Vote for the environment
In the lead up to the recent State election, both local and state-wide polling indicated that 'the environment' was one of the top three election issues and yet voters have returned the Liberal National Party to office.
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When a farmer stood on the banks of the Murray following the death of a million native fish and said that "the ecosystem is collapsing" I thought people are starting to wake up to the reality of climate change and the urgent need to protect our land, water and native species by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Apart from massive fish kills we are witnessing droughts, floods and fires on steroids.
Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating the severity of these events and if we continue to deny climate change our children will be living in an unsafe climate and the viability of our region to produce food will be severely compromised.
The LNP is asleep at the wheel when it comes to climate change and NSW (compared to other states like Victoria and the ACT) is dragging the chain.
Our state has no renewable energy target and no plan to transition us away from coal and towards renewable energy.
The science around climate change is settled. Saying you don't believe in it is like saying you don't believe in evolution.
Prior to the election, I attended the 'meet the candidates' forum hosted by the Tamworth Business Chamber.
My question for candidates in relation to climate change was not included and sadly there was no question addressing environmental issues.
My letter to the National Party prior to the election expressing concern about the drought and asking for their policy in relation to climate change received no response.
All levels of Government, all workplaces and all households need to take responsibility for addressing climate change. To ignore the science and continue 'business as usual' we are short changing the next generation.
I commend Dr Robin Gunning for bravely standing as the Greens candidate and highlighting this issue.
I also thank the school students that recently took part in the student strike for climate action and the policy direction offered by Independent Mark Rodda to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
I also acknowledge NSW Labor for including policy in relation to climate.
My sincere hope is that the New England electorate will consider the world we are leaving our children before placing their vote at the upcoming Federal election.
Penny Milson, Tamworth
Daylight Saving
Congratulations to Jillian Spring of Billynudgel on her persistence in providing daylight saving information regarding its adverse medical side and sleep effects, as in Northern Daily Leader of Saturday 23/3/19.
Sadly, however, all falls on the deaf ears of elected representatives because of their pursuit of corporatisation of daylight saving and this unconstitutional policy regardless of the will of their constituents.
Joy Cunningham, Moree
Letters to the Editor
Letters on election issues must bear the name and full address of the writer. Writers should disclose any alliance with political or community organisations and include their phone number for verification.