Necessities versus wants
Every household has to budget between necessity and want, so surely a council should operate the same. Recently, the Goulburn Mulwaree Council mayor has stated $80,000 has been allocated for a front facelift for the council chambers because it is looking a bit tired. The question is – why?
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As reported in Monday’s Post (June 19), the Blues Festival organiser Geoff Bell is crying out for funding toward this event, which brings thousands of music lovers to Goulburn. The mayor also stated that ratepayers could contribute toward this funding. Again the question is – why?
The council is always stating how they are promoting Goulburn as a great place to visit and securing major events to make this happen, so this $80,000 would be better spent helping Mr Bell as I am sure visitors are not going to stand out the front of the council chambers and say how good it looks!
This money is probably coming out of building funds, but I am sure it could be reallocated to assist the Blues Festival. Imagine how great it would be if Goulburn attained the notoriety for holding an annual Blues Festival just as Tamworth has done for the Country Music Festival.
Glenys Gordon, Bradfordville
Strict standards for all
I refer to Jason Shepherd’s letter (GP, June 14) calling for a ban on donations to political parties by extractive industries. I certainly agree and further believe that, given the serious criminal behaviour of some union officials, there should also be a total ban on political donations by trade unions due to the extreme influence they have on the political scene. Given the huge amounts of money the unions extract from members, it is high time they met the same strict reporting standards that apply to corporations.
The CFMEU boasted over 96,000-odd members in 2016 and annual fees seem to vary, but let’s say $450. That totals over $43 million. The members need some assurance as to the propriety of the organisation and some credibility to the financial reports. It also reveals the remuneration and benefits paid to officials of those organisations.
Entities that handle public money or assets and attempt to influence the political agenda must be transparent to their members and the public if we are to have any confidence in the fair operation of such entities. At the moment, the odd one out is the trade unions movement.
Grant Pearce FCA CTA RCA, Goulburn
Enough is enough!
I woke up again to extremely loud crunching/explosions/rumbling coming from the Gunlake mine. This has been going on for far too long and everyone in 'power' seems to be ignoring it. Why can't Gunlake live up to the same standards as Holcim? Holcim's crusher is inside a soundproof shed. It works beautifully. Gunlake has its crusher in the open and the whole valley is being tormented. Enough is enough!
Janis Sernik, Towrang
Discourage the stigma
Goulburn Labor will continue its commitment to help discourage the stigma of mental illnesses and bring down the all too high toll of suicide across the state. Labor will consult with advocacy groups to ensure sufferers can be assured the next NSW Labor government will offer the best and speediest of care, and introduce programs across the community that will shine a light on mental ailments that occur in one in four of the populace, and we will do all we can to reduce the tragedy that is suicide.
In the spirit of bipartisanship we call on Ms Goward and Mr Taylor to support this focus and actively work towards safeguarding our most vulnerable, including those of a tender age. Youth suicide in rural and regional areas is upwards of 60 per cent higher than cities, driven by isolation, stigma and a lack of services.
Jason Shepherd, president, Goulburn Labor
- If you or someone you know needs crisis support, call Lifeline, 13 11 14