Culture needs support
How sad it is to see another cultural company fold, the Tomaree Musical Theatre - with the drama group going previously (Examiner, February 23).
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What a wonderful time my husband and I had performing with them in some great shows.
We are full of admiration for those four talented ladies featured - Jenny, Gwen, Judith and costume maker extraordinaire, Marion.
This community cannot afford not to have a place where talent is nurtured, both for young and old people.
But of course it requires members to run the organisation, perform in the shows, businesses to sponsor them and of course, the public to support their efforts.
So come on everyone, don't let culture die in the Tomaree Peninsula.
P.S. The SeaSide Singers choir would be delighted to embrace any “out of work” artistes.
Diana and Ron Souter
Corlette
Nets an alternative
A simple alternative to baths at Fingal or Shoal Bay is to utilise the pontoon floats at Little Beach.
Erect shark-proof nets below the floats from west of the handicapped area around poles back to beach near the boat ramp.
This is similar to Neilson Park in Sydney. No lifesaver required; economical, a boon for tourists and a treat for open water swimmers like myself who swims regularly in the pristine waters of Port Stephens.
Glyn Matthews
Soldiers Point
No need for secrecy
I write to express my concern at Port Stephens Council closing its meeting to the public on Tuesday, February 14.
The council’s reasoning was that the matter to be discussed was an alleged breach of the code of conduct. However, the alleged breach had already been investigated and it appears the real matter to be discussed was the Office of Local Government’s advice to council that there had been no breach of the code of conduct.
The gallery was full of ratepayers and residents – the public was clearly interested in this matter.
My concern arises because it appears to me that the only reason for closing the meeting was to avoid embarrassment to the Mayor and/or the council. Section 10B(4) makes it clear that when determining whether the discussion of a matter in an open meeting would be contrary to the public interest, it is irrelevant that the discussion of the matter may cause embarrassment to the council or councillors.
Council should be open, honest, and transparent. The closing of meetings to the public should be used sparingly and only when absolutely necessary.
John McInerney
Shoal Bay
Where’s the bypass?
I have been a resident in Nelson Bay since 1993 and was informed by my neighbour that the bypass to Fingal Bay has been talked about since 1983.
It even shows the proposed route in my 1993 Newcastle Street Directory.
During the holiday period and at weekends, the existing road infrastructure from Nelson Bay to Fingal Bay has difficulty coping with the ever increasing volumes of traffic. We need the road infrastructure to support this movement now.
Developments and housing continue to be approved by Port Stephens Council in Shoal Bay and Fingal Bay with no improvement to road infrastructure. There has been no real action on this bypass for three decades, just planning and more planning.
Let’s make it happen. Or will we need a storm or massive tidal surge resulting in Shoal Bay Road being washed away to prompt some action?
Grahame Atherden
Nelson Bay