TRC water survey
In response to the Water Survey put out by Tamworth Regional Council and the low response it got. The Survey was only open to residents connected to town water! If it had of been open to ALL residents of Tamworth LGA, maybe the response would have been higher, given that people in small towns and on properties were impacted greater than those connected to town water. I know I would have had a lot of ideas about how to manage the water during these times considering we had no water available for three years, while having to pay exuberant prices for water to survive and selling all our breeding stock. Anyway would have been nice if everyone was included as those not on town water would most likely have some really good ideas! So please TRC next time please include everyone.
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Joanne Meredith, Tamworth
Morrison defines his 2021 agenda
Our Prime Minister's statement "Our goal is to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible, and preferably by 2050" bears little substance ("Morrison defines his 2021 agenda", 2/2).
There is the underlying implication that while it would be nice (and "preferable") to achieve that goal, it is actually not necessary to do so. What a whimsical way to treat an existential threat to our very existence.
There is also a significant difference between having a target and working to achieve that target.
Australia is already not on track to hit its woefully unambitious 2030 Paris climate targets, due to forecasted expansions of Australia's gas mining industry. Furthermore, setting up the climate debate between "technology and taxes" is merely delaying the government interventional action needed to accelerate Australia's transition towards net zero emissions.
Nothing has changed.
Australia urgently needs ambitious and effective climate policies to address climate change, not more climate politicking.
Amanda Carlon, North Tamworth
Alternate views
There is a joke that couples should take a test before trying to become parents but what about before people try to become politicians?
Pete Evans, an Australian TV chef is intending to run for a Senate seat as many others also try to. Because of the way the elections occurs and preferential voting it is possible for people to get the last seat with a small vote. In this case should he be allowed to, given his views? He is seen as an anti-vaxxer and supporter of a number of conspiracy theories. He was removed from Facebook in December because of his posting of misinformation about the pandemic. He is also a fan of ex-President Donald Trump, not that this is a crime. At one stage he was fined $25,000 for falsely claiming a $15,000 BioCharger lamp could possibly cure coronavirus. It's basically a series of light bulbs with different frequencies.
All of these things indicate a support of incorrect material and certainly views that not accepted by almost all Australians. Does democracy have an underlying assumption of representing all or at least most of the people for the benefit of all? Is there a moral code or credibility barrier that would stop him standing or should there be?
The world has seen, in a number of countries, the difficulties that can occur when we elect politicians that have alternative views and troubled supporters.
Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne
Underpass art
There are activities much more concerning than graffiti in Murray st underpass.
The high speed and illegal driving 24 hours a day by inconsiderate and hedonistic drivers should be a priority for police and council.
I have contacted both to no avail. This is a residential area and all residents should be entitled to a certain amount of peace and safety.
It is half a block from a children's park and one block from a school so a tragedy is not too far away.
Maralyn Cochrane, Tamworth
Proposed council rate increase
I don't believe a rate increase is justified given the demographic socio make up of the plains and the economic hardship faced by the majority of the community.
I do believe there are other internal matters that need to be addressed first and a transparent display of the council's expenditure needs to be conducted.
There is currently an enormous amount of gross inefficiencies that need to be addressed that can be confirmed by ex-employees.
And as their proposed increase is percentage based it will hurt farmers that are still recovering from a drought that will see some rates increase by the 10's of thousands.
Living outside the Quirindi township it is hard to accept a rate increase when a lot of residents don't get water and sewer services, no garbage collection and very little road maintenance.
Better efficiencies, greater transparency and an external audit would be more than welcome.
You can do better than a rate increase councillors . Don't forget that the majority of residents oppose this increase and the council is elected by the people. So do what the residents want. NO INCREASE.
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