Allow Landcare work
It would be fantastic if Port Stephens Council could let some commonsense prevail so that individual parks and Landcare volunteers could continue their valuable work during this dreadful virus outbreak.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
One activity allowed is exercise. Yet if any yellow-vested volunteer attempted to pull a weed out, the vigilantes in our community are likely report them.
Staying at home is not the best health outcome for those who enjoy outdoor activity.
If fishing is allowed, why not Landcare?
Council does have a Lone Worker Policy and it should be enacted, especially now that the rain has kicked the weed growth along.
If the council is not prepared to do this, than what about assigning some redundant office staff to these jobs so that the catch up will not be nearly as challenging for volunteers?
Similarly, Ngioka Horticultural Centre volunteers should be allowed to work at social distance to nurture over 4,000 future koala feed trees.
A $10 million koala facility and jeopardizing future koala food?
I just don't get it.
Margaret Wilkinson, Corlette
Also read: Letters to the Editor, April 2
Cash and COVID-19
In response to Brooke Vitnell's recent letter (Reminder to shop local, Examiner, Letters march 26), it's all very well suggesting we shop locally but when small supermarkets are jumping at shadows with this virus situation, and refusing to take cash even though they're wearing latex rubber gloves, they are effectively discriminating against those of us in the community who don't have either credit or debit cards of any kind.
For myself, I detest, loathe and despise those cards and won't have anything to do with them.
But that should not bar me from visiting a supermarket and buying the few things I need.
I generally shop on a daily basis, which gets me out of my unit and gives me somewhere to go each day so I'm not stuck at home all the time.
And as an aside, just because someone sneezes or coughs in public, that's no reason to hit the panic button.
The sneeze may be more likely triggered by dust or pollen in the air and the cough might well be simply clearing the throat.
Neil Forbes, Salamander Bay
Also read: Letters to the Editor, March 26
Slow down on Dowling St
Recently my partner and I purchased a property in Dowling Street, Nelson Bay.
We have been residents in The Bay for more than 15 years.
While being very happy with our purchase, it has since become very obvious that no one realises the speed limit in Dowling Street is actually 50km/h.
There are no signs between Magnus Street and Nelson Bay Road so the public can assume it is a case of 'drive as fast as you like'.
It is concerning for our elderly residents, some of which are in jeopardy simply trying to get across the street to the footpath, or in their motorised scooters.
I understand that the problem has been brought to the attention of the council and police.
Some neighbours have tried in vain, via letters, I believe.
I have seen the solar powered speed sign in Bagnalls Beach Road. Perhaps this could happen in Dowling Street also?
Salamander Way was well policed after the speed limit changed to 50km/h. Can the same be done in Dowling Street?
Do we wait for a fatality?
Even in our new environment of COVID-19 were we have less vehicles on the road, the speeding is still so very obvious and dangerous.
We pay our rates, and are responsible residents, why are we in Dowling Street, ignored?
Barbara Stevens, Nelson Bay
IN OTHER NEWS
