The state government has announced that it is implementing a reduction in water pressure in several Wollongong suburbs, including Fairy Meadow.
What is surprising is that this has drawn absolutely no comment from the department most likely to be affected - the fire brigade.
According to the government PR office, reducing water pressure will result in fewer burst water mains and a reduction in other maintenance costs. We are assured that most people will notice little difference. Just a little longer filling the bath perhaps !
There are questions that need answers. What will be the position with those buildings fitted with automatic fire sprinklers. Such buildings have a tank on the roof to provide immediate response, but need pressure from the mains to maintain the flow once this is exhausted. Will the lower pressure regime meet the fire safety standards under which these systems are constructed ?
In a bushfire many residents are hosing down nearby shrubbery and dealing with burning embers. Will lowered mains pressure be able to accommodate this increased demand, and will it leave the fire brigade units short of essential water ?
The fire brigades are a government instrumentality. Have they been gagged and ordered to maintain silence on any hazards involved in reducing mains pressure ?
If there is no cause for alarm, it would help if the fire people were able to make a supporting comment !
Monday, 30 November 2009
Sunday, 29 November 2009
Rise of the " Nurse Practitioner ".
Our health care needs are changing. The days of our old stalwart - the General Practitioner - are fading as they age and morph into the era of " Superclinics ".
Now a new source of medical knowledge is emerging. The " Nurse Practitioner " is already taking some of the load in these " Superclinics " and in rural areas - where GP's are scarcer than hen's teeth - they have been given the authority to order scans and blood tests - and to write prescriptions.
Now Nurse Practitioners are being added to the staff of pharmacies in areas where there is a shortage of GP's. It is hoped that this source of medical help will take pressure off hospital emergency departments and result in the better treatment of minor ailments such as colds and flu.
As usual, the medical fraternity is screaming blue murder. The AMA describes the move as " a threat to public health " and insists that all medical advice should be in the hands of a qualified doctor.
It is called " turf protection ". Doctors hold a position of privilege and they will fight tooth and nail to protect their realm - and their high incomes.
Really, all that has changed is an upgrading of what is already happening in pharmacies.
Chemists - and their staff - are a cluey lot. They may not hold a medical degree, but they know the symptoms of common ailments - and they know the medications that alleviate them. What we are now getting is a trained medical person in the form of a Nurse Practitioner who can carry that diagnosis one step further - and who has the know how to send a person to a doctor or a hospital when necessary.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is availability. Many people hesitate to see a doctor because of cost or the time involved. They are much more likely to have a chat to a nurse practitioner in a pharmacy - hence the number on untreated ailments should drop.
This seems to be a logical step in the provision of medical services to our ever expanding urban population.
Now a new source of medical knowledge is emerging. The " Nurse Practitioner " is already taking some of the load in these " Superclinics " and in rural areas - where GP's are scarcer than hen's teeth - they have been given the authority to order scans and blood tests - and to write prescriptions.
Now Nurse Practitioners are being added to the staff of pharmacies in areas where there is a shortage of GP's. It is hoped that this source of medical help will take pressure off hospital emergency departments and result in the better treatment of minor ailments such as colds and flu.
As usual, the medical fraternity is screaming blue murder. The AMA describes the move as " a threat to public health " and insists that all medical advice should be in the hands of a qualified doctor.
It is called " turf protection ". Doctors hold a position of privilege and they will fight tooth and nail to protect their realm - and their high incomes.
Really, all that has changed is an upgrading of what is already happening in pharmacies.
Chemists - and their staff - are a cluey lot. They may not hold a medical degree, but they know the symptoms of common ailments - and they know the medications that alleviate them. What we are now getting is a trained medical person in the form of a Nurse Practitioner who can carry that diagnosis one step further - and who has the know how to send a person to a doctor or a hospital when necessary.
Perhaps the biggest advantage is availability. Many people hesitate to see a doctor because of cost or the time involved. They are much more likely to have a chat to a nurse practitioner in a pharmacy - hence the number on untreated ailments should drop.
This seems to be a logical step in the provision of medical services to our ever expanding urban population.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
World finance !
It is said that the difference between success and failure in finance is the ability to read impending world signs - and act upon them !
There are some very ominous signals in both the international and local business spheres. Gold is attracting a world record price - and gold has always been the ultimate hedge to which worried money flees when risk appears on the horizon.
