Fresh thought on shipping navy inland
RE Joe Moore’s letter, TB February 21, linking inland defence installations and railways. He just might be on to something – why should we have naval bases on the coast?
We have the huge Burdekin Dam and further inland Lake Moondarra at Mount Isa; turn them into submarine bases, freshwater would be a bonus, less hull maintenance.
To do this, we could use the unemployed to super- size the railways, building tracks and rolling stock capable of carrying a 4500- tonne submarine.
In case of war, load them up and ship them to the coast. Would have to change the standby to sail command from 24 hours to a week or so.
I’m glad he said he had no military experience. Me, 21 years in the navy gave me the impression you need oceans and seas to float your boat. GORDON COX,
Hermit Park.