AGAIN, the 21-year attempt to rezone 505 Minmi Road, Fletcher for housing is being appealed ("New twist in Minmi Rd stoush as developer lodges appeal", Newcastle Herald, 13/8).
Now the developer suggests that council officers should have their rezoning assessment powers removed but the councillor's rezoning powers have already been removed which would leave Newcastle with no say in this rezoning proposal.
The latest appeal is about the proximity of the site to the Summerhill waste facilities compared to existing housing, but almost all this now built on land was rezoned over 30 years ago when the regulations to build in such a location were quite lax. This environmental zoned site must be subjected to a far more stringent assessment.
Two wrongs don't make a right, but the developer's latest appeal appears to be an attempt to convince the planning commission it does. This strip of bushland has always been about retaining a biodiversity (wildlife) corridor to the regional park, and protecting it in National Parks, and this remains unchanged.
Brian Purdue, Maryland
Let record speak for itself
THERE has been a pile-on to me over my letter on Kamala Harris (Letters, 12/8). In reply to John Ure (14/8), and then Bruce Gain, Daryl Frost, and Julie Robinson (16/8), thank you for your interest and critical response but what can you say in defence of the lady? What has she ever achieved, in a positive sense, in her career as California Attorney General, US Senator and then Vice-President for the last three and half years? Name one notable thing. Given one important job by President Biden, to fix the southern border problem, the illegal immigration there is now worse than it ever was. She failed to win any primary vote and was unpopular even in her home state. Just having a big smile and a raucous laugh whenever a serious question is posed is hardly qualification for being leader of the free world, I would have thought? Paul Keating once said "if you change the government, you change the country" and I would agree. But if you change the US President, you change the world. This presidential election is an important issue for everyone, including us here in Australia.
Peter Devey, Merewether
All medals are marvellous
STAN Keifer ("Gold rush sells silver and bronze medals short", Letters, 13/8), I think that you are overthinking the medal tally score for the Olympics. Winning a medal of any colour is a magnificent achievement in itself and the tally system does not diminish this in any way. If you talk to any Olympian, the goal is to go for gold. I have never heard anyone say that their highest ambition is to win bronze so that is why the OIC sets the tally this way. Unless of course, you are an American and have more athletes compete than any other country (a lot of team sports) and they like to be at the top so they do total medal numbers.
Susan Ayre, Maryland
Wasting ratepayers' money
I'M appalled at how Newcastle council and the state government continues to waste ratepayers money. They have removed a playground in Foreshore Park and are building a toilet block less than 50 metres from the large existing toilet block. The existing toilet block includes disabled toilets and wash basins, which are well maintained daily.
The new toilet block and kiosk is forecast to cost over $3.4 million. Why not renovate the existing facilities? With the cost of living crisis and many people struggling, this council and the local members are out of touch with the reality and priorities of residents. I'm completely sick of it. And given the track record of council infrastructure projects blowing every budget they forecast, I have no confidence in them anymore.
Jen Robinson, Newcastle
Concerning power over climate
IT is of considerable concern that some large Australian corporations appear to have an undesirable level of involvement concerning the lack of countering human induced climate change in Australia. Examples that readily come to mind are fracking and the burning of fossil fuels to create energy. Both are huge money earners for the large corporations involved and prime causes of human-induced climate change.
It does seem terribly wrong that a few major Australian corporations appear to be so powerful that they can inhibit action to counter human-induced climate change, such action that is so desperately required by the people of Australia.
Brian Measday, Kingswood
Please, losing a game is hardly a 'heartbreak'
I MAY throw up if I have to hear or read about another sports team (Newcastle Knights) or sports person suffering a "heartbreaking" loss. They lose, they go home to hot food and a cosy warm bed. They play again next week. You want heartbreak? Look closer at the next forlorn homeless person you see. Look closer at the stricken faces of the families of fatal road accident victims. That's heartbreak.
Lindsay Young, Waratah
Top work from McCarthy
HOW bad did the Knights need Jackson Hastings on the field to manage the game when the game was in the balance? What a great game from young Kyle McCarthy; a bit of a nervous start, but he had a top game in the end.
Tony Phillip, Kurri Kurri
Dutton is dividing
DURING the referendum on the Voice to Parliament, Peter Dutton accused the prime minister of trying to divide the country, but in reality, I think it was him who was dividing the country, and he still is with his views on refugees from Palestine. His agenda is to keep Australian citizens safe, or so he says. My personal opinion is that he should resign from Parliament and go and hide somewhere.
Darryl Tuckwell, Eleebana
Keep some passion for home
IT continues to amaze me how many commentators treat with more passion the US election than our own federal election which fits into the same timeframe. Maybe the US fruit bat versus the dingbat battle is more entertaining. One thing for sure the road kill at the end of this soap opera will be worth watching.
Grahame Danaher, Coal Point
Time to upgrade the 'shed'
AN excellent opinion article by Bradley Perrett about the "tin shed" ("Newcastle needs more whingeing", Newcastle Herald, 16/8). We attended a concert there in October 2009 by the world renowned Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra. During his commentary between two of the items he said "it was like performing in a Dutch barn!".
Bernie Larkin, Eleebana
Liberal party incompetence
AT present the Liberal party has shown clearly gross incompetence. So we should ask the question. How could we possibly trust them to govern this country at any level?
Colin Rowlatt, Merewether
Bacon after Green vote?
SO Steve Barnett is voting Green at the next election? Pigs might fly straight into his butcher shop I'd say.
