With council elections looming some might be asking themselves, wither to Goulburn?
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We are faced with a rapidly changing world that is still struggling with COVID, the existential threat of rising temperatures, changing rainfall and an increase in severe weather events.
In terms of the climate, according to polls, the majority of Australians want action at time when the Federal and NSW Governments are increasing the production of coal and gas. That action needs to be more substantial rather than adding more panels on rooftops.
The council has excellent plans including the Regional Community Strategic Plan, the Social Sustainability Strategy Plan, the Climate Change Assessment and Adaptation Planning Report. Could those plans be better aligned and to what extent have they been implemented?
A Community Climate Resilience Plan would be a worthwhile addition and help provide a focus for a review of existing plans. Such a review would help the Goulburn Mulwaree Council determine how we should best prepare for the future so that we can face it with confidence.
There is an opportunity for Goulburn Mulwaree to lead the way, in terms of the environment, economy, community and infrastructure. Being a leader will put us on the front foot and amongst other benefits, help us to pre-empt attempts for damaging projects, such as the Tarago incinerators, being foisted on us.
However the council must play its part by adopting and effecting the NSW 2030 Emissions targets through the guidelines for councils.
Bob Philipson, Goulburn
What this Government has achieved
(Re letter from Greg Adamson, Goulburn Post 03/11/2021) The greedy, mean spirited, Morrison Government has certainly wasted opportunities.
However it has carried out its major task - granting tax cuts for themselves, big business and seriously wealthy people.
I live one block from Bradford Public school. During the Global Financial Crisis the Gillard Labor Government built a block of three double brick classrooms. Every school in Goulburn and the rest of Australia received funds which kept the building Industry from collapsing.
1.1 million Australian homes had roof insulation installed through Government funding. Less cost and reduced electricity used for heating and cooling the home and also less carbon emissions.
Funding was also allocated for affordable housing.
The present Federal and NSW Governments believe and deliver demountable rooms as good enough for public schools like Bradfordville.
However wealthy private schools like Riverview, Kings and Joeys get lavish amenities, brick buildings, swimming pools and flash science rooms!
NSW Coalition Government is considering selling off TAFE campuses . So much for training rural youth!
They prefer to import tradesmen from overseas countries and buy from foreign countries instead of manufacturing in Australia.
Alan Collins, Goulburn
No TVS for patients
The new hospital is open and appears impressive.
St John's rapidly closed then the old Base Hospital closed too so patients were moved into the new hospital.
Such a bad move as there are no televisions to provide a modicum of normality in the patient's lives. They are sick and now very stressed as there is no distraction for them during the day and night as they lie in their beds. How many times can a patient count the blades in the ceiling fan for a slight distraction?
My friend was progressing health wise in St Johns then Base and in less than a week he wants to give up at 75 years of age. He asks what has he done to deserve this lonely isolation depriving him of the news, Landline and his favourite shows on television? Not much to ask really. He says the criminals in goal are better looked after than he is in this new hospital.
The television brackets are on the wall with aerial connections and electricity nearby with all the televisions in a warehouse in Melbourne, so I am told. Surely someone knew construction of the new hospital was nearing completion. Why open the hospital without basic facilities for appropriate care for the patients? Understandably many of them are exceedingly depressed and upset.
This is disgraceful allowing patients mental health to deteriorate and thus their physical health too.
Surely the televisions from the old hospital and St John's could be used until the new ones arrive.
Who can step in to rectify this problem and provide patients with television immediately?
This neglect requires urgent rectification.
Tempe Hornibrook, Goulburn
Turn to the Salvos this Christmas
Why is Christmas so important? What separates Christmas from other national celebrations?
One might argue that Christmas is so important because of its Christian origins - the birth of Jesus, representative of a hope that came into the world over 2000 years ago.
As a minister in The Salvation Army, I would certainly agree with this answer. But even still, there is that unique feeling that is in the air in the days leading up to our Christmas Day celebrations.
The answer, I think, is: people. Families reuniting and connecting over a meal; those without a local family joining friends on Christmas Day; even those most lonely and isolated in our community reaching out to organisations like The Salvation Army.
It has become a resounding cliché, but after the year we have had in Australia, it seems like Christmas this year could be more important than ever for one simple reason: people.
So, this Christmas could offer us, as a community, the perfect opportunity to celebrate and connect with one another once again. Christmas is already our busiest time of year at The Salvos and this year will be immense, and yet we look forward to the opportunities to support others each and every Christmas season.
We want anyone and everyone who needs support this Christmas to reach out to us. Whether you need financial assistance, food on the table, presents under the tree for the kids at Christmas, or just a loving community to belong to, The Salvos are there for all.
If you need support this Christmas, please reach out to your local Salvos. Visit salvationarmy.org.au and allow us to journey with you this Christmas.
