SPEED HUMPS 
Dear editor,

I am writing on behalf of several concerned community members regarding the newly installed high-speed humps at the South Coolum Rd Shopping Centre car park.

Since their installation, many locals have noticed that the humps are excessively high and difficult to drive over safely. A number of residents, myself included, are worried that these humps are causing potential damage to vehicles, particularly to low-clearance cars. What was intended to improve safety is now creating unnecessary risk and frustration for everyday shoppers.

We believe this is an issue worth bringing to the community’s attention, as many of us rely on this centre for our daily shopping and errands. We would appreciate if the centre’s management or relevant authorities could review the height and design of these humps to ensure they meet appropriate standards and do not create further problems for drivers.

Thank you for considering this matter. We hope raising awareness will encourage a prompt solution that benefits everyone.

Tracey Higgins,
Mt Coolum.
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SUBMARINE DEAL 
Dear editor,

Did a new Abbottrocity suggest that the Mad King’s navy should supply Oz with the USA’s old retiring ‘nucula’ submarines while we wait for the new ‘nucula’ one due in 2040? Remember the Treaty of Rarotonga?
Just asking.

Margaret Wilkie,
Peregian Beach.
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E-MOBILITY DEVICES  
Dear editor,

When will the Crisafulli LNP Government do something to prevent more deaths and injuries from personal mobility devices?

Three local high schools are rightly banning them from their schools.

The Police Service is actively informing the public about the risks these PMD’s pose to users, pedestrians, and drivers when operated by inexperienced individuals.

Talking to family and friends reveals just about everyone has had close calls or seen dangerous behaviour by young people speeding, not wearing helmets, doubling or not obeying the rules on the road or footpaths.

The police have one hand tied behind their back, the laws are totally inadequate, and we are told the government will only act after the parliamentary inquiry hands down its findings in March 2026.

Then how long will it take before laws come into force?

Yes, laws need to be well drafted, however one step they could take would be that all PMD’s should be registered and have readily seen number plates so they can be traced if observed acting illegally. The registered owner would then be responsible for either revealing the user of the device or being held responsible for any offence. Even this process would take some months to implement, but the government needs to make a start now.

Will local LNP member and Police Minister, Dan Purdie, help the police to keep us all safe and stand up to the Premier and call for action now?

How many deaths and injuries does it take?

Robyn Deane,
Nambour.
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DEMENTIA CARERS 
Dear editor,

Compassionate dementia carers come from all walks of life, and while their challenges may differ, they share resilience and dedication in supporting loved ones.

For some, the role of carer can be a struggle when they feel they are losing their identity, but it can generate a passion to help people they meet along the dementia journey, looking after a loved one.

In railway terms, it’s not about the cared and carer being shunted into an out-of-the-way siding of life but staying on board the train together on the mainline with a shared destination in mind.

It may not be all aboard the express, but an all-stations service with stops along the way to relive memories of past journeys together before the dementia diagnosis.
On any dementia journey, lack of support, overcoming the frustrations of misdiagnosis, and the emotional turmoil of caregiving can create feelings of isolation and loneliness in both the cared and carers, struggling to survive but fired with the desire to thrive.
Carers need care too. Key issues for the carer are a sense of loss and grief for the person the cared used to be, mixed with a cloud of ambiguity hanging over the present and future scenarios in the dementia journey.

Dementia support networks are critical for harnessing the transformative power of peer groups, counselling, and coaching for carers to maintain patience and understanding.
The challenges are greater for young carers navigating personal growth and academic pressures. They may be reluctant to ask adults for help when so many are untutored in how to interact with a person with dementia.

The challenges can be even greater in rural and regional areas with limited access to support services.

At times, carers may put pressure on themselves, feeling they are not doing enough for their loved ones, especially when negotiating respite breaks. When carers feel supported and understood, everyone’s quality of life improves.

Thankfully, dementia doulas can fill gaps for families struggling to access support. A qualified doula serves as a companion guide for the cared and carer on their dementia journey.

