Eight children took action last year against Federal Environment Minister Ms Ley regarding the possible Vickery coal mine extension. An extension of the NSW coal mine would result in an additional 100 million tonnes of carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere.

The complexities of the legal system are well beyond my understanding but as a layman it seems to be incredible that our Federal Environment Minister would challenge a court ruling that she owed a duty of care to all Australian children in connection with such an important matter related to climate change as the Vickery coal mine extension.

Surely it is a common expectation that our Federal Environment Minister owes a duty of care to all Australians in relation to human induced climate change matters.

Brian Measday, Myrtle Bank South Australia

Former National Party President Christine Ferguson was on the money in her recent comments regarding the state of the Federal National Party. The Party is in need of a change of direction, and such directional change must include more female voices. But when over seventy per cent of the Federal National Party room is made up of men, it is clear that there are a whole lot of male voices that need to be engaged in this discussion for any change to be effected. Where are these men?

It isn't complicated. You don't even have to turn to the tried and tested method of quotas to achieve it. It is simply a matter of National Party men making way for National Party women. Meritocratic cries from people such as Barnaby Joyce ought to be dismissed by considering the quality of the individuals who have benefited from such 'meritocracy'.

I think it was former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright who said that equality will only truly be achieved when there are as many mediocre women in positions of power as there are men. With so many talented rural and regional women across Australia, and the National party already suffering from a dearth of talent, the Nationals have more than mediocrity to fear should they fail to quickly address the unrepresentativeness of their representatives.

Jock Gardiner, The Netherlands

Sometimes you can wait forever and never get the full truth. To the Challenge organization, maybe it's time for your press release as to why you no longer wish to continue sorting our rubbish no matter what? To the council come clean, man up, tell the truth, you are happy sending our recyclables to Coffs for sorting, then returning with their smelly kitchen waste for landfill until our wonder green waste plant is built sometime in our future. It is now time for both parties to release statements in this paper, once and for all laying the matter to rest. Maybe mayor the lack of flag poles can be our next topic.

Chris Harris, Calala

Is the CHALLENGE to keep a proven successful operation just too high a 'price' for Tamworth Regional Council to do the right thing and assist?

I write to express my disappointment at what appears to be a harsh and short-sighted 'economic' solution, ignoring the social impact the closure of Challenge Recycling Centre will mean for those who depend on its operation. Is council brave enough to look beyond the dollar and recognise the many intangible needs Challenge provides its 40+ employees?

For a nephew who is a proud employee, Challenge offers a unique work environment; providing a sense of purpose, security, mateship, and opportunity to contribute to society for him and his co-workers. They would otherwise struggle in a more conventional workplace.

Unfortunately, the closure decision lacked active consultation with those directly impacted.

Council is elected to represent all constituents. This includes those who might not be as vocal or as able to request community support. It is therefore very much up to the rest of us who love and care for these vulnerable folks to seek that support on their behalf.

Councillors, I challenge you to ponder and act upon the proverb "Where there is a will, there's a way". Please open your hearts and minds to find that way for Challenge Recycling. The Tamworth Community has given you the power. It is now up to you to collectively do the right thing and find the way. It is never too late for those whose lives are impacted.

Benita Robbie, Rochedale South

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