Your Letters

Dear Editor,

When Labor took office at the federal election, a pressure valve was released, and the steam came out of our collective climate anxiety. State governments appear to be getting on with the job, so voters generally trust that the environmental and energy crisis is in hand. In December, the Climate Council applauded the NSW government for increasing its net zero targets.

But promises from politicians are one thing and actions another. Since endorsing the Paris Agreement in 2016, the NSW government has approved 26 new coal and gas mines with a staggering total emissions output that equates to adding 33 years to NSW current emissions profile. Say what? These approvals make a mockery of their targets. Meanwhile, coal and gas corporations are swimming in profits from NSW resources while our taxes mop up the impacts of their pollution.

NSW Justices Association Wollongong Branch provides free JP services at Community Desks at Thirroul, Corrimal, Wollongong and Dapto libraries.

All services given by JPs are free of charge. They cannot give legal advice and there are certain forms and documents that they are unable to sign or witness, but they can assist you in finding where these can be dealt with.

For more info contact Ray Vaughan on 0419 293 524.

Is Labor committing to stronger targets and better policies? A muffled response with something about koalas. For the first time in forever, our votes really matter to the state candidates, thanks to the new boundaries. So here in 2515 we have a one-off chance to be heard above the din of the fossil fuel lobby and demand rigorous policies for a safe climate and a clean economy.

Find out more about how to vote for a safe climate in Heathcote at the March 25 NSW state election at www.beyondcoalcoast.com

– Sallie Moffatt, Coledale

Regarding Rex “Buckets” Jackson, MLA

Despite his misdemeanours in his later life, Rex Jackson did some great things for our area when he was a Member of State Parliament. Rex was an orphan child, becoming a ward of the State. He later won a State Amateur Boxing title, and became a Cabinet Maker. He joined the local Labor Party, and got preselected for the seat of Heathcote during the 1950s. He later became the Minister for Youth & Community Services, and I think he was the best minister in that Portfolio, we have had since World War II. I think his greatest achievement was saving Garrawarra Hospital and its surrounds, turning it into a State-run Aged Care Centre. This has had huge benefits, both in servicing our aged population, and employment.

He fell into disgrace when Minister for Corrective Services, due to his gambling addiction. He still made great Cuckoo Clocks though.

– Jim Powell, Local Resident & Historian

Editor’s note: Jim shared a story from the Historical Society’s archives. It’s on our website, titled ‘How Rex Jackson is remembered in Helensburgh’

NF1 Meeting Report

Thanks to Warwick Erwin, convenor of Neighbour Hood Forum 1

New Helensburgh Community Centre and Library

No update from Council provided but it appears there is some issues over the naming of Rex Jackson Oval with Council claiming the ovals are named Helensburgh Park.

Items to Councillors for 23/24 Budget

After the February 9 storm, it’s going to be a very long time before anyone can cross the Hacking River at

Helensburgh Community Centre and Library is top of the list with a high-level crossing (bridge) of the Hacking River at Otford climbing the list after the total washing away of the causeway on 9 February, the day after the NF1 meeting.

Residents have been asking for a higher level crossing for many years. Other items submitted