Dementia doulas not only provide practical advice and connections to support networks, but they also offer a sympathetic shoulder to lean on when times are tough, and that can be often.

Garry Reynolds,
Peregian Springs.
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BEYOND BLUE SUPPORT AT CHRISTMAS 
Dear editor,

The festive season can be a joyous time for many people, as they take a well-earned break from work and school and spend time with family and friends. It’s a time to rest and reset for the new year.

Yet for others, this time of year can be particularly difficult and distressing, and a time they hope will pass quickly.

It can bring additional financial pressures, strain relationships, and heighten feelings of loneliness. The festive season may also intensify isolation, particularly for those separated from family or grieving the loss of a loved one.

So, as we head into the holiday break, we want Australians to know that regardless of what they’re dealing with, they don’t have to face it alone.

The Beyond Blue Support Service is free, confidential, and available around the clock, including on Public Holidays. You can call 1300 22 46 36 or chat online at www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support.

It’s common to put off seeking help because we can’t quite find the words to express our needs.

But when you contact us, you don’t have to know what to say. Our skilled counsellors will meet you where you’re at and guide you towards where you need to be.

And finally, a big thank-you to everyone who has donated to Beyond Blue this year. Our support service is run purely on donations, so your kindness and generosity allow us to always be there when people need us the most.

Georgie Harman AO,
CEO of Beyond Blue.
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YOUTH LAWS 
Dear editor,

Victoria, in particular, and the Qld government are struggling with the explosion of violent youth crime and the use and abuse of E-scooters. One deterrent administrators need to explore is to place the parents or guardians before the courts, to make them accountable and suffer the legal consequences of negligence and blatant child abuse.

Judges need to be prepared to hold the supervisors of these young criminals responsible for the children in  their care. Those at home receiving welfare payments need to face fines, lose their welfare payments and be incarcerated, so it is taken seriously. Too often, taxpayers foot the bill for court costs and damages to public property, while the so-called guardians of these young criminals plead ignorance. If they come from dysfunctional homes, governments need appropriate services to support those struggling with children out of control.

It can’t just be left to the rest of the community to pick up the tab! As for severe consequences or any consequence, this hits the “minders” of these children running amok in gangs with deadly weapons, readily available from any kitchen or hardware store. How are these perpetrators monitored or, if not, why aren’t they? Where are the parents in most cases, and why haven’t the authorities and court system taken the trouble to pull the “minders” of these perpetrators into line?

Recalcitrant children let loose without consequences reflect upon the households where they live. Children pushing boundaries learn this at home unsupervised, or in gangs where the modus operandi is lawlessness and violence, for which no checks are made. Children left to their own devices find like-minded groups willing to contest the rules and take risks. Expensive E-scooter usage needs new laws to prevent accidents and misuse, colliding with legal transport, or acting as if they own the highways and byways of our communities.

Children need wholesome activities with parental control, consent and involvement in their leisure time and supervision at night. Whole communities are under siege by out-of-control young criminals looking for an adrenaline rush, defying the laws that keep our society safe.

E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
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HECS DEBTS 
Dear editor,

The recent 20% cut to HECS student debts, saving the average recipient about $6 per week, primarily benefits over 3 million younger Australians—many of whom later achieve higher incomes. This policy disproportionately aids wealthier individuals, raising significant equity concerns while costing the government $16–20 billion upfront.

In contrast, directing similar funds to provide a $6 weekly cost-of-living reduction to the 4.5 million aged pensioners would cost roughly $1.4 billion annually but offer immediate, broad-based economic relief to a vulnerable and lower-income demographic.

The HECS cut tilts support toward a narrower, more affluent voter group, whereas a pensioner-focused measure would distribute benefits more equitably and bolster economic stability for a larger segment of Australians facing financial hardship.

For a truly fair and effective policy, government funds should prioritise widespread relief over targeted debt forgiveness that risks widening socioeconomic disparities.

Colin Caudell,
Coolum Beach.
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