NEW ADDRESS FOR LETTERS

The Gold Coast Bulletin is introducing a new email address for Letters to the Editor. From now on, please send your letters to letters@goldcoast.com.au. Please also include your name and suburb at the bottom of your letter.

DOES the Gold Coast City Council understand the devastation to Southport that they are going to cause through their new parking plan?

We are only one business on Smith Street, and up to 10 of our staff need to park on side streets, particularly King and Beale Streets.

As these staff will have nowhere to park as a result of the parking changes, we will be moving our business from Southport in the New Year!

How many other businesses will be doing the same?

I can hear the crickets chirping! Empty offices will abound! Beware your decision! Consider the ramifications! TONY LINDLEY, SOUTHPORT WITH parking at a premium at Main Beach, how is a shop owner allowed to close their parking areas? Let’s hope the other owners don’t follow suit. ROD WATSON, SURFERS PARADISE FRIENDS told us about witnessing the inconsideration shown to many old folk who were forced to stand in the tram aisles during the opening

day as teenagers occupied the seats, giggling at oldies supporting each other to stop falling over, until adult men came to their rescue offering them their seats.

In our day we stood up and gave our seats to the elderly because our parents taught us to show respect.

It appears many of today’s parents can’t be bothered teaching their kids these very important values. KEN WADE, TWEED HEADS WHILE I feel for Russell Ingall and the treatment his daughters received at the Broadbeach South G:link Station, I don’t think this facility was to blame. (GCB, Dec 20).

Teens will hang out anywhere particularly if looking for a thrill bashing but Mr Ingall’s warning to young people to steer clear of these stations makes it appear as though the GRail is the culprit.

Being wary at all times is essential

anywhere in today’s world. Unfortunately incidents like this are becoming commonplace and difficult to police. KEN JOHNSTON The $2.1 billion cut in funding for higher education by the treasurer Morrison is disappointing.

According to OECD figures, we rate 32nd out of 37 developed countries in terms of our expenditure on higher education. A national disgrace!

As one of the richest countries in the world, this is pathetic and reflects Joe Hockey’s statement on November 4, 2014, when he said: “We’ll find any way we can to take money out of universities”. RAY ARMSTRONG, TWEED HEADS SOUTH I WAS disheartened to read recent headlines re: future plans for the Gold Coast being more highrises, a shopping mall and another theme park.

Google “Blue Derby” in Tasmania to see what the development of world-class mountain bike trails and eco-pod accommodation have done for the local economy.

The Commonwealth Games trails in Nerang State Forest are a great start but more can be done.

Giving more access to the natural environment is great for locals and tourists alike so it’s win win!

Also the MONA modern art gallery has done wonders for Hobart, so let’s hope our rejuvenated art precinct will be as good.

I am all for progress and development for the Gold Coast to make it a world-class city and hope for the sake of our children and grandchildren for a more inspired balanced approach. ALLY COFFEY BROADBEACH WATERS I ASK the councillors, how can you sleep at night knowing you are going to destroy a swan breeding ground for corporate greed –.and just ignore the people you were elected to serve.

A car park instead of nature and swans ... really SUE CHITTICK