What has the average Australian citizen got from our free trade deals and the Global economy?

Nothing more than a future shrouded in doubt and a steadily declining standard of living.

Sure, we can buy most consumer goods cheaper, but many can't afford A-grade fresh produce to maintain a healthy life because of the drive to balance these cheaper imports through agricultural exports.

Free trade deals have resulted in is the loss of most of our domestic manufacturing, the loss of a vast majority of our first class agricultural produce and seafood, an education system that relies heavily upon international students and an employment sector that would rather import workers than employ or train our own unemployed/under-employed.

To top it all off, our governments allow the sale of private ventures, farmland and public infrastructure assets to foreign owners and continues to do so despite public objections.

Our federal government would rather actively support foreign defence industries (many of which are government owned or subsidised) through defence procurements and on-going support contracts with foreign governments and companies.

While some of these companies open local offices and facilities the profits still flow overseas.

We have been told that Australia will have to import natural gas to meet domestic demand yet, we have some of the world's largest natural gas reserves and are the seventh largest exporter.

And to rub salt into our wounds business and governments alike justify our ever-increasing energy and cost of living by saying "...these costs are comparable with other first world countries."

So free trade and the global economy basically means nothing but bad news and poor social outcomes for the average Australian battler.

What's in the future for the next generation?

I don't know but if we don't take a long hard look at ourselves now, I don't think it's going to be very rosy.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, February 20

I was surprised and pleased to see a photo of the Pomfrett's Cottage at Woodville on the front page of the Examiner [February 20].

I had been told that it had been demolished. Many years ago I used to go to Woodville, and have painted it many times.

I have always been fascinated by it.

I'm sure it could be renovated a little to bring the old charm back and it would be a great tourist attraction along with the old church.

As Chris Richards and Elisabeth Smark say, it would be a tragedy if the cottage was demolished.

Also read: Letters to the Editor, February 13

In regards to the letter 'Medowie moving forward' (Examiner, February 20), yes, but not too fast, please.

Thirty-five years ago my family and I settled in Medowie because we liked it's unique village feel.

The northern section of the main road was still gravel and dust, and there was one BiLo supermarket.

It was through the efforts of a succession of Central Ward mayors and councillors who maintained progress on a steady pace to keep that unique feeling of a community village, mindful of its indigenous heritage of "a place of tall trees" and the de facto custodian of a precious resource: the Grahamstown Dam.

Perhaps, new settlers with foresight and vision should consider running for the coming council election for Medowie, and keep progress on an even keel maintaining it's unique village feel for another 35 years and more.

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