Food for thought on fire
In recent times bushfires appear to be an annual occurrence in Port Stephens – in or near the Salt Ash and Campvale areas, cutting off access to the Tomaree and Tilligerry peninsulas.
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Obviously no one would suggest that we should cut down all the trees in the areas concerned. Nor could we afford to have a large population seemingly trapped [in those areas] for a time.
Building more access roads through the narrow strip of land accessing the peninsulas, as some have suggested, would provide little benefit as the new roads could also be affected by bushfires.
Perhaps our urban planners should rethink the population growth on the peninsulas by limiting housing density and building height.
Without all-conditions access and connectivity to regional road networks, a town like Nelson Bay may [not be able] to become a city like the Gold Coast nor our neighbouring city of Newcastle.
Ernest To, Medowie
Gratitude beyond words
Over the past 12 months since my husband Steve was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease we have faced many challenges.
Challenges I would not have been able to deal with had it not been for the community of Port Stephens. So many people have shown copious amounts of selfless support to our family and it so very much appreciated.
A special mention to Harbourside Haven, whom without hesitation stepped in and supported us in such a momentous way, as well as Care For You At Home and Port Stephens Men of League who are working tirelessly to help us financially and emotionally.
Our road is a rocky one but made so much easier and bearable by this amazing community, we cannot thank you enough.
Jacki Lingard, Nelson Bay
Missing out on income
We had the pleasure of staying at the council-owned Shoal Bay Holiday Park last week. It is a great facility, close to attractions and amenities.
However, closing the park at 5pm is losing the council income and is out of line with other caravan parks.
We arrived a few minutes after 5pm and in the 10 minutes we were waiting to enter the park as pre-arranged, two motorhomes drove in and turned around when they realised the park was closed.
There were many open sites available that time. Perhaps some business-minded councillor could take an interest in this and initiate a rethink.
John Oxley, Port Macquarie
Tired of relentless taxes
We keep hearing from the federal and State governments how great the economy is and how well off Australians are financially.
Is this because we are paying extremely high petrol, power and medical prices and almost anything that can be taxed is paid for by workers and retirees?
All sides of government both conservative and Labor, should take notice – the people can only take so much and will vote accordingly.
Gerry Mohan, Shoal Bay
Related reading: Letters to the Editor: November 22
Related reading: Letters to the Editor: November 15
Noise a nuisance to many
When I hear a jet ski roar, I think that maybe one or two people are having fun but many others are subjected to the noise, which is not fun.
I also am concerned for the safety of the black swans and the dolphins and the confusion [they must suffer].
Additionally, I am a new resident [to Port Stephens] and can't get over why we don't have green waste bins.
Is this the only council in NSW who expects us to fill our red rubbish bins with a green resource?
Why aren't grass/tree cuttings recycled as green manure or mulch at the tip through a green bin system?
Other councils supply a small red bin plus a green and yellow lidded ones.