to the head because there isn't enough green space for the kids.
Some may say that this is what inner city schools are like. However you cannot tell me that there isn't an inner city school that wouldn't jump at the chance to add green space to their campus. Why take it away? Once it's gone, it's gone forever.
Belinda van Zyl, New Lambton
Campaign comments a shock
A RECENT NBN interview was a 'what the?' moment for me in the run-up to this September's local government elections. Lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said about her competitors: "A kind of like, a mix between, um-even Biden and Trump, like you know: in their 70s, very wealthy and conservative and think they know what Newcastle needs".
Really, Lord Mayor Nelmes? Dr Ross Kerridge's dignified response speaks volumes: "Look this is silly, this is bizarre, the people of Newcastle deserve better".
I agree with Dr Kerridge. The people of Newcastle do deserve better. Nelmes' reference to American politics is curious on several levels as well as ageist in my opinion. Sadly it seems to be par for the course.
Why would anyone put their hand up to run for local government and engage with this level of behaviour? In the NBN News interview, Cr Nelmes continues - with absolute incredible self-belief: "What Newcastle needs, is what we have right now".
With general manager Jeremy Bath on extended leave, I'm reminded of a quote from Sun Tzu's book Art of War: "in the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."
I wish Dr Kerridge well in September and hope he can bring civility and respect if he wins the role of mayor. It will certainly be 'a long row to hoe' for team Kerridge.
Mark Sampson, Cooks Hill
Rise to the renewables challenge
THE Investor Group for Climate Change warns in Mathew Kelly's article ("Investors keen on transition", Newcastle Herald, 10/8) that policy uncertainty is deterring renewables investment in the Hunter region. Despite community and investor readiness, energy policy instability and political obstacles hinder progress. Billions of dollars in investment and new employment opportunities are at stake.
The NSW Labor government needs to show enthusiasm for the renewables transition, considering investor, community, and employment interests. Renewables are crucial for reducing harmful emissions, and urgency grows daily.
Labor must rise to the challenge and embrace the future. The Hunter community especially, already having some clean tech, desires a large renewables industry. Substantial employment opportunities await. It's time for the government to act, providing a clear path for investment and a unified transition plan.
Anne Ammann, Nords Wharf
Positive vices on skate bowl appreciated
THANK you Andrew Whitbread-Brown ("Skate bowl sniping isn't needed", Letters, 13/8) for having a positive comment about a new facility, rather than the sea of negativity that plagues editorials and socials.
Andy Ward, Newcastle
Problems are exception
I WAS utterly disgusted upon reading about the actions of the Toby family ("Club staffer punched 10 times when family catch-up turned wild", Newcastle Herald, 8/7). The fact remains, however, that the vast majority of people who frequent licensed premises can and do conduct themselves in a proper manner. I still wholeheartedly believe that Newcastle doesn't have an alcohol problem, it has individual problems.
Adz Carter, Newcastle
Opinions on ABC
I AM confused. Is Jenna Price who criticised the chairman of the ABC for saying that the organisation should prioritise hard news over lifestyle related to the Jenna Price who in an article (in another paper) criticised the cancellation of The Drum (to which she was a contributor) because it did not connect with a large enough audience including, among other things, social media.
Jim Bell, Mayfield
Heroes on the sporting field?
BRUCE Cook ("Rugby league too big for its boots", Letters, 13/8), I agree the word, superstar, is way too often overused, as is the word hero when talking about sports persons. You ask why our taxes fund a PNG NRL team. It's simple, our government is trying to combat the billions China (the dictatorship very few dare criticise) is spending trying to buy influence in our neighbouring countries. Rugby League in PNG is as popular as cricket is in India.
Dave McTaggart, Edgeworth
What a surprise
THE last sentence in Mac Maguire's letter ("'No' is too easy an answer", Letters, 8/8) reads: "On Mr. Dutton for PM, it's a no from me". Good heavens, what a surprise!
