I came to this council wanting to stop the avalanche of spot rezonings and exceptions to the rules that had strangled our city for so long. They open the way for influence-peddling, and discourage those developers who want to do the right thing. 

They also take up an enormous amount of staff and council time, assessing and arguing each individual case; time which would be better spent on creating strong plans and strategies for the future. This is what makes good planning – setting the rules then applying those rules to everyone.

If we are to make an exception  to raise the allowable building height for  one developer, by two to two-and-a-half times, we need a  strong argument that it is in the best interests of Wollongong. Bigger does not mean better.

Council bought this land so we could have control over its future development, and produce a leading, environmentally friendly and liveable neighbourhood, with diverse and affordable housing, recreational space, and increased economic opportunities. 

There is no reason  we can’t have a world-leading development here, within Wollongong’s current planning rules.

Jill Merrin, councillor, Austinmer 

Banking on a smile

 The high level of corruption in our political system is destroying our freedom as these self-serving mongrels use taxpayers’ money along with bribes  to line their own pockets.

There is yet to be one of them charged and brought to justice; it’s no wonder they are all smiling when they leave the ICAC hearings.

We the people need to push for change to our political system and get rid of these dens of thieves known as state parliaments.  We are a nation, not a conglomerate of little fiefdoms.

We should also get rid of preferential voting, it’s just another crooked way of gaining power, plus separate the church from politics as they also have an agenda of self. They are rich organisations, pay no taxes and have a rotten reputation of abuse.

We are at present a divided nation where the rich have preference. In a true democracy this should not happen.

 Perhaps this is why the ICAC is such a farce and the corruption will continue when the dust settles.

B.R. George, Berkeley

Modern take on racism

When I was young,  my familiarity with the term ‘‘racist’’ was only due to my advanced vocabulary because I don’t remember ever meeting one in the flesh and, if I had, then I probably wouldn’t have recognised him or her.

Of course there was a range of epithets in use and you could call someone a wog, kraut, balt, dago etc and even a bastard if you smiled when you said it, and no offence was meant or taken.

Now everybody is getting more precious, with one of the more glaring examples being AFL player Adam Goodes taking issue with a naive comment from a 12-year-old girl in the crowd.

The most recent cause celebre to carry with it the accusation of being ‘‘racist’’ is to dare criticise (in any way) elements of the Muslim faith or Islamic lifestyle.

To cap it all off, our Prime Minister has agreed not to proceed with amendments to the Racial Vilification Act that makes, in effect, a crime of saying what you think, however harmless it may be.

 Where it all ends, I won’t even  guess.

Bob Palmer, Kiama