YOUR VIEWS

WRITE TO: P0 Box 1, Southport, 4215 EMAIL: letters@goldcoast.com.au FACEBOOK: facebook.com/goldcoastbulletin

AN infectious diseases expert of 20 years, Abdu Sharkawy, is not scared of COVID-19.

Yet he is concerned for those who are vulnerable.

He asks everyone to “temper fear with reason, panic with patience and uncertainty with education”.

He wants us to learn about how important health hygiene is and how a better knowledge and understanding of all transmissible diseases must be at the forefront.

Yes, COVID-19 will come to a city near us all and we must respect all that is being done and the warnings that go with it.

Patience not panic is the answer.

KEN JOHNSTON, ROCHEDALE SOUTH

HOW I enjoy sitting on the Esplanade taking in the breeze, sand and surf before heading home with my bags of groceries.

I get a kick out of seeing people happy to be alive, mums and dads pushing strollers, toddlers on trikes or scooters looking healthy in their brightly coloured bathers and sunnies, teens with their skateboards, walkers and joggers stepping it out with bulbous headphones, the beautiful people perfectly comfortable in their no backside swimming attire, the seagulls grabbing a drink from shower puddles or waiting for lunch and seeing our Lifeguards on patrol, keeping everyone safe.

But oh how difficult it is getting to find seating in the shade. Plenty in the baking sun but every shaded bench is taken up with a reclining body. Some napping, chatting or

dead to the world snoring, all making the most of free parking.

I keep walking and spot a wooden shaded seat in the distance. Yes I tell myself, it has my name on it. I approach from behind but alas, a young male is stretched out checking his phone messages. He looks happy enough, set in for the long haul I reckon.

I head home with my parcels – better luck next time.

Changing attitudes and cultures should lead enlightened councils to recognise citizen wellbeing is enjoying not enduring our environment.

Shade trees or coverings in public places is a small gesture but there are simply not enough. Please Council, help us to linger longer on our beautiful Esplanade.

CHRIS MAGILL, SURFERS PARADISE

IT is beyond belief that there are council and mayoral candidates that have been influenced to such an extent that they would be happy to oppose the CST to secure votes.

I am also amazed that there are local interest groups that make decisions that would ultimately be detrimental to their already failing local economy happily sending our rightful tourist dollars to Brisbane.

The Save Our Broadwater should be saving the already silted up Broadwater where sand banks are being given names.

Our CST should be situated on the Broadwater just south of the Sea World car park where a multibillion-dollar tourist infrastructure is already in place within walking

distance – Sea World, Versace, Marina Mirage, Sheraton Hotel and all the theme parks a bus ride away.

CHRIS BOSHOFF, GOLD COAST

IT came as no surprise to hear that approval has been given to the light rail extension through Palm Beach, despite our elected representatives, and those who live and work here opposing it.

What was disturbing was Mayor Tate’s comment that “the trams would run express through Palm Beach if residents continued to oppose it”. Is this the sort of dictator we want as mayor of our city?

It reeks of something you would here from Donald Trump, just shut down anyone who has the nerve to oppose his views.

We have an opportunity in a couple of weeks for change.

MARK HUDSON, PALM BEACH

ON Sunday morning I walked along Burleigh Beach, stopping to talk with people out and about enjoying our beautiful weather and environment.

It’s crystal clear what locals are concerned about here – loss of the much-loved character of the esplanade from enormous highrise buildings, car parking and easy access to the beach.

Did you know there are plans to commercialise our beaches?

A Destination Gold Coast report from February 2019 identified five beach clubs as the top priority tourism project.

It has been reported on numerous

occasions that the current Mayor supports this proposal.

I believe he, and the Melbournebased consulting economists who prepared the report, misunderstand the image and culture of the Gold Coast.

Our beautiful, clean and accessible beaches are our greatest asset.

As your next Mayor, I will support equipment for occasional events, but never fixtures for commercial bars on any Gold Coast beach.

When I canvassed opinions on this, 100 per cent of people said they are opposed to any form of permanent commercial structures on our beaches. From Point Danger to Jumpinpin, our Pacific beaches must always be protected.

I know that local surfers want the World Surfing Reserve to extend all the way from Point Danger to Jumpinpin and I will support that.

Surf Culture and the $3.3+ billion surfing industry, which employs more than 20,000 people, are integral to the heart, soul and economy of our city.

Let’s create a Global Surf Hub here in the Southern Gold Coast – a precinct that draws together and promotes different elements of surfing culture – history, retail, design and manufacture, training, arts and entertainment. We don’t need a cruise ship terminal or a second casino. Let’s strengthen our international profile and create more local jobs through showcasing aspects of the Gold Coast that are truly of world significance.

MONA HECKE, INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR