All the answers

I have sat in silence increasingly dismayed as the green belt around Warragul is slowly eroded by housing estates. This is the price we pay for growth and development I console myself.

But I was dumbfounded to read on page 16 of the Gazette (26/9) the Waterford Rise fencing being described as “a major landscape feature "and that “treated pine fencing attractively border each block" - beauty is surely in the eye of the beholder!

I am reminded of Joni Mitchell's song Big Yellow Taxi- “Don't it always seem to go . That you don't know what you've got till it's gone. They paved paradise. And put up a parking lot!"

William Fraser, Warragul

Roger Marks is perplexed as to why nobody will publicly debate him on same-sex marriage ("Logical Conclusion" 26/9), but Gazette readers won't be.

Roger's latest contribution, a personally vitriolic and unhinged rant against me, provides all the answers.

Thinly veiled as a Vote No exercise, I am accused of "innuendo, fake information, fanciful ideas and heat tugging pleas", but not a scintilla of evidence, reference, example or context is offered. Actually, I'll wear "heart tugging pleas" as a badge of honour.

This debate in The Gazette has been going on for some time, with many ideas and opinions being presented and agreed with or disputed, generally in a robust but civilised manner, as debates should be conducted.

Roger Marks, however, has turned the debate from robust to reprehensible. Only a person who is now desperately bereft of ideas would submit his latest contribution.

So why won't people publicly debate you, Roger? In short, you have no respect or propriety, no arguments, no insight into meaningful and logical debate, but lots of bluster and every prospect of alienating even 'No' voters. Who would wish to be involved in such an embarrassment?

Finally, you state that "it is obvious he really does support the no vote", based on me having the temerity to refute your arguments. 'Pots and kettles', Roger, for in truth, you are a prime example of the immature bullying and tantrums you profess to despise from the 'Yes' side. The 'own goal' is all yours. John Duck, Trafalgar Bouquet to the kind lady who found my lost credit card and handed in to the police. Also to the Drouin police who found my home address and returned the card personally.

Bouquet to Daniel at Telstra Warragul for his outstanding service. He not only helped me while I was in the store, but gave me his card to ring him if I had any more problems when I got home and he would talk me through. Thank you so much Daniel. I would like to send a big bouquet to the scientist who rides his bicycle from the Warragul Railway Station to the Ellinbank Research Station every workday and back again. He does it in all weather and it is a credit to him.