Letters to the editor February 3 2017

Then up pops the Prime Minister telling the people of this great country of ours, not to be afraid, we are protected by a great police force committed to our safety.

Well if Abbott was still in power, all those ISIS fighters, would have been locked upon them returning to this country. That was his promise to us.

But not you Prime Minister, no not you. Let ‘em in, we will monitor them. Look where that as got you.

Now our police force, stretched as it is, is doing a job that you could have prevented. 

Lawrence Wren, Fairy Meadow

In response to the letter by John Macleod ("Taking a toll", Illawarra Mercury, Friday, July 28, 2017), I would hope Mr Macleod is seated, as I agree with a portion of his letter.

John, what should get up everyone's nose is the idea a politician can retire with a salary, and then join a bank or corporation as a member of the executive and receive an additional wage.  I would bet most working people could not and would not be able to achieve this.

I understand your frustration and concern over the sale of public assets, but consider government can become too big and bureaucratic.

Regardless of which party is in office, government is continually asked and expected to increase funding in numerous areas from childcare to education and hospitals.

Money does not grow on trees and selling off some public utilities to the private sector allows governments to increase funding in front line services, for example.

The other point I would raise is the excessive amounts of money spent on politicians and public servants, which could possibly maintain some public utilities as opposed to selling them.

Adrian Devlin, Fairy Meadow

In recognition of Councillor Jill Merrin’s last council meeting the Northern Illawarra Residents Action Group would like to acknowledge the efforts of Cr Merrin and thank her for her tireless and diligent work over the past six years.

In that time Cr Merrin has served the residents of Ward One and the City of Wollongong with great integrity, demonstrating intelligence and care for both constituents and the environment.

Her local knowledge and long history of working with the Northern Suburbs community has been appreciated and will be greatly missed by Ward 1 residents.   Wollongong Council in general has also benefited from her passion for the environment and her support for community campaigns.

Wollongong’s natural environment, such as the beaches, coastal swimming pools, wetlands and green spaces with a wide range of vegetation, are so important to the general health of the community.   They are also a major point of difference that makes our city a unique tourist attraction.

NIRAG members wish Councillor Merrin well in her future works and hope that the newly elected councillors will carry on her example to take an active role in the protection of Wollongong’s natural environment.

Ross Dearden, Hon Secretary, NIRAG Inc

In reference to Paul McGregor being ridiculously fined $10K for accurate description of the bunker operatives - will the operatives be similarly fined for blatant incompetence in relation to denying the Dragons at least one try?

This careless howler will inevitably cost the Dragons a place in the finals. Who is going to stick their hand in the air and admit the bunker made a major faux pas? The NRL can not have it both ways.

D J Preece, Balgownie