Was Premier’s visit worth it?
IT seems that politicians and the media (television) prefer to give meaning to their existence as identities defined by events around them.
The Premier, complete with security personnel and other hangers-on, feels the need to waste public money with unnecessary plane and helicopter flights over floods and other natural “disasters” instead of taking, as given, the reports from capable emergency services members who are on the scene.
It is an insult to their capability to report accurately and provide assessments. Any helicopter full of the Premier’s coterie is not anywhere near a morale booster as is money spent on flood mitigation measures prior to natural events.
Television media must have their head in some dark place if they think that people are impressed with their hyperbolic reporting.
“Catastrophic disasters” in which “brave citizens” face “deadly and venomous creatures (even monsters)” usually refers to some drongo wading through waist-deep water with a carton of tinnies on his shoulder.
Sure, crocodiles, sharks, snakes, scorpions and other monsters lurk in the waters, usually simply feeding or trying to find a dry resting spot and generally take little interest in humans.
During the 1969 flood in Ingham, snakes, centipedes, birds, rats, frogs, large insects all gathered together on an advertising structure.
Although a virtual smorgasboard of predator and prey, there was no rampant feasting of one upon the other. They were all too busy just keeping out of the current rushing below them.
So, dear Premier, we would appreciate it if you could stick to ensuring that the services on the ground are appropriately resourced to do their jobs especially in times of adverse weather events instead of frittering away funds on unnecessary sightseeing.
And media, please stick to reporting accurately and timely without the unnecessary hype. We will respect you and find you more credible that way. Kerry Linwood, Atherton