Open hearts
THANK you to TasCOSS CEO Kym Goodes for the Talking Point article about the proposed aged-care facilities in Bellerive and the attitude of some residents to this project ( Mercury, 29 June 29).
He has said what the majority of compassionate Tasmanians believe, which is that everyone, despite their income, age or other circumstance, should have the opportunity to live in new housing in an area where all the facilities they require are readily accessible. On hearing about the proposal, my reaction was one of happiness for those less fortunate who can look forward to decent housing and hopefully to a better life. Everyone deserves that opportunity. As Kym Goodes says, a mean streak has been revealed in some Bellerive residents. I hope that these same residents don’t assume that because I live in Glenorchy (my choice), I’m likely to be a low income earner of some ignominy and therefore less deserving of living in what is considered a more respectable suburb. non-profit organisations and individuals to go and read it.
It’s unfortunate that the reports of major issues in local information security infrastructure have not received wider attention. People fear being thought of as lacking digital savvy if they report breaches or phishing attempts to authorities, while simultaneously having no issue with calling authorities to catch a shoplifter.
It is time to stop calling information security a computer issue. As demonstrated by the shutdown of the Cadbury chocolate factory, it is a risk issue that sits fairly and squarely in the area of finance.
As such, I think it’s timely to remind people that, as they probably wouldn’t get their brother-in-law’s cousin’s neighbour’s son to do the books at their business, it’s time to consider hiring a professional to audit and maintain information security.
Sound of silence
ON a beautiful, calm, almost wind-free sunny day we enjoyed a fantastic walk on Mt Wellington. The track closures and helicopter noise were of little inconvenience, particularly with knowledge of improvement to tracks we often use. What was starkly evident, however, was the silence and seemingly complete absence of bird life. Comment by Don Knowler, whose Saturday bird column always has informed and enjoyable content, would be welcomed on how noise and disturbance from a cable car might potentially affect the habitat and presence of the many types of birds.
Act to reduce waste
RECENTLY we have been made more aware of the waste Australians produce, not only of plastic, but of clothes and edible food. Should we change our habits and encourage retailers to rethink what we buy and throw away? Of course we should.
There are some of us who will do exactly what we have been doing. There are others who will make an effort and change their ways for a little while, then, like New Year resolutions, return to their old wasteful ways; and there are some who will make needed changes, cut waste, move to sustainable living and stick to it. Which group will you respect? I will respect those who reduce waste permanently and I will try to do so myself.
We have only one Tasmania, one Australia and one Earth.
Do we want the greedy to take more than their share and destroy the unique quality of our island, our continent and our world? Or, will we make a resolution to help keep our Tasmania, our Australia our Earth with its arable land and plentiful oceans, for our grandchildren and generations to come?
Pagan ritual
THE slaughter of the bull, then wallowing in its blood at the Dark Mofo festival, smacks of some heathen ritual more in tune with an ignorant pagan culture. Shame on all who watched or participated. Your inhumanity defines you!