Wollemi Pine
THE Wollemi Pine growing in the Botanic Gardens is looking very well indicating that it is ideally suited to the local climate. With so many being artificially propagated, its existence is assured.
However, the fact remains that it exists in the natural conditions only in a small section of a park near Sydney, the location of which is a closely guarded secret. It is obvious that it is in a sandstone gorge.
Here in the Toowoomba region, we have a multitude of sandstone gorges some of which would certainly match the site near Sydney. I am suggesting that the local council select one to plant about 100 of these pines replicating the natural outlook of the original site.
There is much to recommend such an action. It is a great supplement for the environment. Moreover, when these mature in a couple of decades, the location can be opened to the public and this would be the only place in the world where one would be able to view Wollemi Pines as a part of nature. Surely, this would be a prime international tourist attraction, especially as they go back to the age of the dinosaur.
Such a development would be in the future, but I am sure that the local council would easily get the scientific and financial help from the State and Federal Government. PETER and BETTY SHERIDAN, Kearneys Spring
Sadly missed
DEEPLY shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news of the death of Roger Taylor.
We only knew him from the incredible love he had for the dogs he looked after, Buzzy, our dog, being one.
The past six years we have had the best care, and so much love for our little dog.
Roger didn’t just board dogs, he truly was the dog whisperer and Buzzy loved him. We shall miss your casual nature, your compassion, always ready to have a chat and laugh.
Condolences to his wife Carol and family. Roger will leave a massive mark on all those who knew him. Rest in peace. MERRYL JAMESON, Toowoomba
Tattoos
I THINK of good-looking human bodies as being like beautiful buildings. Think of the Sydney Opera House or the Taj Mahal or the Parthenon in Athens. Those beautiful buildings would not be improved by being decorated with graffiti. Not even if the artist was Picasso or Michelangelo.
The same goes for those good-looking human bodies. They are not improved by body graffiti (a.k.a. tattoos). It is also worth noting that graffiti will not improve a less-than-perfect body.
In my humble opinion - just saying. PHILIP HAXEN, Toowoomba
Council candidates
THANK you to The Chronicle for the update on candidates seeking a spot in the forthcoming local government election.
A very interesting and informative article, and congratulations to journalist Tom Gillespie for presenting a great read.
Well, can I say that there already appears to be several seemingly well credentialed councillor aspirants who have nominated.
To date only one current councillor has stated that they will not seek re-election (Councillor Anne Glasheen).
Four have formally nominated for a further term.
That leaves five who are yet to declare their hand/s.
Perhaps a few of these will just drift off into the sunset, never to be heard of again. Whatever, there will be more nominations to come including I’m sure, some more very worthy of voters’ consideration.
A prediction if I may.
We will see five to six new faces on the council, and while not wanting to get into a debate on its composition, we may well see a majority of women councillors.
Change is being sought by voters. Change is inevitable.
We should positively embrace change, not just for the sake of change but because it’s time.
At least that’s the message I have been getting from so many people within the region, plus there is no denying that some current councillors have done little/ nothing to encourage voters to support them again come March 2020.
I look forward to The Chronicle’s continued updates on nominees, their election platforms and why they are deserving of our/your vote. RUSS WILSON, Toowoomba
Kerry Shine
ONE of the council candidates for the March elections is Kerry Shine. I knew that he had been Attorney-General during his time as Member for Toowoomba North and agreed that this would be valuable to the council.
I was impressed that he is making himself available to the voters prior to the more formal assessment period. IAN YEATES, Rangeville