Concerns not short-sighted
I want to start off by saying I'm well-travelled and young.
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That second point matters, because up until now I believe the main objectors to Port Stephens Council's bid to increase in building heights have been specified as of retirement age.
Stagnation in the area has also been attributed to the community's supposed myopic view of progress. Not acknowledging of course, that championing Foster, with its towering blocks, over other successful areas without high-rises such as Byron Bay, Noosa, Bowral, and Nelson Bay as it currently stands, is even more myopic.
Progress doesn't have to look like destruction, and those of us who think broadly know that. Several townships gain greater revenue without increasing their building heights. Rather, their planning enhances the natural beauty. They involve the community in decisions, and generate innovative ideas that stick.
This town is for everyone. No amount of money will buy back what we'll lose if high-rises three times the current height of some buildings go up.
Choe Brereton, Nelson Bay
Also read: Letters to the Editor, August 13
Time for rethink after pandemic
Andrew Steel (Examiner, Letters, August 13) is absolutely right about outdated planning strategies which have been produced by outdated thinking, and possibly entrenched in vested interests.
The sad thing is that local governments, mayors, councillors, managers, strategic planners and others in development, may not have the necessary knowledge and skills to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of development approvals.
Surely it's time to have a moratorium or "lock-down" on development density as such, until the full impact of the pandemic is realised.
Ernest To, Medowie
More need to wear masks
In regards to John Wilson's letter [Examiner, August 13] about very few masks worn by staff in shopping centres, I agree totally.
I have experienced the same problem at Nelson Bay where you might be lucky to see one staff member wear a mask. On top of that they seem to always run out of trolley wipes and sanitiser. This is not good enough as our population consists of a lot of retired people and we have already had one COVID-19 scare. If it crops up again here we could be in serious trouble.
The part I don't understand is that two weeks ago the head of Woolworths appeared on TV asking customers to wear a mask while in store. How do they expect that to happen if staff don't?
Debbie Craven, Nelson Bay
Also read: Letters to the Editor: August 6
Respect to Vietnam veterans
Each year on August 18, Vietnam Veterans' Day and the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, Australians pause to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who served during the Vietnam War.
The first Australian troops arrived in 1962 and over the course of the war around 60,000 Australians served there, with our involvement ending with the Royal Australian Air Force flying humanitarian missions and evacuating embassy staff in April, 1975. Tragically, 521 Australians died and more than 3,000 were wounded.
On August 18 1966 Australian soldiers fought in one of their fiercest battles during the entire Vietnam War, the Battle of Long Tan, a brutal action that saw 18 Australians killed and 25 wounded. As we commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who served and died in Vietnam, it is important to acknowledge that many Vietnam veterans were deeply affected by their service.
As a nation, I encourage all Australians to acknowledge and honour the Vietnam veterans who gave so much in the service of our country, as well as recognise the rich contribution Vietnam veterans continue to make to our community. Lest we forget.