Showground safety
HAVING spent some time in and around the showground while the show was on recently, I was surprised there weren't signs slowing traffic, considering the large number of children coming and going.
I realise authorities don't normally act until after there is an accident.
However, might I suggest those concerned become proactive to make this section safe not only when the show is on but whenever a major event is held there.
Not all that long ago this section of road was considered a serious black spot.
Peter Dolden
Wagga
Preparing the best defence
THE crime report by Ken Grimson as revealed by Inspector Darren Cloake (October 14) leads me to believe we need railway fences made from impenetrable materials to block thieves’ escape routes and power boxes inside homes to prevent interference by thieves.
Why should we have to?
Because that is the way of the world and what we have to do at the end of the line.
We also need to find a way to prevent crime at the beginning of the line – pre-crime.
Perhaps a grandparent program in community centres in each suburb.
Volunteer grandparents for families who have no one to care for children while they train, seek employment, run errands and attend matters, before, after and in school holidays.
Yes, it sounds corny but if run as a program with volunteers under the guidance of psychologists and PCYC, those at risk can be helped before they begin the slide to jail.
If non-threatening, parents will use it. If fun, the kids will come.
If home is chaotic and unsupervised, the kids can bring themselves.
The best defence is a deliberate and prepared attitude of offence.
If 5000 Wagga workers donated 2% of their pay a week, my rough estimation is $255,000 could be given to PCYC to run the program every week.
Alison Wooden
Wagga
Development a concern
What is council thinking?
At a time where the cost of improving the levee banks protecting Central Wagga and North Wagga can not be met, council is contemplating the development of a major entertainment facility (harness racing to be exact) on a designated flood plain in North Wagga.
By major, I mean one that will require huge amounts of fill to be brought in to ensure that the proposed, privately owned infrastructure will hopefully remain out of harms way.
What about the residents of Central Wagga who were evacuated during the last flood event? Will they receive assistance to flood-proof their property?
Has council considered their liability to residents and to the developers? I for one doubt it.
If I were living in Central Wagga I would be very concerned about the development council is currently considering and start asking questions as to how such a development can even be considered on a flood plain.
Ben Stodart
Wagga
Penalty rate compensation
Much is being said about penalty rates of pay for workers working out of normal hours.
Penalty rates came about to compensate workers who were not able to watch their kids play weekend games, or join their family in weekend gatherings.
Nothing has changed.
These requirements to work outside the "normal" still require compensation.
Colin McPherson
The Rock
