CONGRATS FOR ACTION
Congratulations to Wollongong Council for its decision to declare a climate emergency. Symbolic actions like this are important in showing that the Council prioritises this important issue.
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I look forward to seeing this symbolic action translate into tangible works on the ground that will make a difference to reducing greenhouse emissions of Wollongong such as: A well funded off-road cycleway network that greatly increases the number of people cycling to reduce traffic congestion; facilitating the establishment of new industry based around the processing and utilisation of recycled materials; fostering a much greater uptake of renewable energy across the city; new buildings built with a much greater level of energy efficiency; and more shade trees across the city.
Such actions will not only help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, but will also improve the livability of the city, provide jobs and reduce energy costs.
Opponents to action on climate change often say Australia only produces 1.5 per cent of global emissions so nothing we do will make a difference. Australian soldiers only made up about 1.5% of the allied army in World War II. Are they saying that this made no difference to the outcome of the war?
David Curtis, Fairy Meadow
UPON REFLECTION
The description of the pedestrian refuge island in Lakeside Drive sounds very similar to the problems at Gwynneville shopping centre. In Gwynneville. The southern opening does not meet the minimum RMS requirement. Further cars parked on the exit side narrows the turn out, further breaching RMS standard. Buses and larger vehicles regularly contact the Island (as at Lakeside Rd) with the square edges resulting in damage to the tyres.
Wollongong City Council was advised of the non conformance of the Gwynneville crossing in 2013 and on further occasions over the years by the local community group. It is also noted the refuge Island was a carryover from when there was a roundabout at the intersection and should have been removed when the traffic lights were installed.
The RMS standard is for the for tapered sides for street furniture not square edges. The RMS further recommends the crossings to have warning reflectors on the approach or be floodlit. The picture in the Illawarra Mercury does not seems to show any warning reflectors. Could this along with the square edges be a contributing factor in the crash?
Ian Young, Towradgi
GOING INTO BATTLE
Referring to Donald Tate's letter dated Saturday August 17, Donald Tate how dare you refer to those heroic young men who fought at the Battle of Long Tan as cowards. My only brother was one of those young men, one of the 18 who died.
You were not there, how easy is it for you to sit back in your comfy chair and say such dreadful things. "All they did was defend themselves".
Well of course they defended themselves. What would you have done? Thrown your arms up and surrender? When you have been in a battle such as this, only then will you have the right to cast such cowardly aspersions on young heroes.
Sandra Fleming, Dapto