Is gas gas, or electricity?
The supply of gas to Australian private and business consumers is in a state of chaos.
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States are granting export licences at such large volume, they need to also approve extraction of gas from coal beds, releasing filthy trapped water into ground strata.
Now we have a large player such as AGL wanting to convert gas to electricity rather than supply gas to the domestic market.
To add insult to injury, after decades of Australians installing gas appliances, if this trend continues we will be forced by upward price pressure on gas to switch back to electrical appliances.
Matt Ford, Crookwell
Drivers, choose wisely
Police officers across Australia will be out in force over the Easter long weekend but road safety is not just their responsibility. We owe it to ourselves and our loved ones to accept responsibility for our own actions, every time we get behind the wheel.
Last year over the Easter long weekend, eight people didn’t make it back home; the year before, 22 people. This year let us aim for this to be zero. As you plan the Easter road trip, try to factor in mini breaks and actions you will take to have a safe and enjoyable long weekend drive. Road trauma is increasing in Australia. After decades of improvements, a spike in recent years demands action from us all. By working together at a community level, with our police, and at government level across federal, state and local jurisdictions, we can do better, and I'm determined see that happen.
The 2016 road deaths total was 1300. I don't accept that in 2017 another 1300 Australians have to be added in addition to the tens of thousands injured during the year. Of course, governments need to provide safer roads, police need to enforce laws, but it is also about the decisions people make on the road, whether it be speeding, answering the phone, not taking a break, or taking a risk when overtaking.
Drivers need to choose wisely, for themselves, their loved ones and for others.
Darren Chester MP, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Yay of the day
Yay of the day should go to Damon, the manager of North Goulburn McDonalds, who went above and beyond his managerial duties within the store.
Firstly, we were greeted by his big friendly smile and hello and he hoped we were having a good day so far. My friend’s order wasn’t prepared suitably, so he very efficiently had it replaced. Then, on returning to her camper van, we noticed her security screen was loose. As Damon was taller than us, we approached him to help us with the loose screw, which he proceeded to replace with three new screws which he drilled into the van. Lucky for us he just happened to have his drill in his car.
It was a lovely gesture and my friend (a solo grey nomad) was very impressed. She is now travelling again, but wanted me to publicly thank him for his help.
Without doubt, his genuine care and pleasantness is what customer service is all about, and I’m sure all his staff would be very happy to be guided by him.
Glenys Gordon, Bradfordville
CWA celebrates 70 years
This year the Country Women’s Association of NSW celebrates 70 years of service at Sydney Royal Easter Show.
The CWA of NSW aims to improve conditions for country women and children in various ways including lobbying for change, helping the local community, and creating a network of support. We make localities into communities, and the hospitality shown at the Show tea room over the past 70 years is a tangible demonstration.
This year alone, 450 volunteers including members from Southern Tablelands Group branches will work at the CWA of NSW Tea Room preparing scones from the secret CWA recipe, and serving them up with raspberry jam and whipped cream. Having topped out at 49,100 scones baked during the 2016 Show, volunteers are keen to reach 50,000 during this year’s 14-day event. The scones will of course be enjoyed with more than 18,000 teabags sweetened with more than 20,000 sachets of sugar.
Since 1922, CWA of NSW members have worked tirelessly to set up baby health care centres, fund bush nurses, build and staff maternity wards, hospitals, schools, rest homes and more, but in an age where individuals are often isolated, and communities fragmented, the simple pleasure of the tea room tradition should not be underestimated.