Letters to the editor - August 8, 2014
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Frank Crump of Moree writes:
Sunday, August 10 was the end of the Hike for the Homeless.
After eight days of walking, we completed our hike.
At 12 noon, we came into Moree Artesian pools after completing 690km from Moree, Narrabri, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes, Inverell then back to Moree.
The Hike for Homeless - what a great team to do such an amazing walk. Some people until last Sunday I didn’t even know very well, but now we are the best of mates.
I was honoured to receive the inaugural Orange Boot Award for the best on tour 2014.
A heart-felt thanks goes to all the support teams who followed us: Byamee co-ordinator Leigh Smith, Jo Williams also from SES/Byamee, Amanda Browning from Byamee, also the rest of the Byamee staff who stayed back to man the office; Anna Simmonds from Family Support, to all the SES from all over north-west and New England.
All the towns we stayed in each night were very welcoming. Also all the media outlets were an amazing support for the cause.
Victoria Edwards the ambassador for the Hike for the Homeless - what an amazing talent. Victoria performed in every town each night. Look forward to the next event.
Tony Jones, of Gunnedah, writes:
So, it’s done.
There was never any doubt in the world that there would be any other result. The sham of public consultation was never intended to be anything other than window dressing.
It is reminiscent of the American west where the cowboys caught a horse thief and one said, “Let’s hang him”. Others said, “We should have a trial”. The first cowboy said, “Alright, we’ll have a trial and then we’ll hang him”.
The rescission motion was lost. The VIC is to move.
Consider some of the reasoning at the meeting.
One councillor stated that he believed the centre should be moved. He did not believe that the Civic was the right place to move it to, but it would have to do in the short term.
What is a short term, I wonder, and how much might it cost to correct it by moving it to another location after spending $235,000?
Another posed the view that it should be moved on the rather spurious argument that once a decision had been made, it should stay made.
It is appropriate to point out that on at least two previous occasions, council has discussed the location of the VIC and decided to leave it in Anzac Park. That decision was clearly made and under his philosophy, should have stayed made.
We can now look forward with confidence to that councillor voting against any future rescission motion on the same grounds.
The other grounds seem to revolve around increasing tourism and saving money. The increase in tourism, if any, will no doubt be helped along by a commensurate increase in the number and location of signage.
It’s just a pity that this was not tried before taking the drastic step that so antagonised the community.
As to saving money, I confess to scepticism. This is, after all, the same financial administration that needed to make application for a 40 per cent rate rise in an attempt to balance the books. A better recourse might have been to examine the burgeoning number of staff, particularly in the manager category.
I await with interest council’s decision as to which organisation will get to be the new tenant of the VIC. I say VIC because it will always be that in my mind and I would like to think that whoever is moved in will be truly community based.
I am sure the electors will not forget this matter and will reflect their views at the appropriate time.
Angela and Rod Barnes, of Gunnedah, write:
Last week’s extraordinary council meeting dealing with the rescission motion regarding the VIC was a farcical spectacle to say the least.
Two councillors addressed the forum in the most condescending, irritated and dismissive tone, as if the subject warranted no further discussion.
When we made our way outside, one person said that it felt as if we were at a wake and that we were gutted with the outcome. The frustration and despair were palpable.
Rumblings about a “no confidence” vote were also evident.
I wonder how the many benefactors and their families feel about this move.
Also, what about the service club members who contributed countless hours of voluntary labour?
The mayor can quote endless facts and figures, but the opinion of the public remains the same - leave the VIC where it is. It is a waste of money to move it to the Civic, which I understand is only a temporary arrangement anyway.
Apologies to the councillors who listened to the community before I ask - how many of you will stand at the next election? The majority of you may need to rethink your intentions.
Finally, Mr Smith... what happened?
Michael Sparkes, of Gunnedah, writes:
Well, the VIC is finally done and dusted.
The decision to relocate the centre was made from day one. Public opinion, petitions and submissions mean nothing, councillors had the numbers to relocate.
Councillor Smith can change his mind and jump ship if he likes - that’s his right - sleep well, Steve.
On the brighter side of things, I attended the launch of Ron McLean’s book In the Line of Fire, a great event.
The Mooki Room and the foyer in the Civic area both were crowded.
I have one query with this area being used: How do visitors gain access to information?
Council probably has plan B, or are they asked to come back tomorrow?
On Thursday, August 7, I was asked what else were council going ahead with complete disregard to submissions and public opinion.
You have a choice of two - Longmuir Fields or the sale of parkland.
Council will do what they like with Longmuir Fields. I expect junior league will be relocated to the river flats near Donnelly Fields.
I hope the junior league do not spit the dummy and go to Tamworth. If they do, I am sure the parents will do their shopping at Tamworth. Not good for Gunnedah.
The second is the sale of parkland. You can guarantee council will sell some parkland.
Council bowed to public pressure and did not go ahead with the sale of parkland before, but we have a new council now. The general manager, when I asked him about the parks, told me if it comes up, the public would be consulted.
This is a waste ot time as council does not listen. I think the sale of parkland will just go through a council meeting.
Council stated it was necessary to have a large rate increase. But I do object to extra funds being wasted on consultants.
A consultant (one of the few I have time for) once told me if you pay a general manager good money and he employs competent staff, why do you need to employ consultants?
Consultants do not need to be licenced or register with Fair Trading.
Jean Ranclaud writes:
What on earth is it with this council?
Half the population signed the petition to leave the Visitors Information Centre where it is - a great position for visitors to park, maybe have a swim, spacious and relaxing to have lunch and a short rest.
And for some councillors to suggest people were pressured into signing the petition is an absolute insult to the intelligence of the Gunnedah people.
With this in mind, may I suggest to those councillors they think again if having thoughts of standing for council. Next election, we definitely will not forget, you can be assured.
Mark Ward, of Gunnedah, writes:
I have often read about the high level of crime currently being experienced in Gunnedah.
Last night, it was my turn to actually experience having my property stolen.
My car was parked in my driveway, as it always is, when at some time during the night, some low life (or low lifes) decided that they needed the LED light bar that was attached to the bull bar on my car, more than me.
How someone could be so brazen to actually unbolt this light while I slept some 10 metres away is somewhat amazing.
I have reported the theft to the Gunnedah Police, however, it would seem that this is an ongoing problem in our town.
I am led to believe that the police have some idea to who the perpetrators are, but insufficient evidence is hampering their efforts to lock these scum away. Perhaps if they passed the details of these people to the victims, we could encourage them to own up?
Take heed people, if you have an LED light bar on your vehicle, make sure it is safely secured.
Graeme White, chief executive officer of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, writes:
I am writing on behalf of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to thank our loyal supporters in and around Gunnedah, for their ongoing patronage of our organisation.
I am in no doubt that this support has contributed to Guide Dogs being voted Australia’s Most Trusted Charity, for the second year running in the annual Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brands poll.
Importantly, this trust and support enables thousands of people across NSW and the ACT who are blind or vision impaired to get around their communities safely, confidently and independently.
Trust is also the fabric of the extraordinary partnership that develops between a person and their guide dog.
Over the next 10 years, it’s predicted that at least 700 guide dogs will need to be trained to keep up with the growing demand from NSW and ACT residents who are blind or vision-impaired, at a staggering cost of over $25 million.
We receive less than 1 per cent in government funding, so it is the generosity and trust of residents of Gunnedah and the surrounding region that will make this possible.
Again, on behalf of Guide Dogs, I would like to sincerely thank the people of Gunnedah and the local area for their continued support.
Please send your letters to the editor to marie.low@fairfaxmedia.com.au