It seems that the state government and Wollongong council have made up their minds to press ahead with the West Dapto land release - despite it being clearly situated on a floodplain !
The arguments against this have been known for years. Apart from the certainty that there will be flooding from time to time there has been no clear plan to provide access. The Fowlers road bridge appears dead and buried because of cost - and the new residents will have to face the chaos of entering and leaving by Bong Bong road.
The flood thinking seems to be on the basis that a host of Australian country towns are near a river and face flooding. When that happens the government declares a state of emergency and throws money to relief agencies.
West Dapto will be just another such town. Residents will just have to grin and put up with the inconvenience - and hope that their insurance policies cover floods.
It seems strange that we have a whole continent at our disposal and a population of just twenty-two million people - and we can't seem to find a bit of flood free ground to extend the city of Wollongong.
Maybe we just aren't trying hard enough !
Monday, 4 May 2009
Sunday, 3 May 2009
Sexting !
Fads come and go - and most of them are harmless ! This latest craze of " Sexting " has the ability to come back and haunt people in later life.
We live in a more sexually permissive age but the trend for teenage girls taking nude photographs of themselves - and texting them to their boyfriends is fraught with danger.
What seems like a harmless prank can backfire. If the relationship breaks up those photos may end up on the internet or be circulated amongst people to the detriment of the subjects reputation.
Then there is the problem of them reappearing in later life when the subject has achieved fame or a prominent position in society.
The problem is that technology has made it so easy The digital camera and the computer have opened up photography for everyone - and we no longer have the need for a photo lab to process the prints.
This is a new headache for the parents of teenage girls. Peer pressure feeds such a fad and young minds do not consider future danger.
It is one more reason for making sure that computers are located in plain view as a family tool - and not locked away where secrets can be hidden.
The plan to provide all high school students with their own laptop is a way of improving the learning process - but unfortunately it will also enhance fads such as " sexting " and many more that the juvenile mind will create in the future !
We live in a more sexually permissive age but the trend for teenage girls taking nude photographs of themselves - and texting them to their boyfriends is fraught with danger.
What seems like a harmless prank can backfire. If the relationship breaks up those photos may end up on the internet or be circulated amongst people to the detriment of the subjects reputation.
Then there is the problem of them reappearing in later life when the subject has achieved fame or a prominent position in society.
The problem is that technology has made it so easy The digital camera and the computer have opened up photography for everyone - and we no longer have the need for a photo lab to process the prints.
This is a new headache for the parents of teenage girls. Peer pressure feeds such a fad and young minds do not consider future danger.
It is one more reason for making sure that computers are located in plain view as a family tool - and not locked away where secrets can be hidden.
The plan to provide all high school students with their own laptop is a way of improving the learning process - but unfortunately it will also enhance fads such as " sexting " and many more that the juvenile mind will create in the future !
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels !
Over sixty years ago newly enlisted Australian soldiers fought seasoned Japanese troops in the battle for the Kokoda trail. It was a test of endurance in horror conditions - tropical heat, - steep mountains - mud - snakes - and stifling humidity.
That battle was won, but part of the success was undoubtedly the help of Papua NewGuinians - what our troops referred to as " the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels ".
The local tribesmen carried our wounded to medical facilities - and returned bearing food and ammunition. With their help the Japanese invasion was halted - and it became the turning point of the war.
Unfortunately their efforts were never officially rewarded. The war ended - our troops came home and Canberra turned their back on these brave men - and reneged on promises of compensation
Now it seems we are giving belated recognition - but doing it on the cheap !
Prime Minister Rudd has announced that a medal will be struck recognising the bravery and help of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels- but there is a loud silence on any suggestion of compensation.
There are not many of the originals still alive - and those that are will be in extreme old age. Considering that average earnings in this jungle community are low the payment of a few thousand Australian dollars a year would buy them a little luxury for the short time they have left.
The ranks of the Australians who fought at the battle of the Kokoda trail are also thinning. A few more years and they will also be gone. There is no doubt that we owe a big debt to the people who gave us critical help when it was so sorely needed.
A medal might be nice - but a small annual stipend would not break the bank - and it would restore an overdue obligation !
That battle was won, but part of the success was undoubtedly the help of Papua NewGuinians - what our troops referred to as " the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels ".
The local tribesmen carried our wounded to medical facilities - and returned bearing food and ammunition. With their help the Japanese invasion was halted - and it became the turning point of the war.
Unfortunately their efforts were never officially rewarded. The war ended - our troops came home and Canberra turned their back on these brave men - and reneged on promises of compensation
Now it seems we are giving belated recognition - but doing it on the cheap !
Prime Minister Rudd has announced that a medal will be struck recognising the bravery and help of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels- but there is a loud silence on any suggestion of compensation.
