Proposed Dungowan Dam
I was amused at Jamieson Murphy's article "Double Dungowan Dam size for an extra one tenth of the cost" (NDL 28 October). The increased size he is talking about - e.g. "for an additional $46 million, the dam could be doubled in size to 40GL, dropping the price per megalitre to $13.15 million" - is AIRSPACE. That is, the cost per megalitre of AIR above a 40GL dam drops to $13.15 million from $21.3 million for a 22 GL dam.
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The key issue is not the capacity of the dam, but the likelihood it will be full (or at 75 per cent capacity, at 50 per cent capacity, at 25 per cent capacity etc) - i.e. what is the cost of delivered water. For that key information we need to see the water modelling from WaterNSW relating to likely inflow. For example, will the proposed 22.5 GL dam ever be full (and, if so, how often?) let alone a 60 GL dam. I think we should be told.
David Godden, Tamworth
Truth is vital
'The truth is out there' but not seemingly in Australia, given the front cover of many of the newspapers(1).
How can a person face 161 years' jail for talking about the Australian Tax Office(2)? How can going through a journalist's underwear drawer(3) help Australia be a freer country? Why can't politicians actually answer a question with 'yes' or 'no'?
There is something to reflect on in the words of George Orwell, 'In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.' Telling the truth is surely the only option in a free country.
Telling the truth is vital, but more important is the freedom to be able to tell the truth without fear or favour.
Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne
Remembrance Day
Australians are justifiably proud of our Australian Defence Force current serving members and our veterans. On 11 November at 11.00am, this and every year, I encourage all Australians to pause for a minute's silence and remember all those who have suffered and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Every year we mark Remembrance Day because it was at this time and date in 1918 that the guns fell silent on the Western Front, officially ending the First World War. Originally known as Armistice Day, this day reminds us to pause and remember those who served in the 'war to end all wars' and every conflict and peacekeeping mission since. We especially honour the more than 102,000 Australians who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the freedoms we enjoy today.
Remembrance Day is commemorated in towns, cities and local communities across Australia and overseas and I encourage everyone to attend a service and wear a red poppy in memory of our servicemen and women. Thank you for your service. Lest we forget.
Darren Chester, Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel
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