Forward Planning
AUSTRALIA has been plagued with bushfires, floods and storms for thousands of years and it is not about to stop.
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With sympathies to all have lost anything in the recent events, it is time we started to look at preventative measures before we start rebuilding. We can't change the weather, even if we are changing the planet's climate. Maybe we have to use a lesson learned in the not too distant past, when rapid expansion into South Australian drylands resulted in the drawing of Goyders Line. Drawn 150 years ago, to show prospective farmers that climate conditions did not support crop farming in areas with less than 250 mm of annual rainfall.
Of course today, with our modern technology, we can bring water from somewhere else to augment what nature provides, or can we, without causing problems elsewhere?
Maybe today we need new lines to show why it is unwise to build too close to trees, coastlines that erode, or rivers that flood.
When I was a local councillor I spent many hours reading the Dorset planning document with its intricate wording and carefully measured controls, for a sensible approach to sustainable development.
What amazed me was the ease with which these closely defined controls could be overridden with a simple declaration of a "relaxation of boundary setback" or worse, a state government decree that all residential houses can be built to a height of 8.5m irrespective of where they are in the state.
Maybe the recent disasters will teach our leaders and planners some truths about how we should manage our existence on this planet, but I wouldn't hold your breath, as this has all happened many times before.
Jeff Jennings, Bridport.
Scott Morrison
AFTER his many blunders and the dramatic plunge in his approval rating, Prime Minister Scott Morison is keen to polish up his image.
There are lots of pots of money available suddenly, never mind that some of it is being counted twice, like the money for mental support that comes out of the overall bushfire support allocation.
There may even be a Royal Commission into the whole disaster.
We all know that they don't come cheap and that the recommendations hardly ever make their way into political reality.
Wouldn't it be easier to go back to the 2008 Garnaut Report that found that under the circumstances of unabated climate change 'fire seasons will start earlier, end later, and generally be more intense'.
Twelve years later and with no action other than having taken resources off fire-fighting, we need a cultural shift rather than lame excuses for doing nothing.
Ute Mueller, Lapoinya.
Peter Gutwein
IF Peter Gutwein becomes our new premier the people of Westbury will get the prison whether they like it or not he don't take no for an answer. Look at all the reports he won't release even when the court orders him to, and he takes no notice. My condolences to the Westbury people. He is the head kicker of the government.
Allan Slater, Ravenswood.
'Unbalanced Perspective'
In response to D O'Donnell's "refreshing perspective" of Westbury (The Examiner, January 12), it's puzzling to understand why you've lived in Westbury for 10 years if you dislike it so much.
There are plenty of people looking to move to Westbury going by the wanted ads we see. Why not move on to a city area where you might have all the facilities you so require and give your home up to someone who appreciates village life?
As for "countless local businesses" having closed down, I'd like to know which ones? The only vacant business premise is the old IGA, which has moved into their new building. There are eight eating establishments plus more than 18 other businesses at Westbury, which is a significant amount for a population of 2000.
Not to mention the beautiful Village Green, the Town Common, three old churches, Steamworld and several shows and festivals held annually.
So why do you and Kerrie Butler (The Examiner, January 8) denigrate a lovely village with all your untruths and misinformation, especially as Kerrie Butler doesn't appear to have explored Westbury at all, just passed through.
WRAP does not bully anyone into joining, it is totally voluntary.
A prison in a small 2000 village community is not real progress, it would be regress for the village.
Sarah Moss, Westbury.
Westbury Prison
WE HAVE been patiently waiting for the people of Westbury and surrounds to stand up and organise a yes rally for this immense project. It is hard to believe that every single business in the village will not profit immensely from this wonderful opportunity, and then we have the flow on effect all of the people involved with the building of the project that will require daily supplies of raw materials also fuel, food and I suppose accommodation while the prison is under construction. Once completed hundreds of jobs will be created to ensure the smooth and secure running of the operation, thus creating once again an ongoing demand.
Almost daily we hear of huge monies being spent in the South. Recently $60 million of taxpayers monies to fund a Hobart based basketball team, and we all know where the future AFL team will be based. People of Westbury, rest assured there is absolutely no chance you will see prisoners on day release playing croquet on the village green. Grasp this once in a lifetime economic bonanza or it will head south - guaranteed.
Mike Trimper, Launceston.
'Unbalanced Perspective'
In response to D O'Donnell's "refreshing perspective" of Westbury (The Examiner, January 12), it's puzzling to understand why you've lived in Westbury for 10 years if you dislike it so much.
There are plenty of people looking to move to Westbury going by the wanted ads we see. Why not move on to a city area where you might have all the facilities you so require and give your home up to someone who appreciates village life?
As for "countless local businesses" having closed down, I'd like to know which ones? The only vacant business premise is the old IGA, which has moved into their new building. There are eight eating establishments plus more than 18 other businesses at Westbury, which is a significant amount for a population of 2000.
Not to mention the beautiful Village Green, the Town Common, three old churches, Steamworld and several shows and festivals held annually.
So why do you and Kerrie Butler (The Examiner, January 8) denigrate a lovely village with all your untruths and misinformation, especially as Kerrie Butler doesn't appear to have explored Westbury at all, just passed through.
WRAP does not bully anyone into joining, it is totally voluntary.
A prison in a small 2000 village community is not real progress, it would be regress for the village.
Sarah Moss, Westbury.
Westbury Prison
WE HAVE been patiently waiting for the people of Westbury and surrounds to stand up and organise a yes rally for this immense project. It is hard to believe that every single business in the village will not profit immensely from this wonderful opportunity, and then we have the flow on effect all of the people involved with the building of the project that will require daily supplies of raw materials also fuel, food and I suppose accommodation while the prison is under construction. Once completed hundreds of jobs will be created to ensure the smooth and secure running of the operation, thus creating once again an ongoing demand.
Almost daily we hear of huge monies being spent in the South. Recently $60 million of taxpayers monies to fund a Hobart based basketball team, and we all know where the future AFL team will be based. People of Westbury, rest assured there is absolutely no chance you will see prisoners on day release playing croquet on the village green. Grasp this once in a lifetime economic bonanza or it will head south - guaranteed.
Mike Trimper, Launceston.