GOOD on you, Owen Craigie, for telling your story ('The phone call that saved my life', Newcastle Herald 8/5). It takes a lot of guts to do just what you have done. Always remember that there are a lot of football supporters who can remember the magic you wove on the football field. Friends of mine who have met you personally have spoken of a soft-voiced bloke who just wants to talk footy. As my mum always said to me: chin up, you have to go through troubled times to find your real friends. After reading the two articles in the Herald, it certainly seems you have quite a few good footy mates looking out for you. Thanks for all the great games you played.
Wal Remington, Mount Hutton
Lifeline - 13 11 14
HI-TECH LESSON LEARNED
AS I was reading the opinion piece by David Shoebridge ('Online learning highlights digital divide', Newcastle Herald, 7/5) I reflected on my career as a proud public school teacher of 36 years. During that time I have seen many changes in education.
One of the most exciting and with the potential to be the most profound was the digital education revolution introduced by the Rudd government in 2008. For five years, students in year nine were provided with a laptop that they were able to keep after they completed year 12. Along with that was infrastructure for wi-fi and high speed broadband internet connections.
From my perspective, as a teacher in a school that was in an area of high socioeconomic disadvantage, this provided an amazing opportunity for our students. For some, this was the first computer in the family. It was not without issues but went a very long way in reducing economic disadvantage and leveling the playing field for these students. Imagine for a moment if this was still being done during this time of remote learning.
It is a contentious issue, to talk of levels of education funding, but it has become very clear and I hope both state and federal governments are paying attention to the fact that there is a huge equity issue with access to basic education resources. Computers are not a luxury any more but a necessity for education. I hope they will act and provide funds where they are desperately needed. I won't hold my breath.
Jayne Sharpe, Maryland
EXPERTS EXIST ELSEWHERE
DURING a recent press conference the Prime Minister made it clear if he needed advice he would go to the experts in that field. Common sense really, and exactly what the Coalition have done, by relying on medical experts, through our coronavirus battle. But it's also exactly what they have not done when it comes to climate change and renewable energy, in my opinion.
The Australian Energy Market Operator, the expert organisation that operates our national energy grid, has developed an integrated system plan which provides three detailed alternatives for transitioning to a low-cost, high-reliability, low-emission grid over a 30-year period.
They have done it with input from our top scientific, electricity generation and transmission experts. All three scenarios exceed 75 per cent renewables by 2030, and up to 100 per cent by 2050; need no new technology, require less gas than current consumption; produce significantly cheaper electricity, and achieve far greater emission reductions than any involving more gas.
In stark contrast, energy minister Angus Taylor has been promoting a post-COVID gas-fired recovery. Resources minister Keith Pitt claims coal and gas are the key to Australia's economic recovery, and the PM insists "there is no credible energy transition plan, for an economy like Australia in particular, that does not need the greater use of gas as an important transition fuel". Perhaps it's time they revisited the footage of last summer's fires, floods and drought.
Richard Mallaby, Wangi Wangi
WAITING BY THE WATER
IT would appear the Toronto community should not anticipate any development along the Lake Foreshore between Bath Street and Wharf Street until at least 2023.
In 2018 Lake Macquarie City Council commenced community consultation meetings to discuss a proposed Master Plan of Toronto Foreshore part of which included the council's intention to develop a mixed business/ accommodation facility on recreational land in Bath Street. That proposal has been deferred for further review following the communities objection to that development. While that review takes place improvements or maintenance, other than occasional grass mowing, has stalled along the foreshore between the historic Toronto railway station and Wharf Road.
Community meetings with council's representatives were held in 2019 to discuss ideas and suggestions to make the foreshore area a better place for people to enjoy and visit. Issues that were discussed and recommended to council, along with other matters, are now being examined by various project officers for inclusion in another of the council's Draft Operational Plans 2020/21. Based on the scope of the work recommended, it will almost certainly take another 18 months to finalise.
