Tough economic climate
Still sad about the outrageous events in Paris, but also in Beirut and Baghdad and any other areas, where war, persecution, torture, violence, racism, hunger and starvation are persistent.
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The world's majority of people want peace, safety and enough food, no matter which religion or skin colour.
This could all be endangered all over the world, if – or rather when – climate change takes its toll.
Our economy will be battling with much higher costs and effects of prolonged heatwaves, failing crops, more severe bush fires, more devastating storms, more extensive flooding, rising sea levels, worse cyclones, water and food shortages, and all related health expenses and job and property losses.
If we have to fight for survival, we will not even think about a lot of the issues, which are important to us now.
We can be guided by the legacy we wish to leave behind for the world and our children, while supporting poorer countries to meet the challenges of climate change.
Australia has all it needs to be a global leader on climate change.
We are a wealthy country with some of the world’s best potential for renewable energy.
There is still time to shift Australia’s focus away from its fossil past and to begin building the sustainable, equitable economy of the future.
Dörte Planert, South Coast coordinator for 1Millionwomen.com.au
Merger a good idea
Amalgamation of regional councils is a really good idea. Bega Valley should merge with Eurobodalla Council.
There will be more ratepayers, therefore more money to spend on services and infrastructure, such as developing a more comprehensive library.
There are many roads that need attention and there will be more money to address this problem.
There will be a need for fewer councillors and that will save money also.
Eurobodalla and the Bega Valley are both coastal council with similar issues.
Jake Grist, Pambula
Irony of rally point
The White Ribbon Day rally to be conducted in Narooma by the NSW Police on Friday, November 27, is a commendable attempt to arouse awareness of the shameful increase in violence towards women, and is part of an Australia-wide campaign to“stamp it out”.
It is ironic that the Eurobodalla Shire event is being held at NATA oval, Narooma – publicly owned land that is being used for at least the next two years for an American-style celebration of hunting, and a retail outlet for the sale of guns, in spite of strong opposition from residents.
In the words of Rodney Vlais, manager of “No Violence in Victoria”.
“The presence of a firearm in a home with domestic violence can transform an argument into homicide in a fraction of a second. Firearms and domestic violence are a lethal combination, injuring and killing women, children and bystanders”.
It’s the threat of gun violence, as much as actual physical harm and the fact that many guns are stolen by criminals that frightens people.
Increased availability of guns to recreational shooters, weakening of gun laws and promotion of the fun of hunting and killing as a family activity are dangerous developments that are contrary to the well-being of the community.
Why has the Eurobodalla Council encouraged gun proliferation in our town without considering the wishes of the electorate and the possible social consequences of its decision?
Susan Cruttenden, Dalmeny
- Email letters of no more than 300 words to ben.smyth@fairfaxmedia.com.au, or drop in neatly handwritten letters to the BDN office on the corner of Gipps and Carp St.
