DIRECT BUSHFIRE MONEY TO WHERE IT IS MOST NEEDED
Regarding the distribution of bushfire funds, why can't a sensible basic plan be set up to distribute this money?
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Use local councils as the body that takes registrations from local people who lost houses and suffered other losses - they show their current house insurance papers together with a legitimate quote from a builder or themselves doing the building to replace their home to the equivalent state it was in.
If they want to rebuild a bigger or better home fine, but they pay for those extra renovations themselves.
People who lost things, but not necessarily everything, register an honest listing of this itemised property.
Similarly businesses and farmers. In the case of farmers it would be estimates of their various losses.
If everyone was honest about this it would be a good starting point.
Local councils send figures with information of each claimant to the state body of local government. This would then be sent on to a relevant body that already exists.
There may need to be a board set up at the last very step, but don't squander this money on lengthy legal argument.
The firefighters and their equipment should be reimbursed also - they are the most important people. State and federal governments should reimburse this.
Each relevant station should be able to make submissions to cover all loss of equipment and costs to run this equipment, including planes.
Reimbursement should be made to all firefighters, any medical needs not covered by Medicare.
A lot, perhaps all of them, will need counselling for fighting these fires. Some will need considerable counselling, perhaps for some a lifetime.
Immediate recompense now plus governments ensuring they have money for ongoing medical/counselling needs.
I understood government funds were given for the firefighters, their equipment, etc. If not, where did it go?
Ronda Lampe, Wagga
HOW DO WE KEEP THE LIGHTS ON?
It's 8pm on Friday night. Footy night.
Theres a serious frost outside and no wind as usual when there is a frost.
Everyone has their heating on and others have their air-con going, as well as the TV.
Suddenly it is half-time and all electric jugs are switched on as well for tea and coffee.
Not one skerrick of power can be drawn from wind and solar.
What will keep the lights and power going?
Des Goonan, Wagga
IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR ALL THOSE TAKING A WALK
Now that the days are getting shorter and darker in the early morning it seems important to remind walkers that it is important to wear light coloured clothing and to walk facing the on-coming traffic.
This may seem unimportant but those simple rules can ensure safety when out walking and can save unnecessary accidents.
Mary Kidson, Lake Albert
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