LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Received 1/10/09

The legislation to close NSW railway lines (''There goes our public transport'') is necessary if NSW is to follow the example of other states and turn railway lines into rail trails for cyclists and walkers. Victoria for example has a growing number of rail trails. I don't know if anyone is contemplating a rail trail for our track but it would arguably be the most beautiful in Australia. Imagine how wonderful it would be to cycle safely from Bangalow to Byron Bay. More information is available on www.railtrails.org.au

Richard Ausden

The election is over and the dust has settled. Needless to say “Our Sustainable Future” is delighted with Patrick Morrisey’s success in Byron and that of Simon Clough in Lismore. We thank all those OSF members who in one way or another supported both candidates.

This is also a time to set the record straight. During the campaign the North Coast Climate Action Group (NCCAG) in its advice to its members ranked the OSF candidate last within a selection of recommended candidates. I am told that this was done in total ignorance of the fact that OSF has a comprehensive, documented policy platform which includes a position on climate change which is far stronger than most other parties or groups.

Although advised of their misrepresentation, NCCAG did not have the good grace to correct this perception prior to the election. Be it after the event, I present here three specific policy statements from the OSF policy. Namely, that we support:

Leadership and initiatives that build awareness and action on the issues involved in climate change at a local, state and national level;

Minimising the negative impacts of climate change, especially the impacts of extreme weather events on people and communities which are less able to cope;

Council taking an active role in the “Cities for Climate Change Program” which involves council in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in all its activities;

This is only a part of the section on “Enhanced Eco Systems and Sustainable Natural Resource Management” which is itself one of eight distinct areas within the platform. The full policy is available on www.osf.org.au

Hugh Ermacora

OSF President