Feelgood fallout
MEMBERS of the Inglewood/Omanama community have voiced their overwhelming support for a chance to hear the other side of the story which is available when the Friends of Omanama host an open function in the MacIntyre Sports Centre, Inglewood, on 12 February.
The function is designed to give a balanced presentation of facts about the Regional and National consequences if Omanama (21kms East of Inglewood) is chosen as the site for Australia’s National Nuclear Waste Management Facility.
It was announced in November 2015 that Omanama is one of six sites short-listed to accommodate the facility.
Since then the community has been bombarded with government press releases, radio and TV interviews and government convened public meetings, consultations and meetings with individual local organisations.
As a result many locals have said they feel confused, intimidated and anxious about the future.
They have said they need to know more about the other side of the story.
Friends of Omanama co-ordinator Dr Colin Owen said the function was designed to inform the community about the nuclear waste dilemma and for everyone to hear a community perspective on concerns as opposed to the government agenda.
The guest speaker, via a video presentation, will be nuclear radiologist Dr Peter Karamosko, a member of the Medical Association for Prevention of War and public representative on the Radiation Health Committee of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.
Joint presenters will speak on local research and issues.
Regardless of their views on the subject, every member of the community is welcome to attend the function.
Invitations are also being extended to the Goondiwindi Regional Council mayor and sitting councillors, neighbouring council mayors and councillors and nominees for the forthcoming council elections, the member for the Southern Downs Lawrence Springborg, retiring member for Maranoa Bruce Scott and candidate David Littleproud and the Hon Dr Anthony Lynham, Queensland Minister for State Development, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines.
The evening will conclude with a free sausage sizzle.
Mavis Stower,
Inglewood.
Playing chicken
They tell us the good news before council elections, why we should vote for total strangers and why they are going to be the answer to all our prayers.
Complaints are emerging in the Toowoomba Council areas along the same lines.
One wonders if confusion will reign rather than wisdom at the postal election.
Stanthorpe, Warwick and all the towns in between only know for certain that failure will follow should they get it wrong as it has ever since forced amalgamation in 1994 that forced rate payers to believe pre-polling promises.
So let’s pick one of Allora’s concerns – chickens!
The millions of chickens were to be hatched right here on the edge of town, then mosey out to their grow home beside the Condamine River.
The Warwick Daily News informed us on 25 February 2014 that the project was on hold until such time as the market picks up so, councillors, will Darwalla Milling get the go ahead from you?
Tell us now so we know who to vote for.
That is all we need to know.
Melba Morris,
Allora.
Questions need answers
After missing in action for most of the SDRC’s current term, it’s charming to see Mayor Blundell in the news.
Suddenly we have back packer welcome parties and helping them with driver’s licences. Is this core council business?
There are a few questions the mayor might like to comment on as he cranks up for the March election.
Did the tourism entity have insurance for its first six months? What checks are there for the $470,000 plus investments by council in Destination Southern Downs? Why did he oppose cutting down on free councillor lunches? What happened to the ad hoc sale of pensioner housing? Why do these people have to suffer uncertainty? How come council doesn’t consider major developments and asset sales/leases devolved to staff? Why are there long monthly meetings but on average have had special meetings to deal with single issues almost fortnightly? Why did it take eight meetings to resolve the 400 per cent increase in community lease fees? Why has it taken four years to resolve the Cherribah appeal and thousands of dollars in legal fees for other appeals? Why has the GrainX emissions issue dragged on but council is pushing to throw vulnerable people out of Sugarloaf?
There is the issue of Storm King Dam and Applethorpe TAFE that now has precious water connected for farming purposes.
And what happened to Emu Swamp Dam he championed in 2014 but rejected in 2015?
I’m sure the mayor will address these issues as he lobbies to get our votes to remain at the head of the table.
Jay Nauss,
Glen Aplin.
Violence under pressure
Domestic violence is getting out of hand, and this includes the killing of children.
There are a number of reasons why this happens.
For some women the carrying of children, birth and so on throws their hormones out of key. They can’t cope.
They need more help but usually don’t ask.
The producing of children is a major pressure on the male and female for a number of reasons.
1. It means a change of lifestyle for both.
2. It can affect the health of the mother.
3. The child may not be from her male partner or suspected so. This is a major problem and usually leads to terrible violence.
4. There is the male who suspects his partner is having illicit affairs, and is probably correct, and goes violent.
5. Many males are straight-out bullies and can’t help themselves.
6. Finally there are those people who are living beyond their means. According to an adviser friend of mine named Glen Lamb of Legume who has come across this, it can be vile and upsetting.
Violence sorts nothing out nor do rules punishing violence cure the matter.
Both sides require help.
Jack Clarke,
Rivertree.