There are not many of the originals still alive - and those that are will be in extreme old age. Considering that average earnings in this jungle community are low the payment of a few thousand Australian dollars a year would buy them a little luxury for the short time they have left.
The ranks of the Australians who fought at the battle of the Kokoda trail are also thinning. A few more years and they will also be gone. There is no doubt that we owe a big debt to the people who gave us critical help when it was so sorely needed.
A medal might be nice - but a small annual stipend would not break the bank - and it would restore an overdue obligation !
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Retirement !
Life must be rather frightening for those facing retirement in the months ahead. Compulsory superannuation has been in force for over twenty years, hence those about to retire know that there should be a nest egg awaiting them.
The problem is that it's size is shrouded in mystery !
The unknown factor is what toxic CDO content is hidden away in superannuation fund assets. This is labelled " commercial confidentiality"and is not spoken about in polite circles - and yet that will determine how long the nest egg will support superannuation years.
There is also the question of how it will be treated by Centrelink !
Superannuation has a theoretical value as claimed by the investing company and Centrelink uses this in determining a persons assets. This asset valuation is then used to determine what - if any - pension the retiree is entitled to - and will further determine what fee will be paid when eventually a nursing home admission is necessary.
The problem is that this " theoretical valuation " does not necessarily have any bearing on the true value. Just try selling that asset and you will find that there are no takers at this assumed value.
The true value will only emerge when the funds finally reveal what degree of toxic assets make up their balance - and that will not happen until the government plans finally result in those CDO's being dragged kicking and screaming into the cold, hard light of day for disposal.
Until that happens - people about to retire do so in a fog of mystery !
The problem is that it's size is shrouded in mystery !
The unknown factor is what toxic CDO content is hidden away in superannuation fund assets. This is labelled " commercial confidentiality"and is not spoken about in polite circles - and yet that will determine how long the nest egg will support superannuation years.
There is also the question of how it will be treated by Centrelink !
Superannuation has a theoretical value as claimed by the investing company and Centrelink uses this in determining a persons assets. This asset valuation is then used to determine what - if any - pension the retiree is entitled to - and will further determine what fee will be paid when eventually a nursing home admission is necessary.
The problem is that this " theoretical valuation " does not necessarily have any bearing on the true value. Just try selling that asset and you will find that there are no takers at this assumed value.
The true value will only emerge when the funds finally reveal what degree of toxic assets make up their balance - and that will not happen until the government plans finally result in those CDO's being dragged kicking and screaming into the cold, hard light of day for disposal.
Until that happens - people about to retire do so in a fog of mystery !
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Liquor law madness !
What a dog's breakfast our liquor laws have become ! To try and control unruly behaviour we have a lock-out time. After that, entry or re-entry to licensed premises is barred - and drinkers supposedly have no other option than to go home.
Now new laws are proposed to shut down any outlet offering food at 2 am. The intent is to curb those locked out drinkers wandering the mall and other places seeking a kebab stand to appease their hunger from causing trouble.
There seems to be only one fly in the ointment. Those already with a permit will be allowed to stay open - and the ban will only apply to new operators. Hardly a welcome to new business in this city - and hardly fair to all business people.
We have always had crazy liquor laws. Do you remember the days when the pubs were shut on a Sunday ? But the clubs were open for business ?
So a club member was free to consume as much alcohol as he or she wished - provided they did it on club premises, but if they were a responsible person and preferred to buy alcohol and indulge in the safety of their home - that was against the law !
The pubs used their muscle to stop bottle sales in clubs on a Sunday because they were not permitted to open - and therefore they claimed it was unfair competition - and the politicians went along with that insanity !
It would be interesting to hold a referendum when there eventually is a council election with a choice of closing all outlets selling liquor at 2 am.
After all, anyone who can't get enough grog under the belt by 2 am could be accused of not trying hard enough !
Now new laws are proposed to shut down any outlet offering food at 2 am. The intent is to curb those locked out drinkers wandering the mall and other places seeking a kebab stand to appease their hunger from causing trouble.
There seems to be only one fly in the ointment. Those already with a permit will be allowed to stay open - and the ban will only apply to new operators. Hardly a welcome to new business in this city - and hardly fair to all business people.
We have always had crazy liquor laws. Do you remember the days when the pubs were shut on a Sunday ? But the clubs were open for business ?
So a club member was free to consume as much alcohol as he or she wished - provided they did it on club premises, but if they were a responsible person and preferred to buy alcohol and indulge in the safety of their home - that was against the law !
The pubs used their muscle to stop bottle sales in clubs on a Sunday because they were not permitted to open - and therefore they claimed it was unfair competition - and the politicians went along with that insanity !
It would be interesting to hold a referendum when there eventually is a council election with a choice of closing all outlets selling liquor at 2 am.
After all, anyone who can't get enough grog under the belt by 2 am could be accused of not trying hard enough !
