The City Renewal Authority’s latest report has caused much consternation and incredulity among many individuals and community groups, says letter writer SUE DYER, of Downer.

YET another ACT planning “glossy” entered the ether on July 5. By the time “Canberra matters” columnist Paul Costigan called it out (“Does Canberra really need this ‘CRAPP’?”, citynews.com.au, July 8), it certainly had caused much consternation and incredulity among many individuals and community groups.

The groups have, in good faith, worked long and hard to seek planning and design improvements not only for the benefit of current and future Canberra residents and our city’s long-term liveability but also to support how we present as a national capital on the world stage. 

Many will be waiting for evidence of far more substance, commitment, clarity and communication to supplement the City Renewal Authority’s precinct program documentation.

 Sue Dyer, Downer 

So long, smiley faces

THE ACT government’s trial of a smiley 🙂 speed sign seems to be over on Boddington Crescent, Kambah.

The sign has now been removed. They were a good initiative, but plagued by breakdowns.

Hopefully, the government got its money back or is looking at better equipment. 

Robert Doyle, via email

Falling trees, who cares?

There have been articles in “CityNews” about the number of trees being cut down around Canberra and, like the other critics, I agree. 

Trees absorb the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere so cutting them down does not seem wise. I do find it very interesting, however, that climate protesters are nowhere to be seen or heard. 

I have not heard one peep from them complaining about the trees being cut down. So much for their concern about the atmosphere.

 Come to think of it, there have been no protests from climate protesters in other countries about cutting down trees. Go figure!

Vi Evans via email

Help with history

IN 1921 a building of great significance was opened in Longreach, Queensland and became home of the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade. 

This building will celebrate its centenary in 2021. A book is being compiled by volunteers to document the history of this heritage-listed building. 

Over the years, many people ventured to Longreach to carry out the valuable and demanding work of ambulance bearers (officers). For the book, we are seeking contributions from relatives or friends of those who served as bearers. 

Anyone who would like to contribute, please send information to 158 Ibis Street, Longreach, Queensland 4730. Alternatively, call 0488 986557 or email elaineb1@tpg.com.au

Elaine Britton, Longreach

What’s with Pettersson?

LAST year the Senate’s Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee considered a David Leyonhjelm Bill that would have removed Commonwealth barriers to the legalisation, regulation and taxation of cannabis. 

The Bill was not supported by the AMA, the RACGP, Painaustralia, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation or the WA Police Force. 

During the second reading of the Bill on October 15, the Deputy Government Whip said in part: “There are numerous reasons why this Bill cannot be supported… The first is increased harm to users.

The Department of Health in particular pointed out that there would potentially be increased harm for users with the passage of this Bill. 

“They said that, while many Australians may view cannabis as harmless, almost a quarter of Australia’s drug and alcohol treatment services are being provided to people identifying cannabis as their principal drug of concern. That’s roughly the same as the number of treatment episodes for amphetamine use.”

Senator Don Farrell, then Deputy Opposition Leader in the Senate, said: “Labor does not support this Bill, primarily because Labor does not support the legalisation of cannabis for recreational use.” 

Why does Michael Pettersson, a local Labor MLA, fly in the face of medical and police opinion and his own Federal counterparts?

Colliss Parrett, Barton