VOTE HISTORY
Dear editor,
When USA voters remembered the first Trump government (2016), the next time they voted for the other side (2020). Then, forgetting history and believing the promises of the convicted criminal, they voted for him again (2024). Just asking if this is a case of if you forget history, then you’re bound to repeat it?
Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
##
RESPONSE TO NUCLEAR
Dear editor,
It’s disappointing to read the diatribe of Prof Mendoza. His information is 50 years old and long superseded. The world has moved on, and the much-touted science with it.
For example, the “toxic waste” is not going to haunt us for 10,000+ years. Nuclear waste can be recycled, and it’s a key part of some nuclear fuel cycles. The process involves extracting and reusing fissile materials like uranium and plutonium from spent nuclear fuel. This recycling reduces waste volume and can also provide a new fuel source for nuclear reactors.
Prof Mendoza is entitled to his antiquated opinion, but it is disturbing that this nonsense is taught as gospel in a university. Puts a bad light on Sunshine Coast Uni.
J Konrad,
Peregian Beach.
##
OUTBACK HOLIDAY
Dear editor,
Following the devastation of record floods in the outback, its isolated people implored coastal dwellers not to discount them from tourist plans.
Yes, things will not be quite the same as last year’s glossy brochures, but what awaits is wonderful.
Last century’s heritage photographs spring to life within the resilience of today’s outback generations reviving devastated farms and the struggle streets of little villages that Noah-like survived.
Classic tourist towns such as Longreach and Winton are rejuvenating their offerings with renewed passion to make tourists’ experiences even more memorable with an added personal touch.
The authentic generosity of local people opening their hearts with dramatic insights into their lives and love of the outback comes through at every attraction and in the simple chats in the street, at the shop, or at the café counter.
Nature is redeeming itself by painting the landscape green and nourishing a proliferation of bird and animal life.
While the countryside is blooming, we urban dwellers can set our economies booming.
Our country cousins want us to do ourselves and them a favour by getting out to the outback now while the climate is most welcoming.
Garry Reynolds,
Peregian Springs.
##
OZ HERITAGE
Dear editor,
With Australia’s population at 27 million and counting, 8.2 million have added to become Australian citizens [as of 30 June 2023]. With just over 1 million since 2017. One-fifth of Australian-born children have two parents born overseas, and nearly half [48.2%] have one parent born overseas [according to the 2021 census].
This displays our cultural diversity. We come from all four corners of the globe to make our nation unique. There seems to be “something” uniquely Australian attracting immigrants to our “Sunburnt Country”! Lifestyle and weather may have much to do with it. The traditional occupants, with lineage back before 1788, have been integrated with incoming immigrants willing to share in Australia’s beauty, wealth and freedoms, investing their multiculturalism; contributing to benefit all our countrymen. This, ideally, should be our common social modus operandi.
All immigrants add to the “flavour” of what it means to be “TRULY” Australian. Who are the traditional owners now? With no written records of original title-deeds, with many original tribal peoples scattered far and wide across this vast continent, integrating and assimilating with incoming new Australians, what percentage of their pre-1788 cultural tone would take precedence, when claiming heritage rights, another flag and “voice”?
We all invest in our nation by living, working and assimilating, with our energy, work ethic and talents, to make Australia the envy of the world. We ALL are entitled to belong; to “Call Australia Home”, with one voice and one flag, because our multi-cultural roots contribute to a deep investment in the common Australian psyche, where our origins should not discriminate.
“We are one, but we are many” depends largely on our motives and willingness to be gracious, for the benefit of the whole nation.
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
#
COOLUM TOWN CENTRE
Dear editor,
Council is proposing to beautify the short strip between the library and David Low Way (Park Street). They are proposing festoon lighting, seats and pathways with a motive etched into it. I wonder whether we could look at the bigger picture.
Our recreational area, consisting of the park and the beach,h is intersected by a two-way road to get to the cafes and shops (which support our local economy). Wouldn’t it be a great asset to close off some of the road and turn it into a walking space?
It could have public art, alfresco seating, pop-up stalls for craft, coffee, etc. Maybe even some education boards about our environment and heritage. Traffic could be diverted to Perry and Elizabeth streets. This idea doesn’t have to be a pie in the sky if it is gradually implemented and paid for.
Name supplied,
Coolum Beach.
##
POLITICAL THOUGHTS
Dear editor,
Costa Livven reports that the community has rejected buying the spud or any rancid, withered, leftover vegetables because they are too costly, cause indigestion and reflux and are not conducive to healthy living. Just asking if there will be any fresh ones on the market soon?
Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
##