His visit coincided with the widening of Nelson Bay Road from two to four lanes. He saw the immense devastation of old-growth banksia forests being pared back and asked if they were building a train line from Newcastle to Nelson Bay.

Unfortunately, I said, it was a widening of the road as a short-term, band-aid solution to fix traffic congestion during peak periods. A Fingal by-pass would do the same. If we were serious about improving traffic congestion around the area, public transport is the solution - not more roads. Just look at the money pit that is Sydney's Westconnex.

It is timely to recall the words of Joni Mitchell, "They paved paradise to put up a parking lot."

Marie Eames, Shoal Bay

Years ago I fancy-worked a doily which featured a flannel flower.  (I still have it.) 

I did not know at the time that I would one day live in an area which abounds in flannel flowers which grow in abundance along Richardson  and Medowie roads delighting the soul every spring.  Some people may not know that Tanilba is the Aboriginal word for white flower, no doubt the flannel flower. 

Some people may also not know that the school crest for Tanilba Bay Public School features a flannel flower with a banner across it bearing the words Tanilba Bay PS.  The crest was designed by the deputy principal at the time of its opening back in 1982 named John White.

 We certainly live in a wonderful area - Port Stephens. 

Elaine Richards, Salt ash

The recent postal survey returned a majority of just over 61 per cent yes votes for Same Sex Marriage.

So politicians and supporters danced in the streets for joy and happiness. So they should; and the SSM legislation will surely be passed through Parliament soon enough. 

Private polling showed returns as high as 85 per cent in favour of assisted dying for the terminally ill. Yet politicians in Victoria and NSW have difficulties after long hours of debates in passing the laws to facilitate  such. Why?

Is it because they have not experienced the pain and suffering of the dying like the SSM supporters experienced joy and happiness of their desires?

Maybe some should stay in a nursing home for a few days to see what it is like for the dying.

Many may wonder what was it like for a man dying on the cross.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Did he plead for relief from pain and suffering? Or a promise to be fulfilled?

Ernest To, Medowie.

I have lived in Medowie for more than 30 years and when I first moved here I never saw a rabbit.

Now my garden is being overrun with them.

My plants have been chewed down and rabbit holes dug not only in the garden but in the lawn as well.

Seems to me that they have defeated those that set out to eradicate them.

Driving down Medowie Road one evening, I saw nearly 20 of the little horrors in a front yard.

In the 60s when I was living near Bathurst I had a .22 guage rifle (legally) and I was able to shoot and eat them.

They are really good eating and it was one way to help keep the problem at bay. Sadly you cannot do that now.

so who is responsible for the [for curbing the rabbit population]? Is it the council or primary industry?

Can someone please answer my query?

Val Pont, Medowie