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Piracy - and the law of the sea.
The attack by pirates on the Italian cruise ship Melody had an unusual outcome. The pirates fired small arms and RPG's - and the Israeli security people on the ship returned fire. The pirates then hastily retreated.
Usually merchant shipping can only fight back with fire hoses, but the interesting thing is the power a sea captain has at his disposal because of the ancient laws that have never been repealed.
Centuries ago many voyages took years. A ship in international waters was subjected to no land based law, and consequently a ship's captain had the authority to conduct both marriages and burials.
Basically, the captain had all the powers of a land based king, juror and magistrate rolled into one - and that included the right to hang any pirate caught trying to seize his ship.
That law still stands. Had the Melody disabled an attacking boat and captured the pirates in international waters the captain would have been within his rights to hold a court hearing, sentence the offenders to death - and have them hung from whatever serves as a yardarm these days.
No doubt some civil liberties types would scream blue murder, but the way things are heading in that part of the Indian ocean we are likely to see more armed merchant ships - and one day an aggressive captain may reclaim his rights.
It should be remembered that a century or so ago, most commercial sailing ships carried the odd cannon for defence against pirates.
Perhaps life is coming full circle !
Usually merchant shipping can only fight back with fire hoses, but the interesting thing is the power a sea captain has at his disposal because of the ancient laws that have never been repealed.
Centuries ago many voyages took years. A ship in international waters was subjected to no land based law, and consequently a ship's captain had the authority to conduct both marriages and burials.
Basically, the captain had all the powers of a land based king, juror and magistrate rolled into one - and that included the right to hang any pirate caught trying to seize his ship.
That law still stands. Had the Melody disabled an attacking boat and captured the pirates in international waters the captain would have been within his rights to hold a court hearing, sentence the offenders to death - and have them hung from whatever serves as a yardarm these days.
No doubt some civil liberties types would scream blue murder, but the way things are heading in that part of the Indian ocean we are likely to see more armed merchant ships - and one day an aggressive captain may reclaim his rights.
It should be remembered that a century or so ago, most commercial sailing ships carried the odd cannon for defence against pirates.
Perhaps life is coming full circle !
Monday, 27 April 2009
Pandemic !
Once again the World Health Organization ( WHO ) is warning of a possible pandemic. An animal disease has crossed over and combined with a human disease and this combination is something against which we have no natural immunity.
Bird flu was the last scare, and this time it is swine flu that presents a threat to the human race.
The last great pandemic was in 1918, just when the troops were returning from the first world war - and consequently the disease spread rapidly and killed millions. Since then, we have been lucky.
Pandemics are an act of nature. It is nature's way of dealing with overcrowding in the animal world - and we humans are just higher animals.
From time to time various species over produce and reach plague proportions. Sometimes this is because food is too plentiful and sometimes some cog of nature slips and bountiful conditions lead to a surplus of offspring.
When this happens, nature seems to intervene and produce a means of culling that reduces numbers to manageable proportions.
It is a chilling thought that when the past century started there was barely two billion people on this planet. Now we are fast approaching seven billion - and there is a doubt as to whether we have the capacity to feed that number.
The present recession will not help. When money is short and times are hard people slam their wallets shut - and one of the early casualties are the international welfare organizations which provide food, medicine and shelter to the world's poor.
We are already seeing food riots because of rising food prices - and scientists tell us that global warming will make water an item in short supply in many parts of the world.
Just like the animal kingdom, we humans may have over bred our numbers. Perhaps a pandemic is nature's way of culling the tribe to manageable proportions.
At least it would be more humane than a war !
Bird flu was the last scare, and this time it is swine flu that presents a threat to the human race.
The last great pandemic was in 1918, just when the troops were returning from the first world war - and consequently the disease spread rapidly and killed millions. Since then, we have been lucky.
Pandemics are an act of nature. It is nature's way of dealing with overcrowding in the animal world - and we humans are just higher animals.
From time to time various species over produce and reach plague proportions. Sometimes this is because food is too plentiful and sometimes some cog of nature slips and bountiful conditions lead to a surplus of offspring.
When this happens, nature seems to intervene and produce a means of culling that reduces numbers to manageable proportions.
It is a chilling thought that when the past century started there was barely two billion people on this planet. Now we are fast approaching seven billion - and there is a doubt as to whether we have the capacity to feed that number.
The present recession will not help. When money is short and times are hard people slam their wallets shut - and one of the early casualties are the international welfare organizations which provide food, medicine and shelter to the world's poor.
We are already seeing food riots because of rising food prices - and scientists tell us that global warming will make water an item in short supply in many parts of the world.
Just like the animal kingdom, we humans may have over bred our numbers. Perhaps a pandemic is nature's way of culling the tribe to manageable proportions.
At least it would be more humane than a war !
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