Westbury Free Camping
THE decision to once again allow free camping on the Westbury Recreation Ground is a poor one.
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The ground is not just some daggy footy ground on the outskirts of town.
It is a beautiful park in the centre of town. It is a poor economic decision where all the costs are borne by one group and all the benefits flow to another group.
The costs will be borne by the ratepayers and include the $5000 set up costs and ongoing costs of rubbish collection etc.
The main cost I would argue is the indirect cost of the loss of amenity to ratepayers by giving over a third of the park to free; camping. Briefly free camping was allowed in the park, it became full of campers with their clothes lines, satellite dishes etc.
One of the beautiful green vistas of the town was seriously compromised, as was the ability of people to enjoy using the park.
After the council put a stop to it, camping was allowed on the showground. No problem there. Visitors are welcome, but why should I subsidise the lifestyle of grey nomads who are driving around in rigs worth hundreds of thousands?
Local business would argue that they are ratepayers too and by allowing free camping, their profits are enhanced. OK, but don't expect residents to subsidise their profits by giving up part of their beautiful park.
The same residents who provide the bulk of their profits for 12 months of the year.
David Pitman, Westbury.
The Catholic Church
ACCORDING to the teachings of Jesus Christ we are to follow our religion as much as the law of the land allows.
In the son of God's specific example he said that his followers should pay taxes, despite this seeming to conflict with Christianity. By withholding evidence of child abuse in the church, Catholic priests are going against the word of God and the teachings they preach. To protect men and women that rape children. In covering up these atrocities the church is being unchristian.
And going by Dante's Inferno the worst of the worst is heretics that lead others astray.
How against God is it to be a religious leader and lead others astray to cover up the worst of the worst in our society?
Davis Seecamp, Trevallyn.
Local journalism
MONDAY'S editorial (The Examiner, September 16) reminded me of how fortunate we are to have a local regional paper and its importance in voicing our issues.
The piece reflected on the lack of engagement with significant issues by the Prime Minister whilst on his weekend visit to Launceston.
The editorial highlighted the Prime Minister's indulgence in populist activities whilst neglecting discussions of significant local issues such as health and employment.
Poignant journalism of this kind demonstrates the important role of a local newspaper.