Outrageous proposal
I could not believe the outrageous article regarding the potential nuclear power station on the Sapphire Coast (BDN, 6/4).
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Mike Kelly's statement was a bit disturbing, as he seemed not to be too shocked with even the mere suggestion, mainly saying “not a real option”. Public referendums should be held with regard to this preposterous lunacy.
The Far South Coast is largely unspoiled due to lack of out of control ugly development and pollution, why would we accept a nuclear power station? There are numerous excellent clean energy alternatives out there.
My great suggestion would be for the federal government to stop wasting billions of dollars on additional polluting power stations and direct those billions of dollars in funding “clean” solar power systems to all residential and commercial buildings, which will dramatically reduce the ever increasing demand for electricity, thus greatly reducing the need for additional power stations being built.
The Sapphire Coast's attribute is its beauty, lack of congestion and lack of huge crowds. Why would we settle for degrading our home with an outdated option of a nuclear power station on our coast?
Gerry Theodorakis, Brogo
Cause for concern
There are several concerns about the independent inquiry into the Reedy Swamp fire (BDN, April 4), particularly the limited terms of reference. While there are several ways fires can start, in this case there is some certainty that electrical infrastructure was involved.
Clearly if one was considering the fire risk associated with power easements, those taking the full brunt of north westerly winds rate higher.
With regard to the spread of the fire, unlike many of the Victorian Black Saturday fires when weather conditions were more extreme, the majority of the eucalyptus canopy did not burn. So the outcome is eucalyptus trees with dead brown leaves, similar to a hot fuel reduction burn.
The fire and spotting was propelled by the non-eucalyptus mid-storey species. The density of these species and the associated fire threat has greatly increased over the past 30 years, as soil fertility reduces and eucalyptus trees decline.
If reducing the risk of fire was a consideration the landholder would be funded to install solar panels and batteries, so the power line could be eliminated. Regrettably the state and federal governments intention to roll over the RFAs means the increasing risk of uncontrollable fire will not be considered and the threat to the environment and local communities will increase, so more chaos and trauma can be expected.
Robert Bertram, Bermagui
Fix our highway
As a resident and businessman of Milton I have long been concerned about the state and design of the Princes Hwy, particularly South of Nowra. This stretch of road is notoriously dangerous and sadly, we have seen many lives lost in tragic accidents. The road is littered with the deeply distressing roadside memorials of those we have lost.
As a member of a this community, as a father and as a concerned citizen I cannot and will not accept this appalling loss of life. And I am far from alone in my anger.
The Fairfax #fixitnow campaign calls on both the federal and state governments to fund improvements to the Princes Hwy with the highest priority.
I add my voice to this call, demanding this funding be provided on the same basis, and with the same urgency, that was provided for the Pacific Hwy in 1996. The upgrade of the Pacific Hwy was made without it being a ‘road of significance’. It was also funded on an 80/20 basis with the federal government providing the lion’s share. The Pacific Hwy road improvements are due to be completed in 2020. We demand action now. Until they act, the tragic loss of life will continue.