A positive step

CONGRATULATIONS to Warren Entsch for making his final term about removing plastics from the sea. This positive step after the divisive tactics applied to the election is commendable.

We can’t let politics or trolls divide us. We can find common ground; contributing to a better environment while maintaining our standard of living.

A fourth generation regional Queenslander, I am proud that Queensland had the biggest investment, generating the most megawatts, creating the largest number of jobs of clean energy’s recent large scale renewable energy projects.

Queensland also had the highest percentage of dwellings with PV systems in 2016. Drive out west to see the solar farms everywhere.

I am also proud of my great grandfather who held a mining lease at Herberton and sought gold in Charters Towers, a father who worked at Mary Kathleen and a son who has forged a career in the industry. Mount Isa once “the most multicultural city in Australia”, is one of the most productive mines in the world and Deborah Mailman calls it home.

Multiculturalism is evidenced throughout our great state, in particular the Chinese, Afghan, Lebanese, Italian, Maltese, Greek, Indian and Sicilian peoples contributed to our regional towns bringing not only their wonderful food and traditions but building capacity and understanding.

The founding site of the Australian Labor Party was Barcaldine and the striking shearers marched under the flag of the Eureka Stockade at Ballarat, Victoria.

In 1971 Queensland elected the first Aboriginal Australian, Liberal Senator Neville Bonner.

I undertake to plant more trees at home to assist my city friends, annually an acre of trees absorbs equivalent CO2 to driving a car 42,000km, and I’ve gone online for my Cairns Post.

“From little things, big things grow”. What contribution can you make? Terena Hopkins, Goldsborough Valley