It is also said that money talks all languages. Behind the great trading names of world commerce exists a comfortable club of movers and shakers. This club advises governments of what is possible in the real world and is the main reason there is balance between jobs, trade and orderly markets on an international basis.
Occasionally, events slip out of hand and confound this powerful club. Apparently the " toxic securities " debacle was one such instance which plunged the financial world into recession - and near depression. The " club " has regained control - and the world is headed towards recovery.
There is a major fly in the ointment - the phenomenon of world warming.
The evidence seems irrefutable that during the course of this century we will see rising sea levels, more powerful Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons - and a big rise in the world temperature.
It is possible to contain this threat, but at a cost. We will need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and adopt a new lifestyle. There will be job losses and a redirection of industry - and at the same time a growing world population will probably outstrip the food supply.
The " wise men of money " have examined this scenario - and believe that it can not be achieved without totally wrecking the world order and bringing disaster to the developed world - and for that reason it is getting the thumb's down.
Big business has opted for the lesser of two evils. We can tinker around the edges and make small improvements, but to implement a world ETS would be the ultimate disaster - and thus we have no option other than to learn to live with world warming.
Why else would well educated and academically gifted men like Nick Minchin, Wilson Tuckey, Andrew Robb, Kevin Andrews - and a wide swathe of backbenchers suddenly claim that " world warming " was unscientific twaddle - and set out to wreck any chance of an ETS becoming law in Australia - even though in so doing they were wrecking their own political party ?
The people most attuned to the big business of this world seem to have made a choice between the financial disaster that will accompany an ETS and the certain disaster of rising sea levels. The only difference is that the rich developed countries will have the means to prepare defences and shield their populations - something that will be denied other nations.
The stage seems set for Copenhagen. There will be agreements on targets, but these will not be set in concrete. There will be no penalties for those who make a promise - and then do nothing. In effect, Copenhagen will be a meaningless gab fest !
For those who read financial signs, perhaps the real world is sending a message on global warming that reads - " GET USED TO IT ! "
There are some very ominous signals in both the international and local business spheres. Gold is attracting a world record price - and gold has always been the ultimate hedge to which worried money flees when risk appears on the horizon.
It is also said that money talks all languages. Behind the great trading names of world commerce exists a comfortable club of movers and shakers. This club advises governments of what is possible in the real world and is the main reason there is balance between jobs, trade and orderly markets on an international basis.
Occasionally, events slip out of hand and confound this powerful club. Apparently the " toxic securities " debacle was one such instance which plunged the financial world into recession - and near depression. The " club " has regained control - and the world is headed towards recovery.
There is a major fly in the ointment - the phenomenon of world warming.
The evidence seems irrefutable that during the course of this century we will see rising sea levels, more powerful Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons - and a big rise in the world temperature.
It is possible to contain this threat, but at a cost. We will need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and adopt a new lifestyle. There will be job losses and a redirection of industry - and at the same time a growing world population will probably outstrip the food supply.
The " wise men of money " have examined this scenario - and believe that it can not be achieved without totally wrecking the world order and bringing disaster to the developed world - and for that reason it is getting the thumb's down.
Big business has opted for the lesser of two evils. We can tinker around the edges and make small improvements, but to implement a world ETS would be the ultimate disaster - and thus we have no option other than to learn to live with world warming.
Why else would well educated and academically gifted men like Nick Minchin, Wilson Tuckey, Andrew Robb, Kevin Andrews - and a wide swathe of backbenchers suddenly claim that " world warming " was unscientific twaddle - and set out to wreck any chance of an ETS becoming law in Australia - even though in so doing they were wrecking their own political party ?
The people most attuned to the big business of this world seem to have made a choice between the financial disaster that will accompany an ETS and the certain disaster of rising sea levels. The only difference is that the rich developed countries will have the means to prepare defences and shield their populations - something that will be denied other nations.
The stage seems set for Copenhagen. There will be agreements on targets, but these will not be set in concrete. There will be no penalties for those who make a promise - and then do nothing. In effect, Copenhagen will be a meaningless gab fest !
For those who read financial signs, perhaps the real world is sending a message on global warming that reads - " GET USED TO IT ! "
Friday, 27 November 2009
A jihad on trees.
It is obvious that someone living near Towradgi park is determined that trees will not spoil the view !
Many attempts to establish shade trees in this reserve have met with guerilla tactics and this week three Norfolk pines - planted just twenty-four hours earlier - were ring barked, despite being protected by stainless steel guard enclosures.
