TRRA was delighted that West Ward Councillor Paul Le Mottee told the Examiner that he will support switching the camera back on. However, he was quick to cite advice of the present and former general managers about the risks of webcasting. A council spokesman also referred to the possibility of breaching the Privacy Act or of broadcasting defamatory statements. A check of NSW Councils reveals that Newcastle City, Central Coast, Wollongong, Mid Western Regional, Lismore, Northern Beaches, North Sydney, Lane Cove, Queanbeyan and others already offer webcasting.

These councils have weighed the risk and must have decided in favour of providing a window on democracy. If the webcam’s added exposure curbs aggressive and demeaning statements by councillors and encourages respect for truth and integrity, the perception by the public of Port Stephens Council can only improve. The prospect of legal action for defamation which applies, whether or not there is webcasting, may well be reduced by the incentive for speakers to keep to the facts.

Geoff Washington, President, Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc

In response to Peter Munro’s letter (Beauty or Destruction, August 10), I acknowledge his concerns, respect his opinion and invite him and other members of the community to join us for the annual community event “Walk With Us” conducted for World Suicide Prevention Day on September 9 at Illuka Reserve from 9am to midday.

The aim of all work projects at Illuka Reserve has been to improve the access and useability of the area for both the community and visitors alike.  The volunteers of Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network collaborate with the Boat Harbour 355 Committee and have the approval of the Council for all work projects.  The proposed Labyrinth on the grassed site at the reserve is two dimensional in that it is a flat labyrinth the height of the current markings on the grassed site. We are aware that since the proposed design was marked out in white, with approval of Boat Harbour 355 Committee and Council many people have walked and enjoyed the experience of the Labyrinth.  The Cairn has been at Boat Harbour since the early 1980’s and has grown because people have placed a stone in memory of their loved ones.  It is not a Network project, rather it has been a spontaneous community response to loss and healing. The aim of the Network is to provide support, education and training for our community members in the knowledge that the greater the number of people who are confident in asking “are you OK” the greater the number of people who will not take the action to end their lives.  We know the Boat Harbour Headland provides solace for those who seek it.

John Vassallo, Vice-President, Port Stephens Suicide Prevention Network

We have had a good council that has provided strong leadership, despite the normal negative press, that always comes when leaders make strong decisions, with the  belief of making our community a better place.

I hope that our community will continue to provide good civic leaders and not politicians, like we have in our federal parliament, where political in-fighting is holding our Nation to ransom, when they should be free to provide good government. Let us have a council free from political agendas and a vote for community leaders who are going to make our community a better place. Candidates show us your credentials in civic leadership and what is your heart for the community we live in.

Brian Hasson,  Corlette