Newcastle Herald Letters to the Editor: Wednesday, October 2, 2019

They continually abuse the system, splurge on any and everything that gives them Brownie points, but totally ignore those who need the hard-earned cash far more than overseas governments.

Charity begins at home; they should know that we, the average Australian, have just about had enough.

It is time to look after our farmers, look after the pensioners who, after all, have already paid their dues and made this country as great as it is, with hard work, blood, sweat and tears, who sit back and only want enough to get by on.

We don't want charity; we only want what we are entitled to. Stop the rorts; stop the splurge on overseas aid and programs. Pollies, start looking after those who put you there, put your egos away and do the right thing.

Dennis Crampton, Redhead

Small refreshing change

JADED voters must be surprised by cuts to cancer treatment costs.

While Australians struggle with rent costs, power prices, casualisation of employment and low wages, this single gesture must be seen as a small one. Mr Morrison usually talks about economic headwinds, trade wars and all the excuses for poor economic management.

They talk about savings but voters know this means cuts to services and infrastructure. This medicine cost benefit is a splash in the ocean for Australia but at least it's something positive.

John Butler, Windella Downs

From little things

I READ with interest Ian Kirkwood's excellent article, 'Cheers, tears and fears as era ends,' (Newcastle Herald, 28/9) on the closure of BHP and wish to augment his record on federal government assistance. I believe the article leaves the impression that most forms of government help were not very effective but it did not mention the highly-successful Newcastle Structural Adjustment Fund (1999).

When BHP closed, the Howard government provided $13 million under this fund for small infrastructure projects in the Hunter, aimed at the generation of new jobs in associated businesses. I oversaw the distribution of this fund on behalf of the minister.

The 12 projects across the Lower Hunter included: airport funding for the extension of the aircraft tarmac, the Thornton truck hub, Lake Macquarie cycleway, the Hunter water pipeline to the vineyards, the Stuart Piano relocation, and the initial works for the Newcastle Yacht Marina.

This last project was the hardest one to get approved. But in a great example of Newcastle civic cooperation, support letters were provided by the lord mayor, Chamber of Commerce, the trade unions and the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle.

Then the project received the green light, with the minister saying, "If God is on our side, what could possibly go wrong?" Today, the 200 berth marina is the centrepiece of a renewed Wickham, which is fast becoming the new Newcastle epicentre.

From a small amount of government funding, correctly targeted, big things can happen.

John Tierney AM, Newcastle based federal senator (1991-2005), Newcastle East

Vicious protectors

I WAS stunned by the vitriolic abuse being hurled at a young woman who was distressed that world leaders were putting her generation's future at risk by ignoring scientific evidence.

Was there still an archaic but genuine feeling that a person of such tender years could not have the wit and the wisdom to challenge the action of society's generally old white male elders?

I searched for a precedent. When had a young woman previously laid down such a challenge to her male dominated society's views?

Well not too long ago a young girl, Malala Youfaszi, demanded a right to education, a direct challenge the leaders in her country. Did Andrew Bolt ridicule her actions? Well no, he called her a heroine. Did The Daily Telegraph go ballistic? No, it actually produced the headline "Malala's brave work leads to Nobel Peace Prize". Ironically the article quoted her as saying: "We realise the importance of our voices only when we are silenced."

And what vicious and determined efforts those who want the coalmining industry to proceed unchallenged are making to silence Greta Thunberg.

Reg Howes, Valentine

Sands of time

I AM certain the current council and Stockton residents weren't here 30 million years ago. I can reassure you Mother Nature and the Pacific Ocean were here unaltered for all that time.

People wanting to build as close to the beach as possible is the only drama. That problem involved the developers, real estate agents and human egos.

You can watch a volcano erupt from a safe distance, but if you want to touch the waves from your front window there will be another Sygna pop up and yes, the sand will have to come back by truck from someone else's beautiful area every time Mother Nature wants to reclaim it.

Trucks and sand cost millions, Mother Nature works for free.

John Gregory, Redhead

Can't deny science

JUST because I'm still seeing negative comments about Greta Thunberg's UN speech and the reality of global warming (Letters, 30/9): to the deniers out there, please read NASA's website, which opens with the statement:

"Multiple studies published in peer-reviewed scientific journals show that 97 per cent or more of actively publishing climate scientists agree: Climate-warming trends over the past century are extremely likely due to human activities.

"In addition, most of the leading scientific organisations worldwide have issued public statements endorsing this position.

"The following is a partial list of these organisations, along with links to their published statements and a selection of related resources."

This is followed by a list of 18 governmental and non-governmental American scientific associations, followed by a link with a list of "the nearly 200 worldwide scientific organisations that hold the position that climate change has been caused by human action".

So here's my question: what qualifications do the climate change deniers have that in any way could reasonably be seen to counter the amassed 97 per cent majority of worldwide climate scientists? And, why would anyone believe them?

Joanne Jay, Cooks Hill

SHARE YOUR OPINION

Email letters@theherald.com.au or send a text message to 0427 154 176 (include name and suburb). Letters should be fewer than 200 words. Short Takes should be fewer than 50 words. Correspondence may be edited and reproduced in any form.

Short Takes

THE cost of a temporary kitchen? What a joke ('Council cooks up a storm in $140,000 temporary kitchen', Newcastle Herald, 25/9). Totally agree with Bruce Cook (Short Takes, 28/9). And also, what's wrong with bringing your lunch from home or if not, buying it from local businesses? A few fridges and a kettle doesn't cost that much. Remember, you're there to work; it's not MKR.

Glen Morgan, Waratah

THANK you Elizabeth Durbin (Letters, 28/9), you have penned a letter that has explained exactly the problem at Stockton and hopefully the government can fix it before it's too late.

Karen Inglis, Stockton

I HAVE renewed my Knights membership, but if I get a hat facing the wrong way I will be asking for a refund. Can't the management get anything right? Maybe they would like us to wear it backwards.

Bill Slicer, Tighes Hill

IF it wasn't so serious, it would be laughable. When you hear incompetent politicians who are failing miserably in the handling of their own portfolios, belittling the advice given by professional people in the medical or scientific field on matters such as abortion, drugs use or climate.

Allan Earl, Beresfield

THE sin binning of the two players in the game between Roosters and Storm was embarrassing to watch. One for a push in the face; one for a slap which missed anyway. The old time forwards must be just shaking their heads seeing where this game is going. The people in charge of the NRL are taking the emotion out of the game. That was a shocking decision.

Andy McFadden, Warners Bay

THOSE "climate change kids", Matt Ophir, are fighting for the liveable future people like you are trying to steal from them (Short Takes, 30/9). Leave them alone, and go back to reading Pinocchio.

Michael Hinchey, New Lambton

I WAS disappointed to hear booing in Japan when the Welsh were kicking a penalty goal against the Wallabies in Sunday's match. Surely we're not that hard up to win a game of football.

Bryn Roberts, New Lambton

I WONDER which Hollywood director had a hand in the so obviously rehearsed impassioned speech on climate change by the unconvincing Scandinavian teenager, Greta Thunberg.

John William Hill, Williamtown

AN outstanding letter by Bob Allen (Letters, 28/9) regarding the shortage of trade skills. Not everyone has the ability to go to university. A year 10 education (and I am one of them) is more than adequate to be a in a trade. You can get straight As at school and flunk life.

Steve Fernie, Maryland

AFTER all the discussions about climate change and global warming, these elements are obviously the reason why there are no live dinosaurs. Simplistic, but plausible.

Namejs Jaunalksnis, Ashtonfield