As reported, NSW Premier Chris Minns commented that "We will look at transport infrastructure for one of the fastest growing communities in the country and have more to say as we get closer to the election" ("Nationals get on board Cessnock train project", Herald, 15/6).
The NSW state election is some 12 months away yet we cannot get a commitment now from the premier to refurbish an already existing rail loop costing an estimated $200 million. Why wait until the next election? However, he has committed $380 million for another renewable project.
It appears the Cessnock train is going to be another forever political promise to Newcastle residents. At least if or when we get the train, we will get a 24/7 service that is not dependent on the sun and wind to operate.
A big thanks to the Sunday NBN News presenters and staff. I only get to watch the Sunday news as I get home late from work other nights. I think we need to take a stand for local news and people. We are not Sydney and by the way I'd like to see that really old bloke with the beer-stained moustache back presenting the sports report. Sorry Mike, I'll shout you a beer next time you're in the Bay. Cheers and good luck to all at NBN.
Well done, Steve Barnett. One of your more profound observations among many over the years ("A man who committed his life to saving yours", Letters, 15/6). Said it all.
The current hype over the development of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) industry in Australia is exciting news. Their first client will be the Australian government.
Having watched the Pauline Hanson Press Club address, I am horrified by her policy to axe SBS and to slash the ABC. Her "Trumpian" view of our media is abhorrent to anyone seeking a balanced view on the world we live in.
One could be confused for thinking the person speaking at the National Press Club was actually Pauline Trump.
Well said, Colin Rowlatt ("Changing your mind part of job", Letters, 15/6). I'm guessing, when you're having a beer at the pub, you're not with a table full of Liberals.
What a legend; Sir Donald has ended the war with Iran. Surely he must get the Nobel Peace Prize. Oh wait, didn't he start it?
The proposed Hunter Valley Operations coal mine extension would add a massive 15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere in the project's life,and that is just the pollution created on site. Environment Minister Murray Watt claims his office will not be assessing the viability of the project on "ideological grounds", whatever that means.
Strong scientific evidence tells us that coal is a pollutant and climate accelerant which is fuelling the extreme weather events we are now seeing more frequently. According to an analysis by the NSW Net Zero Commission, climate damage is already costing NSW residents around 20,000 a year through lost wages and higher grocery prices, or about 18 per cent of the state's GDP. I hope Mr Watt's department will be making a genuinely well-informed scientific and economic assessment of the project's impact on our communities.
It is important to take advantage of moments throughout the year to reflect. In the past couple of weeks, The Salvation Army have had the chance to reflect on the incredible spirit of generosity that pervades our Australian culture.
We saw Australia come together and dig deep for our Red Shield Appeal weekend recently. We witnessed radical kindness and support, and for that, we say an enormous thank you.
However, for the Salvos, this time of reflection must pivot into action. Our Red Shield Appeal is still aiming to raise $41 million by June 30, and we are not there yet.
What this reflection does provide us with, though, is a sense of hope for the future. The hope that we will reach our goal and, more importantly, be able to continue our vital services right across the nation.
In fact, through supporting the Salvos this year, you can literally be the hope that others desperately need. It is the sort of hope which says to someone doing it tough, "It will be okay, we are here for you and we will help you at your point of need."
This is the hope that the Salvos provide to someone every 17 seconds in Australia. This is what you can be a part of through the Red Shield Appeal.
In fact, our recent research illustrates exactly what these people are going through. Those coming to us for help are skipping meals daily, using public spaces to shower and eating out of rubbish bins - all because of the cost of living and how tough it is financially for so many people.
So, while we say the biggest thank you to all Australians who have given so far, we also say to those who may still be considering supporting the Red Shield Appeal to please do so. Please be the hope for someone doing it tough.
I find it hard to believe anyone would be accepting of the dastardly dawdle we suffer along the waterfront from Hannell Street all the way around Fort Scratchley to Watt Street ('Slow poke: barbs fly as council debates 30kmh speed limit', Newcastle Herald 18/6).
It just proves that Sydney public servants who catch the train to work should not be deciding on things that directly affect us.
They obviously don't know the area and have no perception of real-life situations.
As for imposing the speed limit because of the presence of bikes and pedestrians, that is a fallacy. The bikes are on the pedestrian-only Joy Cummings Promenade and beyond.
I commend the push to have the road restored to at least 40km/h or even more. If we continue to reduce limits we could reach the illogical conclusion of 0kmh. Some would say there won't be any road deaths, but life would be unbearable anyway.
