Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor with your name and suburb at Sunshine Coast News via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
True cost of crisis
Read the article: ‘Unfortunate news for renters’ but doors open in one town
I had been homeless for about three years living in and out of my car and swag. In that time I found a job and managed to attend study for a new career in Brisbane. My car had to be replaced so I bought a ute. At least I could put my swag and belongings on the tray and try to find some place safe to park and sleep. l honoured my part for society. I’d say above and beyond.
Next month I will find myself having to vacate the granny flat I was really blessed to find as the owners are looking to move in there themselves. Back on the homeless merry-go-round for me.
I’m an essential worker who worked all through lockdowns and beyond. I’m mentally exhausted, while many have had a good rest due to lockdowns.
Can I now throw my hands up in the air and say “I’m done”? No, because I have a son in high school who still needs his mother. I won’t be able to have him on my weekends as I won’t be able to shelter him – you know, a roof over his head or a bed to sleep in. So I’ll pack up my life – again – try to find a storage shed and take another 100 paces backwards.
I’ll continue asking myself, “Why should I be part of society when society can’t even look after its members?”. Not much incentive to be a productive member.
Rant over. Thank you for reading it.
Kerry (surname withheld), Mapleton
Exclusion concerns
Read the article: Tree-mendous: more state forests officially protected
Native forests at Beerburrum and Peachester saved, but for whom? I worry that every time Aboriginal culture is mentioned when new native forests are being reserved, that eventually those areas will become only available to Indigenous people at the exclusion of all other Australians. Fraser Island is heading that way, and part of Burrum Heads is already closed.
As each new reservation is declared, Aboriginal involvement will eventually get to be a routine part of the handover to a select group, and then we will have to pay to walk in parts of our own country.
Alan Ward, Buderim
Concerning background
Read the article: Why desalination plant rumours continue to flow
Seqwater has already decided to use the land at Meridan Downs to construct a direct potable reuse plant where treated sewage effluent sourced from hospitals, industry, homes and abattoirs is treated and inserted directly into water supply mains for human consumption. Seqwater has and will continually delay informing the public until the last minute to minimise any opposition.
The plan to use treated sewage effluent for human consumption began in 1993 at Noosa, was progressed at Caloundra and Maroochydore in 1997, South Caboolture in 1996, at the Queensland Water Recycling Strategy in 1997 and again at the Toowoomba referendum in 2006. The concept was rejected by residents at all above. In 2008 the Peter Beattie Labor government abandoned the government’s planned referendum on indirect potable reuse (through a dam) stating he had no choice.
The government has had 15 years since to carry out a referendum on direct potable reuse of treated sewage effluent but refuses to do so. Why? Opposition grows when Australians become aware that the government plans to use them, their children, grandchildren, future generations and immunosuppressives as guinea pigs in a world-first intergenerational medical and scientific experiment, as confirmed in Kinhill, Metcalf and Eddy’s 1996 ‘Epidemiological Investigation’ and CSIRO’s 2006 ‘Toowoomba Living Laboratory’, without their written consent and without their knowledge, while failing to comply with international and national guidelines.
I have been researching and investigating while fighting to prevent Australians being used as guinea pigs since 1996. I helped create Citizens Against Drinking Sewage in 1996 at Caloundra. CADS was then used at Caboolture and Toowoomba. Around two years ago I was joined by Paul Prass and together we have had meetings with ministers, Seqwater, Unitywater and QLNP. I believe the Premier supports desalination, the only ‘sustainable option’, because of the information we have produced.
Laurence Jones, Parrearra
Road dangers
I guess I have had a “bee in my bonnet” since a young man decided to do a burnout in front of our house, smashed his ute into the light pole and died at the scene. Being a first responder, with a young policewoman who was driving behind him, and not being able to rescue him from his mangled car makes you wonder why speeding cars cannot be slowed down on our road.
Golf Links Road at Buderim is a link between Karawatha Drive and Mooloolaba Road. By travelling above the speed limit, let’s say 70km/h, you get to your destination about 30 to 40 seconds earlier. Some drivers like to exceed that by a lot more.
A group of concerned residents have met with council and and our state government representatives, but so far no action has occurred. Maybe they are waiting for another death. Two young men died just over 10 years ago on the road as well, making it three deaths and numerous crashes (too many to describe) over that time.
What are we after? Flashing warning signs as seen in many streets and roads around our area, a police presence and radar at intermittent times and roundabouts at strategic positions to force traffic to slow.
It’s time for apathetic council administrators and state government bureaucrats to get off their bums and do something.
Chris and Pam Dunk, Buderim
Excessive noise
Is there any chance of a clampdown on the weekend trend of excessively noisy motorbikes and modified cars cruising our streets, intimidating fellow motorists and creating unnecessary noise for those of us enjoying the peace and sunshine?
It would appear exhaust noise emitted from the large bikes continues to go unchecked and in breach of roadworthy criteria requirements.
Anthony Robinson, Alexandra Headland
Leaving no traces
Read the article: ‘Good business’: expert urges rethink on camping
I totally agree … we have a nine-metre fifth-wheeler and find it difficult to get suitable sites. We respect any site we pull up at and leave no footprint.
Also there are a lot of retired people who are self-funded that just can’t afford to pay the high cost of parks and don’t use the facilities that are available. Everyone has to eat, drink, fuel up and have repairs or services done to vehicles, so this must add to the economy of the places that we stay.
Helen Roll, Horsham, Victoria
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor with your name and suburb at Sunshine Coast News via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
