Letters

Please keep your letters to no more than 200 words, this enables us to submit a number of letters for everyone to read. The comments and opinions on these pages do not reflect those of The Bribie Islander

Nuclear Energy Debate Heats Up

There has been a lot of hot air recently in the ongoing debate over lifting the ban on nuclear energy as a fuel source in Australia. Despite the false statements of some, I have never stated I am in favour of a nuclear power plant anywhere in the Longman electorate. In an article published in The Australian newspaper on February 18, titled “Coalition MPs in drive for nuclear energy”, the reporter stated that I backed lifting the ban on nuclear energy. This is not what I said to that reporter. I believe we need to have an open discussion on all potential future energy sources using credible and unbiased data. I don’t care if we end up with cow dung as Australia’s main energy source in the future, so long as it ticks the three boxes that any energy source must do: It must be reliable and affordable with minimal environmental impact. I want to have a discussion based on facts, not propaganda or commercial reasons. The Morrison Government recognises that nuclear energy is a mature technology used to deliver reliable electricity in many countries, with virtually no greenhouse gas emissions. That’s why Australia’s Technology Investment Roadmap identifies advanced Small Modular Reactors as a “watching brief technology”. Our focus is on ensuring that Australian families and businesses have access to the affordable, reliable energy they rely on, while at the same time reducing emissions. If you want to discuss this matter further, please contact my office on 5432 3177 or terry. young.mp@aph.gov.au

Terry Young MP

Federal Member for Longman

Dear Editor, H. Beneke’s recent letter refers – I have long thought that all children should be taught music as a compulsory subject, at least, in their primary years - to play an instrument and certainly, to read music. It would be nice to think that this could continue through their secondary school days as a compulsory subject. So many, in later years, regret that they lack any ability and for many, it is too late. Without music it would be a dull old world. Cyrus.

Dear Editor, I am forwarding this information to you as I contacted the council 5-6 weeks ago and have not had a reply. morning at the rear of our home at 13 Sinclair Place, Ningi. This area is a drain for street run off, however over our 5 years at this residence it has gradually became more overgrown and the drain does not flow and floods with heavy rain. When it floods the water sprawls out over the mowed area in the foreground. As the contractors who mow are not consistent with their mowing I keep it mowed and this avoids having the ride on mower hard up against our fence and eroding the soil. The erosion coupled with the flooding is having an adverse effect on our back fence caused by weakening of the soil. The drain needs urgent works so that it flows freely plus more regular trimming as one could only imagine the response from Council would be if a ratepayers land was in this state. Hoping that you may be able to highlight this issue as we are not the only residence affected. Regards P. Howard Dear Editor, After reading a number of local letters to various publications over past years, denying climate change, the value of fluoride, genetic modification etc. It does not surprise me to see a conspiracy theory with regard to Covid-19 expressed by a Bribie resident. Like most of us, the Bribie Battler (Feb 26) has no need to worry about an mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, or Moderna) because he will only be offered the AstroZenica one produced by different technology. As for Vitamin D supplements, they have been recommended for colds and flu for years, but to rely on them is ridiculous. The Royal Commission has demonstrated that there are many far more pertinent reasons why aged care homes bore the brunt of initial infections with Covid -19. This idea is as dangerous as Trump's promotion of Hydroxychloroquine even after it had been advised against by the WHO. Good health, exercise and dietary practices, and reduction of stress, are wise steps to help the effectiveness of the vaccine, but don’t be selfish by not taking it up. Vaccination will not only protect you yourself, but also everyone else in our community.

Regards, Hazel