Without going back to the history of the sale last year, which totally ignored community wishes, we now seem to have the then purchaser prepared to sell back the land to the community but the government is dragging it’s feet.

 The government has already received $250,000 so all it has to find is the extra margin Mr Unicomb requires.

Perhaps the Port Stephens community would chip in if the state of NSW is so financially stressed as Mr MacDonald [Parliamentary Secretary for Planning, the Central Coast and the Hunter] seems to be conveying.

Mind you, I have a lot of sympathy for Mr Mac Donald.  He received a king sized hospital pass from the former Baird Government with this sale in June last year.

Perhaps he could ask Minister Gabrielle Upton to release whatever is needed over $250,000 (which is already in the Government’s bank) from her $10 million Special Fund for these purposes. 

The other option is to seek a commitment from Opposition Leader Luke Foley, to buy back the land in March 2019.

Penton  Sutcliffe, Corlette

It amazes me how people with strong political ties, can look us in the eye and say I am standing as an independent - to quote one statement from Jaimie Abbott, East Ward candidate in the coming Port Stephens council election ‘I am a proud member of the Liberal party’.

I expect Ms Abbott wants us to believe she will, in the event she gets elected, act as an independent and not be guided by the policies and philosophies of the party she is so proud to be a member of.

Independent mayoral candidate Ryan Palmer also leaves a few questions unanswered by his association with Ms Abbott and the Liberal party member Karen Howard who has twice run for Parliament, once state and once federal, once as a Liberal member and once as an independent. 

Another mayoral candidate Sally Dover, also a conservative candidate in a state election some years ago, is now independent as well?

Where do your political allegiances sit Ms Dover?

As a Labor party member, I am happy that the ALP candidates have at least had intestinal fortitude to declare their political allegiances and not try to be tricky to get votes from those who would not normally vote for members of a political party.

Fred McInerney, Karuah

It was with great disappointment that we read the letter titled ‘Beauty or Destruction’ (Letters, Examiner, August 10).

We believe that everyone has the right to an opinion and can understand if the writer has concerns about Boat Harbour headland.

We just believe there is a better, more productive way to show your support of our local environment.

The ‘mob’ from Port Stephen’s Suicide Prevention Network (as he calls them) are a group of volunteers who work tirelessly for our local community.

They provide support, education and training for families and actually save lives. We should take every opportunity to show this group our thanks and support. 

In regards to Solace Park, we feel extremely sad that memorial plaques can be described as something depicting someone’s ‘ill fortune’.

We can speak first hand of the value this area has for local families.

Lastly, we would just like to add - that until you have lived our experiences or felt our grief please do not give us advice on how to get solace.

Brett and Jacqui Gainsford, Corlette.