I am concerned the Toronto community are once again being denied any improvements to the foreshore. We are fortunate to have the Toronto Foreshore Protection Group and Coal Point Progress Association to represent the community and negotiate with the council on the future of the foreshore. My understanding is Toronto no longer has an active chamber of commerce as a voice, and it is likely the foreshore will remain unchanged at least until 2023. If any council officer is able to refute or deny the time alleged before the work will commence I'm sure the Toronto community would welcome such comment.
Ron McSporran, Carey Bay
BALANCING ACT GOES ON
PETER Devey (Letters, 9/5), your letter excellently sets out the terrible pandemic quandary, of the world our governments' first-rate efforts are trying to maximise the welfare of Australians.
They are facing a mammoth challenge, for us. A new virus likely poses catastrophe, one of the unknowns in the initial years. This cannot be allowed to run at will. The worst has to be assumed. The only action available is anti-contagion. Fortunately, today, this includes the best tracking possible. But as you point out, it is not a panacea. this shows the hell of what we are all dealing with. This is the hardest tightrope act ever. The app is in preparation for the next wave. Travel is one of the backbones of economies. Look at the vast mobility with today's road traffic, for starters. Think of the economic activity just to support this. Travel must head towards recovery, as soon as possible. Yet mobility is made to order for transmission. Equally, poor standard of living and social dislocation are deadly health threats as well. This is what our governments are tackling.
I think they are doing a great job, but it will be best with understanding and endorsement for necessary fiscal measures.
Graeme Tychsen, Rankin Park
SHARE YOUR OPINION
Email letters@newcastleherald.com.au or send a text message to 0427 154 176 (include name and suburb). Letters should be fewer than 200 words. Short Takes should be fewer than 50 words.
SHORT TAKES
I HAVE always wondered about the mysterious "we" that experts refer to, Darryl Thurston (Short Takes, 9/5). Most annoying, and they are getting big bucks for telling us what we already know. I also have a distaste for road maps, and if I want to stay under the doona I damn well will.
Julie Robinson, Cardiff
NRL players are being extended a back-to-work pass and a return to some sort of normality that many others are not afforded. The health professionals are telling us and them that they should have a flu vaccination. If they choose not to, that is fine. But the NRL should mandate it as a condition to return to playing. No jab = no play. Their choice.
John Pritchard, Blackalls Park
ALAN Harrison's contribution (Letters, 9/5) was spot on. We absolutely need to support Australian industry and be prepared to pay a little extra for the privilege. Well said, Alan; best letter for ages.
Stan Keifer, Arakoon
THANKS for publishing the federal government's COVIDSafe plan in full (Herald, 9/5). Very helpful.
Clive Jensen, Merewether
IT has been great to see the flattening of the curve and that the majority of the population appear to be doing the right thing to beat the pandemic. Social distancing, using hand sanitisers, and more. But the one thing I can't quite understand is why are all the bench seats taped up or removed? I realise the virus stays on hard surfaces, but if you're like me,you would be carrying a small container of sanitiser around with you. The disabled and elderly people need somewhere to sit when they are out and about. It's all a bit crazy when you see an elderly lady sitting on a cling-wrap-clad bench seat waiting for a taxi at Warners Bay.
Neil Meyers, Warners Bay
GOD was recently seen walking round Islington. When asked what he was doing he replied that he was working from home.
Peter Hay, Islington
DESPITE the aggression shown by China in the southern Pacific and the threats of retaliation against Australia, we continue to export iron ore to them. Let's not repeat the mistakes of World War II and the Greater East Asian Prosperity Sphere, when we got our iron ore back in bullets and bombs.
John Bonnyman, Fern Bay
I WAS wondering how long before someone raised the subject of our national anthem. To myself, Joan Lambert (Short Takes, 6/5) and Ruth Burrell (Short Takes, 9/5) the wording of our anthem doesn't stir, and doesn't cover all, like We are Australian. Dare I say that the New Zealand anthem delivers much more soul. Ladies, you may be able to round up some more support, and I wonder would the Herald be interested in opening it up to a local vote? Let's see.
Laurie Bowman, Charlestown
WHY don't many of the TV reporters practice social distancing? One of them was even nursing a baby.
