Decision 'despicable'
The Examiner's May 7 headline 'A betrayal of trust' [regarding Port Stephens Council's decision to change the way it informs the community of development applications and other notices] was an understatement.
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I would add the word 'despicable'.
How else would you describe the council's use of this devastating pandemic as an excuse and a smokescreen for increasing the secrecy which surrounds developments?
Who is going to trawl though the council's website on the off-chance that a development may affect them?
If it wasn't for local journalism and media, we would all be unaware that this was even happening.
We pay for our council. We deserve to be informed, not kept in the dark and fed nonsense like "this is to help us with Covid-19".
Bill Owen, Nelson Bay
Also read: Letters to the Editor, May 14
Where is the limit
In regards to the Examiner's article about the four-storey building on the corner of Shoal Bay Road and Gowrie Avenue ([Motel to make way for four-storey flat building, May 7) I have to agree with Cr Arnott.
If the proposed building which is almost 15 per cent above the height limit goes ahead, what is the point of having height restrictions in the first place?
Rules are there to be observed, not continually breached as the current council seems want to do whenever it suits their needs.
The term 'thin edge of the wedge' comes to mind. What next?
Councillor Nell's concerns of increased traffic are also valid and should also have been be taken into consideration before approval was granted.
Sue Beesley, Nelson Bay
Stand up for nurses
It is very appropriate that, following International Nurses Day we recognise the enormous debt we owe to the nurses and paramedics that have been on the front line of this war against Covid-19.
Over the last few years I have had a couple of occasions to call the ambulance but I was too concerned about why I needed them to appreciate their care and skill.
However, on May 6 I had to call the ambulance for my neighbour who was in need. As a concerned onlooker I had the chance to observe the work of the two paramedics that attended my friend and I am so pleased that this community is in the hands of such caring and professional people.
At 91 years of age, I can only be thankful that our care is in the hands of such professionals.
It is being reported reported that the State and federal Coalition governments are proposing to freeze the wages and conditions of these wonderful carers of our community.
I urge everyone to contact their closest Coalition member of parliament and tell them that it is beyond belief to reward these saviours of ours in such a mean and despicable way.
Frank Ward, Shoal Bay
Also read: Letters to the Editor, May 7
Moving the problem
I am not a Tomaree Peninsula resident, but I do go to the Bay every so often to have my fresh seafood and enjoy the foreshore - if I can find a rare parking spot.
Without being repetitious, I have been concerned over the traffic congestions in the area for many years, and written letters to the Editor of the Examiner on few occasions.
Fixing up Foreshore Drive is well and truly good for the residents there (Examiner, May 14), but it may cause traffic problems somewhere else in the Bay.
The traffic problems such as congestion and speeding could be caused by too many vehicles following the increases in residential and commercial developments in recent times.
For example, the recent approval of the development of a four-storey residential units at a motel site may well increase traffic in the future
And the proposed duplication of Nelson Bay Road may well add to the traffic problems in the Bay, not improve them.
Ernest To, Medowie
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