Ninety-seven years later, the current Prime Minister talks of Australia becoming a republic.

Will someone explain to this “ole codger” the reasons and procedures for a sovereign nation to become a republic?

Norm Jackson

Salamander Bay

As a Port Stephens Ratepayer for the past 50 years I strongly object to the wanton use of ratepayers’ money in the case of the proposed BMX track (Examiner, Battle Mode Xtreme, October 6).

We understand that the council has set aside another $40,000 for track construction, but we are not told where the proposed track will be located or whether it is proposed to be located in yet another remote, unsupervised area.

 Have the risk factors been assessed and what is public opinion on this?

Apart from costs associated with the supply, delivery and removal of contaminated waste at the Bruce MacKenzie Complex, a further $45,000 of our money is to be used to pay the fine imposed by the Environmental Defenders Office.

The EPA determined that the waste material placed on public land by Port Stephens Council had the potential to put the environment and human health at risk.

If this is the case it poses a serious question of accountability.

Of course the kids need a track. But Port Stephens Council has a responsibility to make sure that any proposal follows the proper procedure according to its own Local Environment Plan and relevant legislation.

Anything less, in my opinion, is not in the BMX riders’ best interest and could be seen as useless consumption of ratepayers’ money.

The council has a responsibility to use ratepayers’ money wisely for the benefit of all. In far too many cases, we do not see this happening.

Jean Armstrong

Soldiers Point NSW

Port Stephens Council continues to ignore the issue of dangerous netting that it installed at Lemon Tree Passage tidal pool.

As the warm weather rapidly approaches, many children will use this pool.  Has the council warned families that their children could swim under a pontoon and become trapped in netting there?

Has the council warned them that when they jump or dive into the pool they could be diving into a net if the tide is running in?

When is the council going to replace this dangerous arrangement with adequate netting so that the children of Tilligerry can swim in safety?

Rick Frost

Mallabula

How can anyone believe Mike Baird’s compassion for greyhounds when he then declares open season on our wildlife?

By abolishing, as “red tape”, the tightly controlled licences to kill wildlife (issued to kill 145,550 animals, 2015-16), he will unleash untold suffering on many more animals.

Thousands of our native animals are killed on the road every year, and many suffer horribly from illegal domestic and international trading, as well as “sport” by hoons with bows and arrows or cars.

By granting a wholesale “licence to kill”, he will drive to extinction those many animals who are already on the brink. If you care about our unique native animals, please protest to your local MP, the Premier’s office (85 745000) and/or the office of the Minister for the Environment (95 274180).

Lorraine Yudaeff

President, Wildlife in Need of Care