I’d rather get wet
I LAUGHED when I read that our council was knocked back for funding for the "proposed" levee bank repair.
Perhaps the powers that be looked at the debts this council already has. Maybe they said to themselves “this council is too big of a risk”.
As for another part of the story, well it is said ratepayers were "on board" with the project and agree to a rate hike.
Well, I and many thousands of us weren't asked. Were you?
I would suggest we say to this council: I'd rather get wet than pay more rates.
Our council is a laughing stock. Rate payers have had enough of paying for their stuff-ups. No forward thinking. No locked in quotes. Most of us can't get loans with outstanding debts.
Most of us wouldn't take on debts we can't service, get quotes that aren't set in concrete or bite off more than we can chew. Why is council trying to do what we can't?
CJ Buckland, Wagga
Not in our best interests
I AM writing to highlight the concerns of many Australians as to where our politicians are leading us.
Everyday both state and federal politicians delight in the acquisition of our land, water, house, ports, etc.
It never seems to bother them that each foreign acquisition weakens Australian control of our country and destiny.
Many people wonder why politicians make such decisions. One can only presume that they and their political parties are benefiting.
There is an increasing lack of Australian produced goods available – probably because our "clean green" products are highly sought after overseas.
We are inundated by imported food products mainly from Asian countries. These commodities are grown in unhygienic conditions using Australian banned chemicals.
What about our health and wealth? The "sell-off" (probably to the highest bidder) of our most strategic port - Darwin - is a massive security risk.
The Chinese lessees have links to the Chinese government and the military. It is not in our national interest to lease or sell our ports.
It appears to be open slather, especially for foreign-owned multi-national mining companies to take over our very productive farming country - making it useless for future generations.
All Australian farmers should have the legal right to veto coal and CSG mining on their properties by foreign and other multi-national companies.
I am also very concerned over investor state dispute settlement clauses in our free trade agreements.
This potentially gives multi-national companies power over our laws and regulations - if they are successful suing us through world courts. This takes away our sovereignty.
It would be great if "like-minded" people petitioned both sides of state and federal parliaments.
Barb Mansell, Leeton
Adults held to account
IN November my home was broken into as I slept. Approximately $1000 in goods and cash was stolen. I understand the nervousness and sleep difficulties other victims feel.
Often minors are in the company of adults when break and enter stealing offences occur.
When arrests are made involving adults and minors, I would suggest the adults sentence be doubled as they lead and groom the youngsters.
When the minors are arrested, they might think twice if items they hold dear (such as their mobile phones, skateboards, bikes, etc) could be confiscated.
Let them see how it feels to lose their goods.
Residents call 131 444 if you see anything suspicious or your home is broken into.
B Campbell, Wagga
