Wollongong does not have rivers like the Amazon or Mekong, but up and down the coast there are waterways that flow from the escarpment to the sea, eg. Fairy Creek, Cabbage Tree Creek, American Creek, Byarong Creek etc and Tom Thumb Lagoon. I was recently reading a piece from National Geographic, where Indigenous groups around the world are campaigning to get waterways a 'legal personhood' giving waterways rights, for example, the right to flow and maintain diversity, be free from pollution, a right to sue.
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As a starting point, governments, particularly local government, could enshrine a charter and legislation that gave to waterways a 'personhood' and rights. As Individuals and groups we could walk adjacent to a waterway, admire its form and flow, remove rubbish where accessible, listen to the waterway. Waterways were generally here before us.
Peter Corkish, Wollongong
Need to change course
During the 2019 election campaign Scott Morrison used his skills with the help of the media to undermine many policies that the Labor party and others put forward that would have made a fairer and more equitable society.
The rise of independents in greater quantities in this election campaign is a direct result of that campaign where Morrison gained a small majority. Many in those safer conservative electorates know that the people representing the government don't get a proper say as they are overwhelmed by the conservative members.
What is important is that this country needs to change course for the better if we are to overcome the challenges we face in terms of climate change, fairness for all, integrity, looking after our elderly with dignity and providing a more promising future for the next generation or two.
Richard Ruse, Figtree
Best path forward
Richard Burnett is entitled to enjoy his fear-mongering, particularly with regard to renewable energy, which is apparently a "disastrous failure" in Europe ("Baseload power lessons" Illawarra Mercury, 26/4). However, he seems to live on a different planet from the 69 per cent of Australians who understand the long-term economic benefits of addressing climate change. We are lucky to live in sun-kissed, windy Australia where renewable energy is viable and achievable.
Our best path forward is to follow the Australian Energy Market Operator's Integrated Systems Plan that provides a roadmap through a complex energy transition to renewable energy. Despite the federal government's recalcitrance, many parts of Australia are already well on the way to becoming self-reliant on our renewable energy sources. This is great news for our climate, our health, our hip pockets, and our energy security.
Amy Hiller, Kew
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