Fix other CBD issues first
Bouquets and congratulations to the three east ward councillors [who voted against amendments to the Development Control Plan and LEP allowing for an increase in building height limits of up to 12-storeys] for understanding what the Nelson Bay, community and electorate have shown with their submissions to council - 86 per cent against it.
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Brickbats to the remainder of councillors who are either disinterested and or disengaged with the Nelson Bay community.
Increasing height limits to the CBD with amendments to the LEP, which has been pushed by council over many previous years, does not lend weight to revitalisation. Get all the problems in regards to parking, lack of community infrastructure and traffic management right before considering any change to the current LEP. Port Stephens Council needs to address the numerous vacant development sites, considerations to the vacant retail and commercial premises first, and then foremost retain this unique existing CBD skyline, a privilege not many other port communities have.
Brian Armstrong, Nelson Bay
Also read: Letters to the Editor, November 19
Throwing shade on Apex Park
I enjoy seeing Nelson Bay light up for Christmas.
This year I'm hearing that some extra initiatives from shopkeepers will see a much brighter CBD and some special night events. The solar fairy lights permanently installed by Port Stephens Council on the tree trunks in Stockton Street look fantastic all year round.
The council is funding lighting for two very tall Norfolk pines in Apex Park. (Examiner, November 5, 2020).
The cost of installation and associated traffic control is huge and the safety fences needed underneath them are just plain ugly and uninviting at park level, in my opinion.
The budget for Nelson Bay would be far better re-directed to the purchase of more attractive festive decorations as used in other council areas for the now fully sun-exposed park.
Colourful shade sails should be part of those plans and would be well received by tourists and locals alike.
Margaret Wilkinson, Corlette
Toddlers high risk of drowning
Royal Life Saving is reminding all parents and carers of the vital importance of adult supervision at all times when children are around water.
Drowning is often quick and silent. It can easily happen whilst parents are distracted by everyday chores around the home.
Any distraction is dangerous can be very dangerous and can put young children at risk around water. It is never worth taking the risk.
Research shows that, over the past 18 years, 507 children aged 0 to 4 years drowned. Of these, 207 (41 per cent) were aged one year.
The risk of drowning triples as soon as a child starts to crawl. It peaks shortly after a child's first birthday, just as they start to become more mobile.
Royal Life Saving's new Keep Watch Campaign kicks off in time for summer to remind parents and carers about the risks of child drowning. Children are very curious and unpredictable. They love to explore and can disappear in the blink of an eye. Remember ... kids can't help themselves around water, you need to. Royal Life Saving is asking all parents and carers to Supervise, Restrict, Teach and Respond to keep children safe. Supervise your children at all times around water. Restrict their access to water with a correctly installed and regularly maintained pool fence. Teach them water safety skills. Know how to respond in an emergency by learning CPR skills.
We want all Australians to enjoy our beautiful waterways this summer. It is very important to be mindful of the risks. Stay safe and always Keep Watch.
