YOUR VIEWS

P0 Box 1, Southport 4215 editorial@goldcoast.com.au facebook.com/goldcoastbulletin CAN a reader please explain why the GC light rail/tram runs parallel to the heavy rail from Helensvale to Smith St/Napper intersection through a non-residential area?

It would be easier, faster, wiser and more economical if they had built a railway station at the Smith/ Napper intersection and then started the light rail from there.

TED BACZKOWSKI

A RECENT newspaper report stated the council’s idea for a terminal pier extending into the ocean from the Spit had evolved after advice from cruise operators (and ship captains?).

It now envisages berthing megacruise ships alongside the pier facing eastwards into the ocean. Perhaps even two side by side.

The berth appeared to be on the “weather side” (ie southern) of the pier. I suppose winds, currents, swells and tides have been carefully studied as part of the study.

I imagine berthing a large ship in such an exposed location may not be simple, and wonder whether, perhaps, piloting and even tugboats might be needed to assist.

The report also mentioned the facility could be a “base port”.

Does this mean a port authority to own and operate the facility would need to be established: the Gold Coast Port Authority?

Some time ago, I wondered, in a letter to the editor, whether a similar facility to that proposed existed anywhere in the world.

To date, this has not evoked a response and I am still wondering.

RON SKEATES, SURFERS PARADISE

I’M ONE of many who read D.J. Fraser’s letter of endorsement to this paper months before the instrument landing system was approved – unfortunately this new flight path directly over Gold Coast was allowed to become reality.

US researchers have found airborne pollution contributes to a 10 per cent rise in cancer cases. This must also be the case here.

It’s obvious our elected leaders didn’t listen to the many “qualified” people who wrote letters expressing their health concerns regarding poisonous emissions from jet engines spew over a 15km stretch of iconic Gold Coast.

Chamber of Commerce members Gold Coast business leaders, Mayor Tom Tate and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk never banded together to support/protect/maintain the Gold Coast from this unwanted pollution.

To promote Gold Coast as a healthy destination for families and tourists is being extremely hypocritical. What’s more, it shows a lack of support for all permanent residents who opposed this ongoing health issue.

All the money one could possibly wish for is useless without good health.

Mr Tate and Ms Palaszczuk, being democratically elected leaders, must consider the health of the people who voted them into their positions of trust, support, and protection. These leaders have to pursue this matter with all their power.

To condone the airport/airlines won’t achieve a healthy environment or lifestyle.

LOCAL BLOKE, MACLEAY ISLAND