Ironically, Norfolk pines are trees least likely to spoil the view of nearby residents. Their foliage does not extend near the ground, allowing a " see through " situation, but they do provide excellent shade which is much sought after during hot summer days.
Wollongong council is faced with some sort of " Mexican standoff ". These trees cost $ 300 each and there seems every prospect that replacements will suffer a similar fate.
A view of the sea has a dramatic effect on the value of property and some home owner is determined that the view will not be obstructed by trees, despite the threat that if caught the fine could be greater than the value of his or her property.
It looks like becoming a battle of wills. The council is determined to establish shade trees and a resident is equally determined to sabotage all efforts.
Various ploys have been tried by other councils, including erecting semi permanent signs to mimic the view blocking effect the trees would have presented, but of course this also punishes innocent residents.
We live in an electronic age and the answer is probably the installation of hidden mini surveillance equipment to trap - and identify - the culprit.
A park without trees - is not a park at all !
Many attempts to establish shade trees in this reserve have met with guerilla tactics and this week three Norfolk pines - planted just twenty-four hours earlier - were ring barked, despite being protected by stainless steel guard enclosures.
Ironically, Norfolk pines are trees least likely to spoil the view of nearby residents. Their foliage does not extend near the ground, allowing a " see through " situation, but they do provide excellent shade which is much sought after during hot summer days.
Wollongong council is faced with some sort of " Mexican standoff ". These trees cost $ 300 each and there seems every prospect that replacements will suffer a similar fate.
A view of the sea has a dramatic effect on the value of property and some home owner is determined that the view will not be obstructed by trees, despite the threat that if caught the fine could be greater than the value of his or her property.
It looks like becoming a battle of wills. The council is determined to establish shade trees and a resident is equally determined to sabotage all efforts.
Various ploys have been tried by other councils, including erecting semi permanent signs to mimic the view blocking effect the trees would have presented, but of course this also punishes innocent residents.
We live in an electronic age and the answer is probably the installation of hidden mini surveillance equipment to trap - and identify - the culprit.
A park without trees - is not a park at all !
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Time for a reality check !
Amazing scenes in Federal parliament yesterday. Calls for a spill - and the opposition leader survived to fight another day.
There seems to be a huge lack of perception between some members of the Liberal and National parties - and some scientists - on this global warming question, and even that argument is split on several lines.
There are those who think that increased Co2 has absolutely nothing to do with global warming, and in fact results in a healthier planet.
Others contend that planet earth has had natural ice ages and warmer periods and this melting of the ice caps is simply a cycle that will run it's course.
A third line of thinking agrees that human activity is causing climate change, but objects to an ETS on the grounds that nothing will halt what is occurring naturally - and the consequences of taxing carbon will shatter the world economy and result in ruin. This group promotes the only answer as - " Get used to it ! "
Public opinion polls reveal that the vast majority of people are convinced that the Co2 spewed out by the industrialized world is causing the ice caps to melt and the seas to rise, and are prepared to endure some pain to try and reverse this danger.
There is little point in Australia embarking on an ambitious harm reduction programme if the rest of the world gives it the flick pass - and it seems likely that is what will happen next month in Copenhagen.
All the indicators are that there will be no binding targets set and all that will eventuate is a lot of vague promises - that sound great but have no meaning on actual action.
If so, global warming and rising seas will find themselves consigned to " the too hard basket " - and the only remaining option will be " get used to it ! "
There seems to be a huge lack of perception between some members of the Liberal and National parties - and some scientists - on this global warming question, and even that argument is split on several lines.
There are those who think that increased Co2 has absolutely nothing to do with global warming, and in fact results in a healthier planet.
Others contend that planet earth has had natural ice ages and warmer periods and this melting of the ice caps is simply a cycle that will run it's course.
A third line of thinking agrees that human activity is causing climate change, but objects to an ETS on the grounds that nothing will halt what is occurring naturally - and the consequences of taxing carbon will shatter the world economy and result in ruin. This group promotes the only answer as - " Get used to it ! "
Public opinion polls reveal that the vast majority of people are convinced that the Co2 spewed out by the industrialized world is causing the ice caps to melt and the seas to rise, and are prepared to endure some pain to try and reverse this danger.
There is little point in Australia embarking on an ambitious harm reduction programme if the rest of the world gives it the flick pass - and it seems likely that is what will happen next month in Copenhagen.
All the indicators are that there will be no binding targets set and all that will eventuate is a lot of vague promises - that sound great but have no meaning on actual action.
