OH the frustration. I really feel for those poor people in Williamtown and surrounding areas affected by the PFAS scandal.
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With governments spruiking about all the money promised to improve roads and hospitals, I don't doubt that these valued necessities do require urgent attention, but how about the government set its priorities and do something to help resolve the Williamtown fiasco first, put it to bed and give these people some closure.
It wasn't their fault but they are being made into the scapegoats. How many millions did this federal government spend on advertising to get re-elected? This money should have been utilised towards compensating those affected.
Follow up on your so-called promises and help the people of the Hunter, those suffering because of the poisoned water and those who can't get water first and foremost, then follow up on all the other promises.
Graeme Kime, Cameron Park
Science isn't opinion
WATCHING Q&A on ABC TV this week was interesting. I do hope that the climate science sceptics who consistently have their opinions published here were also viewing.
I liked one particular comment: There is a huge difference between science and opinion. I also read opinions here about the ABC having a left-wing bias. I know from my readings and analysis that this paper publishes many opinions that are right wing. Maybe I could be bold enough to make the same analogy that this paper is right wing which I know is not correct.
Donald Mennie, The Entrance
Raising climate scientists
ROBIN Hopps uses a quote out of context by renowned climate scientist Stephen Schneider to convince us that global warming is a "fallacy" (Letters, 18/6).
He attempts to portray Schneider as a climate scientist who eventually became a climate change sceptic. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Schneider was a tireless advocate for action on climate change till he died in 2005 and his legacy is ongoing. Schneider's website states: "He saw this website as way to effectively speak to diverse groups who are crucial to countering the misinformation campaigns of special interests and ideologues ... Steve was profoundly dedicated to influencing, impacting, and developing the next generation of climate scientists and policy makers through his teaching and outreach."
I have no doubt that the protesting children have been advised of Schneider's research, particularly his belief that urgent decisions are needed, by their teachers and their parents. That's exactly why they're taking to the streets Robin.
John Arnold, Anna Bay
Please explain
NOW that the science of global warming has been settled perhaps one of the experts will explain exactly how CO2 creates the heat required given: Firstly, CO2 accounts for only 34 of any 100,000 molecules of air and unlikely to be any more abundant given. Secondly, CO2 is gobbled up by anything green on land and sea producing the oxygen we all breathe. Finally, any increase in CO2 only makes those green things grow more quickly.
If every molecule of CO2 was taken out of the air all plant life would die and as a result so would every person on the planet.
As well as describing the mechanism by which a barely detectable amount of CO2 which is kept low by photosynthesis can heat 99.97 per cent of the rest of the atmosphere, the expert should also explain how the various ice ages ended before man and his power stations existed.
Alan Myers, Cessnock
Folau no expert
REGARDLESS of their sporting prowess, even the town drunk is allowed his 15 minutes of fame at their local drinking hole on a Saturday afternoon.
Why the big fuss about Israel Folau addressing 50 people at his father's church? Like my audience on Saturday night they were not chained to their seats and did not have to believe a word either of us said.
I'm positive he does not own one of the newspapers that have given him many pages of expensive coverage this week; he's just a 90 kilogram human that can run and pass a rugby ball.
What gives him any credibility on rocket science, brain surgery or religious beliefs? Save the newspaper space for something meaningful and leave the insightful stuff to the experts at the local bowling club.
John Gregory, Redhead
No cause for alarm
AS expected, a renewable crusader finds fault with my question as to why the Greens didn't take the green option with oxygen farms, by showing faults in existing forest plantation density, locations and financial arrangements.
I would have expected if the Greens were fair dinkum they would have shown where fault lies and how it should be corrected instead of putting all their cards on one solution and blaming one polluter.
To say tree density is a problem in a country already stripped of most of its trees is a bit thin when power stations up the valley that are providing the C02 needed for all plant and animal life are sitting on baron landscapes.
I don't find fault with most renewable products, but suggested a simple way where coal can co exist with minimal damage.
Until man can build machines to produce enough oxygen to sustain our planet, trees are our only solution. The only downside for some is trees need little maintenance; cost far less than renewable substitutes and some climate alarmists may lose their jobs.
I would have thought a lack of oxygen more of a concern than greenhouse gas.
Carl Stevenson, Dora Creek
Pushing the petition
MAY I wish councillor Kevin Baker all the very best with his petition to Lake Macquarie City Council regarding the repainting of "the pink fence" ('$265k to replace pink wall', Newcastle Herald, 18/5).
The Toronto Foreshore Protection Group presented a 5000-plus signature petition to Lake Macquarie City Council earlier this year.
The petitioners were expressing their overwhelming opposition to the council's plan to develop high rise apartments on waterfront land that our community desires to be preserved as public, foreshore, recreational, parkland. (As has been curated at Speers Point and Warners Bay.)
The council has ignored this petition and we have been accused of standing in the way of "progress". If you have any luck persuading council with your petition, please let us know your secret strategy.