Rural industry has survived previous rail threats quite well
The economic advantages to the district from a rail trail are exponential (‘Project heads off rails’, GP, August 31).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
I myself am interested in purchasing a property along the trail to set up a world-class mountain-biking event destination.
Let‘s not allow excessive conservatism distract us from the advantages: economically, home and rural land prices should increase; small business and youth employment will boom; residents will be able to choose a time to go for a good walk or cycle in the bush without danger from motor vehicles.
The arguments against, on a bio-security basis, seem amorphous, given rural industry has survived the previous rail and current road transport threats quite well.
Matt Ford, Crookwell
If he gets up at the next election, we’ll blame you
If Don Fischer was a contestant on the ABC TV show Hard Quiz, his special topic would be ‘The Life of Ben Chifley’.
Don is an expert on the former prime minister, a walking Ben Chifley encyclopedia, and knows, for example, that at the age of 24, Chifley was the youngest first class engine driver in NSW. He failed at his first attempt to enter politics, was a humble man, and liked to spend every second Sunday in bed. Now, I don`t know if Don can drive a steam train [but] he certainly isn’t humble...
Which brings us to James Hasler’s recent letter to the Post suggesting that Don should stop giving advice from the sidelines and actually run for council himself.
Well, Don did stand for election in 2008 and got just 191 votes; but be careful what you wish for, James, because your letter might inspire him to have another go.
Just like his hero Ben Chifley, second time lucky. I hear he’s thinking of dying his hair orange and using the slogan ‘Make Goulburn Great Again’ and his main policy will be to build a huge wall which someone else will pay for. If he gets up at the next election, we’ll blame you, James Hasler.
Incidentally, Ben Chifley wanted to nationalise the banks, but was defeated. Time for another go…
Peter Riley, Penrith
Irked or enthused, why not tell the world
As the old saying goes “home is where I hang my hat” and for the past 40 years I’ve chosen to hang my Akubra in Goulburn because I like it here.
I take a keen interest in what goes on in the Lilac City and, when a local issue arises which I think could be handled a little better or that ratepayers need informing about, I consider it my civic duty to fire off a letter to the mighty Goulburn Post.
Throwing in my two bob’s worth helps vent the frustration and exasperation caused by the political types who already have a plaque made up with their names emblazoned and are just waiting for a place and a time to have it placed in perpetuity on some unsuspecting object such as PACs, rail trails, or a football stadium in Victoria Park, in a self-effacing cause that satisfies their egos and wastes our money.
If there is something that irks or enthuses you, tell the world. Write a letter to the Post.
However, the last three or four letters that I’ve had published have been followed within days by a nasty, unwarranted, vexatious letter from Peter Riley of Penrith insinuating that I’m some sort of chronic attention-seeking whinger, a Don Quixote character forever destined to tilt at windmills. Well, I’ve had enough, Riley. I’m drawing a line in the sand. If you attempt to rattle my cage just one more time, I’ll be forced to settle this, man-to-man, by challenging you to a duel. And it won’t be wet lettuce leaves at 10 paces. Let’s see if you are man enough to show up!
Don Fischer, Goulburn
Does marriage equality equate to weddings?
Tom Sebo in his guest editorial (GP, September 13) promises an economic bonanza if gay marriages are celebrated locally. But honestly, how many gay weddings can we expect to see? How many gays has he, or anyone else, ever met who have the slightest intention of accessing ‘marriage equality’? I’d guess the number of gay weddings we might see in Goulburn would be close to zero.
Lance Eccles, Goulburn
The world will be what it has ever been
There is an appalling arrogance in the assertion that man can change objective reality at the instance of the ideologically committed by majority vote. We might as well vote to alter the phases of the moon, or to provide that henceforth magpies shall refrain from swooping in August and September.
When, in the years to come, government has collapsed and with it the raft of mindless legislation visited upon us, marriage will remain what it has ever been, the permanent commitment of a man and a woman to each other for the procreation and education of children, the phases of the moon will remain what they have ever been and magpies will continue their swooping in August and September.
Michael Baker, Goulburn
Pay up if you produce pollution on our roads
There are a few who still ask that ridiculous question: How come cyclists do not pay registration? Most cyclists also own a car and they leave it at home when they are riding. So the new question should be: When are car drivers going to raise money for charity, seeing they produce most of the pollution on our roads? Please be aware of your driving and keep everyone safe.