If so, global warming and rising seas will find themselves consigned to " the too hard basket " - and the only remaining option will be " get used to it ! "
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Coma !
A medical report out of Europe must send a chill down the spine of all thinking people.
A man involved in a road accident spent twenty-three years in a supposedly vegetative state - in a coma - but able to hear every word his doctors spoke, but unable to achieve any form of communication.
Written off by the medical community he was only saved when another doctor detected evidence of brain activity - and now this false diagnosis has been set aside, remedial work has enabled him to communicate via a specially designed computer keyboard.
That so easily could have been one of us, caused by anything from a car accident to a stroke. We wonder how many people here have suffered such a state and may be lying in a bed in a nursing home - or who have had their life support turned off because that has seemed the most merciful option.
What happens when a person is in a coma is one of the great unknowns. The fact that a false diagnosis is possible in a busy hospital makes it imperative that this must not become the final medical declaration - without every possible test having been undertaken.
It also a very good reason for a further medical appraisal by a doctor skilled in detecting brain activity be required before any decision on turning off life support is taken.
This report from Europe must now create indescribable anguish for those family members who have had to make that decision !
A man involved in a road accident spent twenty-three years in a supposedly vegetative state - in a coma - but able to hear every word his doctors spoke, but unable to achieve any form of communication.
Written off by the medical community he was only saved when another doctor detected evidence of brain activity - and now this false diagnosis has been set aside, remedial work has enabled him to communicate via a specially designed computer keyboard.
That so easily could have been one of us, caused by anything from a car accident to a stroke. We wonder how many people here have suffered such a state and may be lying in a bed in a nursing home - or who have had their life support turned off because that has seemed the most merciful option.
What happens when a person is in a coma is one of the great unknowns. The fact that a false diagnosis is possible in a busy hospital makes it imperative that this must not become the final medical declaration - without every possible test having been undertaken.
It also a very good reason for a further medical appraisal by a doctor skilled in detecting brain activity be required before any decision on turning off life support is taken.
This report from Europe must now create indescribable anguish for those family members who have had to make that decision !
Tuesday, 24 November 2009
Creating a slum !
Councils have building codes to ensure that new buildings comply with community standards. They apply to everyone - except the government's whose law enforces them.
The state government is proposing to build a block of fifty eight apartments in Market street, Wollongong, designated for the elderly and those with disabilities. This will be public housing.
This proposed building breaches just about every council regulation on the statute books !
It exceeds the height limit. It exceeds the floor space ratio. It ignores off-sets, and as a result it will be deficient in communal and private space for the area concerned - and most glaring of all - it provides just eleven car parking spaces.
Council requirements for a development of this magnitude require sixty-three residential parking spaces, plus an additional six for visitors. Should this go ahead by government diktat it is obvious that the surrounding streets of the CBD will have to absorb residents forced to seek street parking.
It is the principle involved that really stinks !
We are a country that is supposedly civilized. We live within a system of law and order and there is punishment for those who break the rules.
Along comes a government department that simply thumbs it's nose at those rules, totally ignores them - and gets away with it !
That's enough to bring the citizenry to the barricades - the start of some sort of community jihad.
Maybe it's about time we taught the government that they are a servant of the people - and they are expected to abide by the same rules that apply to us.
And we have the option of delivering them a pink slip - at the ballot box !
The state government is proposing to build a block of fifty eight apartments in Market street, Wollongong, designated for the elderly and those with disabilities. This will be public housing.
This proposed building breaches just about every council regulation on the statute books !
It exceeds the height limit. It exceeds the floor space ratio. It ignores off-sets, and as a result it will be deficient in communal and private space for the area concerned - and most glaring of all - it provides just eleven car parking spaces.
Council requirements for a development of this magnitude require sixty-three residential parking spaces, plus an additional six for visitors. Should this go ahead by government diktat it is obvious that the surrounding streets of the CBD will have to absorb residents forced to seek street parking.
It is the principle involved that really stinks !
We are a country that is supposedly civilized. We live within a system of law and order and there is punishment for those who break the rules.
Along comes a government department that simply thumbs it's nose at those rules, totally ignores them - and gets away with it !
That's enough to bring the citizenry to the barricades - the start of some sort of community jihad.
Maybe it's about time we taught the government that they are a servant of the people - and they are expected to abide by the same rules that apply to us.
And we have the option of delivering them a pink slip - at the ballot box !
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