The three S's are missing: sauna, steam and spa. I and many Goulburn rate-payers are very concerned at their omission from Stage 1.

I have suffered chronic arthritis since the age of 14 after a hit and run accident in Auburn Street in 1974. Having ongoing health issues all of my life, I meet and talk to people of all ages with similar health issues.

Goulburn's ancillary medical services are dwindling since the retirement of prominent surgeons and other specialist doctors who provide a necessary service for a multitude of patients in need of laser therapy and massage. These patients, including myself, need to travel to Canberra or Sydney.

During my frequent travels, I have visited several aquatic centres that have the three S's and they are always extremely busy, most of the clients of a mature age with health issues.

The benefits of using the spa, sauna and steam room [include]: muscle relaxation; increased blood circulation; cleansing of the pores; and detoxification.

One facility – Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre – constructed the three S's in 1996. As a matter of fact, I spoke with Ali the aquatic centre manager.

He said that because of the overwhelming popularity of the initial spa, steam room and sauna, the facilities were increased to add another two spas and a much larger steam room at a cost of less than $3 million. He also said these facilities pay for themselves and cost $8.50 a session.

Goulburn's proposal is costing $18.85 million without the facilities the city needs. Why? Even though we are not the same demographics as the example, Goulburn would benefit more due to the cold climate and lack of other services including medical facilities; and keep in mind that swimmers and other sportspeople also benefit.

Physiotherapists and other professionals in the rehabilitation field all agree with the inclusion of these essential facilities. I hope common sense prevails with the inclusion of the sauna, steam and spa to be constructed as part of Stage 1.

I am a born and bred Goulburnian and I believe this is an opportunity to showcase our wonderful city and progress with the times. We the citizens of Goulburn should be enticing people to live in our community, not losing people because of inadequate facilities.

Once again we hear our incumbent Australian Government is chasing Centrelink recipients, mainly – in this case – the many thousands who have failed to commit to work commitments.

Australia has more than 830,000 people under the age of 30 receiving benefits. The biggest concern is the more than 80,000 young men all under the age of 30 who appear to be unemployable.

An article in a major Sydney newspaper brought this to the fore recently, perhaps even spiking the Government to chase these recipients.

But the question here should be: why so many? According to the article, disruptive male students are given Ritalin (methylphenidate). One wonders how many of these young males now considered unfit for work were these hyperactive students.

Is there a connection with methylphenidate products and later drug use? Has a survey ever been carried out?

Perhaps more could and should be done to find out why these 80,000 young men and others are not fit for work.

Let’s not make another mistake and have an across-the-board decision that will affect some of our most disadvantaged young people.

Remember, we do have a major suicide problem with this age group.